EP 158 | How Interior Designers Can Survive a Recession with David C. Baker
How should interior designers prepare their business for an economic downturn?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by entrepreneurial expert David C. Baker to discuss the critical business decisions designers must make during uncertain economic times.
When fear and uncertainty rise, many business owners instinctively react in ways that weaken their positioning and profitability. David shares practical guidance for staying focused, protecting your business, and making strategic decisions that support long-term success instead of short-term survival.
In this episode, we learn:
• What it means to be a “lagging indicator” during economic change
• Why interior designers should resist broadening their positioning out of fear
• How chasing revenue instead of profit can damage long-term business health
• Why maintaining clear positioning strengthens your competitive advantage
• How thoughtful decision-making creates greater business stability
• Why difficult decisions are sometimes necessary for future growth
• How focusing on profitability helps interior designers navigate economic uncertainty with confidence
• Why strong leadership matters most during challenging business cycles
David C. Baker is an author, speaker, and advisor to entrepreneurial creatives worldwide. He has written 5 books, advised 900+ firms, and keynoted conferences in 30+ countries. His work has been discussed in dozens of international publications. The NY Times referred to him as the expert’s expert. He co-hosts the most listened to podcast in the creative services field (2bobs).
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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