Every design practice, from sole proprietorship to multi-employee operation relies on the experience, strength and talent of others to complete even the smallest projects. Professional trades, contractors, suppliers, artisans, manufacturers and vendors allow you to consistently deliver on your brand promise, satisfying clients, increasing profitability and growing your reputation.

How you manage these relationships is critical to your success. Let's talk about the BOD™ Trade Partner Agreement and why a written set of rule helps to build trusted relations with your trades. Come prepared to share on the job experiences, what works and what doesn't when it comes to managing your trades, and get guidance for current challenges you are facing. 

If you’re serious about transforming your business by implementing the systems and procedures you learn about through Business of Design®, our monthly BOD™ Live meetings will help keep you motivated, accountable, and in good company.

Come prepared with your questions, and be ready to offer experience, expertise and support to your fellow members.

If you’re serious about transforming your business by implementing the systems and procedures you learn about through Business of Design®, our monthly BOD™ Live meetings will help keep you motivated, accountable, and in good company.

Come prepared with your questions, and be ready to offer experience, expertise and support to your fellow members.

If you’re serious about transforming your business by implementing the systems and procedures you learn about through Business of Design®, our monthly BOD™ Live meetings will help keep you motivated, accountable, and in good company. Come prepared with your questions, and be ready to offer experience, expertise and support to your fellow members.

Should you or shouldn't you? Switch to flat fees, that is. This month, Kimberley will discuss key differences between the BOD™ hourly fee and BOD™ flat fee methods. Which method to start with, how to effectively use both methods, and how to decide which method is right for your business.

Ready to hire your first assistance or grow your existing team? At BOD™, we receive so many questions about where to start and the advantages of hiring full time employees vs. independent contractors. This month we are going to share the pros and cons to consider of staffing methods and review how the BOD™ systems make it possible for any member to hire an assistant / bookkeeper / fill in the blank. You CAN afford it! 

Already using (loving!) BOD™ 15 Step Project Management Strategy for your residential projects? You'll be pleased to discover you can enjoy the same precision and order running commercial projects with the BOD™ 15. Yup. Join BOD™ LIVE on April 13th when the focus will be on successfully running commercial projects.

Hey KS, what is a topline meeting? That's a question that was posed at our BOD™ LIVE meeting in May. The purpose of topline is to review the "topline" status of each client project, rather than dig into the nitty gritty.

If you’re serious about transforming your business by implementing the systems and procedures you learn about through Business of Design®, our monthly BOD™ Live meetings will help keep you motivated, accountable, and in good company. Come prepared with your questions, and be ready to offer experience, expertise and support to your fellow members.

Hey CH, what project management program does BOD™ recommend? The truth is, we don't. This is one of the top questions Cheryl Horne, Director of Operations for Business of Design®, receives from our members. With so many options available, this is a question we always refer back to the BOD™ member community to answer.

Following the Business of Design® 15 Step Project Management Strategy takes the guesswork out of project management and allows you, the hardworking business owner, to deliver on time, on budget results, every time. The BOD™ 15 (as described in your contract) are a series of client-facing protocols. Behind the scenes (team-facing) and not present in your contract, there is a lot more to consider.

Join Team BOD™ this September for our next book club. Recommended by one of our podcast guest, this breakthrough book from James Clear is the most comprehensive guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day. It's a game changer and a great tool if you feel stuck or overwhelmed when it comes to implementing the systems we teach at Business of Design®.

Ideally, every business owner wants to have a line up of customers and always know when the next job is coming. The most successful businesses sign projects via their pipeline, not chase their pipeline when projects dry up.

Lack of consistent prospecting = inconsistent results and inconsistent revenue.

Running a successful design business requires firm policies around all matters relating to money. While the public is aware in a general way that designer or trade discounts exist, there is frequently a misunderstanding as to how they are best used. A non-negotiable system for dealing with trade discounts proves to be an asset to the design professional whether he/she is dealing with clients or working to grow profits.

Before you dig into goal setting, BOD™ Business Partner Sierra Collins, has identified 5 areas that you must have clarity around in order to be more intentional in your life. Take a minute before joining the group to think these through and be ready to share.