Time for some Joann & Kelly mentoring! In this episode, we discuss how being a successful interior designer requires an extraordinary and varied skillset. We will share (5) key skills we use almost every day, from how to qualify a client, build rapport and trust with a client, and, most importantly, close the deals. The last 18 years have taught us a lot, and we are happy to share some helpful insights. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Listen to the end of the episode for a VERY BIG industry announcement. Establishing yourself as an expert from the first impression is key to closing the deal. We collect all procurement and design funds 100% up front. We will explain how. RESOURCE LINKS: Kandrac & Kole Website Kandrac & Kole on Instagram Kandrac & Kole on YouTube BIO: Kandrac & Kole was voted one of Atlanta’s Top 20 Residential Interior Designs by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and has been featured on HGTV as well as in The New York Times, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Home Magazine, and many others as well as participants of the One Room Challenge Spring 2020. Kandrac & Kole has established a well-known reputation for their approachable, dynamic personalities, signature use of color and pattern, and one-of-a-kind, custom designs. As industry experts for residential and commercial design, Joann Kandrac & Kelly Kole share upbeat and entertaining narratives regarding their design projects, travels, and personal stories on their popular blog, their podcast, and via national speaking engagements. Joann and Kelly’s love and commitment to the power of interior design also extends towards their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala. SPONSOR: Esteem Media This episode is sponsored by Esteem Media. Esteem Media is a brand that believes that commerce can be maximized among luxury businesses by creating and sharing content that adds value to online and offline business networks. They specialize in connecting national and local businesses in the luxury home design and fine wine arenas. Their calendar of upcoming events is super impressive so listen closely: HIGH POINT MARKET INFLUENCERS AND INSIDERS TOURS – Developed by the High Point Market Authority in partnership with Esteem This spring, the Design Influencers Tour program will take ten design influencers on a two-day tour of sponsoring showrooms at High Point Market. During each tour, designers will receive an in-depth look at the exhibitor’s company history, brand positioning, and furnishings products. After Spring Market, each designer will reflect on inspirational products and moments from the Market, as well as promote the tour sponsors, via their online platforms. Follow them on social via #designinfluencerstour.  Influencer list: https://www.highpointmarket.org/designinfluencerstour INSIDERS TOUR - An amazing way to fast track immersion into the High Point Market with (5) established designers (which we are one of!) LUXURY HOME DESIGN SUMMIT MAY 22-24, 2023 | CHATHAM BARS INN | CHATHAM, MA https://luxuryhomedesignsummit.com This conference is a collaboration between Esteems magazine, New England Home and the Esteem Media event management team. It is a conference and networking event accessible to today's and future leaders in the luxury home design industry who run, own, manage, or aspire to lead home design businesses around the country. It is unlike any other conference in the industry, bringing luxury designers, architects, builders, landscape architects, and all kinds of folks that do business with them together with an advanced business program. Amazingly, the 2023 event sold out more than two months in advance of the actual conference (something we never experienced before) and we are accepting waiting list reservations. SOUTHEASTERN DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE AND GARDENS 2762 Normandy Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 May 11 - June 4, 2023 Benefitting Camp Twin Lakes which runs transformative camps for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other