Having been a trained designer/salesperson (note the order of the words) over the years, I tend to agree that designers can be trained to be more aggressive ($$) in their sales approach, and essentially be taught to SELL. However, if the designer is involved in the client meetings they may often attempt to do the best thing for the client, which doesn't always translate to a higher sales volume, thereby lowering the overall profit. This is the bigger problem- designers are trained to listen and problem solve;salespeople are trained to make money. How does a cabinet vendor make money? Is it by the short term sale or is it by the longer reaching referral process? A designer will often be referred to as the person to go to, as they understood the client and helped them solve the problem which was their kitchen/etc. More often a client will not say "you have to use this salesperson, because he upsold me on lots of stuff which is nice, but not really necessary". In this day and age of price sensitivity, and ready competition, it is the person who makes the problems go away that is remembered. Can this be the same person?Yes, of course- in the teaser for part 3 the conversation notes "should the designer be fired for not learning that sales process matters?" My hope is that before that designer is fired, there had been some concentrated effort of the employer to train them in the process and the concepts of higher profits- noting that incentives $ will make that difference most of the time.

Loved the podcast. I am a designer looking for more work, currently working solo. So Im getting work by referal. I would love to be a designer with killer sales skills who works with a team ...tell me how, where and when.

I believe that designers (Real Designers) are sales people. That's what we do is sell customers the best of whats perfect for them. One of the first things i learned in design school was how to sell yourself and the product to the client. They pay for our skill and ability to offer best product and design for their project.The whole time your designing you are selling. I consider myself a salesperson and a very good designer. Laura M. Rodrigues

I find this entire pod cast extremely disrespectful and threatening in tone. Like the first poster said, clients know what they want. We can suggest upgrades and better quality products, but if a customer isn't interested it's that simple. The inherit definition of a kitchen designer is a sales person. We know our clientele BEST. I know I do not need someone looking over my shoulder that has no idea what the consultation, design process, and final closing sale procedures entail. Not a fan of this podcast AT ALL!

is this correct? 4m.thinkcompanion.com  
 
I can't find it. 
 
 
 
I do agree that designers can embrace sales skills! I am proof. However, I will never be a car salesperson! But I can sell by offering them what they need, educating them on their options and products and relationship selling.  
 
 
 
Interesting thing is that my closing ratio is 9 out of 10 when I'm an independent vs working for a firm. I can sell ME, it's harder to sell a firm. Unfortunately the ones I've worked with have been managed dysfunctionally! It's not just the designers who need to learn and grow beyond where they've been, business owners need to understand their designers and what makes them tick and what motivates them.  
 
 
 
Designers are not motivated the same way left brain professionals are! I think there is a huge gap in our industry in "good" management. 
 
 
 
The clients will suffer long term if the focus is sales vs service and quality of life.