The Bright Balloon

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84. A chat with Kelsey, That Balloon Girl May 17, 2022

Show notes

It was so fun to chat with another super lean balloon business owner. Kelsey has so much to share about how she left corporate for balloons, how she provides customer service, her booking process, and yes, we even talk about her infamous TikTok moment in this episode!

She's always sharing such helpful tips on Instagram and this conversation was no different.

TIMESTAMPS:

06:20 - what Kelsey's employee helps with

10:35 - making pricing & time decisions

13:56 - her abundance mindset

21:46 - pumpkin clients

27:12 - booking process

33:59 - her TikTok moment

41:19 - what's next

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

That Balloon Girl on Instagram

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The LASER Focused Solopreneur

Grab and Go Garland Bundle

83. All about Grab & Go Garlands May 10, 2022

Show notes

I started offering Grab & Go Garlands after the initial interview with Ali of Charming Garlands (episode 48), and what a difference it has made to my business! I'm now able to help more customers and make more sales when I would have otherwise been booked out and unavailable.

Because they work so well, Ali and I have collaborated on a course, linked in the show notes, that will set you up to quickly succeed with Grab & Go's, too. It'll cover:

- the difference between making a Grab & Go Garland and an installation garland

- direction cards for your customers

- list of hanging kit supplies

- photo & language for your website

- email template to suggest a Grab & Go

- tips for promoting

In celebration of this super exciting collaboration, we're re-releasing the original interview so that you can hear more of Ali's genius around the Grab & Go process.

Enjoy!

TIMESTAMPS:

1:34 - my results since the original interview

3:05 - all about our course collaboration

6:10 - the original interview

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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The LASER Focused Solopreneur

Customer Booking Workflow and Templates

82. Customer communication templates May 03, 2022

Show notes

One of my pet peeves as a consumer is a lack of communication by service providers... don't be that service provider!

Even without a CRM, there are ways to save email or message templates that will help you move your decor requests along smoothly, while still being friendly and personal.

In this episode, I share five of my top-recommended templates... two of which often turn into sales!

Take a listen and if you're in need of help in this area, check out the download in the show notes.

TIMESTAMPS:

03:26 - packed up auto-responder

05:47 - letting them know you're available

08:12 - letting them know you're not available

10:05 - suggest a Grab & Go instead

11:35 - the breakup template

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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Garland Pricing Guide Template

81. Price transparency Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

When I started my balloon business six years ago, I had the hardest time figuring out how much things cost and what I should charge.

Eventually I discovered how much easier the whole pricing, quoting and invoicing process would become if I just put my prices out there for everyone to see.

In this episode, I'll share with you the six key reasons why I'm a huge fan of having your prices displayed on your website.

And I'm encouraging you to do the same! Tag me on Instagram @thebrightballoon when you've published your prices... and don't forget - charge what you're worth!

TIMESTAMPS:

03:01 - creates a filter

04:31 - saves time

05:55 - sets industry standard

07:42 - it's fair

09:44 - keeps them accessible

11:55 - makes increases easier

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

17hats CRM

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80. Profit First Revisited with Elizabeth Fiore Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, I'm talking with my bookkeeper, Elizabeth from Fiore Tax Services. She and her husband Joe are now Profit First Professionals so we are revisiting one of my favorite books, Profit First.

If you haven't listened to episode 51 where I introduce Profit First, make sure to do that first!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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79. New Instagram strategy Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

If you've been listening for a while, you know that I have a lot of thoughts about using Instagram for business. I love some aspects of it, but I recognize how draining it can become if you let it.

In this episode, I'll share with you how I honestly kind of stumbled upon a new strategy that has helped me book more repeat jobs - despite all of the turnover within the events industry.

Listen in and see how easy it actually is!

TIMESTAMPS:

02:16 - why I needed a new strategy

05:57 - how I reach out to venues and corporate clients

08:33 - why this should be considered a backup plan

09:12 - some encouragement

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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78. What to do about charity work Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

I don't necessarily have a strong all-or-nothing approach to charity work, but I do have some strategies in place to help me stay aligned with both my values and my business goals.

In this episode, I'll share five ideas for how to work with charities, non-profits, schools, etc. when they ask for free decor. I'll let you know which one is my clear favorite, but no matter which one you try I strongly suggest you set up an email template that is ready to go when you get the requests.

That way, it should be easier to remove the emotion from the request and it'll help you stay within your own boundaries while still sounding professional and gracious.

What approach do you think you'll take?

TIMESTAMPS:

04:49 - commit to one charity annually

08:03 - trade for sponsorships

09:54 - donate your labor and time only

11:39 - have a standard donation item

16:36 - donate a percentage of their purchase

20:01 - things to avoid

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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77. Saying no to clients Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

Sometimes you're truly not available. Sometimes you just don't want to work with that client or color scheme. And sometimes you fear you're on the brink of burnout.

There are quite a few reasons why we might need to turn down a job, but saying no is often easier said than done.

In this episode I'll share with you some of the strategies and messaging I've put in place to confidently and gracefully say no when needed.

I really hope it will allow you to do the same!

TIMESTAMPS:

04:20 - My favorite new way to make decisions

07:00 - "not available" message

08:21 - offer something else

10:13 - staying within your limits

13:22 - a one word change in my "available" email

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Email templates

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76. Cool CRM features of 17hats | Nicole of Let Nicole Help Mar 22, 2022

Show notes

Whether you're a 17hats user, you use another CRM or you simply want to learn more about what to look for in your first CRM, listen in to this episode jam-packed with automation and customization tips.

Nicole is the one who helped me refresh my 17hats account and she joins us again to share 7 of her favorite features of the platform.

After this chat, I've already gone back into my account and made some exciting updates. Take a listen, pick one to take action on and let us know what you chose!

TIMESTAMPS:

05:00 - building a quote

06:55 - workflows from choices

08:56 - multiple calendars

11:56 - custom fields

15:17 - to-do's

18:50 - Zapier connection

21:59 - project tags

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

17 Features of 17hats