1 00:00:00,690 --> 00:00:03,780 Gift biz unwrapped episode 77. 2 00:00:04,310 --> 00:00:06,560 People tend to talk about the glass half full or the 3 00:00:06,560 --> 00:00:07,460 glass half empty. 4 00:00:07,460 --> 00:00:09,440 And I look at it as you can always refill your 5 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:10,370 glass. Hi, 6 00:00:10,370 --> 00:00:11,510 this is John Lee, 7 00:00:11,510 --> 00:00:13,700 Dumas of entrepreneur on fire, 8 00:00:13,700 --> 00:00:16,220 and you're listening to give to biz unwrap, 9 00:00:16,220 --> 00:00:20,350 and now it's time To light it up. 10 00:00:20,360 --> 00:00:22,040 Welcome to gift bears, 11 00:00:22,250 --> 00:00:26,060 unwrapped your source for industry specific insights and advice to develop 12 00:00:26,060 --> 00:00:26,930 and grow your business. 13 00:00:27,320 --> 00:00:28,910 And now here's your host, 14 00:00:28,970 --> 00:00:30,260 Sue Mona height. 15 00:00:31,760 --> 00:00:32,180 Hi there. 16 00:00:32,270 --> 00:00:36,050 I'm Sue and welcome back to the gift biz unwrapped podcast, 17 00:00:36,380 --> 00:00:39,260 whether you own a brick and mortar store sell online or 18 00:00:39,260 --> 00:00:40,670 are just getting started, 19 00:00:40,880 --> 00:00:44,420 you'll discover new insight to gain traction and to grow your 20 00:00:44,420 --> 00:00:45,560 business. Today. 21 00:00:45,560 --> 00:00:50,990 I have joining us Merly Greenwich of celebrates sweetly celebrate sweetly 22 00:00:51,020 --> 00:00:54,440 is the corporate and personal gifting and event company based in 23 00:00:54,440 --> 00:00:55,250 thousand Oaks, 24 00:00:55,250 --> 00:01:00,230 California. Merlis passion lies in creating beautiful and thoughtful gifts that 25 00:01:00,230 --> 00:01:02,990 let the recipient know they are truly appreciated. 26 00:01:03,500 --> 00:01:06,890 She loves to create lists one gift and one of event 27 00:01:06,980 --> 00:01:07,610 at a time, 28 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:11,450 Murali is a certified gift designer and has won nine design 29 00:01:11,450 --> 00:01:14,510 awards over the past five years at the national gift baskets 30 00:01:14,510 --> 00:01:14,960 and venture. 31 00:01:15,500 --> 00:01:18,140 She's also an ambassador in the greater can. 32 00:01:18,140 --> 00:01:22,160 They hope Valley chamber of commerce early is married and the 33 00:01:22,160 --> 00:01:24,170 mother of three young ladies, 34 00:01:24,410 --> 00:01:27,620 she loves the ocean listening to jazz music and would be 35 00:01:27,620 --> 00:01:30,860 happy to simply sit by the beach and read all day. 36 00:01:30,890 --> 00:01:31,490 And Murley, 37 00:01:31,490 --> 00:01:32,720 I'm going to join you, 38 00:01:32,930 --> 00:01:33,800 but for now, 39 00:01:34,010 --> 00:01:35,150 welcome to the show. 40 00:01:35,210 --> 00:01:38,270 Thank you Such a thrill to have this time to spend 41 00:01:38,270 --> 00:01:40,550 with you Exactly the same. 42 00:01:41,240 --> 00:01:43,760 I'd like to start out by having our listeners get to 43 00:01:43,760 --> 00:01:45,560 know you in a creative way. 44 00:01:45,920 --> 00:01:50,450 And that is by having you describe your motivational candle. 45 00:01:50,660 --> 00:01:54,080 So if you were to picture the ideal candle, 46 00:01:54,320 --> 00:01:56,300 what color is it and what would be the quote on 47 00:01:56,300 --> 00:01:57,020 that candle? 48 00:01:57,740 --> 00:01:58,310 Oh, so, 49 00:01:58,310 --> 00:01:58,760 you know, 50 00:01:58,760 --> 00:02:02,540 for sure that candle will be bright orange and the quote 51 00:02:02,540 --> 00:02:05,360 on that candle would be gratitude because I try to live 52 00:02:05,360 --> 00:02:06,470 in the spirit of gratitude. 53 00:02:06,470 --> 00:02:09,470 And I think when we start anything with gratitude, 54 00:02:09,530 --> 00:02:11,690 the rest of the world just seems a little better. 55 00:02:11,690 --> 00:02:14,210 So that would be a bright orange candle and the words 56 00:02:14,210 --> 00:02:15,050 would be big, 57 00:02:15,080 --> 00:02:16,100 bold gratitude. 58 00:02:16,550 --> 00:02:19,370 And that totally aligns with the whole business that you're in, 59 00:02:19,370 --> 00:02:23,270 right gifting and giving back and creating bliss and all of 60 00:02:23,270 --> 00:02:24,200 that altogether. 61 00:02:24,290 --> 00:02:25,670 It All works really well together. 62 00:02:25,670 --> 00:02:26,390 Yes, indeed. 63 00:02:26,870 --> 00:02:28,160 How long have you been in business? 64 00:02:28,160 --> 00:02:32,660 Actually, I've been in business for maybe seven to 10 years 65 00:02:32,660 --> 00:02:33,440 on paper, 66 00:02:33,440 --> 00:02:35,840 but I've really been delving into the business, 67 00:02:35,840 --> 00:02:36,920 maybe the last five, 68 00:02:36,920 --> 00:02:39,560 really looking at it as more than a hobby and more 69 00:02:39,560 --> 00:02:41,240 of a business in the last five years. 70 00:02:41,630 --> 00:02:43,310 Wonderful. So you made the transition, 71 00:02:43,310 --> 00:02:44,450 you were doing this on the side, 72 00:02:44,450 --> 00:02:45,290 cause it was enjoyable. 73 00:02:45,290 --> 00:02:46,040 You liked it. 74 00:02:46,220 --> 00:02:48,290 And then officially made the jump and decided, 75 00:02:48,290 --> 00:02:50,120 okay, this is going to be a formal business. 76 00:02:50,630 --> 00:02:53,120 Yes. So I was home with my girls for the longest 77 00:02:53,120 --> 00:02:56,720 while and all the while I was still doing events and 78 00:02:56,870 --> 00:03:00,010 making gifts for friends and family and everyone around me just 79 00:03:00,010 --> 00:03:00,850 skips out is saying, 80 00:03:00,850 --> 00:03:02,320 why don't you turn this into a business? 81 00:03:02,320 --> 00:03:02,860 This is great. 82 00:03:02,860 --> 00:03:05,380 And you really need to be getting paid to do this. 83 00:03:05,380 --> 00:03:10,150 So I made the transition and started seeking and looking out 84 00:03:10,150 --> 00:03:13,300 for more clients outside of my friends. 85 00:03:13,360 --> 00:03:14,350 And here we go, 86 00:03:14,350 --> 00:03:17,500 five years later where the viable business here in the canal 87 00:03:17,500 --> 00:03:21,150 Valley, People who are in the position that you were in 88 00:03:21,150 --> 00:03:22,260 five years ago, 89 00:03:22,440 --> 00:03:24,660 what were the deciding factors part of it? 90 00:03:24,660 --> 00:03:27,480 Of course I can hear from your story was passion. 91 00:03:27,490 --> 00:03:29,610 You decided that you really wanted to do this, 92 00:03:29,970 --> 00:03:32,190 but was there like a line in the sand or something 93 00:03:32,190 --> 00:03:32,520 that said, 94 00:03:32,520 --> 00:03:35,100 okay, I'm flipping the switch from hobby to business. 95 00:03:35,760 --> 00:03:36,510 Well, I tell you, 96 00:03:36,510 --> 00:03:37,050 Sue, you know, 97 00:03:37,080 --> 00:03:40,020 I've always been a creative person and I've always loved doing 98 00:03:40,020 --> 00:03:40,500 things. And I, 99 00:03:40,500 --> 00:03:41,580 I always tell people, 100 00:03:41,580 --> 00:03:41,790 you know, 101 00:03:41,790 --> 00:03:44,250 I was the kid who in the family who I knew 102 00:03:44,250 --> 00:03:47,370 everybody's birthdays and you all the celebrations made sure everyone got 103 00:03:47,370 --> 00:03:47,820 a gift, 104 00:03:47,820 --> 00:03:49,410 a card or a message somewhat. 105 00:03:49,530 --> 00:03:51,690 So it's always been a part of what I do. 106 00:03:51,900 --> 00:03:54,480 And when I started getting business, 107 00:03:54,510 --> 00:03:57,300 it became very clear that I could not sustain or continue 108 00:03:57,300 --> 00:03:59,640 doing the business at home if I wanted to grow and 109 00:03:59,640 --> 00:04:01,050 do any big orders. 110 00:04:01,050 --> 00:04:05,790 So I really had to think through and with my husband's 111 00:04:05,790 --> 00:04:08,760 support really go out and make the decision that this is 112 00:04:08,760 --> 00:04:09,660 no longer a hobby. 113 00:04:09,660 --> 00:04:10,800 The kids are a little older, 114 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:13,590 they're all in school and I'm going to do this full-time 115 00:04:13,590 --> 00:04:14,850 because I really love doing this. 116 00:04:14,850 --> 00:04:16,290 It's just a way of life for me. 117 00:04:16,740 --> 00:04:18,630 And so how did things change then? 118 00:04:18,900 --> 00:04:22,590 Well, I was working from home up until almost a year 119 00:04:22,590 --> 00:04:26,040 ago. Things changed because I was getting more orders people. 120 00:04:26,040 --> 00:04:28,650 It was mainly from word of mouth friends, 121 00:04:28,650 --> 00:04:32,040 telling other friends about our business and starting to do more 122 00:04:32,040 --> 00:04:33,600 events, doing weddings, 123 00:04:33,600 --> 00:04:34,830 doing some corporate events. 124 00:04:34,830 --> 00:04:37,050 And at the same time also doing gift baskets, 125 00:04:37,050 --> 00:04:38,730 not just for individuals, 126 00:04:38,730 --> 00:04:41,940 you can do five to 10 small gift baskets for friend 127 00:04:41,940 --> 00:04:42,690 or a small company. 128 00:04:42,690 --> 00:04:45,180 But when you have to do a hundred to 200 gift 129 00:04:45,180 --> 00:04:48,300 baskets, it's a whole different experience where you need to have 130 00:04:48,300 --> 00:04:50,940 the space to carry the inventory and to get it done. 131 00:04:50,940 --> 00:04:53,580 So I had to really make that decision out of the 132 00:04:53,580 --> 00:04:54,660 fear and just do it. 133 00:04:54,900 --> 00:04:55,290 Got it. 134 00:04:55,470 --> 00:04:55,830 All right. 135 00:04:55,830 --> 00:04:58,200 Well, as we were talking about earlier in the week, 136 00:04:58,200 --> 00:05:00,000 and I'm just going to share with the audience, 137 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:01,710 what we were talking about Murley and I were on the 138 00:05:01,710 --> 00:05:05,130 phone actually on another topic and she shared with me, 139 00:05:05,160 --> 00:05:05,940 well, let me back up. 140 00:05:05,970 --> 00:05:07,860 She is like the queen of events, 141 00:05:07,860 --> 00:05:09,780 everybody. So get ready for this. 142 00:05:10,020 --> 00:05:13,110 But we were talking about a special event that she just 143 00:05:13,110 --> 00:05:14,520 did last month. 144 00:05:14,940 --> 00:05:16,860 And as she continued talking about it, 145 00:05:16,860 --> 00:05:17,310 I'm like, 146 00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:18,660 Oh my gosh, 147 00:05:18,690 --> 00:05:20,820 Merly, we want to share this. 148 00:05:20,850 --> 00:05:22,470 Will you come on the podcast? 149 00:05:22,530 --> 00:05:24,060 And of course she said, 150 00:05:24,060 --> 00:05:27,030 yes. So I really want to dive in and have you 151 00:05:27,030 --> 00:05:30,960 talk about this event and how you created it and how 152 00:05:30,960 --> 00:05:31,560 it evolved. 153 00:05:31,560 --> 00:05:33,810 And just talk a lot about, 154 00:05:34,020 --> 00:05:36,270 for people who are looking at doing events, 155 00:05:36,390 --> 00:05:38,340 how they could create something like this. 156 00:05:38,340 --> 00:05:42,510 So let's start with you specifically talking about what the event 157 00:05:42,510 --> 00:05:44,850 was and what the purpose of the event was. 158 00:05:45,660 --> 00:05:47,550 So Sue in talking about creativity, 159 00:05:47,550 --> 00:05:51,120 the first thing that event is called the only holiday in 160 00:05:51,120 --> 00:05:54,540 August. And that's because there really is no holiday in August. 161 00:05:54,540 --> 00:05:57,350 And this came about two years ago when I decided I 162 00:05:57,350 --> 00:05:59,420 needed to do something to help grow my business. 163 00:05:59,930 --> 00:06:02,210 And I knew that I needed to get into the corporate 164 00:06:02,210 --> 00:06:04,400 market. And the only way to do that was to really 165 00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:05,840 let people know about me, 166 00:06:06,170 --> 00:06:07,640 know what it is that we offer. 167 00:06:07,640 --> 00:06:09,440 And I figured let's throw a party. 168 00:06:09,650 --> 00:06:11,960 My first thought was to do a Christmas in July, 169 00:06:11,960 --> 00:06:14,480 but that was kind of done then a little tired and 170 00:06:14,480 --> 00:06:15,950 I really needed to do something different. 171 00:06:15,950 --> 00:06:19,100 So I looked at the calendar for the dates and it 172 00:06:19,100 --> 00:06:21,710 just, it was like a Eureka moment when I thought, 173 00:06:21,740 --> 00:06:22,370 Oh my gosh, 174 00:06:22,400 --> 00:06:23,720 the only holiday in August. 175 00:06:23,720 --> 00:06:25,220 Cause there is no holiday in August. 176 00:06:25,700 --> 00:06:27,440 I knew that I had to do it on a big 177 00:06:27,440 --> 00:06:31,070 scale and I wanted to have a big party. 178 00:06:31,070 --> 00:06:33,620 So I started looking at who could I partner with? 179 00:06:33,770 --> 00:06:35,390 I wanted to have it at a hotel. 180 00:06:35,390 --> 00:06:38,630 So my first step was to contact one of the local 181 00:06:38,630 --> 00:06:40,670 hotels and give them my idea. 182 00:06:41,090 --> 00:06:43,850 They were very excited that it was a great idea and 183 00:06:43,850 --> 00:06:45,380 we're very happy to work with me. 184 00:06:45,620 --> 00:06:48,140 Then I started looking at which vendors would I want to 185 00:06:48,200 --> 00:06:49,790 have involved in the event. 186 00:06:50,210 --> 00:06:52,520 I thought of who do I do business with? 187 00:06:52,610 --> 00:06:56,300 Who has products that the invited guests would enjoy? 188 00:06:56,330 --> 00:06:57,260 And it's a party. 189 00:06:57,260 --> 00:06:59,060 So we need to have some music, 190 00:06:59,270 --> 00:07:00,260 some entertainment. 191 00:07:00,260 --> 00:07:03,740 So I started piecing together my dream team as it were. 192 00:07:03,890 --> 00:07:06,980 And we put on the first event in 2014 at a 193 00:07:06,980 --> 00:07:08,420 local Sheraton hotel. 194 00:07:08,420 --> 00:07:10,550 And it was actually a lot of fun. 195 00:07:10,640 --> 00:07:12,770 And then we showcase some of the gifts that we offer 196 00:07:12,770 --> 00:07:13,310 a showcase, 197 00:07:13,310 --> 00:07:16,700 some of our even designed from our table settings and really 198 00:07:16,700 --> 00:07:17,780 gave people a fun, 199 00:07:17,780 --> 00:07:19,640 fun, fun evening to come out to. 200 00:07:19,640 --> 00:07:22,910 And it was a very successful event with new clients and 201 00:07:22,910 --> 00:07:25,130 just a lot of word of mouth people talking about it. 202 00:07:25,130 --> 00:07:25,730 So we thought, 203 00:07:25,730 --> 00:07:26,180 you know what? 204 00:07:26,180 --> 00:07:28,580 This is going to become our standard every year. 205 00:07:28,580 --> 00:07:30,560 We're going to put on a holiday in August and get 206 00:07:30,560 --> 00:07:33,410 people out there to learn about the business and to get 207 00:07:33,410 --> 00:07:34,790 a feel for what it is that we do. 208 00:07:34,790 --> 00:07:37,310 And also get some ideas for their gifting and for their 209 00:07:37,310 --> 00:07:38,600 own holiday events. 210 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:39,940 Wonderful. Okay. 211 00:07:39,940 --> 00:07:41,440 So there's a lot in here. 212 00:07:41,470 --> 00:07:42,490 I want to back it up, 213 00:07:43,240 --> 00:07:46,120 back it up down like a quick whole summary of everything. 214 00:07:46,950 --> 00:07:50,200 So, so your initial goal with this and so give biz 215 00:07:50,210 --> 00:07:52,600 listeners, anytime you're going to do something big like that, 216 00:07:52,720 --> 00:07:54,610 you're doing it for a purpose. 217 00:07:54,820 --> 00:07:56,560 You don't just do an event to have a big party, 218 00:07:56,560 --> 00:07:57,940 just to have a lot of fun. 219 00:07:58,180 --> 00:07:59,290 You're doing it for a purpose. 220 00:07:59,290 --> 00:08:01,960 And Murley was talking about the fact that she felt that 221 00:08:02,050 --> 00:08:03,730 if she was growing her business, 222 00:08:03,730 --> 00:08:06,040 she wanted to attract more corporate sales. 223 00:08:06,160 --> 00:08:06,610 So, okay. 224 00:08:06,610 --> 00:08:07,360 So that was your goal, 225 00:08:07,360 --> 00:08:08,170 corporate sales. 226 00:08:08,410 --> 00:08:09,790 Then you went to the hotel. 227 00:08:09,910 --> 00:08:13,030 Who did you meet with specifically in the hotel in terms 228 00:08:13,030 --> 00:08:14,530 of what department was it? 229 00:08:15,040 --> 00:08:17,020 And two part question here, 230 00:08:17,380 --> 00:08:21,310 what did the hotel then see as the value for them 231 00:08:21,310 --> 00:08:22,630 to be willing to host your event? 232 00:08:23,290 --> 00:08:25,570 I met with the director of sales and what the hotel. 233 00:08:25,570 --> 00:08:27,700 So for the value was number one, 234 00:08:27,970 --> 00:08:30,460 getting an audience in their space. 235 00:08:30,880 --> 00:08:35,770 So exposure to other businesses for their hotel, 236 00:08:35,830 --> 00:08:37,480 okay. For their hotel. 237 00:08:37,630 --> 00:08:40,300 And then they provided the appetizers as well. 238 00:08:40,300 --> 00:08:41,500 I almost forgot to mention that. 239 00:08:41,500 --> 00:08:44,080 So people got to taste the food that the hotel was 240 00:08:44,080 --> 00:08:45,640 offering. So in a sense, 241 00:08:45,940 --> 00:08:48,580 they wanted the businesses to come and experience their hotel. 242 00:08:48,580 --> 00:08:50,380 If you wanted to have an event there, 243 00:08:50,740 --> 00:08:52,240 this is what the space could look like. 244 00:08:52,240 --> 00:08:54,370 And this is what you could possibly have for your food. 245 00:08:54,370 --> 00:08:55,030 At the event, 246 00:08:55,260 --> 00:08:56,670 they saw that as value, 247 00:08:56,700 --> 00:08:58,980 but they didn't have to go out and seek and look 248 00:08:58,980 --> 00:09:00,300 for the clients to bring in. 249 00:09:00,330 --> 00:09:03,330 This was going to be available to them at the event, 250 00:09:04,430 --> 00:09:06,440 Choose which hotel you were going to approach. 251 00:09:06,440 --> 00:09:08,540 First, You know, 252 00:09:08,780 --> 00:09:11,780 I had met one or two people from the hotel through 253 00:09:11,780 --> 00:09:12,760 my networking groups. 254 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:14,780 So that was the first I went with a warm call. 255 00:09:14,780 --> 00:09:17,150 I felt I didn't start with somebody you already know, 256 00:09:17,150 --> 00:09:19,820 or know at least a little bit who might be open 257 00:09:19,820 --> 00:09:21,740 to hearing your ideas. 258 00:09:22,040 --> 00:09:22,700 So that's how I, 259 00:09:22,800 --> 00:09:25,100 that was my first inkling was to start with somebody that 260 00:09:25,100 --> 00:09:26,270 I had already met and say, 261 00:09:26,270 --> 00:09:27,770 Hey, this is what I'm thinking of doing. 262 00:09:27,770 --> 00:09:29,600 And I wanted to present it to you first, 263 00:09:29,750 --> 00:09:31,040 before talking to somebody else. 264 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:33,590 And they jumped on it right away and they were fantastic. 265 00:09:33,590 --> 00:09:36,650 They even offer it a raffle price that we can stay 266 00:09:36,650 --> 00:09:37,370 at the hotel. 267 00:09:37,370 --> 00:09:40,070 So it was a great partnership for both of us. 268 00:09:40,430 --> 00:09:42,560 Then I looked at some of the other vendors. 269 00:09:42,560 --> 00:09:45,830 I had a local DJ who was a friend of a 270 00:09:45,830 --> 00:09:47,650 friend and he was very excited, 271 00:09:47,660 --> 00:09:48,080 said, yes, 272 00:09:48,080 --> 00:09:48,590 I'll do it. 273 00:09:48,590 --> 00:09:50,690 Cause he looked at it as if people get to hear 274 00:09:50,690 --> 00:09:51,260 my music, 275 00:09:51,260 --> 00:09:53,240 they might need to hire me for their wedding or for 276 00:09:53,240 --> 00:09:54,320 their event as well. 277 00:09:54,470 --> 00:09:58,670 So everyone who came on board found there was some value 278 00:09:58,670 --> 00:09:59,510 in it for them. 279 00:09:59,900 --> 00:10:03,650 And that's what I think was great about the event because 280 00:10:03,650 --> 00:10:06,920 it wasn't me putting on a party and paying out every 281 00:10:06,920 --> 00:10:08,270 single vendor. 282 00:10:08,270 --> 00:10:10,670 But the vendors understanding the value and saying, 283 00:10:10,670 --> 00:10:11,600 yes, we're on board. 284 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:12,590 We want to be a part of it, 285 00:10:13,160 --> 00:10:16,130 Time and coordination and all of that. 286 00:10:16,160 --> 00:10:16,370 And, you know, 287 00:10:16,370 --> 00:10:17,420 putting it all together. 288 00:10:17,570 --> 00:10:20,480 Did you have any additional out of pocket expenses? 289 00:10:21,020 --> 00:10:23,750 I had a little bit of out-of-pocket expenses just for, 290 00:10:23,750 --> 00:10:26,540 I did a very fun giveaway to all the guests who 291 00:10:26,540 --> 00:10:27,470 came to the event. 292 00:10:27,620 --> 00:10:28,280 And then of course, 293 00:10:28,280 --> 00:10:31,550 I also put together my designs to showcase at the hotel 294 00:10:31,550 --> 00:10:33,440 so people could see some of what it is that we 295 00:10:33,440 --> 00:10:36,470 do. And then one or two of the vendors I had 296 00:10:36,470 --> 00:10:40,160 to purchase the items specifically because they were new to me. 297 00:10:40,160 --> 00:10:43,100 And I didn't want to on the very first interaction, 298 00:10:43,100 --> 00:10:44,450 ask them for trade. 299 00:10:44,600 --> 00:10:47,690 But a lot of the other vendors that we did last 300 00:10:47,690 --> 00:10:52,430 week, we had three different bakers who baked some amazing desserts 301 00:10:52,430 --> 00:10:55,520 that we offered at the dessert bar that we put on. 302 00:10:55,640 --> 00:10:59,360 We had a DJ and we actually had the live band 303 00:10:59,360 --> 00:10:59,750 as well, 304 00:10:59,810 --> 00:11:02,390 a local life jazz band that performed. 305 00:11:02,600 --> 00:11:05,690 We had a photo booth and new photo booth company that 306 00:11:05,690 --> 00:11:06,620 came on board and said, 307 00:11:06,620 --> 00:11:07,910 yes, we'd love the exposure. 308 00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:12,380 And even the photographer was a new up and coming photographer 309 00:11:12,380 --> 00:11:13,730 and she offered her services. 310 00:11:13,730 --> 00:11:16,310 So she would have photos for her portfolio and then I 311 00:11:16,310 --> 00:11:17,930 would have access to promote it as well. 312 00:11:18,200 --> 00:11:21,410 So it was a win-win for everyone involved because we were 313 00:11:21,410 --> 00:11:26,240 all still having the conversation on all social media and it's 314 00:11:26,240 --> 00:11:26,780 been great. 315 00:11:27,950 --> 00:11:28,310 All right. 316 00:11:28,310 --> 00:11:30,440 So now I have a number of questions for you for 317 00:11:30,440 --> 00:11:34,400 that. Talk to us a little bit about how you got 318 00:11:34,400 --> 00:11:35,450 people to attend. 319 00:11:35,480 --> 00:11:36,770 What was the plan there? 320 00:11:37,430 --> 00:11:39,140 So the plan was to start, 321 00:11:39,230 --> 00:11:39,890 start with who, 322 00:11:39,890 --> 00:11:40,460 you know, 323 00:11:40,700 --> 00:11:42,410 and that's always the first place to go. 324 00:11:42,410 --> 00:11:44,210 So I started through the chamber cause I, 325 00:11:44,270 --> 00:11:46,190 I am a member of my local chamber. 326 00:11:46,190 --> 00:11:47,840 So I started with invitation. 327 00:11:48,440 --> 00:11:50,000 I did a social media blast. 328 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:51,620 I created a Facebook page, 329 00:11:51,650 --> 00:11:55,840 the only holiday in August and directed people to the website 330 00:11:56,380 --> 00:11:57,660 where you could click on it. 331 00:11:57,660 --> 00:11:59,980 It was a one-click that would get you a ticket. 332 00:11:59,980 --> 00:12:01,930 And it was a free complimentary event, 333 00:12:01,930 --> 00:12:04,060 but I let people know we wanted them to RSVP. 334 00:12:04,060 --> 00:12:07,000 So we had an idea of the numbers and then ask 335 00:12:07,030 --> 00:12:10,300 all the vendors as well to send the information to their 336 00:12:10,300 --> 00:12:12,520 friends and invite them to the only holiday in August. 337 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:16,660 Then I sent an invitation through MailChimp to my mailing list 338 00:12:16,840 --> 00:12:19,150 and invited people to attend the event as well. 339 00:12:19,300 --> 00:12:21,070 But a key was trying to get a few people at 340 00:12:21,070 --> 00:12:21,640 the very least, 341 00:12:21,640 --> 00:12:23,140 a few people to RSVP. 342 00:12:23,350 --> 00:12:25,360 So we had a little bit of an idea who was 343 00:12:25,360 --> 00:12:26,110 coming cause you know, 344 00:12:26,140 --> 00:12:27,160 people might receive, 345 00:12:27,160 --> 00:12:29,110 but they might not necessarily be able to show up on 346 00:12:29,110 --> 00:12:29,560 that evening. 347 00:12:29,560 --> 00:12:32,830 So it was just getting everybody to spread the word as 348 00:12:32,830 --> 00:12:33,130 it were. 349 00:12:33,750 --> 00:12:35,340 So you did that through the Facebook page, 350 00:12:35,370 --> 00:12:37,140 also emailing your list, 351 00:12:37,140 --> 00:12:38,130 having vendors, 352 00:12:38,310 --> 00:12:41,460 get it out to their communities as well during all of 353 00:12:41,460 --> 00:12:44,790 that. Did you start collecting any email addresses so that you'd 354 00:12:44,790 --> 00:12:47,220 have a list in a way to contact any of them 355 00:12:47,220 --> 00:12:49,110 afterwards? Yes. 356 00:12:49,140 --> 00:12:52,200 When you clicked on the link to RSVP essentially to a 357 00:12:52,200 --> 00:12:54,210 page that asks for your email information, 358 00:12:54,210 --> 00:12:56,700 so we have that data collected so we can follow up 359 00:12:56,700 --> 00:12:57,030 with them. 360 00:12:57,180 --> 00:12:59,340 I forgot to mention that we got a little writeup at 361 00:12:59,340 --> 00:13:01,680 the start of the month in one of our local magazines 362 00:13:01,680 --> 00:13:02,550 about the event. 363 00:13:02,760 --> 00:13:04,290 Here's one thing that you got to keep in mind, 364 00:13:04,290 --> 00:13:06,990 which is so important is to always have a tie in. 365 00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:09,030 And my tie-in was that we were going to have a 366 00:13:09,030 --> 00:13:12,060 raffle with 12 gifts only. 367 00:13:12,390 --> 00:13:15,300 And the proceeds from that raffle will be going to a 368 00:13:15,300 --> 00:13:16,710 local charity. 369 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:18,330 So that tie in, 370 00:13:18,690 --> 00:13:21,420 allowed the magazine to give us a little writeup on the 371 00:13:21,420 --> 00:13:24,900 event. And that was also a great way to get the 372 00:13:24,900 --> 00:13:27,480 raffle items in and also highlight what we were going to 373 00:13:27,480 --> 00:13:28,200 be raffling off. 374 00:13:28,200 --> 00:13:30,360 And all the raffle prizes were donated as well. 375 00:13:30,630 --> 00:13:32,850 So the tie-in was specifically to, 376 00:13:32,850 --> 00:13:35,190 or tracked well to attract people there, 377 00:13:35,190 --> 00:13:37,200 but then also to get PR on the event. 378 00:13:37,500 --> 00:13:38,460 Yes. Got it. 379 00:13:38,640 --> 00:13:40,320 Let's go back. 380 00:13:40,350 --> 00:13:43,410 If someone is looking at doing an event like this, 381 00:13:43,830 --> 00:13:45,930 when should they start thinking about it? 382 00:13:45,930 --> 00:13:48,570 How far out do you start thinking, 383 00:13:48,780 --> 00:13:50,460 getting a hotel, 384 00:13:50,460 --> 00:13:51,810 starting to get your vendors? 385 00:13:51,810 --> 00:13:54,930 How long does it take to pull something like this together? 386 00:13:55,140 --> 00:13:57,270 Well, that rushed and crazy, 387 00:13:57,270 --> 00:13:58,380 but in the right way, 388 00:13:59,190 --> 00:14:01,920 I would say at the very least six months, 389 00:14:01,950 --> 00:14:03,630 if you know what you're going to be doing, 390 00:14:03,630 --> 00:14:04,470 plan it out, 391 00:14:04,530 --> 00:14:04,770 you know, 392 00:14:04,770 --> 00:14:08,190 better to be planned out and organized ahead of time than 393 00:14:08,190 --> 00:14:09,930 to try to rush and pull something together. 394 00:14:09,930 --> 00:14:10,920 It, things were changed, 395 00:14:10,950 --> 00:14:11,130 you know, 396 00:14:11,130 --> 00:14:14,910 closer to the date or the very least start out if 397 00:14:14,910 --> 00:14:17,220 you're doing it in the summer and the fall started early 398 00:14:17,220 --> 00:14:17,940 in the year. 399 00:14:18,090 --> 00:14:20,490 So the hotel can also put it on the calendar. 400 00:14:20,670 --> 00:14:22,410 And then you want to pick a time when it's not 401 00:14:22,410 --> 00:14:25,500 also not too busy where people will be more inclined to 402 00:14:25,500 --> 00:14:26,130 work with you. 403 00:14:26,130 --> 00:14:26,640 So I say, 404 00:14:26,640 --> 00:14:29,790 give yourself a good six months to kind of map it 405 00:14:29,790 --> 00:14:32,670 out and then break it down as you move forward with 406 00:14:32,670 --> 00:14:33,210 your timeline. 407 00:14:33,210 --> 00:14:35,340 But six months is a good starting point. 408 00:14:35,910 --> 00:14:38,070 Let's talk some more about the raffle. 409 00:14:38,070 --> 00:14:41,520 How did you pull that together with people submitting? 410 00:14:41,520 --> 00:14:41,820 So y'all, 411 00:14:41,850 --> 00:14:44,880 you said you were only going to have 12 prizes and 412 00:14:44,880 --> 00:14:46,050 talk us through the whole raffle. 413 00:14:46,050 --> 00:14:47,970 Like how much did tickets cost? 414 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:48,600 All of that? 415 00:14:49,470 --> 00:14:51,000 The raffle was really, 416 00:14:51,070 --> 00:14:51,560 I mean, 417 00:14:51,560 --> 00:14:52,010 I was, 418 00:14:52,070 --> 00:14:53,870 I would tell you that I was blown away and I 419 00:14:53,870 --> 00:14:56,480 only thought I wanted to do 12 gifts to kind of 420 00:14:56,870 --> 00:14:58,730 play on the 12 days of Christmas. 421 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:02,660 And then I just reached out to a few friends and, 422 00:15:02,660 --> 00:15:05,240 or just actually mentioned it to a couple of people, 423 00:15:05,420 --> 00:15:06,140 business people. 424 00:15:06,150 --> 00:15:06,680 And they said, 425 00:15:06,680 --> 00:15:08,360 yes, I'm in the hotel, 426 00:15:08,360 --> 00:15:09,560 donated a weekend, 427 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:11,690 stay for two plus a, 428 00:15:11,780 --> 00:15:14,630 I think a $50 gift certificate to the restaurant for dinner. 429 00:15:14,630 --> 00:15:16,550 So that was a huge ticket item. 430 00:15:16,820 --> 00:15:20,210 We also had the photographer donated a mini photo session, 431 00:15:21,230 --> 00:15:26,120 had a company that makes incredible furniture donated one of their 432 00:15:26,270 --> 00:15:28,340 chairs and a gorgeous mirror. 433 00:15:28,460 --> 00:15:31,060 Wow. These are prizes Marley, 434 00:15:31,780 --> 00:15:32,560 Small prizes, 435 00:15:32,710 --> 00:15:34,660 and the tickets were only $5. 436 00:15:34,810 --> 00:15:36,340 You're coming to a free party. 437 00:15:36,610 --> 00:15:38,590 Think about giving the little something back. 438 00:15:38,590 --> 00:15:39,760 And the tickets were five bucks. 439 00:15:39,940 --> 00:15:41,260 And I also donated, 440 00:15:41,290 --> 00:15:44,140 I made one or two gift baskets that we raffled off 441 00:15:44,140 --> 00:15:44,770 as well. 442 00:15:45,070 --> 00:15:46,240 We had some wine. 443 00:15:46,720 --> 00:15:47,920 We anyway, 444 00:15:47,920 --> 00:15:49,330 we had a nice, 445 00:15:49,390 --> 00:15:51,040 beautiful selection of gifts. 446 00:15:51,040 --> 00:15:55,240 We had a gorgeous floral centerpiece that we displayed at the 447 00:15:55,630 --> 00:15:56,380 dessert bar, 448 00:15:56,410 --> 00:15:57,820 which was raffled off as well. 449 00:15:57,820 --> 00:16:00,580 And with the gorgeous wooden box, 450 00:16:00,610 --> 00:16:01,570 just really, 451 00:16:01,570 --> 00:16:03,190 really nice raffle prizes. 452 00:16:03,190 --> 00:16:06,520 So people were more than happy to purchase a few tickets 453 00:16:06,520 --> 00:16:07,960 to go towards the cause. 454 00:16:08,740 --> 00:16:10,720 And so upscale all the way. 455 00:16:10,720 --> 00:16:14,500 Obviously you're talking a little bit about the floral arrangement. 456 00:16:14,500 --> 00:16:16,990 Can you give us a feel for the decor of the 457 00:16:16,990 --> 00:16:18,880 room, how it all looked when people walked in, 458 00:16:19,450 --> 00:16:20,350 When people walked in, 459 00:16:20,350 --> 00:16:20,740 we had it, 460 00:16:20,770 --> 00:16:21,610 we had a flow. 461 00:16:21,610 --> 00:16:23,830 So we had the inside and an outside. 462 00:16:23,830 --> 00:16:25,870 The hotel has this gorgeous patio. 463 00:16:25,900 --> 00:16:29,650 And my idea was to do a boho Bohemian type theme 464 00:16:29,650 --> 00:16:32,320 party. Cause we really wanted to have a party and not 465 00:16:32,440 --> 00:16:34,510 have it be so holiday. 466 00:16:34,510 --> 00:16:35,230 Cause honestly, 467 00:16:35,230 --> 00:16:38,030 people don't want to flip that switch till after labor day. 468 00:16:41,050 --> 00:16:45,580 So She know the patio had all orange seating. 469 00:16:45,940 --> 00:16:48,820 So we dressed it up a little bit with some vases, 470 00:16:48,820 --> 00:16:51,520 we threw on some blankets and some pillows and had a 471 00:16:51,530 --> 00:16:52,420 whole outdoor, 472 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:52,960 a very, 473 00:16:52,960 --> 00:16:53,770 very fun thing. 474 00:16:53,800 --> 00:16:55,690 And then I don't know about you, 475 00:16:55,690 --> 00:16:57,760 but I love the color in my spare time. 476 00:16:57,910 --> 00:17:00,400 So we had a coloring art wall. 477 00:17:00,670 --> 00:17:02,410 When you walked in that you could just go to the 478 00:17:02,410 --> 00:17:03,880 wall. We had Sharpies, 479 00:17:03,880 --> 00:17:04,870 we had coloring pencils, 480 00:17:04,900 --> 00:17:05,260 it was called, 481 00:17:05,290 --> 00:17:06,760 we called the color your event. 482 00:17:07,120 --> 00:17:09,040 And you could do some coloring on that wall. 483 00:17:09,160 --> 00:17:12,190 Then we had a photo booth that you could take some 484 00:17:12,190 --> 00:17:13,050 photos outside. 485 00:17:13,060 --> 00:17:14,080 And when you walked in, 486 00:17:14,170 --> 00:17:16,690 we had a wine set up and I should say, 487 00:17:16,690 --> 00:17:18,010 we were so fortunate. 488 00:17:18,250 --> 00:17:22,750 One of our local wineries donated their time and the wine 489 00:17:22,780 --> 00:17:26,530 to our event was Vienna Lee gray from Pasa Roblis and 490 00:17:26,530 --> 00:17:27,910 they poured the one at the event. 491 00:17:28,150 --> 00:17:29,320 So when you walked into the room, 492 00:17:29,320 --> 00:17:32,380 you had a very kind of a fun, 493 00:17:32,890 --> 00:17:35,290 not too overly decorated, 494 00:17:35,290 --> 00:17:38,890 but a very fun party atmosphere with some cocktail tables. 495 00:17:39,100 --> 00:17:39,520 We went, 496 00:17:39,520 --> 00:17:39,910 as I said, 497 00:17:39,910 --> 00:17:40,690 with the boho thing. 498 00:17:40,690 --> 00:17:41,830 So it was very colorful. 499 00:17:41,830 --> 00:17:44,590 We had some blue and orange and a little bit of 500 00:17:44,590 --> 00:17:46,390 yellow on the dessert bar, 501 00:17:46,420 --> 00:17:47,980 which is kind of like our showpiece. 502 00:17:47,980 --> 00:17:49,380 When you walked into the space, 503 00:17:49,680 --> 00:17:52,320 then the one side of the room had all the different 504 00:17:52,740 --> 00:17:55,050 gift designs and ideas. 505 00:17:55,080 --> 00:17:58,200 So we had a party and it wasn't a hard sell. 506 00:17:58,200 --> 00:18:00,600 We weren't knocking people over the head to say, 507 00:18:00,810 --> 00:18:01,830 come and buy from us. 508 00:18:01,830 --> 00:18:03,450 We really come in, 509 00:18:03,450 --> 00:18:04,380 have a good time. 510 00:18:04,380 --> 00:18:05,130 And by the way, 511 00:18:05,130 --> 00:18:06,150 this is what we do. 512 00:18:06,300 --> 00:18:08,640 And here are some ideas that you might consider for your 513 00:18:08,640 --> 00:18:09,930 events, for your parties. 514 00:18:10,290 --> 00:18:11,630 So You want, 515 00:18:11,660 --> 00:18:14,990 besides the other vendors who are providing music and flowers and 516 00:18:15,020 --> 00:18:15,920 bake goods, 517 00:18:15,950 --> 00:18:16,610 et cetera, 518 00:18:16,820 --> 00:18:19,700 were you the only product that was there with, 519 00:18:19,700 --> 00:18:21,350 in terms of the gift basket portion? 520 00:18:22,040 --> 00:18:23,000 Yes. Yes, 521 00:18:23,030 --> 00:18:23,900 absolutely. Cause it, 522 00:18:23,990 --> 00:18:26,690 and what it was with some of my vendors are gifts 523 00:18:26,900 --> 00:18:28,790 products that I carry in my baskets. 524 00:18:28,820 --> 00:18:30,320 So it was letting people know, 525 00:18:30,320 --> 00:18:31,130 by the way, 526 00:18:31,190 --> 00:18:33,340 this is what we have in some of our gift baskets. 527 00:18:33,340 --> 00:18:37,580 So it was just a great collaboration for myself and for 528 00:18:37,580 --> 00:18:38,900 the vendors that I worked with. 529 00:18:39,380 --> 00:18:40,850 So give biz listeners, 530 00:18:40,850 --> 00:18:43,970 think about this many times when you're doing events like this, 531 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:47,450 it's going to be more craft show or trade show type 532 00:18:47,450 --> 00:18:49,070 thing where there's vendor after vendor, 533 00:18:49,070 --> 00:18:53,720 after vendor Merly put together her own unique show, 534 00:18:53,720 --> 00:18:55,190 all unto herself, 535 00:18:55,220 --> 00:18:58,130 where she was the focus for the gifting portion. 536 00:18:58,430 --> 00:18:58,970 Of course, 537 00:18:58,970 --> 00:19:02,480 all the other services were there and available to show their 538 00:19:02,480 --> 00:19:04,190 presentations, floral bakery, 539 00:19:04,190 --> 00:19:04,790 et cetera, 540 00:19:05,150 --> 00:19:05,900 as well. 541 00:19:05,930 --> 00:19:09,380 But there's nothing saying that you couldn't do something very similar 542 00:19:09,380 --> 00:19:13,580 to what Merle has done regardless of what your product is. 543 00:19:13,700 --> 00:19:15,710 So that's one of the reasons I thought this was going 544 00:19:15,710 --> 00:19:19,310 to be so good for the podcast Murley is because this 545 00:19:19,310 --> 00:19:20,720 is something that anybody can do. 546 00:19:20,720 --> 00:19:23,540 They don't have to wait for someone else to put something 547 00:19:23,540 --> 00:19:24,350 like this together. 548 00:19:24,680 --> 00:19:25,610 Absolutely not. 549 00:19:25,610 --> 00:19:26,120 And I mean, 550 00:19:26,150 --> 00:19:27,830 most of the vendors weren't even there, 551 00:19:27,830 --> 00:19:29,750 they literally just drop off their product. 552 00:19:29,750 --> 00:19:31,790 And what I did was I did a lot of social 553 00:19:31,790 --> 00:19:35,030 media tagging ahead of the preceding the event. 554 00:19:35,300 --> 00:19:38,090 I would put up a photo or just tag them and 555 00:19:38,090 --> 00:19:38,750 say, wow. 556 00:19:38,750 --> 00:19:42,470 So, and so is going to be providing some amazing popcorn. 557 00:19:42,470 --> 00:19:42,980 We had, 558 00:19:43,310 --> 00:19:43,790 I think, 559 00:19:43,790 --> 00:19:46,400 six varieties of popcorn at the event. 560 00:19:46,550 --> 00:19:50,930 We had some incredible desserts from company out in Santa Barbara 561 00:19:50,930 --> 00:19:52,280 called Michelle's Tesoro. 562 00:19:52,430 --> 00:19:55,280 So I was highlighting everyone through the course of the week 563 00:19:55,310 --> 00:19:56,030 ahead of the event. 564 00:19:56,030 --> 00:19:56,510 So they didn't, 565 00:19:56,540 --> 00:19:57,560 they weren't even there, 566 00:19:57,690 --> 00:20:00,200 there were maybe one or two vendors who were at the 567 00:20:00,200 --> 00:20:02,810 event themselves cause they had other prior commitments, 568 00:20:02,810 --> 00:20:05,660 but they still found the value because they knew they were 569 00:20:05,660 --> 00:20:09,170 going to be promoted and we're still promoting them as these 570 00:20:09,170 --> 00:20:11,000 are the products that we carry in our gift basket. 571 00:20:11,010 --> 00:20:13,250 So it was a celebrates relief event. 572 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:15,830 We did profile and highlight all the vendors. 573 00:20:15,830 --> 00:20:18,080 Who've supported the event as well. 574 00:20:18,380 --> 00:20:19,580 Wonderful. Because the point, 575 00:20:19,760 --> 00:20:22,700 the whole point is for everybody to see success from the 576 00:20:22,700 --> 00:20:24,350 event. Yes. 577 00:20:24,500 --> 00:20:26,900 And so did you then get up at some point and 578 00:20:26,900 --> 00:20:27,860 welcome everybody? 579 00:20:27,860 --> 00:20:29,300 Or how is the host? 580 00:20:29,330 --> 00:20:31,220 Did you handle The reception? 581 00:20:31,700 --> 00:20:34,670 So I had the DJ do most of the work to 582 00:20:34,670 --> 00:20:37,730 start off the evening to get us everybody into the party 583 00:20:37,730 --> 00:20:39,590 mode. And then at a certain point that I got up 584 00:20:39,590 --> 00:20:41,230 and I welcomed everybody again. 585 00:20:41,280 --> 00:20:42,620 I thank them all for coming. 586 00:20:42,770 --> 00:20:45,020 I thank all the vendors for participating. 587 00:20:45,080 --> 00:20:46,340 And to just to let them know, 588 00:20:46,340 --> 00:20:47,290 this is who we are, 589 00:20:47,470 --> 00:20:48,280 this is what we do, 590 00:20:48,280 --> 00:20:50,230 where your local gifting experts, 591 00:20:50,290 --> 00:20:54,070 we can help you with all your customized gifting we can 592 00:20:54,100 --> 00:20:55,690 deliver and ship for you. 593 00:20:55,690 --> 00:20:56,890 And just basically, 594 00:20:57,010 --> 00:20:59,740 if you have any events coming up or gifting needs, 595 00:20:59,740 --> 00:21:01,270 we're here to help you with that. 596 00:21:01,390 --> 00:21:03,400 And it was really thanking my, 597 00:21:03,460 --> 00:21:06,640 I had quite a number of my clients who came and 598 00:21:06,680 --> 00:21:08,410 people who I didn't know as well. 599 00:21:08,440 --> 00:21:10,750 So just connecting with people and you know, 600 00:21:10,810 --> 00:21:13,630 the main thing is basically that you may have the most 601 00:21:13,690 --> 00:21:15,610 amazing products out there, 602 00:21:15,760 --> 00:21:17,920 but if people don't get to know you and connect with 603 00:21:17,920 --> 00:21:19,300 you on that personal level, 604 00:21:19,390 --> 00:21:22,060 they don't really trust you enough to do business with you. 605 00:21:22,060 --> 00:21:24,220 So I really wanted people to come and get a feel 606 00:21:24,220 --> 00:21:26,710 for what it is that they would be getting. 607 00:21:26,710 --> 00:21:29,230 If they were to ask us or work with us on 608 00:21:29,230 --> 00:21:29,830 any level, 609 00:21:29,830 --> 00:21:33,010 whether it was for their gifting or for the events, 610 00:21:33,630 --> 00:21:35,160 You see the quality that you put out, 611 00:21:35,160 --> 00:21:36,060 not only in the vent, 612 00:21:36,070 --> 00:21:38,250 but then the product and the whole package and they get 613 00:21:38,250 --> 00:21:40,380 to meet you in person to the owner of the business. 614 00:21:40,380 --> 00:21:41,490 Yes, yes. 615 00:21:41,520 --> 00:21:44,400 And I tell you the feedback it's still is still rolling 616 00:21:44,400 --> 00:21:45,870 through him and it's being great. 617 00:21:45,870 --> 00:21:50,130 I think we've already booked two holiday parties from the event 618 00:21:50,310 --> 00:21:51,390 and a few people saying, 619 00:21:51,390 --> 00:21:51,990 well, you know what? 620 00:21:51,990 --> 00:21:53,550 I hadn't even thought about my holidays, 621 00:21:53,550 --> 00:21:55,320 but I'm now thinking of my holiday gifts. 622 00:21:55,350 --> 00:21:55,830 Thank you. 623 00:21:55,920 --> 00:21:57,720 I now have some ideas of what it is that I 624 00:21:57,720 --> 00:21:58,230 want to do. 625 00:21:58,230 --> 00:22:00,360 So it was a good event and the timing was also 626 00:22:00,360 --> 00:22:05,040 right. Wonderful Question about this is the second year or third 627 00:22:05,040 --> 00:22:05,850 year you're doing the event. 628 00:22:06,240 --> 00:22:06,630 This is the, 629 00:22:06,660 --> 00:22:08,010 this is the second year I'm doing it. 630 00:22:08,040 --> 00:22:08,850 This is the second year. 631 00:22:09,180 --> 00:22:12,210 So you're starting to get some momentum in terms of people 632 00:22:12,210 --> 00:22:15,870 anticipating that this could be something that is done annual Well, 633 00:22:15,870 --> 00:22:21,000 I will tell you somebody already posted shortly after the event, 634 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:22,770 that this is going to be the annual event, 635 00:22:22,800 --> 00:22:24,660 not to miss that if you miss this year, 636 00:22:24,660 --> 00:22:26,040 make sure you don't miss it next year. 637 00:22:26,040 --> 00:22:27,990 So that was a really nice testimonial. 638 00:22:28,170 --> 00:22:29,340 And the nice thing is that, 639 00:22:29,340 --> 00:22:29,520 you know, 640 00:22:29,520 --> 00:22:32,280 we, we have worked with two different hotels so far, 641 00:22:32,430 --> 00:22:33,990 so I have to, 642 00:22:34,410 --> 00:22:36,150 I'm going to look and see which hotel we want to 643 00:22:36,150 --> 00:22:37,530 approach for next year, 644 00:22:37,650 --> 00:22:39,780 because I think it's a great opportunity to work in a 645 00:22:39,780 --> 00:22:40,440 different space. 646 00:22:40,440 --> 00:22:41,880 It's a blank canvas every time. 647 00:22:41,880 --> 00:22:43,560 And that's the most exciting thing for me, 648 00:22:44,250 --> 00:22:46,590 New and something fresh then for other people too. 649 00:22:46,590 --> 00:22:48,600 So they'll keep coming back year after year. 650 00:22:49,200 --> 00:22:50,460 Yes, absolutely. 651 00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:54,120 Was there Anything that went wrong or any challenge that you 652 00:22:54,120 --> 00:22:56,310 had put through the whole event, 653 00:22:56,310 --> 00:22:58,530 either from planning or the night of, 654 00:22:58,530 --> 00:23:02,100 or anything that happened that you could share by way of 655 00:23:02,100 --> 00:23:03,630 education for people putting on it? 656 00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:05,850 Well, I will tell you, 657 00:23:05,850 --> 00:23:06,270 you know, 658 00:23:06,270 --> 00:23:07,590 with every event, 659 00:23:07,620 --> 00:23:10,200 there's always something that's not going to necessarily go your way 660 00:23:10,320 --> 00:23:11,970 and you just need to be prepared for it, 661 00:23:12,330 --> 00:23:15,090 prepare as best as you can and handle the issues when 662 00:23:15,090 --> 00:23:15,660 they come up. 663 00:23:15,750 --> 00:23:18,330 And I think for one thing that I would have loved 664 00:23:18,330 --> 00:23:20,970 that didn't happen was to have had somebody just handling the 665 00:23:20,970 --> 00:23:21,840 social media, 666 00:23:22,050 --> 00:23:25,170 try to get somebody there to just strictly just make sure 667 00:23:25,170 --> 00:23:29,640 they were posting on Facebook and posting on Instagram and maybe 668 00:23:29,640 --> 00:23:31,980 24 hours before the event, 669 00:23:32,340 --> 00:23:33,780 both parties fell through. 670 00:23:33,900 --> 00:23:36,810 So that was a bit of a glitch that okay, 671 00:23:36,810 --> 00:23:37,860 now we have to work through. 672 00:23:37,860 --> 00:23:40,500 So basically I was trying to tell as many people as 673 00:23:40,500 --> 00:23:42,090 possible through the course of the evening, 674 00:23:42,240 --> 00:23:43,170 if you're taking photos, 675 00:23:43,170 --> 00:23:46,610 please make sure you're tagging us on Instagram you're or tag 676 00:23:46,610 --> 00:23:47,540 us on Facebook. 677 00:23:47,570 --> 00:23:50,420 And so that's the backup to the backup. 678 00:23:50,480 --> 00:23:51,920 Didn't work out that night, 679 00:23:51,920 --> 00:23:54,440 but I think we still got some traction on Facebook. 680 00:23:54,470 --> 00:23:55,820 And the main thing is that, 681 00:23:55,820 --> 00:23:56,060 you know, 682 00:23:56,060 --> 00:23:56,570 unless I said, 683 00:23:56,600 --> 00:23:59,210 things will go wrong and you just need to be prepared 684 00:23:59,210 --> 00:23:59,600 for it. 685 00:23:59,780 --> 00:24:01,370 Just prepare to the best of your ability. 686 00:24:01,370 --> 00:24:04,040 And then you handle the situation as it comes through and 687 00:24:04,100 --> 00:24:06,320 just roll with it Move as you need to, 688 00:24:06,320 --> 00:24:07,880 based on what happens for sure. 689 00:24:07,940 --> 00:24:09,560 Exactly. Exactly. 690 00:24:09,570 --> 00:24:10,970 You have a hashtag for the event. 691 00:24:11,570 --> 00:24:13,550 The hashtag was the only holiday in August. 692 00:24:13,630 --> 00:24:16,780 Wonderful. So give biz listeners go look and see. 693 00:24:16,780 --> 00:24:19,360 I'm sure there's some pictures up there that you could find 694 00:24:19,630 --> 00:24:20,650 Instagram and Facebook. 695 00:24:20,650 --> 00:24:22,990 You're saying probably more Instagram with hashtags, 696 00:24:22,990 --> 00:24:24,340 but okay, 697 00:24:24,340 --> 00:24:26,590 wonderful. So a great place for people to kind of get 698 00:24:26,590 --> 00:24:28,540 a peak as to what was, 699 00:24:28,810 --> 00:24:32,230 what are you anticipating in terms of changing for next year? 700 00:24:32,770 --> 00:24:33,430 Well, for next year, 701 00:24:33,430 --> 00:24:35,260 we're going to look at a different location, 702 00:24:35,410 --> 00:24:36,070 as I said, 703 00:24:36,100 --> 00:24:37,480 secondly, for sure, 704 00:24:37,480 --> 00:24:41,710 getting somebody on board with social media early so that they're 705 00:24:41,830 --> 00:24:43,390 working well ahead of the event. 706 00:24:43,390 --> 00:24:45,550 We did have some photographies, 707 00:24:45,550 --> 00:24:47,950 we had some great photos and we're actually getting a short 708 00:24:47,950 --> 00:24:49,300 video put together as well. 709 00:24:49,420 --> 00:24:52,390 So we'll be using that as part of our marketing for 710 00:24:52,390 --> 00:24:55,270 the next year to see which vendors we're going to pull 711 00:24:55,270 --> 00:25:00,100 in this time and really work on getting that component because 712 00:25:00,100 --> 00:25:02,740 I think that's a big piece of it to get more 713 00:25:02,740 --> 00:25:04,570 people to come out to the event. 714 00:25:04,660 --> 00:25:07,300 Sure. And I love the fact Merly that you could answer 715 00:25:07,300 --> 00:25:08,230 that so quickly. 716 00:25:08,440 --> 00:25:08,650 You know, 717 00:25:08,650 --> 00:25:11,890 so many people will run events and then afterwards it's like, 718 00:25:11,920 --> 00:25:12,790 Whoa, it was done. 719 00:25:12,790 --> 00:25:13,600 It was successful, 720 00:25:13,600 --> 00:25:14,290 high five, 721 00:25:14,290 --> 00:25:15,430 everybody celebrate. 722 00:25:15,670 --> 00:25:17,320 And then you don't do that debrief. 723 00:25:17,350 --> 00:25:18,460 What could we have done better? 724 00:25:18,460 --> 00:25:19,750 How could we make this easier? 725 00:25:19,750 --> 00:25:21,010 How can we make it different? 726 00:25:21,250 --> 00:25:24,670 And here you just rattled off three things really quickly of 727 00:25:24,670 --> 00:25:26,230 what you're going to be doing for next year. 728 00:25:26,230 --> 00:25:28,570 So that is the sign of a real pro. 729 00:25:28,570 --> 00:25:29,380 So love, 730 00:25:29,380 --> 00:25:30,040 love, love, 731 00:25:30,040 --> 00:25:30,790 hearing that. 732 00:25:31,390 --> 00:25:31,840 Thank you. 733 00:25:31,840 --> 00:25:33,040 Yeah, you have to always think, 734 00:25:33,040 --> 00:25:33,400 you know, 735 00:25:33,400 --> 00:25:35,580 I read it the way I look at it, 736 00:25:35,590 --> 00:25:38,260 basically when you're at the event the it's already done, 737 00:25:38,260 --> 00:25:39,670 you're already moving ahead to thinking, 738 00:25:39,670 --> 00:25:41,110 okay, what can we change? 739 00:25:41,230 --> 00:25:42,570 How can we make this better? 740 00:25:42,580 --> 00:25:43,840 What can we do differently? 741 00:25:43,840 --> 00:25:46,270 And just really thinking as to what the next step, 742 00:25:46,270 --> 00:25:46,960 because you know, 743 00:25:46,960 --> 00:25:49,660 you always have to improve when the last time I already 744 00:25:49,660 --> 00:25:51,550 know some of the components that I'm adding for next year. 745 00:25:51,550 --> 00:25:54,160 So I'm excited about that high And you're keeping them secret. 746 00:25:54,160 --> 00:25:58,300 I presume I'm not going to share not yet. 747 00:25:58,300 --> 00:26:01,570 Anyway. Almost might have to fly out to California and check 748 00:26:01,570 --> 00:26:01,870 it out. 749 00:26:01,870 --> 00:26:02,620 You never know. 750 00:26:03,250 --> 00:26:04,030 I hope you do. 751 00:26:04,040 --> 00:26:04,780 That'd be great. 752 00:26:05,440 --> 00:26:05,740 All right, 753 00:26:05,740 --> 00:26:08,560 Merly, we're going to roll now into our reflection section. 754 00:26:08,590 --> 00:26:11,530 This is a further look at you and just different types 755 00:26:11,530 --> 00:26:13,720 of things that you do that might clue some of our 756 00:26:13,720 --> 00:26:17,200 listeners of how they can do other things better. 757 00:26:17,260 --> 00:26:20,230 See some things in themselves that they hadn't thought about before, 758 00:26:20,230 --> 00:26:20,830 et cetera. 759 00:26:21,400 --> 00:26:23,860 You've already talked about the fact that when you're little, 760 00:26:24,190 --> 00:26:26,470 you were always the gift or you always knew people's birthdays, 761 00:26:26,470 --> 00:26:29,380 you were always making sure that they had something special. 762 00:26:29,950 --> 00:26:32,080 Is there something else that you can think of, 763 00:26:32,080 --> 00:26:35,890 some other trait that you have that has helped you to 764 00:26:35,920 --> 00:26:38,170 be as successful as you are with your events and with 765 00:26:38,170 --> 00:26:38,890 your business? 766 00:26:39,550 --> 00:26:42,130 I think the number one trait that I would highlight is 767 00:26:42,130 --> 00:26:44,220 the fact that I'm a very optimistic person. 768 00:26:44,400 --> 00:26:46,620 People tend to talk about the glass half full or the 769 00:26:46,620 --> 00:26:47,520 glass half empty. 770 00:26:47,520 --> 00:26:49,500 And I look at it as you can always refill your 771 00:26:49,500 --> 00:26:52,290 glass. And why don't you think if your glass is already 772 00:26:52,350 --> 00:26:56,040 overflowing? So I always try to focus on the things that 773 00:26:56,040 --> 00:26:58,920 I can control and I try not to worry so much 774 00:26:58,920 --> 00:27:01,080 about the things that I don't have any control over. 775 00:27:01,290 --> 00:27:05,010 So it helps me not to veer too much into worrying 776 00:27:05,010 --> 00:27:08,640 and really try to focus on this is working or also 777 00:27:08,640 --> 00:27:11,160 just coming to things with that gratitude. 778 00:27:11,280 --> 00:27:15,780 I think that gratitude about everything and just really looking at 779 00:27:15,780 --> 00:27:18,000 everything as an opportunity to learn and to grow. 780 00:27:18,000 --> 00:27:21,830 I think that helps me Tool or something that you're using 781 00:27:21,890 --> 00:27:23,150 through the course of your day, 782 00:27:23,150 --> 00:27:26,900 that helps you stay on task and organize the event or 783 00:27:26,900 --> 00:27:28,100 else create balance in your life. 784 00:27:28,940 --> 00:27:31,790 Oh, my number one tool is Darren Hardy. 785 00:27:32,210 --> 00:27:34,670 I start my day every single morning, 786 00:27:35,180 --> 00:27:40,070 five minutes listening to Darren Hardy and it's Darren daily.com. 787 00:27:40,310 --> 00:27:41,870 It's inspirational. 788 00:27:42,140 --> 00:27:44,630 It just gets my day going. 789 00:27:44,630 --> 00:27:45,830 It starts me off with, 790 00:27:45,830 --> 00:27:46,730 with a thought. 791 00:27:47,120 --> 00:27:48,980 I encourage everyone to look him up. 792 00:27:49,010 --> 00:27:51,800 He used to be with success magazine and he started this 793 00:27:51,800 --> 00:27:53,240 Darren daily.com 794 00:27:53,240 --> 00:27:54,860 and it really gives you tips. 795 00:27:54,860 --> 00:27:55,760 And sometimes, 796 00:27:55,760 --> 00:27:55,970 you know, 797 00:27:55,970 --> 00:27:58,010 he'd give you some hard questions to think through, 798 00:27:58,010 --> 00:28:01,130 but that's how I start off every single morning process something 799 00:28:01,130 --> 00:28:01,670 and think about, 800 00:28:01,670 --> 00:28:04,040 okay, what am I going to do differently today? 801 00:28:04,040 --> 00:28:05,210 How am I going to improve today? 802 00:28:05,210 --> 00:28:08,270 Sometimes he gives you a list of questions to answer or 803 00:28:08,270 --> 00:28:10,640 three things to write down a five things that every single 804 00:28:10,640 --> 00:28:12,980 morning that's the first thing that goes up on my phone 805 00:28:13,310 --> 00:28:16,070 is a text message from Darren daily.com. 806 00:28:16,400 --> 00:28:19,520 Wonderful. So you go in and you registered or something so 807 00:28:19,520 --> 00:28:21,110 that now it comes to you every single day. 808 00:28:21,110 --> 00:28:21,560 So you don't, 809 00:28:21,890 --> 00:28:24,470 it's not like you're going to forget because it's coming to 810 00:28:24,470 --> 00:28:25,100 you each day, 811 00:28:25,940 --> 00:28:27,020 Every single morning. 812 00:28:27,020 --> 00:28:29,060 Yes. So just go to Darren daily.com 813 00:28:29,060 --> 00:28:31,490 and sign up and you'll be getting those text messages. 814 00:28:31,640 --> 00:28:34,310 If you choose text messages or emails every single morning, 815 00:28:34,430 --> 00:28:37,700 and it's only five minutes perfect Fits in with your day. 816 00:28:37,730 --> 00:28:38,660 No excuses. 817 00:28:39,380 --> 00:28:43,400 Yes. And have you read a book lately that you think 818 00:28:43,400 --> 00:28:45,110 our listeners would find value in? 819 00:28:45,860 --> 00:28:48,350 Okay. So I'm going to tell you listeners this right now, 820 00:28:48,380 --> 00:28:49,640 and don't even walk, 821 00:28:49,700 --> 00:28:52,910 just run and order this book as soon as you can. 822 00:28:52,970 --> 00:28:54,980 It is called chop wood, 823 00:28:55,370 --> 00:28:56,300 carry water, 824 00:28:56,660 --> 00:28:59,570 and it's by a young gentleman named Joshua Metcalf. 825 00:28:59,840 --> 00:29:02,660 And I had the pleasure of meeting Joshua back in generate 826 00:29:02,690 --> 00:29:04,340 and SU needless to say, 827 00:29:04,430 --> 00:29:06,050 after his presentation, 828 00:29:06,380 --> 00:29:08,750 I not only ordered a book for myself, 829 00:29:08,750 --> 00:29:11,480 I ordered 12 copies and I ordered a copy of every 830 00:29:11,480 --> 00:29:12,740 single one of his other books. 831 00:29:13,040 --> 00:29:15,290 And you need to read this book is chop wood, 832 00:29:15,320 --> 00:29:16,130 carry water, 833 00:29:16,400 --> 00:29:19,250 how to really fall in love with the process of becoming 834 00:29:19,250 --> 00:29:22,010 great. And he talks about how everybody wants greatness, 835 00:29:22,010 --> 00:29:24,800 but nobody's willing to do the work that it takes to 836 00:29:24,800 --> 00:29:25,400 be great. 837 00:29:25,790 --> 00:29:27,950 And that whole notion and the, 838 00:29:27,960 --> 00:29:28,370 you know, 839 00:29:28,520 --> 00:29:29,450 it's a beautiful, 840 00:29:29,450 --> 00:29:30,950 it's a very easy read. 841 00:29:31,280 --> 00:29:34,370 I bought one for all my daughters and my nephews and 842 00:29:34,370 --> 00:29:35,720 nieces. And it's a great read. 843 00:29:35,720 --> 00:29:36,680 It's called chop wood, 844 00:29:36,680 --> 00:29:37,490 carry water. 845 00:29:37,760 --> 00:29:40,040 And it's really focusing on the little things that you can 846 00:29:40,040 --> 00:29:42,400 do every single day to achieve greatness. 847 00:29:42,670 --> 00:29:46,000 Wow. That sounds really interesting and very valuable for all of 848 00:29:46,000 --> 00:29:46,540 our listeners, 849 00:29:46,540 --> 00:29:47,500 for sure. 850 00:29:47,890 --> 00:29:49,510 And gift biz listeners, 851 00:29:49,510 --> 00:29:51,790 just as you're listening to the podcast today, 852 00:29:51,790 --> 00:29:53,860 you can also listen to audio books. 853 00:29:54,160 --> 00:29:57,610 Don't know if chop wood carry water is available on audio, 854 00:29:57,610 --> 00:29:59,860 but you can certainly go check that out. 855 00:30:00,250 --> 00:30:01,510 If it is available, 856 00:30:01,510 --> 00:30:04,420 you can get an audio book for free on me. 857 00:30:04,420 --> 00:30:05,680 If you already haven't done. 858 00:30:05,680 --> 00:30:07,900 So all you need to do is go to gift biz, 859 00:30:07,900 --> 00:30:10,540 book.com and make a selection. 860 00:30:11,590 --> 00:30:12,550 Okay. Merly. 861 00:30:12,850 --> 00:30:16,720 We are going to have all of your social media links, 862 00:30:16,750 --> 00:30:20,380 your website on our show notes page. 863 00:30:20,650 --> 00:30:23,140 But if someone wanted to reach out to you in just 864 00:30:23,140 --> 00:30:23,860 one place, 865 00:30:23,860 --> 00:30:27,430 like what's the best social media site that you would direct 866 00:30:27,430 --> 00:30:27,910 them to, 867 00:30:28,380 --> 00:30:30,420 That would be our Facebook page. 868 00:30:30,570 --> 00:30:30,890 And I, 869 00:30:30,910 --> 00:30:32,130 we do a lot on Facebook and on, 870 00:30:32,160 --> 00:30:33,390 on Instagram. 871 00:30:33,390 --> 00:30:35,190 So it'd be celebrates weekly Facebook. 872 00:30:35,910 --> 00:30:38,790 Okay. And now I would like to invite you to dare 873 00:30:38,790 --> 00:30:39,510 to dream. 874 00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:42,210 I would like to present you with a virtual gift. 875 00:30:42,390 --> 00:30:46,680 It's a magical box containing unlimited possibilities for your future. 876 00:30:46,830 --> 00:30:50,340 So this is your dream or your goal of almost unreachable 877 00:30:50,340 --> 00:30:52,200 Heights that you would wish to obtain. 878 00:30:52,740 --> 00:30:55,470 Please accept this gift and open it in our presence. 879 00:30:55,770 --> 00:30:57,300 What is inside your box? 880 00:30:58,170 --> 00:31:03,570 Ah, so it's a lovely Tiffany blue box and I open 881 00:31:03,570 --> 00:31:05,190 up the box To everybody wides, 882 00:31:05,470 --> 00:31:10,660 Tiffany. So Tiffany blue is, 883 00:31:10,680 --> 00:31:12,360 it's just a gorgeous color, 884 00:31:12,360 --> 00:31:14,430 which, which is luxury it's, 885 00:31:14,460 --> 00:31:15,390 it's gorgeous. 886 00:31:15,390 --> 00:31:16,680 It just quality. 887 00:31:16,680 --> 00:31:19,080 And I just love the color and it is my brand 888 00:31:19,110 --> 00:31:20,910 color. And I really, 889 00:31:21,210 --> 00:31:22,080 I love the color. 890 00:31:22,080 --> 00:31:24,090 I wear it a lot and I use it in everything 891 00:31:24,090 --> 00:31:24,660 that I do. 892 00:31:25,020 --> 00:31:28,380 Basically our messages that we bring you the Tiffany experience, 893 00:31:28,680 --> 00:31:29,820 because when you see Tiffany, 894 00:31:29,820 --> 00:31:30,750 you think quality, 895 00:31:30,750 --> 00:31:31,560 you think high-end, 896 00:31:31,560 --> 00:31:32,520 you think luxury, 897 00:31:32,580 --> 00:31:35,160 and that's how I approach the business. 898 00:31:35,610 --> 00:31:38,820 So it's this gorgeous box I opened the box. 899 00:31:39,030 --> 00:31:41,310 And the first thing I see is a pair of Ruby 900 00:31:41,310 --> 00:31:42,330 red slippers, 901 00:31:42,360 --> 00:31:44,400 just like Dorothy's from the wizard of Oz. 902 00:31:45,060 --> 00:31:48,120 And there's a card in there that says you've always had 903 00:31:48,120 --> 00:31:51,330 it. So I think in terms of limits, 904 00:31:51,360 --> 00:31:53,850 that the only limits of the ones that we released set 905 00:31:53,850 --> 00:31:54,750 for ourselves. 906 00:31:54,990 --> 00:31:58,440 And if we don't think about the limits and really get 907 00:31:58,440 --> 00:31:59,640 past the fear, 908 00:32:00,030 --> 00:32:02,400 I have an 11 year old daughter who keeps me on 909 00:32:02,400 --> 00:32:03,780 my toes every single day, 910 00:32:03,780 --> 00:32:05,580 because when she gets the answer, 911 00:32:05,580 --> 00:32:06,630 no to anything, 912 00:32:06,840 --> 00:32:09,180 her first question is why not? 913 00:32:10,230 --> 00:32:13,950 So I listened to that very carefully and try to incorporate 914 00:32:13,950 --> 00:32:15,150 that in everything I do. 915 00:32:15,780 --> 00:32:16,380 Why not? 916 00:32:17,280 --> 00:32:19,440 So I try not to set too many limits. 917 00:32:19,500 --> 00:32:21,960 And the first big step we've made is to move into 918 00:32:21,960 --> 00:32:22,980 a studio space. 919 00:32:23,220 --> 00:32:25,920 And we're very excited about the possibilities of where we're going 920 00:32:25,920 --> 00:32:26,880 to be going from here. 921 00:32:26,880 --> 00:32:28,110 So I see that box. 922 00:32:28,110 --> 00:32:30,690 I see that message and it says you've always had it. 923 00:32:30,690 --> 00:32:33,240 So dig deep and go for your highest dreams. 924 00:32:33,900 --> 00:32:36,840 There is no question Merly that you have at girlfriend, 925 00:32:37,380 --> 00:32:40,250 for sure you can hear. 926 00:32:40,250 --> 00:32:40,490 I mean, 927 00:32:40,490 --> 00:32:43,310 just with you throughout our whole conversation, 928 00:32:43,310 --> 00:32:46,010 from the initial message of the candle, 929 00:32:46,190 --> 00:32:47,180 your optimism, 930 00:32:47,180 --> 00:32:49,490 and pulling everybody together with an event, 931 00:32:49,730 --> 00:32:54,410 just the fact that you are optimistic and you've always had 932 00:32:54,410 --> 00:32:56,810 it. What could be a better message for us, 933 00:32:56,810 --> 00:32:58,790 particularly as entrepreneurs, 934 00:32:58,790 --> 00:32:59,000 you know, 935 00:32:59,000 --> 00:33:01,700 it's not very easy a lot of the times, 936 00:33:01,820 --> 00:33:04,910 but to have the right attitude really can get you through 937 00:33:05,090 --> 00:33:08,420 and to think that you always have it is fabulous. 938 00:33:08,510 --> 00:33:09,920 I absolutely love that. 939 00:33:11,000 --> 00:33:11,360 Thank you. 940 00:33:11,360 --> 00:33:12,920 So thank you so much. 941 00:33:12,950 --> 00:33:15,800 I really appreciate your taking the time early and being willing 942 00:33:15,800 --> 00:33:19,100 to come on the show and share everything that you have 943 00:33:19,100 --> 00:33:19,970 about the event. 944 00:33:20,030 --> 00:33:23,540 And I'm pretty sure we've inspired some people to maybe get 945 00:33:23,540 --> 00:33:28,460 themselves thinking about possibly doing an event for themselves once again. 946 00:33:28,460 --> 00:33:29,060 Thank you. 947 00:33:29,060 --> 00:33:32,750 And may your candle always burn bright and have a great 948 00:33:32,750 --> 00:33:33,970 day. You too. 949 00:33:36,610 --> 00:33:38,620 Where are you in your business building journey, 950 00:33:38,920 --> 00:33:41,290 whether you're just starting out or already running a business, 951 00:33:41,680 --> 00:33:43,750 and you want to know your setup for success. 952 00:33:44,110 --> 00:33:46,180 Find out by taking the gift biz quiz, 953 00:33:46,780 --> 00:33:49,870 access the quiz from your computer at bit dot L Y 954 00:33:50,050 --> 00:33:53,680 slash a gift biz quiz or from your phone like texting 955 00:33:53,710 --> 00:33:55,390 gift biz quiz to four four, 956 00:33:55,390 --> 00:33:55,900 two, two, 957 00:33:55,900 --> 00:33:58,900 two. Thanks for listening and be sure to join us for 958 00:33:58,900 --> 00:33:59,860 the next episode. 959 00:34:01,900 --> 00:34:04,810 Today's show is sponsored by the ribbon print company, 960 00:34:05,560 --> 00:34:08,080 looking for a new income source for your gift business. 961 00:34:08,470 --> 00:34:12,640 Customization is more popular now than ever grant your product with 962 00:34:12,640 --> 00:34:14,070 your logo for print, 963 00:34:14,080 --> 00:34:14,740 a happy birthday, 964 00:34:14,740 --> 00:34:20,050 Jessica, to write a checkout right in your shop or across 965 00:34:20,050 --> 00:34:24,070 the DBO and second check company.com 966 00:34:24,310 --> 00:34:27,760 for more information after you listened to the show, 967 00:34:27,820 --> 00:34:29,140 if you like what you're hearing, 968 00:34:29,500 --> 00:34:32,260 make sure to jump over and subscribe to the show on 969 00:34:32,260 --> 00:34:36,040 iTunes. That way you'll automatically get the newest episodes when they 970 00:34:36,040 --> 00:34:38,380 go by and thank you to those. 971 00:34:38,380 --> 00:34:43,960 Who've already left the radio by subscribing rating and reviewing help 972 00:34:43,970 --> 00:34:46,600 to increase the visibility around. 973 00:34:47,110 --> 00:34:48,730 It's a great way to pay it forward, 974 00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:51,130 to help others with their entrepreneurial journey.