![Sandra Funk](/img/default-banner.jpg)
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Sandra Funk
United States
Приєднався 24 гру 2016
Interior designer turned business strategist, on a mission to help designers rise.
Does Your Client Have Sticker Shock?
I get asked this question all the time:
“When the clients get sticker shock, do you just walk away from the project or reduce scope?”
Imagine transforming lives without awkward budget conversations midway through the project. I’ve cracked the code and want to share it with you… Click here to watch “Does Your Client Have Sticker Shock?” to see if you should negotiate or walk away.
Does Your Client Have Sticker Shock?
0:00 Intro
0:35 Captain Negotiable
1:28 Stand in Your Space
2:33 Don't Walk Away - Dig In
3:41 It's a Process
4:15 Don't Deduce Yourself to an Hourly Rate
7:24 How to Avoid Client Sticker Shock
9:24 NEVER ask for a Budget
10:30 How to Address Scope Creep with Clients
Hi - I'm Sandra Funk, founder and CEO of my boutique interior design firm, House of Funk. I’m also an interior design business strategist. Established designers come to me for my program - the Interior Design Standard - when they realize that they want more for their effort, they’re ready to take on fewer, larger projects and they ONLY want to work with dream clients.
Despite my business degree, a background in business process consulting and studying design at Parsons, it took me over a decade - with the help of several experts - to develop and fine-tune a business model that allowed my interior design firm to thrive. I am honored to have my work featured in over 30 national press outlets, including Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.
Today, you can find me speaking about my mission; to empower and educate design entrepreneurs. With my turnkey approach, I welcome designers into my inner circle, sharing my proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm.
Instagram: houseoffunkdesign?hl=en
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sandrafunklevy/
Facebook: SandraFunksPage/
Website: interiordesignstandard.com/
Music: bensound.com
License code: WPWL2EXFUZXGV8EI
“When the clients get sticker shock, do you just walk away from the project or reduce scope?”
Imagine transforming lives without awkward budget conversations midway through the project. I’ve cracked the code and want to share it with you… Click here to watch “Does Your Client Have Sticker Shock?” to see if you should negotiate or walk away.
Does Your Client Have Sticker Shock?
0:00 Intro
0:35 Captain Negotiable
1:28 Stand in Your Space
2:33 Don't Walk Away - Dig In
3:41 It's a Process
4:15 Don't Deduce Yourself to an Hourly Rate
7:24 How to Avoid Client Sticker Shock
9:24 NEVER ask for a Budget
10:30 How to Address Scope Creep with Clients
Hi - I'm Sandra Funk, founder and CEO of my boutique interior design firm, House of Funk. I’m also an interior design business strategist. Established designers come to me for my program - the Interior Design Standard - when they realize that they want more for their effort, they’re ready to take on fewer, larger projects and they ONLY want to work with dream clients.
Despite my business degree, a background in business process consulting and studying design at Parsons, it took me over a decade - with the help of several experts - to develop and fine-tune a business model that allowed my interior design firm to thrive. I am honored to have my work featured in over 30 national press outlets, including Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.
Today, you can find me speaking about my mission; to empower and educate design entrepreneurs. With my turnkey approach, I welcome designers into my inner circle, sharing my proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm.
Instagram: houseoffunkdesign?hl=en
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sandrafunklevy/
Facebook: SandraFunksPage/
Website: interiordesignstandard.com/
Music: bensound.com
License code: WPWL2EXFUZXGV8EI
Переглядів: 364
Відео
Why I Don’t Share Receipts with Clients (and You Shouldn't Either)
Переглядів 65021 день тому
Imagine a world where designers are treated like every other industry. You wouldn’t ask Nordstrom to send you a receipt on materials after you purchased a jacket from them… would you? Of course, not! That is exactly why you should NEVER give your clients your receipts. It’s not b!tchy or ballsy, it’s business. Grab a drink and click here to watch “Why I Don’t Share Receipts with Clients (and Yo...
Marketing Strategies To Attract High-End Design Clients
Переглядів 625Місяць тому
Are you stuck in a client famine with no end in sight? Well, I have good news for you - high-end clients are EVERYWHERE - you just have to find them. On this week’s episode of Design Sips, I’m giving you the best marketing strategies to have you elbow-to-elbow with luxury. Grab your favorite drink and click here to watch “Marketing Strategies To Attract High-End Design Clients” to have those hi...
Other Designers... Competition or Community?
Переглядів 317Місяць тому
Have you ever tried to reach out to another designer in your market… just to be turned down? Or thought about it, but second-guessed yourself? As you’ll see, I get pretty riled up telling this story… but in reality, I am so grateful for this lesson. My coach always tells me, “Preserve the learning and let the rest go.” Let it go… let it go. I truly feel we’re much stronger when we all work TOGE...
How to Get Your Next Design Client
Переглядів 8092 місяці тому
Are you scrambling to find where your next client will come from? What if I told you that you NEVER have to have a slow season again? On this week’s episode of Design Sips, discover a powerful 90-day strategy to not only land your next dream client but, also attract a steady stream of clients waiting to work with you. Grab your favorite drink and click here to watch “How to Get Your Next Client...
Stop Winging It… How to Run Your Interior Design Business
Переглядів 3872 місяці тому
You know that interior design is your calling… now it’s time to get your structure and mindset in place. Get ready to fully step into your confidence as an entrepreneur and transform your business into one that brings you balance, abundance and joy. I’m sharing all my secrets on OWNING the business side of things in this episode of Design Sips. Grab your favorite drink and watch Stop Winging It...
Are Your Interior Design Clients Bullying You?
Переглядів 4363 місяці тому
Are your interior design clients bullying you? If you’re nodding your head, “YES”, then I’ve got news for you… it’s most likely not their fault. In this Design Sips episode, we’ll talk about managing client communication and getting out of people-pleasing mode. Hint: a healthy client relationship starts with YOU. So, grab your favorite drink, and click here to watch - Are Your Interior Design C...
How to Get Paid BEFORE You Do the Work
Переглядів 5113 місяці тому
As much as I love Adele, it’s time to stop chasing payments (not pavements🤪). Say goodbye to the nickel-and-diming and hello to a more fulfilling, profitable design business. In this Design Sips episode - I share all my secrets on how to confidently stand in your space, get out of “yes mode” and get your clients on board. Grab your favorite drink, and click here to watch - How to Get Paid BEFOR...
Increased Efficiency = Increased Profits
Переглядів 3824 місяці тому
Have you ever dreamt of cloning yourself so that you can get ALL the things done? While I can't make THAT happen, I've got the next best thing… game-changing strategies to keep you efficient and profitable. I talk it all through on this episode of Design Sips. Grab your favorite drink and click here to watch “Increased Efficiency = Increased Profits”. Increased Efficiency = Increased Profits 0:...
What Comes First... Streamlined Systems or Hiring?
Переглядів 2604 місяці тому
Have you ever been stuck in that chicken or egg dilemma of… do I build out the systems first or the dream team first? Don't worry, I've cracked the code AND explain it all on this episode of Design Sips. Get ready to transform your business, by stepping out of overwhelm and into processes and systems that work for YOU - all while having a dream team right by your side. Grab your favorite drink ...
How to Get Fewer, Larger Interior Design Projects
Переглядів 5025 місяців тому
Get your time back AND make time for the things that you love. Stop exhausting yourself over small projects and get ready to shift to fewer, larger projects that leave you joyful and abundant (i.e. profitable). How to Get Fewer, Larger Interior Design Projects 0:00 Intro 0:35 How to Increase Your Project Minimum 2:55 Why Fewer Larger Projects is Better 4:26 How to Back Yourself Up Through Marke...
How to Seamlessly Land Interior Design Clients
Переглядів 5605 місяців тому
Does your design firm ever feel like a total roller coaster?? As soon as a project wraps up (YAY!)... you're out of work and hustling to land another. What if I told you there's a way to seamlessly attract AND land your dream interior design client OVER and OVER again? Keep watching and I’ll spill the secrets of how to make it all happen. How to Seamlessly Land Interior Design Clients 0:00 Intr...
How to Get Your Design Clients to Stop Shopping You
Переглядів 9585 місяців тому
Are you tired of your interior design clients shopping for better deals? Imagine a world where your firm is the go-to choice for ALL your clients' needs… because you HAVE everything they need. It’s not b!tchy or ballsy, it’s business. Grab a drink and click here to watch as I share all my secrets on “How to Get Your Design Clients to Stop Shopping You”. Ep 3 - How to Get Your Design Clients to ...
Behind the Scenes... How I Structure My Design Process
Переглядів 8326 місяців тому
It’s time to bring sexy back… to the SYSTEMS in your business. Stop recreating the wheel and unlock the secret to a fully structured, systematized design process. When you systematize your process you can focus on being more creative and letting your projects sing (like Justin Timberlake). I spill all the secrets of How I Structure My Design Process on this episode of Design Sips. Behind-the-Sc...
A Pricing Model That You & Your Clients Will Love
Переглядів 1,1 тис.6 місяців тому
A Pricing Model That You & Your Clients Will Love
The 4 Phases Your Interior Design Process Must Have
Переглядів 1,2 тис.8 місяців тому
The 4 Phases Your Interior Design Process Must Have
How to Vet and ONLY Work with Dream Clients
Переглядів 6628 місяців тому
How to Vet and ONLY Work with Dream Clients
How to Get Consistent Referrals in Your Interior Design Business
Переглядів 5819 місяців тому
How to Get Consistent Referrals in Your Interior Design Business
Feeling Behind in Your Design Business? Watch This.
Переглядів 5189 місяців тому
Feeling Behind in Your Design Business? Watch This.
How to Raise Your Rates (in Your Interior Design Business)
Переглядів 37210 місяців тому
How to Raise Your Rates (in Your Interior Design Business)
The BEST Interior Design Pricing Strategy
Переглядів 1,5 тис.11 місяців тому
The BEST Interior Design Pricing Strategy
Why I Never Charge for the Initial Meeting
Переглядів 87511 місяців тому
Why I Never Charge for the Initial Meeting
How this Designer Transformed Her Business
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How this Designer Transformed Her Business
How to Stop Doubting Yourself as an Interior Designer
Переглядів 60811 місяців тому
How to Stop Doubting Yourself as an Interior Designer
How to Hire a General Contractor (for Interior Designers)
Переглядів 875Рік тому
How to Hire a General Contractor (for Interior Designers)
How to Say, "No" to a Potential Client That Isn't the Right Fit
Переглядів 567Рік тому
How to Say, "No" to a Potential Client That Isn't the Right Fit
The Right Time to Hire in Your Design Firm
Переглядів 352Рік тому
The Right Time to Hire in Your Design Firm
How to Start an Interior Design Business
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How to Start an Interior Design Business
How & Why You Should Make Big Investments in Your Business
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How & Why You Should Make Big Investments in Your Business
I prefer the flat fee per room approach, but what if clients only need a refresh without completely redecorating the entire room? Do you still take the project?
Great episode just in time for a presentation I’m doing
So glad to hear that!
I have been following this advice ! And also your hair looks amazing!!
That's great to hear... and thank you!
Thank you for the permission to be ME instead of a "business bot"!!!!! Oh my goodness that's so freeing to hear!! I'm embracing that from now on!
Yes! I'm so glad. Rooting for you!
Thank you Sandra, but how do I get this next client? How did you advertise your business 16 years ago when your company was 1 yo?
I have a whole Design Sips Episode on "How to Get Your Next Design Client" that you might find helpful to watch. Here it is... ua-cam.com/video/E9hwysxFhk0/v-deo.html
I am following what you are saying, but here's what I'm thinking... I would never expect to know the components of a jacket or purse, just the total retail price of the item. But if I have a stylist pick out an outfit, then I would want to know the price of the jacket separate from the price of the purse. What if I want to sell the jacket only later on? What if someone ruins my purse and I need to know the replacement value? I understand how much better it is for us as designers to not itemize the pricing, but from the client standpoint, I'd want to know. Is it because my mind doesn't think about spending the way more affluent clientele does?
Possibly! Definitely worth thinking about the way your perceive money vs your clients. This strategy has worked with our high-end clientele. - House of Funk Team
Such awesome content! Love it, love it! So helpful Sandra!
So glad to hear! Thank you.
Thank you 🙏- I appreciate the encouragement.
Of course!
What to do then....how to give budget to client...asking as a interior designer
Great question. Here's a video you might find helpful about setting a budget... let me know if you have any other questions! ua-cam.com/video/CkLAmvbow8o/v-deo.html
This is such excellent advice! I jusgt went through this with a client beinbg hourly and it really did get frustrating towards the end. I approached the project as hourly as they "weren't sure what they wanted" and continuously added to the scope and they essentially got all the way done with concepts and got with their contractor and decided to "take it from here". I can say it was a lesson learned the hard way. Flat fee is my typical and I can say it will be my only going forward Thank you Sandra!
I've definitely been there... yes to flat fees to moving forward🙌🏻
Thank you I needed this message today
Im so glad!
Sandra, this is a fantastic video! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge! Are you having the GC sign your trade agreement even when the GC is contracted directly with the client? Or are you running the GC costs through your business? Thank you!
Yes we're having them sign even though they work directly with the client and no we're not running GC costs through our business. Thanks for tuning in!
How do you spell the name of your task manager program?
Asana... it's the best!
Thank you Sandra, its your business at the end of the day. Boundaries and Expectations. Love it!
Always.
I needed this today!!!!! 🎉❤
Im so glad!
So appreciate your outlook of abundance and your expressiveness, eccentrity, and honesty (yes watched plenty of your videos). If you could send your script would so appreciate it. Sending good karma your way.
This made my day, thank you. Here's my call script. Let me know what you think! interiordesignstandard.com/dream/
I purchased the standard and it is sooooo worth it! I am a seasoned designer, but flat rate was a foreign concept. I made my investment back in the first job! 4 years later- I still refer to the standard and it is always getting updated. You will NOT regret investing in this for your business!!!
This is amazing. I'm thrilled to have you in our inner circle!
This is everything. The Starbucks analogy is spot on! I preach this too! I share your passion about pricing and the fact that no other industry discloses their margins.
So glad we're on the same page
so, the only solution is Better Marketing and better clarity of minimums on the website. i was honestly looking for more than just that. The advice is great. But the actual point is only one - which is marketing clearly and that is kind of obvious. I still dont know where to find these bigger clients, i get a lot of smaller clients inspite of putting it out there, and some are too nice , they just keep begging me to help them. theres only upto a certain point i can say no. i also dont have bigger projects to attract similar level of projects. so im stuck in the cycle. how to get out of that cycle? thats what i was hoping this video would cover. at this point, i am just hoping magically one big project will come may way and ill post that and hope that i continue to get big projects like that, been sitting that way since 2020. im not a social person and going outside to network in the richer circles can terrify me. i genuinely want to get out of this cycle that i am stuck at !
could you address that in your next video please? thanks!
I'm sorry to hear that. I talk about your question on a recent Design Sips episode - Marketing Strategies To Attract High-End Design Clients. You can watch it here. ua-cam.com/video/AvwjyavCnzk/v-deo.html
"En pointe"🥂
🙌🏻🙏🏻
Would LOVE your qualifying script…yes please!!! Couldn’t find it via the links here. Please share. 🙏🏻😃
Here's my Call Script. Let me know what you think! interiordesignstandard.com/dream/
😅 Love your perspective on the coffee analogy - made me laugh. And you definitely shifted my perspective today. 👍
Im so glad!
I am in the process of starting my decorating studio A&J Creative Designs and found this information so helpful. Thank you so much 💓
That's great to hear. Rooting for you and your business.
Hi Sandra thank you for a great video... By the way, I do have a question... What is the difference between Interior Design Firm and Interior Designer... Do Interior Design Firms charge higher?
Of course! An Interior Design Firm offers a wider range of services and resources with potentially higher fees compared to a single Interior Designer.
Ga
I relate to Ali's business! I just need the 20K and her blouse!
Let me know if you're interested in investing in the Standard and I'd be happy to chat further with you!
What's your PayPal address
Hi! Are you still using Designer Advantage?
Very informative Video! Love it! Was thinking of starting Asana with my (also 6 team member team) I feel we need a Tutorial- like someone to come teach a class to all of us as a whole team- Do you know if this is offered? or even needed? Thanks! Cheers!
You should... I highly recommend. There are lots of tutorials on line that are easy to follow... however it's pretty easy to get the hang of it by yourself too.
Wow Sandra, your comment on waiting for someone to tell you are a good designer! I can identify with that!!! This conversation was so good!!!
Yes... so glad to hear that!
I agreed with everything you said. I can totally relate to each situation.
So good to hear you can relate. Have you received access to my free potential client presentation?
So true ☀️
Thanks, Sandra! Good to know you don't ask clients for their budget; I appreciate you sharing your experiences with clients about this topic.
Should you have your Oh Shit Fund set before hiring a VA too, or just employees?
I have no idea why UA-cam recommended this to me but here is some feedback. Seems like you’re trying to bring people value which is great but this video taught me nothing. Why shouldn’t I take on every client? What should I look for in a client? 3rd party example??
Great info Sandra, thank you! I love the purple flower story!
Can’t wait to sign up for the design standard in 2024! It’s in our goals for our firm 🙌🏻
We can't wait to have you in our inner circle!
Hi Sandra ! Thank you so much for all this valuable advice ! I give my clients a branded binder as an onboarding gift, as well as a scented candle. Then, each time I have a new document or presentation (usually at each phase of their project), they can immediately organize it in their binder. They love it !
I would love to see your binder and have been looking for my signature scent for some time now. Would you mind sharing what your binder looks like, what you include and what candle you give them?
@@carlclark4678 I juste got some pictures of our binder taken, will be happy to share when I receive them !
Great tips Sandra and team, thank you! You shared some information that I am going to add to my process along with ones I am going to continue doing. I often also give a gift card to a restaurant, bottle of wine, or food delivery gift card during the drywall phase of construction. It’s messy, it’s ugly, it’s smelly, and it feels like it’s never going to end! So I like to give them a little gift to help get them through that phase of construction a little easier.
Loved this video. Great tips and reminders on how to go above and beyond for clients. It's all in the details. Letting them know that we are aware of them and their likes and caring about what's going on in their lives.
Still getting the Standard implemented - was having the problem with making it Water instead of Big Rock. Would love to join an accountability group (didn’t get any when I joined Standard perhaps I was a month behind in joining up) if there is anyone out there. Or any recommendation of a coach. In an unusual situation in that I am in Switzerland (expat) and there is no ID community here, most ID is done by Architects or a few very established ID firms. The business is closed and the concept to sharing is not something they do here due to a competitive culture.
Hey Amanda! Sending you an email now to get you connected.
Sandra im from Kenya and i have wondered how standardization could be achieved. I was for flat fees even though i wasn't confident but now am completely on board so many great points in this talk. I found you TODAY and subtribed. I already feel super super comfortable no massaging anything. You are great. You've just saved me.
I'm so happy to hear that - if you want to take it to the next level, check out the interiordesignstandard.com - we have members in over 17 countries!
Does your calculator work for commercial projects?
Yes
Hi Sandra, this is valuable information. Question, I usually offer a initial design call then send a proposal without any fee. Then they decide if they want to move forward or not. Is this accurate?
That's certainly one way of doing it. We do an initial call and vet if we'd like to work with them or not. If we do, we set up an initial meeting where I will bring a blank version of the Design Agreement. Then we have a proposal meeting where I present the Design Agreement with the fees in it. I find my closing rate is zero when I email over the Design Agreement.
Sandra thank you for these great tips! Also your eyebrows always look amazing ✨
5:22 saving this time stamp for myself for a new project I have coming.
Sandra, excellent video. Blue Ocean Strategy has been on my bookshelf for a number of years. It does get you thinking more broadly the what ifs... I'm going to have another read. But my question to you, do you think interior designers actually understand the 4 P's of marketing?
OMG I needed this exact topic right now! It's been so bad lately. Thank you for this! Very helpful.
@redbhdfw104 Me too! This was great timing! Thank you, Sandra!
I'm so glad! Sending good vibes your way!
@@SandraFunkThank you!
This is such great advice! I really appreciate how much you're giving back to this industry. I'm an interior designer, as well, and have been wanting to start my own business for awhile now. It's been hard figuring out where/how to start but you've been very helpful with how much knowledge you share. So thank you! I went to college for interior design and have worked in a lot of design showrooms but I feel like it's time for me to finally take that leap and start a business of my own.
I'm so happy to hear this! Sending good vibes your way as you start your own business!
HA! Caught this shout out Sandra, and I love it xoxo
yes!🙌🏻xoxo
Beautiful dog! I had 2 GSPs growing up, they’re the best!
They really are!