EP 339 | How Interior Designers Source Products & Stay Competitive with Nicole Lashae Ben

August 29, 2023

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Finding the right products for your clients isn’t just about having great taste—it’s about staying ahead.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nicole Lashae Ben to explore how interior designers can strengthen supplier relationships while continuously discovering new products in a fast-moving market.

Because relying only on what you already know isn’t enough. The best designers balance trusted vendors with constant exploration.

If you want to elevate your sourcing strategy and stay competitive, this episode will help you rethink your approach.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why consistent exposure is key to building brand recognition
  • How to map the client journey to improve your process
  • The A.C.E. framework: Awareness, Consulting, Executing
  • Why modernizing your sales approach is critical in today’s market
  • How to balance trusted suppliers with discovering new products

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Sign up for therapy as you are on your entrepreneurship journey. As a business owner, you have to hunt for your business, especially early on. As you are hunting for business, you receive a lot of no’s, which can really become disheartening and discouraging. Having a licensed professional to help you work through your feelings and stay motivated can help you keep your business moving forward.

About Nicole Ben

Nicole Lashae Ben, MA, has always had a passion for interior design and business strategy. Nicole got her humble start taking summer classes at Pratt Institute College of Art after her high school freshman year and now has over 17 years of experience in the interior design industry. Through her company, Thrive In Design, she works diligently to bring a human-centered approach to how interior product companies increase their brand awareness and revenue.

www.thriveindesign.co

Facebook | Thrive In Design 

Instagram | @thriveindesign

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Wingnut Social!

Wingnut Social is a digital marketing agency founded by interior designer Darla Powell and specializes in Social media marketing, strategy, and SEO for interior designers, architects, and home furnishing manufacturers.

Get social media working for you with “Instagram for Interior Designers.” A course designed specifically for you, the design professional, to enhance your Instagram presence and attract your ideal clients. Enrol using code BOD20 to enjoy a limited-time discount of 20%. Head on over to Wingnut Academy to learn more.

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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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