Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share some big news with you—our podcast has a new name: The Creative Business Mindset! This change comes straight from your feedback, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the direction we’re heading.

While home staging has been a big part of our journey, I wanted to broaden the scope to include a variety of entrepreneurial topics. Don’t worry—the heart of the podcast isn’t changing. You can still expect practical advice and inspiring stories, but now we’ll be bringing on a wider range of guests and diving into different industries. My goal is to provide even more actionable insights to help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s grow together!

Guest: Lew Corcoran
Host: Joké Durojaiye

In this conversation, I sit down with Lew Corcoran, a multifaceted home staging expert with a background in real estate and photography. Lew shares his journey from real estate to home staging and photography, emphasizing the importance of technology such as drones and virtual tours in enhancing property listings. He discusses the significance of floor plans in staging and how they aid in visualizing space.

The conversation also covers key elements for effective staging and photography, common mistakes in real estate photography, and the importance of lighting and leading lines in creating appealing visuals. In this conversation, we also discuss the evolution of the real estate market, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics and buyer expectations. I highlight the critical role of home staging in selling properties, especially in shifting markets.

The discussion also delves into the impact of AI on the staging process, the balance between virtual and physical staging, and the necessity of creativity in transforming spaces. For more resources and tips on home staging and growing your business, visit our website https://www.businessofhomestaging.com/thepodcast

Let’s continue transforming spaces into dream homes together!

In this engaging conversation, Joké Durojaiye and Marianne Cherico explore the world of home staging, discussing Marianne's extensive background in real estate and staging, the importance of mindset in overcoming barriers, and strategies for building relationships with real estate agents. They emphasize the significance of visibility, networking, and the mindset required for success in the home staging business. In this conversation, Joké Durojaiye discusses the challenges faced by real estate agents, the importance of building sustainable business models, and the need to understand profitability and pricing in the home staging industry. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration over competition and shares effective marketing strategies for connecting with real estate agents. The conversation concludes with insights into future goals and trends in home staging, particularly the resurgence of color in design.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:00 Journey into Home Staging

12:12 Mindset and Overcoming Barriers

20:06 Building Relationships with Real Estate Agents

28:29 Challenges Faced by Real Estate Agents

33:13 Building Sustainable Business Models

39:31 Understanding Profitability and Pricing

42:22 Competition vs. Collaboration

47:56 Effective Marketing Strategies for Agents

52:00 Future Goals and Trends in Home Staging

Host: Joké Durojaiye
Guest: Ellen Mann, President of Chrysalis Creative Home Staging

In this episode I am joined by the insightful Ellen Mann, President of Chrysalis Creative Home Staging, to dive into the nuances of building a successful home staging business. We kick things off with a discussion on the importance of selling oneself in the world of real estate, emphasizing the necessity of speaking the "business language" to attract potential clients. Ellen also shares her journey of transitioning from change management to home staging, offering invaluable tips on starting and sustaining a boutique business, including strategic inventory management and the role of creativity in avoiding a cookie-cutter look.

The conversation gets richer as Ellen speaks about her leadership role in RESA, her efficient staging techniques, and her experiences in the industry, from developing handy toolkits to creatively uniting diverse home elements for a profitable sale. We share personal stories and practical advice, underscoring the significance of business acumen, project management, and adaptability in the home staging field. This episode is a treasure trove for aspiring stagers and seasoned professionals alike.

Tune in for a wealth of knowledge, from mentorship and networking insights to Ellen's candid recounting of her career journey and strategies for daily progress.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend and creative partner, Chan Davis, who is a licensed real estate agent and the CEO of Stellar Interiors. We talk about how choosing collaboration over competition has helped us grow in the home staging business. From starting out as warehouse neighbors to becoming close business partners, we share how working together and blending our unique styles has made both of us better at what we do.

This episode is full of personal stories, like borrowing gold stools and how teaming up has opened new opportunities for us, both in business and in life. Even though our design styles are different, we’ve found success and creative fulfillment by supporting each other. Chan also shares her inspiring journey from real estate agent to home stager, along with tips on knowing your worth and embracing collaboration in your work.

No matter what field you’re in, this episode offers valuable lessons on building a supportive community. Tune in for this heartfelt conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Get ready to see how collaboration can transform your business!

Contact info:

Website: https://www.businessofhomestaging.com/thepodcast
Download the editable spreadsheet: planning for the slow season

Host: Joké Durojaiye
Guest: Tanya Nazaria, Founder of Brilliant Staging and Home Design

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to Tanya’s Journey
   • Tanya shares her unexpected path from law enforcement to home staging, starting Brilliant Staging in Seattle, and recently selling it after eight years.
   • Background in business, marketing, and accounting set Tanya up for success, helping her transition into a new industry.
2. The Unexpected Start in Staging
   • Tanya’s passion for design was discovered as she staged her own home for sale, receiving overwhelming positive feedback.
   • After quitting her job and researching home staging, she decided to start the business, focusing on growing her skills and learning along the way.
3. Key Advice for Aspiring Stagers
   • Understand your “why” before starting a staging business. Decide if you want to focus on design or on running and growing a business.
   • Emphasizes that staging can be a creative career without owning a business by working for established staging companies.
4. Importance of an Exit Strategy
   • From the start, Tanya planned to build a sellable business, structuring processes and systems to support an eventual handover.
   • Highlights the difference between running a business and creating a job for oneself, emphasizing the value of becoming an absentee owner.
5. Building Operational Systems
   • Documenting processes, creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), and planning for scalability.
   • Intellectual property, branding, and team building as foundational aspects that support smooth operations and eventual sale potential.
6. Challenges in Selling a Business
   • Professional appraisal helped Tanya understand the market value of her business, balancing emotional attachment with realistic numbers.
   • Insight into how assets, inventory, and intellectual property are valued differently by buyers and brokers.
7. Navigating Emotional and Practical Hurdles
   • Tanya explains the importance of detaching emotionally and focusing on profitability to attract buyers.
   • Leveraging intellectual property, unique branding, and explaining these aspects directly to potential buyers to convey business value beyond the numbers.
8. Building a Reliable Team
   • Discusses the significance of hiring team members who share the business vision and contribute positively, sharing insights on making difficult personnel decisions when necessary.
   • Tips for finding employees who bring fresh ideas and support growth, reinforcing that staging businesses cannot thrive alone.
9. Fun Closing – To Chop or Not to Chop?
   • Tanya and Joké share a fun, light-hearted debate on the popular design question: “To chop or not to chop pillows?” Both agree – they’re on Team Chop!
10. How to Connect with Tanya
    • Tanya now offers business consulting services to help other home stagers plan and execute an exit strategy for their businesses.
    • Find Tanya’s services at NazariaDC.com.

Key Takeaways:

• Approach your staging business with an end in mind; have a clear exit strategy, whether it’s selling, handing down, or retirement.
• Building a sustainable business requires well-documented processes, a reliable team, and strategic growth.
• When selling, focus on bottom-line profitability and market valuation while also emphasizing the unique brand and systems you’ve created.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Know your ‘why’ before starting a business – are you in it to stage or to build a business?”
• “Hiring the right people is crucial; one good team member can elevate the business, while one wrong hire can bring it down.”

Connect with Us:

• Follow Joké and the Business of Home Staging Podcast for more insights and inspiration.

Introduction

• Overview of the challenges home stagers face with the seasonal slowdown.
• Real estate activity decreases after September as families focus on school routines and holiday preparations.
• Home staging and real estate businesses often experience feast-or-famine cycles.

The Seasonal Struggle

• Expenses continue despite the slowdown, including high warehouse costs.
• Seasonal cycle stress and financial challenges without proactive planning.

Five Key Strategies for Managing Seasonal Flow

1. Diversify Your Services
   • Avoid relying solely on staging; explore complementary services.
   • Clients are often interested in additional services after staging.
   • Convert existing relationships into new projects such as design consultations, room organization, and redesigns.
2. Leverage the Highs and Prepare for the Lows
   • Understand the real estate market's cycles to plan finances accordingly.
   • Build financial buffers by paying a little extra each month toward expenses like rent.
   • Consider prepaying insurance, utilities, and taxes to reduce stress during slow periods.
3. Set Up a Line of Credit for Security
   • Establish a line of credit when business is strong, providing a financial cushion.
   • A line of credit offers flexibility, with interest only on the funds you use.
   • Applying when you’re financially strong helps secure favorable terms.
4. Promote Seasonal Services Early and Consistently
   • Start holiday service promotions by September to maintain visibility.
   • Collaboration with other local businesses can expand reach and resources.
   • Year-round promotion of services familiarizes clients with your offerings.
5. Invest in Education and Build Your Network
   • Use slower seasons to sharpen skills or engage a coach.
   • Strengthen client relationships by attending and hosting events.
   • Connect with real estate professionals and clients at seasonal events to build future business.

Additional Tips for a Financially Strong and Mentally Prepared Business

• Focus on learning, research, and networking during quiet times.
• Stay proactive in preparing for cyclical slowdowns with a mix of strategic actions.
• Aim for a balanced approach to ensure smooth operations through all market conditions.

Conclusion

• The real estate market is inherently cyclical, but with the right strategies, your staging business can thrive year-round.
• Diversifying services, planning finances, and proactive promotions all contribute to a stress-free holiday season.
• Download the customizable expense reserve spreadsheet in the show notes to create a tailored financial buffer for your business.

Closing Note

• Success in staging requires preparation, adaptability, and effort. By following these strategies, you can enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.

Download the editable spreadsheet: planning for the slow season

In this special episode, I’m celebrating the 6th anniversary of my home staging business by sharing six powerful lessons that have shaped my entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're just starting out, thinking about launching your own business, or are already a seasoned pro, these insights will help you fast-track your growth, avoid common mistakes, and set your business up for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Don’t Be a Superhero – Delegate to Grow
   When you're starting as a solopreneur, it's easy to take on every role. But doing it all will only hold you back in the long run. Learn the importance of documenting your processes and delegating tasks to free up your time and focus on scaling your business.
2. Growth is Uncomfortable, and Failure is Inevitable
   Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone, and failure is part of the journey. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity that will ultimately lead to bigger rewards. Each time you step out of your comfort zone, you’re preparing yourself and your business for the next big win.
3. Growth Doesn’t Always Mean Expansion
   Bigger doesn’t always mean better. I’ve learned to embrace linear growth by refining processes, diversifying income streams
4. Always Keep Your Pipelines Full
   Relying on one major client is risky. Always be marketing and attracting new business. Even when things are going well, keep building relationships and generating new leads
5. Business is Business – It’s Not Personal
   Don’t waste energy on things that don’t affect the bottom line. Focus on what matters, Concentrate on growing your business, and don’t sweat the small stuff that distracts you from your goals.
6. Don’t Compare Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle
   It’s easy to get distracted by what others in your industry are doing. Every business is unique, and your path to success should be based on your vision, resources, and personal goals.

Episode Highlights:

• Discover why documenting your processes is key to hiring and delegation.
• Learn how to embrace failure and use it as a catalyst for growth.
• My journey from expansion to scaling back for smarter growth.
• Understand the importance of constant marketing and maintaining a steady pipeline
• Gain insight into why it’s critical to focus on your business journey and not get caught up in what others are doing.

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode celebrating 6 years of learning, growing, and thriving in the home staging industry! These lessons have helped me shape my business, and I hope they inspire you on your journey. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights into building and scaling a successful home staging business!

This episode is packed with actionable strategies and real-life lessons from my experience as a home staging business owner. Want more content like this? Head over to Business of Home Staging for additional resources, courses, and coaching designed to help you succeed in your home staging journey.