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    161: Lynn Eastergard: Qualify Your Clients By Charging Consultation and Retainer Fees

    enApril 17, 2023
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    About this Episode

    Today With Lynn Eastergard:

    Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Today I am joined by Lynn Eastergard, owner of Upstate Window Fashions in Greenville, South Carolina. Lynn is not only a talented window treatment professional, but she is also an expert at qualifying her clients. Lynn has a unique sales model with this qualification process baked right in by charging a consultation fee and a retainer fee right up front. She is here today to explain why she does it, how she does it, and why it works.

    Pick It Apart

    [2:42] Lynn explains how she introduced the consultation fee and how she uses it today.

    [11:41] LuAnn and Lynn quickly estimate a window treatment project and compare their numbers.

    [18:20] Lynn explains how the consultation fee and the retainer fee signify a commitment by the client.

    [28:37] Lynn walks through how she runs her follow up appointments at local resource centers. 

    [34:19] LuAnn discovers Lynn has been trained on the Make a Friend Seven Step Sales Process.

    LuAnn Nigara and Lynn Eastergard’s Ah-Ha Moments

    “With retainers, we are 100-percent close ratio, with the design consultation fee…right now we're at 99-percent.” - Lynn

    “You are running that appointment in that resource center…it's not happening around you.” - LuAnn

    “So that's what entrepreneurship is, right? We figure out what works and we do it. And when it works—great. We do more of it. When it doesn't—we change our mind.” – LuAnn

    More About Lynn Eastergard:

    When Lynn was a student in college sitting in a college class called “Sewing for the Home”, a speaker came to share with the students about her home-based business fabricating window treatments.  It was during that class that Lynn decided her destiny – that she, one day, would also have a home-based business fabricating window treatments and bedding.  Lynn even named her business in that class:  The Window Dresser.  Several years later, in her young twenties, the birth of The Window Dresser sprouted. 

    Today, the business has evolved to a much greater level than its beginnings of twenty-six years ago.  The name of Lynn’s company has also changed and today her Team works under the business name of Upstate Window Fashions in Greenville, South Carolina.  Upstate Window Fashions provides not only custom draperies but also manufactured products such as shades, plantation shutters, blinds, and even exterior shutters.

    Lynn Eastergard brings a sincere and warm welcome to homeowners, builders, designers, and architects in their home projects.  She is passionate about her work and loves guiding her clients to the perfect solution of window fashions whether it is based on selecting innovative products with specialty shades and motorization or working within a budget.  

    Lynn Eastergard brings more than twenty-six years of experience in window fashions.  She specializes in selections of shutters, blinds, specialty shades, motorization, and exterior shutters as well as custom drapery and bed linens.

    Lynn has served as a local chapter President and as Vice president for Window Covering Association of America. She is certified in historical window treatment fabrication which allowed her the opportunity to assist designing and fabricating treatments for the Biltmore Guest Cottage with a group of other fabricators with some other students who attended Cheryl Strickland’s classes. 

    Being competitive in the window treatment industry requires continual education to stay well versed in ever-changing design and marketplace trends.  Lynn stays current by participating in professional conferences, trade shows and certifications.  She has completed the certification requirements of Certified Installers, Certified Design Consultant, and PowerView Professional Installers.

    Lynn has two children, Elizabeth and Mark, that also live in Greenville.  She has been married to George for two and a half years whom she attributes much of her business growth due to his strong support and logistics with her successful business. 

    Connect with Lynn Eastergard

    Upstate Window Fashions 2021

    Website

    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

    luannuniversity.com

    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

    AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

    Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

    Pre-Order 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 Shows Mentioned:

    WTFP #61: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process and 3 Proven Sales Techniques to be More Successful

    WTFP #134: Deb Barrett: Why Textiles Matter

    AWDB #760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals

    AWDB #813: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Design Fees VS Hourly Billing — Why Are Flat Fees the Way to Go?

    Other Resources Mentioned:

    IWCE

    WCAA

    Exciting Windows

    Exciting Windows Make a Friend 7 Step Sales System

    LuAnn University – Make a Friend 7 Step Sales Process

    Deb Barrett Course

    Recent Episodes from Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn Nigara

    260: Disruptor Alert: Life Was Never Meant to Be A Struggle - The Role Window Treatments Play in Our Unconscious Minds

    260: Disruptor Alert: Life Was Never Meant to Be A Struggle - The Role Window Treatments Play in Our Unconscious Minds

    259: Jessica Harling: 6 Strategies to Handle a Difficult Customer

    259: Jessica Harling: 6 Strategies to Handle a Difficult Customer

    Today With Jessica Harling:

    Hi, welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Difficult customers. We all have experienced one, and if you haven't, you will at one point. So what better way to salvage an undesirable situation than to be prepared before one even happens? Fortunately, Jessica Harling, window treatment design consultant and founder of Behind the Design, is back guiding us with six easy strategies to handle a difficult customer.

    Pick It Apart

    [2:00] Jessica explains the first strategy for handling difficult customers — be proactive.

    [8:28] Tips on staying calm!

    [18:06] Jessica’s third strategy — Listen.

    [24:50] Clarifying the customer’s issue.

    [34:06] The power of empathy.

    [43:04] LuAnn shares specific situations that she has encountered at Window Works.

    LuAnn and Jessica Harling's Ah-Ha Moments

    “The number one issue from a customer is that they weren’t communicated with.” Jessica Harling

    Create a process for when there is an issue that has specific steps because while issues don't happen often, we all experience them at some point.” - Jessica Harling

    More About Jessica Harling

    With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.

    Connect with Jessica Harling

    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

    AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

    Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

    Pre-Order 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 Shows Mentioned:

    WTFP #122: Jill Ballew: Her System for Chasing Post Installation Issues

    WTFP #254: Jessica Harling: Confronting or Firing Family Members in Your Business

    WTFP #256: Jessica Harling: Firing a Family Member Part 2: 9 Tips to Make it as Painless as Possible

    AWDB #634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire

    AWDB #760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals

    258: Katlyn Slocum: Make Your Website a Sales Machine

    258: Katlyn Slocum: Make Your Website a Sales Machine

    257: Vita Vygovska: Working With Designers: Process vs Service

    257: Vita Vygovska: Working With Designers: Process vs Service

    256: Jessica Harling: Firing a Family Member Part 2: 9 Tips to Make it as Painless as Possible

    256: Jessica Harling: Firing a Family Member Part 2: 9 Tips to Make it as Painless as Possible

    255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy

    255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy

    254: Jessica Harling: Confronting or Firing Family Members in Your Business

    254: Jessica Harling: Confronting or Firing Family Members in Your Business

    253: Tim Yurek: Three Disturbing Trends That Put Small Businesses at Risk

    253: Tim Yurek: Three Disturbing Trends That Put Small Businesses at Risk

    Today With Tim Yurek:

    Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Today, we’re talking about what we want from our business in the long-term—and more specifically, what we’re doing, or not doing, that threatens the long-term success and the next generation of our business. 
    Now, I know that when you’re in the weeds with your business, it’s easy to put off that long-term planning. But what if you could make some smart changes today to pave the way for whatever you want for the future of your business outside of yourself? 
    My guest today, Tim Yurek, is a highly accomplished financial consultant. As the founder and CEO of Tier 1 Capital, he has spent over 35 years helping thousands of people across the country achieve their financial goals. Tim is here for part 1 of a valuable conversation around succession planning, retaining key players for the next phase of the business, and protecting your retirement so you can move into that next phase.

    Pick It Apart

    [4:32] Tim breaks down the three disturbing trends threatening long-term business success (and shares some shocking statistics).

    [12:31] Tim and LuAnn discuss the cash flow issues business owners face (and the key to breaking out of them).

    [19:41] LuAnn and Tim talk about what it really takes to retain the future leaders of your business.

    [32:51] Tim discusses why business owners aren’t planning for retirement or succession and how they can free up the funds needed to do so.

    LuAnn and Tim Yurek's Ah-Ha Moments

    “It’s not the amount of money that you make—it’s how you’re using your money. We call that the financial golf swing. You could go out and buy the best golf clubs and think you’re going to be the best golfer. News flash—it doesn’t work that way. Or, you can improve your golf game by going down to the practice range and working on your swing.” -Tim

    “If I already know who those key employees are, why am I not having those conversations to understand what is important to them to encourage them to stay and take over?” -LuAnn

    “We don’t want to be fiscally irresponsible, but it’s fiscally irresponsible actually to not set ourselves up for the exit plan.” -LuAnn

    More About Tim Yurek

    Tim Yurek is a highly accomplished financial consultant, veteran, and thought leader in his industry. As the founder and CEO of Tier 1 Capital, he has spent over 35 years helping thousands of people across the country achieve their financial goals. His expertise includes growing businesses, attracting/retaining top talent, planning for business succession and converting business equity into cash.
    Tim’s success in the financial consulting field has been recognized on a global level, as evidenced by his seat at the Million Dollar Round Table - an independent association of the world’s leading life insurance and financial service professionals.
    He has also earned the distinguished honor of being designated as “Top of the Table” within the organization, which places him in the top 1% of professionals in his industry worldwide.
    With his extensive experience and impressive track record, Tim is well-positioned to offer valuable insights and strategies to his clients. He is committed to helping them achieve financial freedom by minimizing risk, increasing accessibility, and putting them in control of their money. His expertise and dedication have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and mentor to many, and his insights have been featured on major media outlets such as Bloomberg TV.

    Connect with Tim Yurek

    Facebook

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    LinkedIn

    YouTube

    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

    LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

    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

    AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

    Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

    Pre-Order 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

    252: The Power Talk Friday Tour: An Unforgettable Day of Insights and Inspiration

    252: The Power Talk Friday Tour: An Unforgettable Day of Insights and Inspiration

    251: Vita Vygovska: 4 Strategies to Overcome Fear in Your Business

    251: Vita Vygovska: 4 Strategies to Overcome Fear in Your Business
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