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Success by Design - Mastering the Business of Interior Design
How to Turn Consultations Into Paid Opportunities
This week, we’re launching a six-part series I’m calling 'Turning Projects into Profit.' As designers, we pour our hearts into projects that photograph beautifully, but sometimes those same projects barely move the financial needle. I know that tension well because I’ve lived it in my own business. That’s why this series is all about helping you stop leaving money on the table and start building a business that fuels your creativity and pays you well.
And we’re starting with one of the biggest traps in our industry: free consultations.
Have you ever offered a free consultation because “everyone else is doing it”?
Spent hours preparing only to be ghosted?
Shared ideas generously, only to see clients implement them without you—thanks to online furniture vendors?
You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. But here’s the truth: free doesn’t build trust—it devalues your expertise.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why free consultations actually hurt your positioning instead of helping it.
The psychology behind charging upfront—and why it makes clients more committed.
How to treat your consultation as your first deliverable, not a sales pitch.
A simple 3-step framework to set expectations, deliver value, and transition into a full project.
Real stories from designers who went from giving it all away to booking $60,000 projects from a single paid consult.
The bottom line?
Your expertise is not free. You’ve spent years honing your craft, and your consultations should reflect that. Charging isn’t about scaring clients away—it’s about attracting the right ones, the ones who will respect your process and invest in your vision.
Connect with Katie Decker-Erickson
Book Your Coaching Session with Katie!
Click Here to read the full episode transcript.
This episode of Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
I'm your host, Katie Erickson
I’m a commercial exterior and interior designer with an MBA and nearly 20 years in the industry. When I’m not leading my coast-to-coast, multi-million dollar firm, I love sharing real talk on the business of design, blending insights from 20 years as a business professor. I keep it honest—balancing work and chasing my two girls around.
How to Turn Consultations Into Paid Opportunities
This week, we’re launching a six-part series I’m calling 'Turning Projects into Profit.' As designers, we pour our hearts into projects that photograph beautifully, but sometimes those same projects barely move the financial needle. I know that tension well because I’ve lived it in my own business. That’s why this series is all about helping you stop leaving money on the table and start building a business that fuels your creativity and pays you well.
And we’re starting with one of the biggest traps in our industry: free consultations.
Have you ever offered a free consultation because “everyone else is doing it”?
Spent hours preparing only to be ghosted?
Shared ideas generously, only to see clients implement them without you—thanks to online furniture vendors?
You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. But here’s the truth: free doesn’t build trust—it devalues your expertise.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why free consultations actually hurt your positioning instead of helping it.
The psychology behind charging upfront—and why it makes clients more committed.
How to treat your consultation as your first deliverable, not a sales pitch.
A simple 3-step framework to set expectations, deliver value, and transition into a full project.
Real stories from designers who went from giving it all away to booking $60,000 projects from a single paid consult.
The bottom line?
Your expertise is not free. You’ve spent years honing your craft, and your consultations should reflect that. Charging isn’t about scaring clients away—it’s about attracting the right ones, the ones who will respect your process and invest in your vision.
Connect with Katie Decker-Erickson
Book Your Coaching Session with Katie!
Click Here to read the full episode transcript.
This episode of Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
Interested In Sponsoring The Podcast?
How to Turn Consultations Into Paid Opportunities
This week, we’re launching a six-part series I’m calling 'Turning Projects into Profit.' As designers, we pour our hearts into projects that photograph beautifully, but sometimes those same projects barely move the financial needle. I know that tension well because I’ve lived it in my own business. That’s why this series is all about helping you stop leaving money on the table and start building a business that fuels your creativity and pays you well.
And we’re starting with one of the biggest traps in our industry: free consultations.
Have you ever offered a free consultation because “everyone else is doing it”?
Spent hours preparing only to be ghosted?
Shared ideas generously, only to see clients implement them without you—thanks to online furniture vendors?
You’re not alone. I’ve been there too. But here’s the truth: free doesn’t build trust—it devalues your expertise.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why free consultations actually hurt your positioning instead of helping it.
The psychology behind charging upfront—and why it makes clients more committed.
How to treat your consultation as your first deliverable, not a sales pitch.
A simple 3-step framework to set expectations, deliver value, and transition into a full project.
Real stories from designers who went from giving it all away to booking $60,000 projects from a single paid consult.
The bottom line?
Your expertise is not free. You’ve spent years honing your craft, and your consultations should reflect that. Charging isn’t about scaring clients away—it’s about attracting the right ones, the ones who will respect your process and invest in your vision.
Connect with Katie Decker-Erickson
Book Your Coaching Session with Katie!
Click Here to read the full episode transcript.
This episode of Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
insightful conversations & super RELATABLE!
Excited for a podcast directed towards interior designers that covers the business and creative mindsets needed to run a successful firm. Throwing in life balance to every conversation makes this super relatable. Great conversations.
Colorful Conversations is like having a fun chat with your artsy friend who also knows how to create success! Katie's podcast is a must-listen for folks who love design and want to make money from their creative passions. She keeps you in the loop about the latest design trends while dropping priceless tips on turning your creativity into a successful business. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, Katie's show is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration. So, tune in and get ready to blend style and success with her friendly and informative episodes – you won't want to miss it!
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insightful conversations & super RELATABLE!
Excited for a podcast directed towards interior designers that covers the business and creative mindsets needed to run a successful firm. Throwing in life balance to every conversation makes this super relatable. Great conversations.
Colorful Conversations is like having a fun chat with your artsy friend who also knows how to create success! Katie's podcast is a must-listen for folks who love design and want to make money from their creative passions. She keeps you in the loop about the latest design trends while dropping priceless tips on turning your creativity into a successful business. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, Katie's show is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration. So, tune in and get ready to blend style and success with her friendly and informative episodes – you won't want to miss it!
Why Don't you leave us a Review too?
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