1187: WWLD: If Talent Isn’t the Problem, Why Aren’t You Getting Hired?

Today With LuAnn Nigara: You’re talented. You’ve built something thoughtful, elevated, even exceptional. So why isn’t it landing? That’s the real question behind today’s What Would Lu Do. In this episode, I answer a question from a creative entrepreneur who offers highly customized, luxury-level products designed in collaboration with interior designers. Her question? Do designers even want this level of custom work… or do they prefer established brands with systems and structure? But that’s not really the question. The real question is: If what you offer is so good… why isn’t it getting traction? What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why talent and quality are not the deciding factors in getting hired How market fit determines whether your offer lands or gets ignored The difference between being visible, distinct, and discreet (from my conversations with Kate O’Hara) Why high-end clients expect custom… but demand it be effortless How designers actually discover (and specify) vendors and partners The role of relationships vs. visibility in growing a high-level business What both vendors and designers must do to reach the next tier The Big Takeaways 1. Not every great offer is for every client If you’re trying to appeal to everyone, you’ll connect with no one. 2. The higher the level, the narrower the audience Luxury, custom, and bespoke always mean a smaller, more specific market. 3. Discovery might get you noticed. Relationships get you hired At higher levels, opportunities come through trust, not chance. 4. Custom is expected. Effortless is required Your value isn’t just what you create. It’s how smoothly you deliver it. 5. Whether you’re a designer or a vendor, the path is the same Find the right rooms. Get in them. Stay in them long enough for trust to build. Referenced Episodes To go deeper on client tiers and positioning, listen to: Episode #1148: A Framework for Understanding Luxury Interior Design Clients Episode #1157: Marketing to the Three Tiers of Luxury Clients and How to Attract Each One Mentioned in This Episode In this episode, I reference a creative entrepreneur who submitted today’s question. While I typically keep the focus on the lesson rather than the source, in this case, seeing the type of work we’re discussing may be helpful. You can find her information in the show notes below: Trisha Patel Website Instagram Have a Question for WWLD? Head to: 👉 luannigara.com/WWLD Submit your question and it might be featured in an upcoming episode. 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 What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://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 Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2