EP 325 | Over Delivering with Melissa Morris

May 23, 2023

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One of the most common operational pitfalls any design professional encounters is a scope of work that is not clearly defined. Frequently, a lack of clarity around deliverables results in an excess of work that is unpaid and a chronic lack of profitability.

In this episode we learn:

  • perfectionism and lack of clarity around scope lead to overwork and overwhelm
  • to avoid the tendency to over-deliver, you must clearly define the scope of work
  • the first time a client wants to work out of bounds is the most important time to say no
  • to avoid leadership bottlenecks, stick to process
  • time tracking provides invaluable insights for your business

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Focus on relationships. It wasn’t long ago that all the hype was about blogging, social media posts and Facebook ads – and it’s still often preached. A business coach told me to focus on building relationships and she was right. Long before the internet, word of mouth and referrals was a great way to build a business and that still holds true today. While I definitely blog and post to social media, I put more effort into relationship building than most.

 

RECOMMENDED LEARNING

When you’ve completed the BOD15 Program within BOD™ Membership, implement Business of Design®’s Flat Fee Method using the BOD™ Flat Fee Contract. Never undercharge or worry about scope creep again.

About Melissa Morris

As the founder of Agency Authority, a project management and operations consultancy for agency owners, I use my 10 years agency experience to help business owners maximize their team, increase their productivity, and grow their profits. Firmly committed to breaking the ‘long hours and bad pay’ stigma that plagues the agency world, my team and I help business owners and their team members do the work they love without sacrificing client satisfaction, the bottom line, or their own sanity.

www.youragencyauthority.com

Facebook | agencyauthority 

Instagram | youragencyauthority

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Daniel House Club

Over the last year, Daniel House Club has helped interior designers save over $2.3 million in their furniture procurement. With Daniel House Club, trade professionals no longer need to jump through hoops or remember hundreds of logins to profitably source from the brands they love most. Club members enjoy access to over 150 vendors at the best trade prices in the industry all in one place. Daniel House Club’s mission is to be the quickest place for interior designers to FIND and BUY what they are looking for. And it’s fulfilling this mission.

Visit danielhouse.club/bod to save 50% off your first year of Pro or Pro+ membership.

 

What DHC members are saying:

One member in Denver says, “The concierge is really helpful and that’s what sets them apart from everyone else. I’ve noticed even showrooms having a bit of a harder time when claims & damages come up, but DHC’s concierge service cuts that time down significantly.”

Another member simply says, “I could not pay someone to do what Daniel House Club does for me…they handle all the logistics after the purchase, which just makes it so easy.“

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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