1041: Megan Atkinson: Leveraging Relationships with Trades to Build a Strong Business

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

LuAnn Nigara

Business, Design, Arts

4.8 • 786 Ratings

🗓️ 3 December 2024

⏱️ 82 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Today With Megan Atkinson: Today with Megan Rose Atkinson of MEGANROSE Interiors, we're discussing one of the most critical aspects of running a successful design business — vendor relationships. Megan shares her journey from wearing a tool belt with leather pants to building a thriving design firm with locations in Michigan and Arizona. With a "cheetah mindset" and philosophy of "whatever you are, be a good one," she breaks down exactly how she approaches these crucial industry partnerships. Megan shares specific strategies for building vendor networks in new territories, managing tough budget conversations, and maintaining strong relationships while staying in your lane. Whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing vendor partnerships, Megan's practical approach to collaboration offers valuable insights for every stage of business growth. LuAnn Nigara and Megan Atkinson's Ah-Ha Moments “I'd rather have one hard conversation than 10 million terrible conversations along the way.” - Megan “Whatever you are, be a good one.” - Megan More About Megan Atkinson Founder and principal designer of MEGANROSE Interiors, Megan Rose Atkinson is an entrepreneur driven by a passion for home. With an established career in real estate, Megan launched her interior design company in 2020 at the beginning of a global pandemic. At a time when most were closing their doors, Megan was looking to open a new door into the construction and design world. As Principal Designer, Megan oversees all design projects from concept to completion. Megan’s design approach lies in her devotion to creating reflective spaces based on clients’ lifestyles. Megan splits her time in Novi, Michigan with her husband and their three young children and their family home in Scottsdale, AZ. In Megan’s free time she can be found on the soccer sidelines cheering on her kids, browsing a dusty antique store, or teaching at her beloved barre studio. Connect with Megan Atkinson Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows: 986 Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Boundaries and Expectations are a Few of My Favorite Things #878 Throwback Tuesday: Brad Leavitt: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process #681 Paul Dashevsky: A Proven Process for Vetting Contractors #953: Power Talk Friday: Raj Banyopadhyay: Connecting With Your Audience Through Personal Branding Photography #14: Malene Barnett Success Secret – Build Relationships #703: Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity #635: Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business #439: Beth Diana Smith: Client Expectations, Contracts, and Hard Conversations #370: Kesha Franklin: A Different Path to a Career in Interior Design #967: Breegan Jane: The Gift of Transitioning, Turning Risks into Success #614: Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas: Creating Another Revenue Stream for Your Interior Design Business

Transcript

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0:00.0	Are you looking to build an exceptional team? Our hiring toolkit bundle at Luann Nigara.com
0:06.5	forward slash store is your comprehensive source for success. Craft compelling job descriptions,
0:13.7	know the right interview questions to ask, and implement a thorough evaluation process so you get the right person.
0:20.5	These were developed in collaboration
0:21.9	with my cousin Eileen Hahn and based on her 40 years of experience in building exceptional
0:27.2	teams, plus my insights from 1,000 plus interviews, our toolkits are tested and proven. Whether you're
0:35.0	scaling from 1 to 3 or from three to ten or from ten to
0:38.4	twenty, the hiring toolkit bundle provides the guidance that you can use to plan your
0:44.5	hiring strategy effectively. Go to Luannigara.com forward slash store and invest in your success
0:51.6	by investing in the success of your team.
1:07.0	Welcome to a well-designed business. My name is Luann Nigara, and I'm so glad you found this podcast.
1:13.0	Together with my husband Vince and our partner, Bill, we have grown our company Window Works from the ground up.
1:19.0	So I know and I understand the challenges you face in running your interior design business.
1:24.6	I also know that your talent alone isn't enough to ensure your success.
1:30.1	So on this podcast, we talk about strategies and practical steps to help you grow your business.
1:36.5	But make no mistake about it, we have our share of fun here too, mixed in with those aha
1:41.5	moments that I love so much. This isn't fluff.
1:44.7	Nobody has time for that.
1:46.4	Whether you are a new interior designer or a season designer, I am here to help you create
1:51.9	and to manage the kind of interior design firm that you dream of.
1:55.8	It's straight talk and it's action.
1:58.0	Are you ready?
	...

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