MY FAVORITE TOOLS
the Resource Library
My top resources and tools for running a streamlined business and enjoying a balanced life.
Complimentary Resources for Interior Designers
01 COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
STREAMLINE YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS QUIZ
Does it feel like you’re spinning your wheels trying to grow your interior design business but never seem to make progress that aligns with your efforts? Take our two minute quiz to find out exactly which area
of your business you should focus on.
02 COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ANNUAL PLANNING
In this complimentary guide, I’ll share with you how I incorporated a new approach into my standard planning process. Then, I’ll break down all the steps, really getting into the nitty-gritty of how to implement each phase in a detailed, systematic annual planning process.
03 COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
SIX WAYS TO PRICE YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES
Learn the six ways to price your interior design services, the pros and cons of each, and how to know if your pricing model is broken.
04 COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR
WHERE THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE GOES WRONG (& HOW TO FIX IT)
What if you’re sabotaging your client experience and losing potential projects without even realizing it? Not on my watch!!
Check out my webinar with Design Files to learn where the client experience typically goes wrong and get specific tips for how to fix it.
05 COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
Download my complimentary Year End Playbook with tips from eleven industry experts for running your business on solid footing. Copywriters. Brand designers. Course creators. Marketers. Publicists. Bookkeepers. And more!
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS PLAYBOOK
06 COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
HOW TO SET UP AND USE ASANA TO MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS
Download my complimentary Asana Blueprint to learn how to set up and use the free version of Asana for your interior design or event planning business.
07 COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
CREATE A SIGNATURE PROCESS FOR YOUR DESIGN BUSINESS
Download my complimentary client experience blueprint to refine each phase of your process, from initial inquiry to onboarding to final goodbye. For interior designers and event planners.
08 COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
STREAMLINE YOUR INSTALL DAY PROCESS
A step-by-step Install Day Process (SOP) plus an Install Bag packing list to benefit both your team and your clients. For interior designers.
09 COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCE
HOW TO IDENTIFY IF YOU’RE READY TO HIRE
Use my Team Hiring Guide to determine whether now is the correct time for you to hire. Plus, get tips, tools, and resources to help you navigate the hiring process. For interior designers and event planners.
10 COMPLIMENTARY WORKSHOP
Serve Your Audience with Flodesk
In this workshop, I’ll walk you through the benefits of email marketing and how to easily set up and serve your audience using our favorite email service provider: FLODESK!
Learn how to create an email capture form, build a landing page, and nurture your audience in your sleep.
11 ON DEMAND LIBRARY
WEBINARS & PODCASTS
Prefer to watch and listen? Head to our On-Demand Library to hear my personal and professional philosophies on running a successful, profitable, and sustainable interior design business.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE SOFTWARE
HONEYBOOK FOR CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Honeybook is great for sending digital contracts and automated emails and for collecting leads. Set up workflows, build questionnaires, set up a scheduler, and more. As a Honeybook Educator, you can save on your first year when you sign up through me, PLUS you’ll also receive our free Honeybook Guided Setup course*:
ASANA FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT
As a Certified Asana Partner, this is the number one software we set up for our clients. For team, task, project, and resource management, Asana is a must for keeping your business organized. Download the free Asana Blueprint here.
SQUARESPACE FOR WEBSITES
As a Squarespace Circle Member, I love finding ways to use Squarespace to elevate the client experience for the designers we work with. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface and ability to customize without needing code means you can make changes without having to bring in a developer.*
ZAPIER (rhymes with happier)
I’m obsessed with using Zapier to connect software programs and automate the busy work. There are free and paid accounts based on how many zaps you run per month and it’s easy and intuitive to set up and test in minutes. Highly recommend!
DUBSADO FOR CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT
Dubsado is a robust, all-in-one system that streamlines the necessary but normally time-consuming tasks for small business owners. It helps you communicate, schedule, organize, manage your business, and get paid. Ashlee from my team is a Certified Dubsado Specialist. Use code dakota30 or click the link below to save on your first year*:
FLODESK FOR EMAIL MARKETING
Flodesk’s intuitive interface and simple drag-and-drop software makes sending emails to your subscribers easy, beautiful, and quick. You can set up workflows, deliver freebies, build landing pages, and more. Save by signing up through my affiliate link ($19/month)*:
LOOM FOR VIDEO MESSAGING
Incorporating video messages into your process from first inquiry to post project support allows you to deliver an elevated and high touch experience, with an unexpected element. Easy to use and can be done right from your desktop. Use my code below to start your free trial*:
* I am an affiliate for some of the software listed above and may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you sign up through my links. I only recommend software I use and love in my business and in my clients’ businesses.
BOOKS
SOME OF MY FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOKS
When I’m not buried in a psychological thriller (2024 goal is 52 books), you might find me re-reading one of my favorite business books below.
The Pumpkin Plan
by Mike Michalowicz
This book discusses the benefits of focusing on fewer but better projects/clients and its impact on your business.
Giftology
by John Ruhlin
The art and science of using gifts to create meaningful experiences, increase referrals, and strengthen client retention.
Profit First
by Mike Michalowicz
How to set up your business finances to prioritize paying yourself first and help you make smart business decisions.
Need help elevating your interior design process?
Head to The Design Library
My done-for-you business resources, client experience templates, and standard operating procedures for interior designers can be delivered to your inbox in minutes.
PERSONAL LIFE HACKS
TOOLS I USE TO SIMPLIFY MY LIFE
I’m a homebody with three little kids, a husband who travels, a 115-pound dog, two houses, and a lot going on. Here are some of my favorite tools for streamlining my home life:
Daily Harvest
During my busy season (and sometimes for dinner if I’m cooking), Daily Harvest smoothies are a quick way to get an instant health boost.
Peloton
After we added baby #3 to the mix, it was just not an efficient use of my time to drive to the gym, unload the kids at the kids club, work out, get the kids, load them into the car, then drive home. Having a home gym saves me time and makes it so easy to stay healthy. My routine includes Peloton rides + weight lifting.
Shipt Delivery
One place you won’t find me is Target, and Shipt Delivery allows me to order household essentials without having to step foot in a store.
Rent the Runway
I’m not big on shopping for clothes and my monthly RTR membership means I get high-end pieces for a fraction of the cost, delivered right to my doorstep.
JOIN THE LIST
A complimentary digital publication to help interior designers build profitable and sustainable businesses. A new edition drops every Friday morning.
