If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short compared to other designers, this episode is your gentle but firm nudge to stop measuring your worth against someone else’s highlight reel. Melissa pulls back the curtain on imposter syndrome and the comparison trap, sharing 20 practical, mindset-shifting steps to silence that inner critic and step fully into your brilliance. You’ll walk away with tools you can use daily to reset your thinking, build unshakable confidence, and create unstoppable momentum in your design business.

From naming your imposter something silly, to creating a “confidence kit” of your wins, to swapping perfectionism for progress, this episode will help you reclaim your lane and own it. Melissa also dives into how to curate your circle for maximum support, share your work before it’s perfect, and shift your focus back to your unique gifts. This is a masterclass in turning self-doubt into self-assurance—so you can stop comparing and start celebrating the designer only you can be.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:02) How to recognize the signs of comparison and imposter syndrome before they take hold
• (03:09) Why naming your inner critic can help you separate from it and take back your power
• (04:06) How to create a “confidence kit” that keeps your wins front and center
• (09:54) The freedom that comes from making peace with being a lifelong work in progress
• (14:31) Why perfectionism is your imposter’s favorite weapon—and how to fight back
• (27:40) How to surround yourself with the right people and release toxic influences

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

In this milestone 150th episode of Design Business Freedom, you're guided through a refreshingly simple yet strategic approach to overcoming slow seasons in your interior design business. Instead of succumbing to the overwhelm of "more marketing," Melissa Gault, your interior design business coach, walks you through the transformative power of choosing one intentional action to focus on for 30 days. This episode is packed with tangible ideas and real-life examples to help you bring in clients, cash, and confidence—without the hustle.

Melissa shares 12 proven marketing strategies specifically designed for interior designers and emphasizes the importance of alignment, authenticity, and consistency. Whether you're feeling a slowdown in inquiries, income, or inspiration, you'll walk away with a practical plan to shift from scattered effort to meaningful momentum. It's about simplifying your strategy to amplify your results—and this episode shows you exactly how.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:09) Why “doing more” during slow seasons leads to burnout, not bookings
• (03:40) How to select one of 12 proven marketing moves to focus on for 30 days
• (05:31) Why launching a digital newsletter can be a game-changing visibility tool
• (07:17) The power of story-driven Instagram content that attracts ideal clients—not DIYers
• (13:07) Tips for getting into publications and podcasts your clients actually pay attention to
• (26:11) How optimizing your Google Business Profile can improve local visibility fast

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Tricia Malloy Testimonial Writing Services
• Timeleft Dinners

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Believe it or not, I see so many designers flying without a net, which is what I call it when you work without a letter of agreement or with one that has absolutely no protection for you in it. A letter of agreement is just another word for a contract, but it sounds much friendlier. Most importantly, a letter of agreement will outline all stipulations, clauses, and information that you and your client need to set up a positive and professional project timeline.

Your business needs to have a document that provides protection for your profits and peace of mind for you as the principal of the firm while at the same time providing clarity and confidence to your client. And even though this is so important, the legalese that most contracts are written in often makes both designers and clients uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

My attorney-approved letter of agreement template is written in plain English and covers everything needed for protection from any snafus that may arise. And in today’s episode, I will walk you through my process of creating the right letter of agreement that is not going to overwhelm you or your clients but will still provide all of the clarity, confidence, and cohesiveness needed for your next project.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How to craft a thorough and protective letter of agreement in plain English that will be easy for you and your clients to navigate
• Which clauses to walk your clients through when reviewing your Letter of Agreement
• The importance of presentation and ease of information when crafting your letter

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Supporting Resources:

• View my Letter of Agreement template - https://melissagalt.kartra.com/page/the-right-design-agreement
• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok @MelissaGalt

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.