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Designers Business Community

by Eric Lee - Starfish Coaching

Follow Eric Lee, award winning Architectural & Interior Designer, owner of multiple businesses, and Business Success Coach, as he shares with you business success tips, advice, and interviews with other successful entrepreneurs. As a creative and entrepreneur himself, Eric understands the difficulty of balancing what a creative loves to do while managing the business aspects of a company. This makes him the perfect coach for creative businesses!For more information about Eric Lee, go to www.starfishcoaching.net. You can also find him on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @starfishcoaching.

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Jul 9, 2025. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. Ep. 80 - Entrepreneurial Tips for Interior Design Business Owners

    In this episode of our Designers Business Community Podcast, we have a conversation with Marcy Sagel, founder of MSA Interiors. She's a veteran Interior Designer and entrepreneur extraordinaire and she graciously shares many great tips for all the interior design business owners out there. Hey...

  2. Ep. 79 - Direct Response Marketing with John Dwyer

    In this episode of our Designers Business Community Podcast, we interview John Dwyer from the Institute of Wow. He's an expert and veteran marketer and he shares with us ways that Interior Designers, Architects, and Builders can use direct marketing for their business. Hey there! This is Eric…

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  3. Ep. 78 - Goal Setting Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them

    With the new year, there are new goals for your business. Yet research shows that only 9% of people stick to their goals. So in this episode, I want to give you some tips on the 6 major pitfalls of goal setting and how to overcome it! Hey there! This is Eric Lee, and welcome to my channel. I am a...

  4. Ep. 77 - Key Metrics for Customer Acquisition and Retention

    Many small business owners don't look at their metrics, yet this is what their business needs most. In this video, I will share with you 5 key metrics that relate to your sales and marketing. More importantly, it will give you some insight on how much value each of your customers are bringing to...

  5. Ep. 76 - How to Handle the "I'm Not Good Enough" Syndrome

    The negative self talk of "I'm not good enough" is all too common, yet we don't have to let it define us. In this video, I'll talk about what that is and how to deal with it so that it doesn't stop you from obtaining your success in life.

  6. Ep. 75 - Tax and Cashflow Tips with Money Coach Effie Gomulia

    Navigating the financial side of a small business can feel like steering through stormy seas, especially for creative type business owners. In this episode, Money Coach Effie Gomulia will share with us her practical insights around tax and cash flow. To learn more about Effie's services or to...

  7. Ep. 74 - Tap into the Power of Gratitude for your Organization

    Tapping into the power of gratitude is key to building a high performance team for your organization. In this episode, I will be diving deep into the topic of gratitude and share with you tips on how you can harness the power of gratitude for your business organization.

  8. Ep. 73 - Three Key Levers in your Business - Time, Talent, and Money

    Every business, regardless of size or industry, is built on three fundamental resources: Time, Talent, and Money. These are the levers you can adjust to influence the direction and success of your business. Understanding how to manage and optimize these resources is crucial to achieving your…

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  9. Ep. 72 - Steps to Successful Recruiting

    A successful company relies on its people. So it goes without saying that recruiting the right way is a key to success for your business. In this episode, I'll break down the 3 important steps to successful recruiting so that you can build your team of talents the right way!

  10. Ep. 71 - Empower Your Business by Trusting Your Managers

    One of the most significant challenges for business owners, CEOs, and leaders is to trust your managers. But if you can overcome this, it can lead to greater efficiency, innovation, and success. In this video, we will give you the step-by-step guide on how to cultivate trust in your management team.

  11. Ep. 70 - Increase your Sales Conversion by Understanding the 4 Customer Types

    In this episode, I'm going to give you some tips on how to improve your closing ratio by understanding the 4 common customer types. I'll describe what the 4 customer types are and give you strategies on how to effectively sell to them. The last bonus tips is the best, so listen until the end!

  12. Ep. 69 - Feng Shui Principles | Interview with Danijela Saponjic

    In this episode of my Founders Success Series, I interview Danijela Saponjic of Unfolding Space - Feng Shui and Space Healing. Danijela will be sharing with us he basics of feng shui and how it applies to the interior space, along with giving us some business tips of how she built her feng shui...

  13. EP. 68 - How to be an Effective Entrepreneur and Leader - Understanding your Circle of Control

    I learnt this concept from Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and it has served me really well to be an effective parent, boss, leader, entrepreneur, and person in general. Once you can understand what are your Circle of Control vs your Circle of Influence, you will be able to...

  14. Ep. 67 - Trust is the Magic Ingredient for Your Organization

    I've shared with you before the benefits of having a team for your business, especially if you want one where you don't need to be too involved. Learn why it's the magic ingredient for a successful organization in this episode.

  15. Ep 66 - Benefits of Building a Team for your Business

    Building a business that will bring recurring revenue should be the key to all business owners. If that is your goal, then this video will share with a key reason for this, and that is having a team! I will go through the top 4 benefits of why having a team can help you in your business! Hey…

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  16. Ep. 60 - Systemize Your Business Early - Interview with Ruth M'Rav Jankelowitz

    For this episode of my Founders Secret Interview Series, I have the pleasure of interviewing Ruth M'Rav Jankelowitz. She's the principal and Design Director of the her commercial Interior Design business Janks Design Group. As an Interior Designer who's spent 18 years of running her own business,...

  17. Ep. 61 - The Business Trap we get Ourselves Into & How to Get Out

    Business owners build a subtle trap for themselves and they don't even know it. I've done this myself just like many other people starting up a business. In this podcast, you can learn what this trap is and find what you need to do to get out of this trap. If you are curious about my training to...

  18. Ep. 63 - Effective Marketing Tips for Interior Designers | Ericka Saurit Interview

    In this episode of my Founders Success Series, I interview Ericka Saurit who will be sharing some great tips with us around Marketing and Brand Building. If you're interested in learning more about her Marketing School for Creatives, check it out here:...

  19. Ep. 64 - Why You Should be Working "ON" your Business and How to do it Effectively

    You've probably heard me talk about the importance of building a self-sustaining business that brings recurring revenue with very little involvement from you. One important aspect of doing this is to start working "ON" your business. In this episode, I help you to understand what it means to work...

  20. Ep 65 - Benefits of a Strategic Annual Plan for Business Success in 2024!

    Happy new year! As we start into 2024, let's make sure you do what's needed to have your business be a success. Taking the time to do a proper strategic annual plan will make all the difference for your business in 2024. In this episode, I discuss the benefits of doing a strategic annual plan and...

  21. Ep. 62 - Technician to Manager to Entrepreneur - The E-myth Concept explained for your business

    In this episode, I want to give you a path to get out of the business owner's trap to finally build the business which is the Goose that lays the Golden Egg. The E-myth concept of transitioning from the Technician to Manager to Entrepreneur is the secret to achieving sustainable business success!...

  22. Ep. 59 - How to Avoid Single Point of Failure in your Business Production

    One of the biggest risks a small business has is not having redundancy in their production skills. I don't mean Skills Redundancy which is when a company has redundant jobs. I'm talking about purposefully building in redundancy so that you can mitigate the risk of having a Single Point of Failure...

  23. Ep. 58 - How to Work Together with your Spouse in Business

    In this episode, I want to give you my perspective of working with your spouse in your business. It may not always be a bad thing, and it really depends on how much growth you have in your personal relationship. Here's a hint, it's not the business that's the issue. Listen to hear my coaching...

  24. Ep. 57 - Business Tips with Andre Garrison

    In this episode, Andre Garrison, writer, sales person, and serial entrepreneur, gives us some 10 tips that will sure bring value to your business. Don't forget to follow this podcast so you don’t miss any upcoming episodes! For more information about Starfish Coaching, click here:...

  25. Ep. 56 - How to do a Financial Projection for your Business

    The majority of small business owners don't know what a financial projection is and they definitely don't know how to do it. This may also be why the majority of small business owners fail in their first 2 years. In this episode, I will show you how to do a financial projection for your business…

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  26. Ep. 55 - When is the Right Time to Hire Employees

    A very common question with small business owners is When is the right time to hire an employee? In this episode, I'll be explaining exactly that. I will give you 3 symptoms to look for and also explain some typical work arrangements if you are ready to hire more help for your business. Join our...

  27. Ep. 54 - 5 Things to Consider When Taking on a Business Partner

    Are you in business for yourself and wondering if you should take on a partner? This is a common question for many business owners. In this video, I'd like to give you 5 things to consider before taking on a partner. There is also a bonus tip at the end so make sure you listen until then. Join…

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  28. Ep. 53 - Build a Golden Egg Business or Just Quit

    The goal of all business owners when they start their business should be to build something that provides them recurring income. But many business owners miss this point. So in this episode, I'm going to give you my perspective on why this is so important. Join our Facebook group to connect with...

  29. Ep. 52 - Top 5 Business Mistakes Interior Designers Make

    In this episode, I'm going to share with you the top 5 business mistakes that interior designers make when they first start their business. You can shortcut a lot of expensive learnings so watch till the end and take notes! Join our Facebook group to connect with other Design Business owners:...

  30. Ep. 51 - What to Expect in the First Year of Your Interior Design Business

    In this episode, I'm going to share with you what to expect in your first year of your Interior Design Business. If you are a new student or just starting your own business, then it can be overwhelming. So I want to share wtih you some things to expect so that you know what you're getting into....

  31. Ep. 50 - Struggles of a Design Business Owner | Flavie Dufrenne Interview

    For this episode of my Founders Secret Interview Series, I have the pleasure of interviewing Flavie Dufrenne who's a graphic designer growing her business. We explore the struggles of a Creative Entrepreneur who has to balance between the left and right brain thinking of a Design Business Owner....

  32. Ep. 49 - How to Attract more Design Clients

    In this episode, I'll be sharing with you tips on how to attract your clients. I'll break it down and give 3 tips for new Interior Designers and also 3 tips for established Interior Designers who's started a few years but still need to get more clients. Join our Facebook group to connect with…

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  33. Ep. 48 - 5 Tips for Converting More Interior Design Clients

    In this episode, I'm going to share with you 5 sales conversion tips that will help you increase your conversion rate for your next consultation. These tips are from my 25 years experience in the industry and if you follow them, you will have a much higher conversion rate for your next Interior...

  34. Ep. 47 - Marketing Tips for Interior Design Business | Sarah Adnan Interview

    In this episode of my Founders Success Interview series, I have the honour of inviting Sarah Adnan of Elevated Living onto my show. She has extensive background in the corporate world before starting her own interior design business. In this interview, she shares with us some great tips for...

  35. Ep. 46 - How to work ON your business instead of working IN your business

    Many business owners get into business thinking that they are good at what they do as the "Technician" but a good business also requires a good business "Manager". This is the difference between working IN the business and working ON the business. In this video, I'll share with you tips on how to...

  36. Ep. 45 - How to Let Go of All the Hats You're Wearing in Your Design Business

    In this interview of my Founders Success Series, I interview Carolyn Boldt of Crossfields Chiropractic Office Design. She shares with us how she has been able to scale her design business to one that is self sustaining and she isn't wearing all the hats like many other small business owners. Join...

  37. Ep. 44 - How to Market your Interior Design Business for Free (Almost)

    If you're looking for ways to market your interior design business, then I'm going to give you 5 ways that you can market your interior design business for free (well almost). Join our Facebook group to connect with other Design Business owners:...

  38. Ep. 43 - Business Success Requires Playing the Long Game

    In this episode, I talk about finding success in your business by playing the long game. There is no shortcut to being successful in business so I will share this tip with you to adopt the mindset of playing a long game. Join our Facebook group to connect with other Design Business owners:...

  39. Ep 42. How to live your Magical Life full of purpose | Jen Thaker Interview

    In this Episode, I interview Jenn Thaker of Thaker financial. She left a secure, 6-digit job in big pharma to pursue her purpose and in this interview, she shares her tips on how to live your magical life full of purpose! To join our Designers Business Community Facebook Group, click here:...

  40. Ep 41. What Makes a Good Business Owner vs Employee - 5 Traits

    In this Episode, I'd like to help you figure out if your personality is a better fit to be an employee of a company or a business owner. There are definitely differences in character and personality so let's explore 5 of those for both a business owner and an employee. To join our Designers...

  41. Ep 40. Should you Work for Someone First Before Starting Your Own Interior Design Business

    A common question I get asked a lot is whether if a new Interior Designer should go work for someone else first or go straight into starting their own business? Let's answer this question with this video! To join our Designers Business Community Facebook Group, click here:...

  42. Ep 39. Can you be an Interior Designer without Going to Design School

    In this episode, I'll answer the question; Can I be an Interior Designer without going to school. Many people think about this and it's not a straight forward answer but I will help you process this and decide what's right for you and your career. To join our Designers Business Community Facebook...

  43. Ep 38. Interview with Sandra Chavez - Using Innovative Ideas for Growing an Interior Design Business

    In this episode of my Founder's Success Secrets interview, I am interviewing Sandra Chavez of Sandra Jessica Interiors. She is a successful YouTube content creator and have used it to help promote her interior design business. In this interview with Sandra, she shares her experience as an…

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  44. Ep 36. How Much it Costs to Start an Interior Design Business

    Have you ever wondered how much it costs to start an interior design business? In this episode, I'll give a breakdown of how much it costs to start an interior design business. For those of you who are thinking of starting your own interior design firm, we now have an online course where Eric…

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  45. Ep 37. Five Tips for Starting Your Own Business

    Are you starting your own business or still contemplating on coming out on your own? In this episode, I will give you 5 tips to help your new business to be successful. Running your own business is a lot of learning so listen for my 5 tips to shortcut your learning when you are starting your own...

  46. Ep 35. Difference between Commercial and Residential Design Jobs

    Many young interior designers have asked me what the difference between commercial and residential interior design jobs are, so in this episode - I'll share with you how commercial and residential design projects differ! For those of you who are thinking of starting your own interior design firm,...

  47. Ep 34. Interview with Stephanie Fiteni - What is the Right Size for your Design Company?

    Stephanie Fiteni is a content marketing strategist and a marketing coach. But before she went solo and took off with her own business, she had a marketing agency that served numerous businesses. Listen in as Stephanie shares her journey of downsizing her agency and then transitioning back into a...

  48. Ep 33. Should you Go Solo or Build a Team?

    There’s an African proverb that I like to cite that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This proverb applies to many things in life but especially in business, it brings up the question of whether you should stay solo or build a team. For those of you who...

  49. Ep 32. A Book Review of "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team"

    A lot from what I've learned is from reading books, so in this episode, I'll cover "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni. This book is a classic read for anyone trying to build a team. I'm going to be giving a summary of the key points of the book, share my perspective on it, and...

  50. Ep 31. Five Tips for Building a Successful Team

    As a CEO or business owner, your job will be much easier once you have a good team behind you. In this episode, I'll give you 5 tips on how you can build a successful team to help manage your business. For those of you who are thinking of starting your own interior design firm, we now have an...

About this show

Follow Eric Lee, award winning Architectural & Interior Designer, owner of multiple businesses, and Business Success Coach, as he shares with you business success tips, advice, and interviews with other successful entrepreneurs. As a creative and entrepreneur himself, Eric understands the difficulty of balancing what a creative loves to do while managing the business aspects of a company. This makes him the perfect coach for creative businesses!For more information about Eric Lee, go to www.starfishcoaching.net. You can also find him on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @starfishcoaching.

Hosted by

Eric Lee - Starfish Coaching

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Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Designers Business Community have?

Designers Business Community has 80 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on July 9, 2025.

What is Designers Business Community about?

Follow Eric Lee, award winning Architectural & Interior Designer, owner of multiple businesses, and Business Success Coach, as he shares with you business success tips, advice, and interviews with other successful entrepreneurs. As a creative and entrepreneur himself, Eric understands the...

How often does Designers Business Community release new episodes?

Designers Business Community publishes every two weeks, based on its 80 episodes since August 2021.

Who hosts Designers Business Community?

Designers Business Community is created and hosted by Eric Lee - Starfish Coaching.
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