In today’s fast-paced, post-pandemic world, the old business playbook simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Face-to-face meetings are rare, inboxes are overflowing, and traditional sales tactics like cold calls, showroom visits, and product catalogs are losing their impact. So, how can you stand out and stay top-of-mind with your audience?

In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, dives into the essential strategies you need to thrive in a digital-first, time-limited world. Nicole shares actionable insights on how to innovate your approach, build trust within key online communities, and create value-driven experiences that resonate with your audience. Whether you're in interior design, manufacturing, or any other industry navigating today's challenges, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you pivot and stay ahead.

Don't miss out—learn how to adapt, connect, and position yourself as an industry leader in an ever-changing landscape. Tune in now!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and what in for you in today’s show

[03:31] Five ways to stay relevant and innovative in the ‘post-pandemic society’

[05:53] Partnership with non-competing brands that complement your company

[07:56] Creating engaging digital experience on social media

[10:54] Develop a simple subscription program

[13:49] Leveraging social media to build a personal brand

[17:15] Developing an insider newsletter through email campaigns

[20:53] A quick recap on how to stay relevant in this limited-time era

[16:22] Wrap-up and end of the show

• No matter the type of engagement you’re doing, offer value to your customer in a way that helps them in their project.
• Don't create sample boxes and randomly send them to people every time you come up with a product line. They hate that.
• Social selling is on the rise; leverage social media to build a personal brand.
• Outside of sharing value-driven information about the company you rep, it's very important to build your personal brand.
• We're in a human-centered industry in the interior design world, so why not humanize the content you are creating online?

Website: ai.thriveindesign.co

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

Have you ever struggled to capture the true essence of your interior design products with words alone, feeling the need for something more?

Visuals might be the solution you’re searching for. They are more than just decorative elements—they embody your brand’s story. While words convey messages, impactful visuals evoke emotions, spark imagination, and express what words often cannot. Whether it’s showcasing the elegance of a handcrafted piece or highlighting the practicality of a modern design, the right imagery creates lasting impressions and elevates your brand’s identity.

For over 26 years, Johnny Davis of Johnny Davis Digital Solutions has been at the forefront of photography, color management, and retouching, transforming creative visions into reality. Renowned for their seamless concept-to-completion approach, Johnny and his team offer exceptional services in photography, videography, cinematography, and graphic imaging. Since 2010, they have proudly partnered with leading furniture brands, serving the North Carolina furniture industry with excellence.

In this episode, we’ll explore how Johnny Davis and Ken Lewis merge artistry and technology to craft visually stunning results that elevate brand presence. We’ll also delve into their inspiring journey in the furniture industry and uncover valuable insights on how businesses can leverage creative digital solutions to stand out in today’s competitive market.

Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro with Ken Lewis & Johnny Davis of Johnny Davis Digital Solutions

[01:54] The story behind Johnny Davis Digital Solution & what inspired its creation

[04:01] How the team blends photography, videography,& graphic imaging skills with clients

[09:20] Their ‘concept of completion’ business model and the entire process

[17:58] Significant changes in the furniture & interior product industries over the decades

[21:08] What CGI and AI is and the pros and cons of using them

[23:40] Recommendations to improve your brand visuals

[34:49] New and exciting things coming up in 2025 from Johnny Davis Digital Solutions

[37:55] Best ways to connect, episode wrap-up, and calls to action

• Video is the next evolution of commercial photography.
• Everything can't be told in a story, especially of a furniture piece, in just a photograph. Sometimes, it needs more long-form or even short-form video content.
• By building lasting relationships with brands and designers, financial gain becomes a natural byproduct of the connection.
• Creating something entirely new is far more exciting from a creative standpoint than repeating what has been done for decades.

Company Website: https://www.johnnydavisphotography.com/

Ken Lewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-lewis-29901011a

Johnny Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-davis-b2898129

Website: https://www.jdavisdigital.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

Imagine the first time a potential client encounters your work—not through a conversation or a handshake, but through a single image. That image holds the power to captivate, inspire, and tell a story that words alone often cannot. For designers, visual storytelling isn’t just a tool; it’s the bridge between their creative vision and how the world perceives it. By crafting a compelling visual narrative that reflects the essence of a space, a brand, or a project, you create an emotional connection, build trust, and establish a unique identity. Every design has a story waiting to be told, and through the lens of photography, those stories come alive, resonating deeply and leaving a lasting impact.

In today’s episode, Tori Sikkema shares her inspiring journey as a visual storyteller, her passion for connecting with creatives, and her unique approach to bespoke photography. We dive into how she helps designers and entrepreneurs build stronger brand identities through compelling imagery, providing you with actionable tools and inspiration to transform your brand through visual storytelling.

Tori is a bespoke interior, architectural, and celebrity photographer whose work radiates the timeless elegance of Hollywood glamour. She doesn’t just take photos—she creates stunning visual narratives that elevate design projects and bring brands to life with a unique blend of artistry and storytelling. Featured in Architectural Digest, Lux, Aspire, House Beautiful, and Good Housekeeping, Tori’s award-winning photography has made waves in the design industry. She is also the dynamic host of The Brand Lift Podcast, where she shares branding, marketing, and business insights for creatives.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Tori Sikkema

[02:32] Tori’s journey into Bespoke Interior and Architectural photography [06:02] Travel and Hollywood: How storytelling inspires Tori’s work [08:18] Workflow: Creating a process that is consistent and repeatable [10:22] Tips on how to tell the story of a design through photography [12:49] How visual narratives build trust and connection with potential clients [14:56] Tori’s most favorite project’s storytelling, branding, and vision alignment [20:07] How to use storyboard and shortlist to aid visual storytelling [22:59] What it takes to tell a story, attract a client, and get a sale [24:27] Tori’s branding and marketing tips for launches

[29:11] The parallels between photography and podcasting

[31:03] What’s next for Tori and how she hopes to continue inspiring creatives [32:32] How to reach out, connect, or learn more about Tori

Notable Quotes:

• "Without understanding who you are, what you do, and who you’re trying to reach, you can’t tell the story."
• "Your visual marketing aspect is your first handshake with your client who has not even met you."
• "Before you even have a conversation with a prospective client, you’re putting your best face of your design project through visual imagery, so it’s critical to capture it through professional photography, it’s your calling card." ● “Find that design project that you can use as your laboratory and go wild”

Connect with Tori Sikkema:

• Website: https://torisikkemaphotos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torisikkemaphotography/

Learn more about Thrive In Design:

• Website: thriveindesign.co
• Instagram: @thriveindesign
• Facebook: Thrive In Design
• LinkedIn: Thrive In Design

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:

https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:

https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps