Page 20 – Claire Jefford

‘A Well Designed Business’ Podcast

Earlier this year at the Las Vegas market, I had the pleasure of meeting LuAnn Nigara, the host of a ‘Well Designed Business Podcast’. If you are familiar with the podcast, you already know how fabulous LuAnn is!

What I especially love about the way LuAnn conducts her interviews with guests on her show, is how she asks the hard hitting questions that we all want to ask. She’s so great at taking a step back to fully understand the scope of any issue or topic, before digging deeper to find out more.

I was so excited when I got the request to be a guest on her show!

LuAnn’s podcast focuses on many aspects of the business side of interior design (hence the name of the show AND another reason why I love her so!).

While we obviously discussed business strategies & marketing during my interview, it will probably come as no suprise to you that our conversation had a great deal of focus around video and how it’s been invaluable to growing my business.

To check out the podcast, click here. Normally I’m the one doing the interviews, so this made for a nice change!

If you aren’t already subscribed to a Well Designed Business podcast, you need to go sign up here.

For an idea on what we discussed, please see below for the Show Highlights:

Claire’s incredible level of interaction, leadership, and expertise, on her Facebook Group, Interior Design Business Strategies.
What Claire’s career in Human Resources involved and how it’s informed her career in Interior Design.
Claire explains how she manages to produce her really professional looking videos- all by herself!
The difference between doing a Facebook Live and doing a Youtube video.
The importance of having a plan, ahead of time, for your video.
How and where Claire uses her videos on the services she offers. People really relate to them.
Claire explains some of the technical aspects of how she makes her videos.
You really don’t need a fancy setup to make professional looking videos if you’re using a smartphone.
If the content is good, people are going to watch, even if you don’t look your best.
How Claire edits her videos and the software she uses to do that.
The numerous things that you can do with the Camtasia App.
Creating a moving video out of still pictures with Camtasia.
How long it took for Claire to become adept at using Camtasia. It really isn’t that complicated.
How Claire cues herself when making her videos.
How Claire manages to re-use her video content from Youtube to Facebook Live, Instagram, or even to send to a client.
How to let people know where to find your videos.
The benefits of not being perfect.
The marketing value in producing a body of work on Youtube.
Why you need to keep asking your clients for reviews for your videos.
How Claire goes about asking her clients for reviews.
Claire’s great, actionable tips for new Designers who don’t yet have a portfolio.
Claire’s course on making videos.
The great resources available for those of you who are looking for more in-depth information from Claire, on how to market your business through video.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level via video marketing? My Video For Profits course is available now! Find out more about it here or by clicking on the image below. What are you waiting for?

Learn more here about this dynamic course that will elevate your business.

Make More Money In Your Interior Design Business

Making more money is something we all want to do, right? We are running a business after all, so even though we love what we do, working for free is not an option – not for this gal anyway and it shouldn’t be for you either!

There is a simple way to make more money in your interior design business and I’m sharing this with you today in my latest video. What is the secret sauce, you ask? Watch my video below to find out and start making more money TODAY!

So here’s the secret, in case you decided to jump past my video and keep scrolling.

Charge for your time.

I know what you might be thinking, “Claire, I do charge for my time.”

But do you really? Do you charge for ALL of your time?

As entrepreneurs, we have many outgoings to consider such as bookkeeping or website services and business insurance, just to name a few. This all adds up, so we need to be profitable at the end of the working day, to be smart business owners.

So, how are you going to make more money in your interior design business?

Let your clients know how you charge

You have to be upfront with your clients from the offset. We can’t assume that people know how we work. We may do what we do everyday, but our clients do not. We need to educate them on our processes and this includes being up front, confident and clear about our billing methods.

In order to manage expectations, you first explain to them on the initial discovery call, how you work.

Hang on though, let me back up for a second. A potential clients first touch point with you, is likely going to be through your interior design website. Your website should clearly convey your brand message; the services you provide; give a good indication of how you work with clients; and the value that you can bring to a renovation or decorating project. (like I do in this video)

This is a whole other topic for a blog post, but to manage expectations in the best way possible and to find your ideal clients, adding video content to your website will help you with that 100%. To learn more about how to do this effectively, click here.

Now back to my point at hand.

In order to be sure that you are billing for your time, it’s imperative that clients understand your processes. You can clearly outline this in your letter of agreement (LOA.) For our clients, we review the LOA at the end of the initial consultation before commencing design services.

This one page contract keeps everyone on the same page. Now, when you charge for your time – no matter how small of a task – your client understands that you batch your work in time-based increments, and they’ll know what to expect from you in terms of invoicing for your time. It’s always best that there are no surprises when it comes to invoicing your client.

How does this work in my business?

I bought a simple agenda from an office supply store that has each day broken up by time. I prefer to use the style of agenda that includes 15-minute blocks of time. I log everything that I do for each client in the appropriate time block.

Why do I do this?

Because in the past, there were many times that I was sat at my desk for hours, diligently working away before I realized that I hadn’t charged a single client for my time!

Every email that you reply to; conversations with your contractor about details of a project; phone calls to follow up on orders – all of this is billable time. You are working on behalf of your client, offering your amazingly invaluable services in order to make their life easier. All of this time needs to be logged and billed for.

It might seem like you’re just clearing out your inbox, but if you’re not charging for your time, you are simply doing free work. Don’t give away your billable time for free!

For example, when I’m working on a project for clients and I see emails in my inbox from the painter, my electrician, and my clients themselves, I will pull the file for this project, note the time in my agenda, and start working on the clients’ project.

When I’m finished doing these necessary tasks, I write down the details of what I did in my agenda, and then I log this information into QuickBooks immediately as well.

PRO TIP: Do not wait until the end of the week to log your time in your accounting software. If you do, you’re more likely to question the tasks that you did or forget to add everything that you did. Do it that day and you won’t miss out on the income you’ve made.

What does this look like in the long run?

Let’s look at it over a stretch of time, as that’s when you can see how this really adds up and how you may be leaving a lot of money on the table.

Let’s say you charge 5 extra hours a week for billable administrative or travel time that you are currently not billing for, and for that time you charge $100/hr. This means you could be making an extra $500 a week! Think about that over the course of a year – or let’s say 50 weeks because you are going to take 2 weeks vacation. (yes, you deserve and should be taking vacations – if you didn’t think you could afford to, after reading this you will know that you can!)

That’s $25,000 a year! Wowzers!

That’s enough money for a new bathroom or a new car or an incredibly lovely holiday with your family. Even if you half that and bill for 2.5 hours a week more for time that you are currently letting pass you by, that’s still $12,500!!

As I mentioned before, everything that you do in your business adds up – your website, advertisements, assistants, bookkeeping, outsourcing CAD or 3D designs, membership fees, coaches, etc. When you charge for your time, you’re making more money which means that you will be more profitable.

This is your business, not a hobby. So, run it your way and make sure you get paid for the hard work you do and for the hours you put in.

Are you charging for all of your time?

Where are you giving your time away for free?

Go grab my Letter of Agreement and confidently charge your worth and bill for your time & hard work.

BOLD: Business of Luxury Design = Bloody Brilliant!

Ever dreamed of being a Luxury Interior Designer?

After attending the BOLD (Business of Luxury Design) Summit in Chicago this past September, I can tell you that the BOLD Masters were down to earth, friendly and willing to openly share their expertise and knowledge.

I was thrilled to attend the summit with fellow #Designhound Michael Ryan, representing both Modenus – The Design Directory and also on behalf of the BOLD summit. I was invited by Veronika Eagleson (Modenus) & Julia Molloy (BOLD). What an honour it was to attend and cover this event!

BOLD has a reputation of being one of the most prestigious interior design business conferences in the world & after attending, I can see why! Not only was the event held at an awe inspiring setting – the Historic Auditorium Theatre in downtown Chicago – but also, many of the panelists and presenters were A-list designer celebrities.

Can you believe that this was my first time in Chicago?! What an amazing city! I had no idea that this wonderful city was famous for their architecture and skyscrapers, but I quickly learned this after setting out on the Architectural Boat Cruise for 1.5 hours on the Sunday before the show. It was truly fabulous for me to experience this adventure to start off my trip.

I’m spoiling you here because I have not just one video to share with you from BOLD, but two!

The first is a montage of photographs and video footage, showcasing all of the fabulous designers at the event including the panelists; those who participated in the round table discussions; many of the presenters & of course, all of the amazing networking that takes place.

Oh, and did I mention that we also attended a Black Tie Dinner Affair on the 96th floor atop the Hancock Building in the Signature room? Pretty fancy schmancy, eh?!

Lots of valuable business talks, but plenty of fun too!

At BOLD, one of the unique elements that sets this conference apart from other networking events, is the opportunity to ask questions about business practices and marketing strategies with talented designers who have made it big & with other influencers and top leaders in the industry.

But don’t think for one minute that this means you are going to feel inferior or intimiated, quite the opposite actually. It’s very empowering and inspiring to be involved in these discussions and to also hear that many others have struggled with the same issues that we do in our smaller design firms or as single entreprenuers.

Julia Molloy also likes to lighten things up by injecting the occassional dance break where everyone is up on their feet and shaking their booty! She also organised a game that was similar to the Dating Game Show from the 1970’s, but with a focus on Interior Design.

BOLD Masters Pamela Babey, Jamie Drake and Barclay Butera make fabulous contestants as Ray Langhammer hosts the panel and Julia has to guess the answers to the questions asked. You can see that, in the video below!

Did you attend the BOLD summit or would you like to attend? Post below and share your comments.

Before I leave you, I want to say thank you so much for voting me #3 in the Top 100 Influencers contest by Modenus! What an honour and I totally appreciate all your support.

Go here to see all Top 100 finalists, they are a great bunch of designers and very talented group, so I am thrilled to be a part of it.

Make Video NOW! My 10 Video Tips For Beginners

Making video is a must! People are very visual and creating video is one of the best ways to make your point to your audience. If you’re new to video, I have some quick tips to help you get started and to shed the excuses.

Here are my 10 video tips for beginners:

1. Invest in a selfie stick or a tripod

It’s much easier to focus on filming a great video if you aren’t worried about holding up the camera. The holder for my selfie stick attaches to my tripod to help stabilize the camera.

If you don’t have a selfie stick or a tripod, just pull out your phone and hold it up. You could also use the webcam that is built-in to your computer.

2. Invest in a lapel microphone

You simply plug one end into your phone and very quickly you have upgraded to record great, quality audio. I use my mic in all of my videos to give you, the viewer, a better experience.

If you’re curious about the gear I use, you can check out and purchase it here.

3. Hold your phone horizontally

If you’re making video for YouTube or to upload to Facebook natively, hold your phone horizontally. This will eliminate the two black frames around the video and will make you more center stage for a better viewpoint.

4. Position the camera directly in front of you (or a little bit above)

The position of the camera is important because you want the viewer to be focused on you. You don’t want to be looking down on the viewer or to show off your fabulous double-chin.

It’s a more complementary angle for you, and you can look directly into the lens of the camera more easily.

5. Turn notifications off

The last thing you want is to hear the little ding letting you know someone sent you the pizza emoji.

Eliminate distractions by silencing your notifications. This will go a long way in helping you create the best video possible and not to lose your mind when you realise you need to start recording from the beginning.

6. Use a flip chart to keep you on track

You can’t see it in the video, but right behind the camera is a flip chart with a few bullet points. I make notes for myself to stay on track, avoid forgetting what my next point is, and to make sure I’ve covered everything on my list.

You can pause during the recording of your video to refer back to your notes and simply edit out that dead space in post-production.

7. Don’t waste time

When you start your video, get right to it. Begin with your content from the very beginning.

Someone has clicked the play button because they are ready to consume your amazing content, so give them what they ask for. (This is a bit different to Facebook Live, where things are a little more relaxed.) Here’s an example of a video you can check out to see what to do!

8. Be you!

This is my most important tip!

I know it might seem like you need to be made-up and looking very professional, but truthfully, you just need to be you. Don’t compare yourself to what other people are doing, just do what feels right for you and the best way you know how to connect with your audience.

Be yourself and have fun!

9. Ask for feedback

There’s no shame in asking for comments. You should end all of your videos with a call to action. Consider directing them to your website; asking them to subscribe to your youtube channel or hitting the ‘like’ button…just don’t ask them to do all three or they will get confused and not bother to do any.

Another great call to action is to ask your viewer to leave a comment. Pose a thoughtful question that is relevant to the video’s topic, so your viewers have a reason to leave a comment and can join in the conversation.

This will make hanging out in your YouTube or Facebook comments much more fun for everyone!

10. Engage with your audience

If someone took the time to comment on your post or on your video, reply back to them. This shows your viewer that you’re a real person, you care, and that you want them to come back and spend time with you.

It’s all about engagement.

Click on the image below to find out more about my course, so you can start making more money and attracting better clients with video too!

There’s no excuse for you not to do video. I started making video in 2013, and I have connected with more of my ideal clients and have made more money as a direct result of my video content.

Are you ready to start making more money in your interior design business?
Click here to order Video for Profits now!

Video is not the future – it’s the NOW!

Embrace it and your business will boom!

Subscribe to my Colour & Interior Design YouTube channel here to see how far I’ve come in creating video over the years. Hey, you’ve got to start somewhere!

Client Newsletters Made Easy

Getting new projects for your interior design business doesn’t have to be as difficult as you may think. There is a simple way to work smarter: sending out email newsletters to a curated list of current and past clients.

Click on the video below where I walk you through my process and why the ROI on this clever and easy marketing tool, is well worth it.

Why is an email list important?

An email list is super important in your business because it gives you a personal way to keep in contact with your favorite clients. It’s also YOUR list.

You may think it’s great to have all your followers and likes on other platforms such as facebook, houzz and instagram, (just to name a few) but those platforms do not belong to you. If those platforms folded tomorrow or changed up the way they show or share your content, you have no control over that. But what you can control and what is yours, is your email list.

Checking your stats is also imperative to ensure that all your hard efforts are well worth your time. My open rate on average is over 50% for each campaign I send out, so I know this works.

What is a newsletter?

A newsletter in the way that I’m describing it in this post, is different from your blog. It’s written like a micro-blog post, and it’s sent out to your best clients as a way to stay in in touch.

A newsletter is not a sales pitch. You are simply giving past clients a reminder that you exist and an update on the business without asking for anything in return.

What should you say in a newsletter?

Start your newsletters off casually, remember, these are people you’ve worked with before so you’ve already built a rapport with them. If it’s around the New Year, talk about the holidays. If it’s spring, let readers know that you’re excited about the warmer weather (hopefully!) on its way. You want to invite your readers in with a simple welcome.

Share with your readers what’s new in your business, including upcoming events or milestones you’ve achieved.

This graphic shows my 6 years anniversary in business and was created in Canva.

Build on the credibility that you already have with your clients and let them know if you’ve been featured in magazines, share your latest projects & shout about any awards you’ve recently won.

I won first place for a bedroom design in a recent contest, so I let my clients know about this achievement!

Give value & remind clients about ALL your services

Next, I give value. I share what I’ve done recently like posted a video on YouTube or if I’ve written a blog post. If I have updated my services, I tell them that too. It’s easy for people to forget all that you do, so make sure you remind them of this when you can.

As I said, newsletters are like mini-blog posts – they still need a call to action at some point. You might have them “click here to read more” or “send me a photo of your remodel.” Whatever you choose, make sure you give the reader something to do after they finish reading the newsletter…hopefully they want more anyway!

How do you do it?

MailChimp is the email-marketing platform I use, and it’s great for beginners. I make sure to include the first name of the reader to add an extra dose of a personal touch.

Consistency is also very important. Keeping in constant contact is important to keep the trust you already have with those past clients. You could do weekly, I prefer monthly for my clients.

I try not to get too fancy with emails. I keep the formatting simple and keep it valuable. That’s it.

Does email marketing work?

I keep a log showing how many inquires and bookings have come just from sending out email newsletters to past clients.

I am projecting to make $10,000 so far this year just from sending out newsletters with 10% of those clients hiring me back or referring my services!

What you need to remember

The best way to keep the eye moving down the page is to include images. Our business is all visual, so make your content visually appealing. Share some of your professionally photographed images of your designs in your newsletter.

Industrial Dining room design by Claire Jefford, Creating Contrast Designs

Be real, be you…and get personal.

My family in Mexico earlier this year.

You are not doing this to make a sale. If you do, your readers will see right through you. Newsletters are simply to keep you and your business top of mind for when past clients need you next. Sure, you can add in a promo every now and again, but you don’t need to be too ‘salesy’. Your clients already know and trust you, so your goal here is to stay ‘top of mind’.

Include some family or personal photos too, this adds a nice personal touch & makes you more relatable.

Email marketing works. You don’t have to work so hard to get new clients if you have a pool of past clients that you love. Keep in touch with those clients, and they’ll come back to you!

Are you sending out newsletters?

Comment to let me know how they are working for your business!

Want to stay updated with all of my latest blog posts? CLICK HERE to sign up for lastest updates!

Six Tips to Being A Stand Out Professional

Stand out. Get noticed. Here’s How.

To attract your ideal clients & acquire projects that get you excited to jump out of bed in the morning, you need to set the bar high & work hard.

I know, you were hoping for an easy alternative. There isn’t one. However, the rewards can definitely be worth all your blood, sweat and tears. I pinky promise.

So what is the secret?

Well, it’s no secret at all. In fact, when you know these steps, they all make perfect sense. It’s implementing them and being consistent that is the tricky part. But I know you can do it, after all, you are an entrepreneur who goes after what you want and let’s nothing stand in your way, right?!

In my latest video, I share with you 6 crucial elements that will elevate your interior design business and your brands’ reputation. Sound too good to be true? It’s not, but you need to get ready to take action. Click on the video below and let’s do this!

Below are my six tips for building a successful interior design business & brand, which I share with you in the video. I’ve also included images and examples of how I’ve done this in my own business.

As you gain more experience with each client project, you will also be building your confidence. This will get easier, I guarantee!

Six Tips for Building Your Professional Brand & Image

#1 Portfolio

A professional portfolio of your work is a must if you want to be taken seriously and get fabulous clients. Don’t be resentful when a potential client doesn’t hire you because they can’t see the value in the service you provide at the price point you offer it, only to turn around and do the exact same thing when it comes to photographing your design projects.

That is one of my biggest pet peeves! Quality photos = quality clients. Period. See my portfolio of professionally photographed spaces here.

Design by Claire Jefford, Creating Contrast Designs. Professional photography by Stephani Buchman

#2 Presentation

Dress for Success.

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

You’ve heard all the cliche’s before and they are true. Look your best and get noticed. Invest in some nice key pieces for your wardrobe & get professional head shots done for your site & to use in promotional materials.

Professional photography by Romy Riley.

#3 Processes

If you have a great portfolio and you look amazing, but your processes are all over the place, then you’re in trouble. Especially in this business, as there are so many different details to be aware of for every task that we do.

Click here to see what I take in my bag to be best prepared for the initial consultation meeting with clients.

Click here to see what products I have to offer on my ‘shop’ page to help get your processes set up to make your life easier.

Earlier this year I released my ‘ROCK the Initial Consultation Processes Package’ and it has received RAVE reviews.

Want to find out more? Click here or on the image below.

I offer a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the incredible value that I offer in this package. What have you got to lose?

Finally, if you need to update your packages for the services you offer, go get my free download with coaching video of my services and rates sheet here.

#4 Posts

Consistently posting on social media, while creating engaging content for your audience is essential. Not only is it a great way to show your work; latest interior decorating and design trends as well as share testimonials and achievements, but it’s also imperative for staying top-of-mind.

Even if someone following you isn’t in need of Interior Design Services now, they will likely be the first to refer you to a friend or think of you as the trusted expert when they do.

#5 Perception

Perception is everything. If you are not going to put yourself out there to show people what you do and why you are someone to watch, while looking super slick and providing advice as the expert that you are on the craft that you do, then you may as well go work for someone else.

You want your potential clients to see you as the busy professional, creating beautiful spaces and staying on top of all the latest trends with organised processes that give them confidence in your abilities. After all, it’s the truth. Share testimonials and any work you may be doing in your local community. Even if you’re not there yet, you are taking the necessary steps in positioning yourself & will get there soon.

#6 Professionalism

If you actively do all of the tips I’ve listed in this post, then you are showing the world that you are a force to be reckoned with and someone who they do not want to miss out on an opportunity to hire for their next renovation project. Now that is something you DO NOT want to miss out on.

Which of these six do you do best? Which one do you struggle with the most? Share with us, comment below!

Want my weekly no-nonsense advice on creating a successful interior design business? Click here and let the games begin my friend. I’m ready when you are.

World Market Las Vegas Furniture Show – Designers Tips

Top Tips by Designers For Attending (& Surviving!) Market

The spring Las Vegas Furniture Market was the first Market that I’ve ever attended and let me tell you, it was AH-MAZ-ING! Although I had an idea of what to expect, I didn’t know just how inspirational and powerful the entire experience would be.

So many incredible ladies in this photo taken in the Jaipur showroom, Las Vegas Market, 2017.

Seeing all the latest trends in Interior Design and connecting directly with the furniture reps is exciting, but there is much more to it. Networking and building relationships with other designers & decorators, was without a doubt, the best part for me.

You ‘Must-Ache’ some fun while at market! With Chanda Seymour & Wendy Woloshchuck

With Lauren Riviera and Alinda Morris

I attended the Red Carpet Tour hosted by Jackie Von Tobel and Deb Barrett. They took care of the hotel expenses; organising the visits to each showroom; nights out and much more. These gals work hard to make sure you see the finest showrooms and attend the best parties!

With it being my first market, I came up with the idea to ask other designers to share their top tip for attending (and surviving!) market.

In this video, there are more than a dozen helpful tips from designers all over the USA (and a couple from me…I was the only Canadian on the tour!) to get you ready for market.

Also, see what shenanigans we get up to! (Bloopers at the end)

I was also thrilled to have the opportunity to meet LuAnn Nigara of a Well Designed Business Podcast (which I’ll be a guest on her show next month, eeek!) and attend her interview with Kelli Ellis. It was very inspiring, to say the least.

LuAnn was even kind enough to give me & my facebook group, Interior Design Business Strategies, a shout out during the live event on facebook! Check out the recording of the live interview with Kelli and LuAnn here.

With LuAnn Nigara at the Design Uncorked Event hosted by Curated Kravet & sponsored by Mydoma

Here are the top tips for attending market:

Tip#1:

Photograph the showroom sign before entering so you don’t forget where items are from later when you want to reference them.

Tip#2:

Bring a friend! It makes the experience more enjoyable when you have someone to share it with.

Tip#3:

Create a binder to add your itinerary; suppliers cards/folders etc in order to stay organised.

Tip#4:

Bring several pairs of comfortable shoes!

Tip#5:

Introduce yourself to showroom reps, don’t be intimidated! They work for you.

Tip#6:

Plan it out! Make a plan of where you want to go, there is a lot to see & do at market and you can easily get distracted.

Tip#7:

Plan aside some ‘free time’ so you can meet with friends or see other showrooms & seminars while you are there.

Tip#8:

Ask showroom representatives if there company is ‘Designer Friendly’ before spending too much time in their showroom.

Tip#9:

Take photos of items/furnishings that of great interest to you while you are there, then contact the reps when you return home so not to waste time placing orders while at market.

Tip#10:

Look for consistencies in each showroom to be able to identify upcoming trends to share with clients and on social media.

Tip#11:

Bring a rollerbag! This makes it so much easier to carry everything around it and you won’t break your back!

Tip#12:

Drink a lot of wine. LOL

Tip#13:

Make appointments with showroom reps ahead of time if you are bringing clients to market. Review the types of items clients may be looking for so you can be the most efficient with everyones’ time.

Tip#14:

Go to the Vendor Directory prior to attending market so you can sort through the vendors you wish to visit on your trip. Then use the Wunderlist App that provides you with a section for notes and photographs, so you can organise information from each vendor.

Tip#15:

Allow yourself extra time when setting your ‘Out of office’ email and your pre-recorded voice-mail message. Market is tiring and it’s nice to have a day set aside when you return, to settle back into things.

Tip#16:

Email your client list – which should include both past and current clients – to let them know that you are going to market. Two reasons for this, 1) They will know that you are away and may not be able to respond to emails while you are at market 2) Shows them that you keep on top of latest trends and will have lots to share with them upon your return, should they require further interior design or decorating services.

Be sure to watch the video though, it’s so great to hear it from the mouths of these talented designers themselves and you can see what silly things we get up to as well!

Do you have any other great tips for attending market?

Don’t keep them to yourself, comment below and share with us!

Not subscribed to my YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe here and see all my videos as soon as they are published.

Take Better Pictures With Your Phone Now

Linda Holt Live Video Interview With Claire Jefford

You’ve heard of the expression, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know’, right?

Well, I had no idea how much there was to know about taking photographs with my phone until I interviewed Linda Holt.

For example – How to adjust my phone settings for higher or lower exposure; turning on grid lines for improving composition; how to hold the camera to get the best angles and so much more!

Linda’s Bio – Pretty Impressive

As one of Boston’s top head shot photographers for over 25 years, and after photographing over 3000 actors, models and celebrities, Linda Holt put aside her camera and returned to school to pursue her life long passion of interior design and decorating.

Her past photography client’s sought her out not only for her ability to have them look their very best but for her skill in having their personality shine through the lens. Today she applies those very same principles to create her signature style of fresh, colorful and well edited spaces.

Linda started her blog, Linda Holt Interiors, in 2011 as a way of merging her two passions of photography and design. Her blogs are a mix of photography tips for iphone users and design inspiration.

Linda holds three different Color certifications and has been quoted in both House Beautiful Magazine and The Huffington Post for her color expertise. She is also a featured writer for Merrimack Valley Home Magazine and writes on industry design trends.

In this live video, the fourth in my Social by Design series, Linda shares so many incredibly valuable tips and practical advice for using your phone everyday to take better quality images than you may have ever imagined possible.

Download my FREE Tip Sheet after you watch the interview.

Grab your phone (unless you are reading this on your phone) and get ready to take your skills of phone photography to the next level!

Boost Your Brands Image & Get More Engagment

The quality and final look of photographs you share, speaks volumes about your brand as a business. I believe that this is also a key element that undoubtedly leads to increased likes, shares and ultimately, building your following on almost any social media platform.

By taking some time to learn how to properly use your camera phone, it can dramatically increase the quality of photographs you take each and every day. Thus, providing you with a better opportunity to reach a wider audience.

What I especially loved about the knowledge Linda so willingly shares, is how she went out of her way to learn about other devices just so she could bring even more value to this interview.

Linda uses an IPhone, but she exceeded my expectations by researching some specific elements of Android phones as well. As someone who is an Android user, I was pretty impressed by that!

Where To Learn More From Linda

To find out more about this topic, Linda has written plenty of blogs about using your phone to take better photographs. Click here to see a complete list of these Linda’s phone photography posts.

What was your biggest takeaway from my interview with Linda? Comment below. Don’t forget to grab my free download here of the Top 14 Tips from my interview with Linda. You will get it along with 5 other FREE incredibly helpful downloads for your interior design business, when you subscribe to my email.

Cheers Linda, for being so giving with your knowledge of Phone photography for interior designers and decorators!

After knowing Linda virtually on line for over 4 years, I finally got to meet her at KBIS Orlando Blog Tour earlier this year

All my Social by Design video interviews can be found here on the Playlist I created especially for you!

Three Things You Never Say To Clients

Ever open your mouth and your foot falls out?

When working with your interior design clients, there are times when you need to speak up about certain things and other times when it’s best to stay quiet & say nothing at all. Continue reading “Three Things You Never Say To Clients”