Posts Tagged Business Inspiration
Saturday, March 22nd, 2008
A big, fat, beautiful thank you to Meredith MacLeod at The Hamilton Spectator for writing a wonderful feature on Regal Tent Productions in their Business Section! Read all the fantabulous details here.
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Preston Bailey was the keynote speaker at BizBash.TO’s tradeshow today. Most people are very familiar with his work, his clients, his books, etc…but not everyone is as familiar with how he got his start. This was actually my first time seeing Preston speak at an event (oddly enough since he’s everywhere). And I got a glimpse into the man who we now know as the event designer to the stars.
Preston surprised the flock of tradeshow onlookers by sharing with us that for many, many years he was a penniless floral designer. In fact, he was greatly in debt until just a few years ago (7, if I recall correctly). I actually found it refreshing that he not only shared his humble beginnings but also his business failures. He told us about his unsuccessful high end plate line and his dismal bed linen venture – and although he attributed these failures to high end price points not connecting with price sensitive shoppers, to me the lesson is this: understand what your brand is known for and deliver relevant products and services. When I think Preston Bailey, I think ‘abundant florals’ and ‘over the top weddings’. Plates and bed linens just don’t fit.
He also shared with us his many successes – aided by a visual display of images that evoked ooohs and aaahs from the crowd. What I love about Preston’s work is he is truly a transformation artist. He converts barns into magical ceremony sites that rival some of the most palatial churches and creates deliciously decadent indoor gardens out of airport hangars. He also loves to use tents (brownie points there). And although most of us don’t have multi-million dollar budgets to work with, the big lesson for me is think transformation. Look outside the ‘typical venue’ – find beauty in barns, parking lots and building rooftops.
Lastly, the biggest and most important lesson I took away from his short but poignant speech was this: it’s OK to be a PR slut. (In his early days) for 6 months straight, Preston called a magazine every single day with the intent of getting a write up in their publication. Eventually his persistence paid off. In New York, you’re only as good as what someone has written about you…or perhaps it’s more like: you’re only good if someone has written about you. The bottom line is that this article cost Preston $0 and it got his name in front of the masses. This was one of the tipping points that launched the Preston Bailey brand.
If you do get a chance to see Preston speak – please do so. It was the highlight of my week. I hope that you find some of these insights relevant to your business.
Related articles:
Finding the hot button . the business of branding & events
Perfect pairing – Preston Bailey & Daniel Ost
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One of monthly ‘fixes’ is heading to my local 7-11 to pick up Fast Company. Brimming with relevant and stimulating articles, interviews and case studies, it is the monthly Bible for the right-brained business leader. This month’s issue (Dec ’07/Jan ’08) is no exception.
Here are a few highlights…
Putting some style in Tile
Tarkette, the world’s largest resilient flooring manufacturer asked industrial designer Karim Rashid (another one of my favorites) to create a new range of tile colors.
You have to check these out. In true Karim Rashid-style, the notion of ‘floor tiles’ have been deconstructed and remolded into amazing shapes and colors. Long gone are boring beige blocks – look out for lime green, powder blue and fuscia…oh my!
Got blog?
Then be sure to read “The Big Tease”. An article about the evolution of the blog.
Concept to completion
How P&G identified a market opportunity, developed a concept and brought it to fruition. A fantastic snapshot of the strategic, design and production processes. And totally applicable to any event organization.
Company of Friends
I was also pleased to see that Fast Company has created their own social/business networking tool on their website called Company of Friends. In it, you can connect with other business professionals, share ideas and create groups. There’s a group for Event Management professionals. Once I’m back from vacation, I’ll be signing up!
Now back to my magazine.
photo via flickr
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Tags: Business Inspiration
I’m so honored to be included by the Event Solutions Team as a part of the best event blog call for entries! It’s special enough to have loyal and active readers, let alone to be recognized by a leading industry publication.
Here are a few of the other blogs listed:
Decidedly Uncomplicated
Corporate Events
Meeting & Event Thoughts
Click here to go to the link & feel free to provide your own thoughts / blogs.
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Tags: Business Inspiration
I’m always honored to be able to share my opinions and insights with event professionals and beyond. Below are a snapshot of some of my favorite articles. Enjoy!
. Recession Busters Interview with TSEvents
. Business Butterflies presentation at ISES Eventworld – Writeup in Special Event Magazine 2009
. Green Events – Interview with Special Event Magazine 2008
. Lara McCulloch honored with the Spirit of the Industry Award at the Canadian Special Events & Meeting Expo 2008 – ISES Newsletter 2008
. It Report: Sometimes Smaller is Better – Expert Etsy Tips with Event Solutions 2008
. Perspectives: Family Matters – Interview with Intents 2008 (page 14)
. Regal Tent’s huge creations host big name festivities – Interview with The Hamilton Spectator 2008
. Glitz, Glam and a Big ‘ol Tent – Interview with the Daily Pennsylvanian 2007
. Cover Up – Expert tips on TSEvents 2007
. Endurance World Open – Press Release 2007 (scroll waaaay down to the bottom)
. Smart Business: Logistics, shipping, packing & travelling – Interview with InTents 2006
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