Inside the Nest
At The Dove Agency, we’re passionate about empowering your interior design business with streamlined efficiency, innovative solutions, and insights that keep you confidently supported. This month, we’re excited to share the latest on secure data storage, updates to IDnest, and industry trends crafted to propel your success. While you’re here, get to know the talented team driving our mission in our employee spotlight alongside key industry updates worth your attention. Plus, don’t miss Janson’s Journal, where Ruth Ann shares her exclusive and inspiring musings and must-read recommendations. Whether you’re focused on safeguarding data, sharpening your operations, or gaining a fresh perspective, we’re here with ideas and inspiration to fuel your growth. Let’s dive in!
Secure Sharing and Improved Collaboration - The Vault
For our Financial Services clients, we are excited to be now securely sharing confidential files through IDnest. This updated workflow was initiated in mid-January 2025 and offers several advantages over sharing deliverables via email, including:
Stronger Encryption and Security Protocols: Ensuring your information is protected with advanced security measures.
Customizable File/Folder Access: Providing tailored access to files, enhancing security and convenience.
Efficient File Management with Version Control: Facilitating organized and up-to-date file-sharing.
Improved Collaboration: Enabling seamless work between our teams.
Reduced Phishing and Malware Risks: Minimizing exposure to potential security threats.
Streamlined Communication: Reducing clutter and minimizing email threads.
Transitioning to IDnest has not only changed how we share files but has also alleviated some of our compliance tasks and decreased the time spent on monitoring weekly deliverables. Even in these early stages, we see the time saved by using IDnest will offset or exceed the $25/month subscription cost.
As a reminder, after crediting for the basic use of IDnest during the first quarter of 2025, we will begin charging for use of the platform beginning 4/1/25. The basic platform fee of $25/month includes access to the vault for up to 10 users and the ability to add additional systems and tools at our menu-based pricing found at IDnest.com.
For those clients who have not yet signed up for IDnest, tap the button below. We will handle all vault permissions and setup for you.
Thank you for supporting and embracing this workflow improvement.
Power Up Your Workflow with IDnest’s Latest Features
IDnest now has some exciting updates to share. We’ve been working behind the scenes to enhance the systems and tools you rely on—Financial & Executive Insights, Project Management, Customer Relations, and Social Media Management. Here’s a peek at just a few of these upgrades and how they will help you run your design firm more effectively than ever.
Meet Liv, IDnest’s new custom chatbot - designed to assist you every step of the way. Whether you’re navigating the platform or tackling a specific task, Liv is here to provide real-time help tailored to your needs.
Welcome to Janson's Journal
I have a serious obsession when it comes to idioms and quotes that apply to business. I seek them, use them and am sure my team is tired of me sharing them. I particularly appreciate ones that focus on the pursuit of excellence and pack a punch of a few memorable words strung together in a way that creates a relatable visual.
This is one of my favorites from James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
This idea really hits home when we think about how important it is to have solid systems and repeatable processes in your business. You can almost see yourself holding a helium ballon filled with your lofty revenue forecast and your feet tethered to bricks that are your fragmented systems and timeworn processes.
In my years working in finance and operations, as well as navigating the world of mergers and acquisitions, I’ve seen how the best organizations—5-member teams to Fortune 500 companies—build their successes on smart systems. Having efficient processes in place is crucial. As interior designers, you juggle so many details with each project, and your established methodologies and workflows can be the difference between a smooth client experience and a chaotic one. The difference between hitting or exceeding your goals and losing money.
Harvard Business Review research indicates that companies with clear systems see over 30% higher productivity. That’s a big deal in our industry and translates directly to growth and more money in owner’s pockets. Another report compiled by American Express found that 86% of customers are willing to pay more for a top-notch experience, showing how vital it is to have those processes in place.
Some foundational systems are essential for any business. Systems and processes need to cover business basics, such as bookkeeping and marketing, as well as the specifics that are unique to the interior design industry, such as detailed item management and time billing. Every interior design business has its own brand and vision, and this needs to be reflected in systems as well. Unfortunately, there is no one-size fits all approach that applies to interior design firms, and what was working two years ago likely isn’t working now – or at least not as well.
With change constantly knocking at our doors, staying flexible is key. Research by McKinsey revealed that companies that adapt their processes regularly are 70% more likely to succeed during transitions. The interior design industry is no exception, and a nimble mindset regarding systems and processes is essential.
The numbers tell a story: up to 70% of change efforts flop, often because of a lack of planning and systems. By focusing on solid systems, you can ensure better project execution and happier clients—resulting in growth, profitability and more time, which is perhaps the biggest win of all.
Thank you for being a part of The Dove Agency flock. Together, let’s keep moving your business forward.
Warmly,
Scroll-Worthy Reads: Our Top Online Finds
We all love to see beautiful projects and be swept up in the story – the people, the purpose and the passion – that is the true beauty of the space. Even more special – weave in historical significance like World of Interiors did in this piece about Victor Hugo’s Guesney spectacular country home restored and created over a three-year period beginning in 1855.
A touchy topic that we have had to navigate with a handful of clients is presented by Business of Home through the lens of fairness and amicability. This article provides a practical roadmap for a business break up and wind down of operations.
A longer, heavier read full of examples and illustrations seemingly relevant to science and technology but upon reflection are applicable to any business that values and prioritizes continual iteration and improvement. Learn more about “the will to think” and being unafraid to “look stupid” in this fascinating essay by Nabeel S. Qureshi syndicated in Big Think.
Defining charisma as your perfect recipe of warmth and competence, Vanessa Van Edwards gives science-backed skills to improve your communication and leadership in this captivating podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett. Good news – charisma can be learned! She shares simple tips and techniques that can transform effectiveness and improve confidence in daily social or professional interactions. She even addresses RBF – which she defines as “Resting Bothered Face.”
Say Hello to Jennifer Neal!
At the heart of every thriving organization is a dedicated team, and Jennifer Neal is undoubtedly one of the standout members of The Dove Agency. For the past three and a half years, Jennifer has been an integral part of our success, cultivating strong relationships with our talented designers and refining her exceptional organizational skills. Her passion for bringing design visions to life is evident in every project she touches, and her ability to seamlessly manage complex tasks has contributed to the agency’s continued growth. Jennifer’s dedication and positive attitude make her an invaluable asset to our team, and we’re excited to share a little bit about her!
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I studied fashion merchandising in college, and it was something that I loved. I then took a position at the Neiman Marcus buying office, and part of that was home décor. I fell in love with home décor and started following designers on Instagram and social media. From there, I fell in love with interior design.
What's your favorite memory with The Dove Agency?
When I first started, we were a smaller company, and I really appreciated how intentional and personal everything felt. As we’ve grown, we’ve worked hard to maintain that close-knit, supportive atmosphere. Even with our expansion and growth, we continue to prioritize celebrating each other and creating meaningful connections. One example of this was the wonderful baby shower the team threw for both my coworker Natalie and me. It was such a thoughtful gesture and a reminder of the strong bonds we’ve kept as we’ve grown.
Click below to learn more about Jennifer in our Q&A.