The Bright Balloon

If you've ever wondered what it's like working with and attracting high-end clients, this episode is for you! Chris of Balloon Design Studio shares with us how he goes after the big jobs, his pricing and more. Before we get into those details, hear about his first balloon arch job he did in the sixth grade! He continued running his business through college, then eventually knew it was time to dive into his dream of doing balloons full-time. Now, he loves tackling new design and installation challenges with mostly every job he does in New York City for his high-end clients.  We'll hear about his: networking approach branding plans marketing strategy why he wants to be known for having the highest prices when he hires extra hands and how / when he actually locks in these clients. Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear why one listener suggests having everything in your shop on wheels.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  @balloondesignstudio  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Gemar USA  Stay Booked  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon) 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this episode I'm learning from Tracy of Joyful Party Co. (formerly From Me 2 You Creations) about what it's like to rebrand after being in business for almost 20 years. She shares with us everything that was involved in the process, including the financial impact it had. Learn about the services her original business started with, how her initial run with balloons was stopped short, how eventually her balloon business was propelled forward and how many aspects are now part of Joyful Party Co.   Then we dig into the specifics of the rebrand. We'll hear about what compelled her to go through the process, how it was stalled and how eventually she knew she had to do it. She also shares an awesome AI prompt that helped her fully develop Joyful Party Co. Tracy goes on to mention how the rebrand impacted her banking, taxes, website and domains, social media, physical assets like shirts and signs, logins with distributors, etc… and how it was all worth it in the end. And in the UGlu Hotline, hear one listener's tip on what they wish they would have known earlier.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Ep. 207 - Family business and rebranding | Delloons @joyfulparty.co  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Gemar USA  Stay Booked  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  DM @thebrightballoon on Instagram to ask a question or leave advice for the UGlu Hotline! Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon) 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this episode I'm sharing how I track my numbers so that I know what's coming in and how I'm making my way towards my financial goal. Hear what keeps me focused, how I reverse-engineer all of my numbers to make a realistic plan and how I honed in on the exact type of customer I need to focus on. Then I'll talk through some of the main pieces of getting customers to rebook, what I've pulled back from automation and the surprising insight I've gotten thanks to my new tracking system. I wrap up by sharing how I move my money so that I'm able to count down to my goal with excitement. This strategy eliminates so much financial stress for me and I'm so passionate about it! I hope that these tips and insights will help you set yourself up for success, too. In the UGlu Hotline, hear about how one listener saves on her helium.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Gemar USA  Stay Booked  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - On the Bright Side (Apple) On the Bright Side (Patreon) 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

If you struggle with standing out in a saturated market, this episode is for you! Our curated sponsor HiFloat chose Noeli of So Pretty Balloons to come on the show and talk about how she's found a way to stand out in the crowded and very talented Miami market.  Before we get into those specifics, we'll hear how she followed signals for what direction to take in her business. I find it so admirable how she's let her business be fluid around her different seasons of life!  Then, hear how distorted flowers were the first element that drew attention to her work (despite her avoidance of learning the technique initially). Now, she's known for the delicate and elegant embellishments that make So Pretty Balloons, and we'll hear what those key elements are. In the UGlu Hotline, hear how one listener earns business by interacting with other local businesses on social media.    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: HiFloat  @soprettyballoons  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Stay Booked  2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In another curated episode by HiFloat, we have another returning guest - Elisabeth of Pop of Color Balloon Design. Her and I are kindred spirits in the way that we want to build our businesses around our lives (and not the other way around). So in this episode, we're chatting about putting limits on our businesses as well as the advantages and disadvantages that come along with. We talk about how we keep our businesses lean… including overhead expenses, vehicles and hiring help; and the freedom available to us because of those choices. We also discuss the viability of ever selling our businesses, the FOMO that creeps in and the recurring comparison trap that we're all always struggling with. Another similarity we found is that if we ever find ourselves angry about a piece of decor we have to set up… it simply means we didn't charge enough! This conversation was such a good reminder and refresher for me to stay the course, and I hope it'll inspire you just as much! And in the UGlu Hotline, hear about how one listener hides her binder clips and clamps.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: HiFloat  popofcoloraz.com | @popofcoloraz  Ep. 123 - Double-stuffing, revisited | Elizabeth of Pop of Color Strike Squad Lagenda Electric Balloon Inflator  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Stay Booked  2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In another curated episode by HiFloat, we're reconnecting with Jam of Garden Place Balloons to hear how he's pivoted away from the huge, luxurious installs and into deliveries… which have become the bread and butter of his business! He's still got local balloon friends who have been and continue to be a major support for him when the big jobs do come up, but we'll hear more about this intentional adjustment he's made based on the latest demand, as well as the mindset shift he needed to go along with. Jam was kind enough to share specifics about what's working and what's not working with his new strategy - including actual product offerings, e-commerce effectiveness, pickups vs. deliveries, boundaries and what the new strategy has meant for his lifestyle.  Then of course we hear how the HiFloat products are essential to his business, too. I picked up quite a few little nuggets that I'm planning to integrate into my business after chatting with Jam and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! In the UGlu Hotline, hear about how one listener makes water weights.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: HiFloat @gardenplaceballoons  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Stay Booked  2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In our first curated episode by HiFloat, we get to hear from the COO himself, Phillip… who is also a chemist! He shares with us some tips and tricks about using HiFloat and HiShine which I definitely didn't know before having this conversation.  Learn how humidity, proper inflation size, transport bags and even 60/40 valves impact HiFloat performance. And for HiShine, Phillip has two big tips for using it properly, plus offers considerations for when to use the trigger sprayer versus the aerosol version. I also asked him to talk about the products' safety for us when we use it. Before we get into all of that, though, we'll learn more about the HiFloat story, which is really neat, as well as some of the changes that have occurred in their 40-year history… including formula changes, the addition of HiShine and external impacts like the pandemic, manufacturer bankruptcy, helium pricing and Party City closing its doors. It was a fascinating and fun conversation and I look forward to more guests hand-selected by HiFloat!     In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for protecting any marquees you might be renting.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: HiFloat  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Stay Booked  2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

I LOVED this interview with returning guest Courtney! We're talking about pricing transparency and all of the objections and fears that might come with. But that's not all… we're also talking about website design, customer behavior and more. It was such a good interview with a bunch of nuggets like: Ways to pre-qualify your leads Why brand shoots matter If e-commerce really works for our industry Planning for a website build How many pages you really need How FAQ sections help The conversation boosted my confidence in some of the ways I operate and I hope it does for you, too! Then in the UGlu Hotline, listen for a tip about utilizing the Profit First method.    RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Other episodes with Courtney  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In another curated episode by Kalisan, I'm reconnecting with Darren of SoCal Balloons and (among lots of other things) learned about a very cool arrangement he's involved in with some local schools to go in and teach balloon twisting to the kids! Darren twisted his first balloon dog when he was four. You'll hear how he started his business with his sister, branched off on his own, added decor into the mix and now runs his business while also working another position and being a dad. Of course we also talk about his drive-through videos that have been popular on social media, and we have a fun little tangent about how the idea could be replicated with decor businesses. I ask him the same question that I asked Mauricio in the last episode, too, about how decorators could start to experiment with twisting and he offers some helpful resources. Then we hear more about the program in the schools, including who got him into it, how much refinement it needed before approval and what exactly the program includes. If you're in his area - know that they're looking for more twisters!  Then in the UGlu Hotline, you're going to hear a tip about participating in parades.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: Kalisan https://www.kalisan.com.tr/ socalballoonco.com | @socal.balloons  Twist & Talk with Darren from SoCal Balloons  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Mauricio knows our industry from multiple angles, so I was really happy when Kalisan chose him as one of the guests in their curated month. In this episode, he shares with us where he found help in growing his business, how he made his pivots and more. We'll hear about his rapid growth as a twister, which included doing some jobs for celebrities in Miami. He also shares a fun story about how balloons can soften up almost anyone… and then a sad story that became part of the reason he expanded into decor. After a big life change and receiving some coaching and mentoring, Mauricio hit the ground running when fully incorporating decor. So much so that he's become a “sub-distributor”, which we'll hear all about.   Then I ask him for some advice on how decorators might dip their toes into twisting and he shares some practical tips for doing just that. This was such a fun interview with a bunch of good little tips! Over in the UGlu Hotline, we got a tip for water weight replacements!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: Kalisan @todaysballoons | @balloons2gofw  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In another curated episode by Kalisan, we get to meet Katy of Bloom Inflatables. She takes us through some of the things that previously led her to burnout and what she's doing now to stay ahead of it. But before we get into all of that, you'll hear how an impulse purchase of a bounce house quickly turned into strategy and profitability for her company. She also walks us through the transition away from that bounce house and into balloon decor, partially in thanks to the Kalisan balloons she was introduced to. Then when we move on to chat about the main topic, you'll hear us discuss things like: Setting boundaries for ourselves during different seasons of life Understanding social media influence versus local brand awareness Giving your business a reset How a business can be built entirely on grab and go options with the right processes Factors that we weigh before saying yes to a job I found a lot of experiences in common with Katy and I'm betting you likely will, too.   In the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip about a trusted Amazon balloon vendor.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: Kalisan https://www.kalisan.com.tr/ @bloominflatables  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat Waitlist  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Kicking off this curated month by Kalisan is an interview with Kirstin of Create and Cherish Events / Kalisan! I met Kirstin quite a while ago at a Big Balloon Build, so it was so nice to have this opportunity to reconnect with her and hear about how she's still running her own decor business while supporting the folks at Kalisan as well. We'll hear how her business scaled and dialed back, as well as how she grew into her role at Kalisan. I asked about her thought process as she considered what the new role would mean for her decorating business, too, and she shared how Kalisan was always supportive of her keeping her own business while working with them.  Then we dig into why artists should consider Kalisan. Multiple times in the interview, Kirstin mentions her favorite thing about their balloons, but we'll also hear more of her thoughts on the different sizes, their shipping practices and colors / prints.  Then in the UGlu Hotline, we'll hear a tip for getting foils to stick to one another.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: Kalisan  @createandcherishevents  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  REGISTRATION OPENS TODAY! Glow Retreat  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this final curated episode by Bri of Elevated Impressions / BWise Consulting, I'm so honored to host her as she announces the launch of her new small business product! I know I'll be using it for my business and I hope you'll consider doing the same. We get straight to it and hear about why she's developed her new product, plus more about her background that has been ingrained within it. It's centered around very tough situations, so as hard as it is to talk about, I'm so happy that she's making something like this available to us.  You're going to hear how she's thought of everything, too. If you've discovered some gaps within your business along the way, she's got more resources readily available and in the works for you. Congrats to Bri, and what a great month it's been with her and her guests!  In the UGlu Hotline, hear how one listener uses rubber bands to save time.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: @elevatedimpressionsma  smallbusinesslegacy.com @bwise_consulting  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Glow Retreat  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube

In this curated episode by Bri of Elevated Impressions / BWise Consulting, she is answering tons of questions that listeners wrote in with! We're talking about mistakes, retail, growth, organization and a whole lot more! We end with some rapid-fire questions and rapid-fire answers. Here are some of the highlights: What she'd do differently Pricing transparency & calculations Inventory management Handling the business, instructing & her home life The best investment she's made in the business How to get large jobs Where she's teaching next And in the UGlu Hotline, we've got a tip for balloon stuffing!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: @elevatedimpressionsma smallbusinesslegacy.com Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In another curated episode by Bri of Elevated Impressions / Be Wise Consulting, we are talking about teamwork and friendship! Let's face it, sometimes we can get lonely, frustrated and feel isolated in this industry, so these two guests came on to share how they've created a support system in one another and how their different personalities prove that opposites really do attract. We'll hear where they met and how their friendship developed, then Bri shares how Jenny was the first person she went to for advice when she got her initial opportunity to teach. We chat about teaching a lot, in fact, and how well they teach together despite their strong relationships with different manufacturers.  Then, before we hear about the list of events these brilliant women are teaching at, Bri, Jenny and I also talk about what types of jobs need extra support from your balloon friends and what those dynamics should and should not include. Lastly, don't miss the hint they drop at the end about a very special project that they're working on together to benefit our industry! Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a nice tip for removing UGlu dashes from your backdrops.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: @elevatedimpressionsma  | smallbusinesslegacy.com Other episodes with Bri  Other episodes with Jenny  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this first curated episode by Bri of Elevated Impressions / Be Wise Consulting, we hear from her and her friend Jamie about creating mutually beneficial relationships with other vendors in the event industry. It's an episode full of tips like: How to initiate a connection What kind of traits stand out to event planners Industry research & immersing yourself in your community Requesting tours of local venues Getting other vendors to sell your services Preferred vendor lists & which ones you actually want to be on There is SO much to digest from this conversation and I know there's something for you to take away from it no matter where you are in your business or what kind of region you live in. You'll hear Bri and Jamie each give their perspectives on what they would look for in each other's roles, their preferred payment processes and a couple of clear action items you can implement right away.    And in the UGlu Hotline, hear about another very cool way to be involved in your community!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: @elevatedimpressionsma  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

I love any time a manufacturer comes on the show to share some insight into what they have planned to help our industry! This episode was recorded live at Fulcrum 2025, and we hear about the new products, new people and new things happening with Anagram! My ears definitely perked up when they mentioned the number of new foil designs and new formats they have coming for us this year… but we'll also get to hear more about their launch into latex. Learn about what “better together” means for them; how many latex colors are on the way; how they perform with helium, Hi-Float and Hi-Shine; and the size range. Then we wrap up by talking about the kinds of opportunities balloon decorators have with the closing of Party City.  Anagram is investing in everything from innovation, to engineering, to industry education and their confidence in their quality is well deserved. And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for getting yourself some video content for social media.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Anagram  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

I knew nothing about business credit before this interview, so if you're in the same boat - listen in on how you can essentially grow your business using other people's money! Sheila and I also talk about retail, multiple locations, growth, advertising classic decor and so much more. I've met Sheila at Balloon Boss Summit but haven't been able to attend any of her sessions so I was thrilled to finally have her on the podcast. Hear about how she was inspired to start her business, how quickly it expanded and some of the things that she and The Balloon Squad are exploring now after so much growth.  Then she practically knocks my socks off when she shares how her balloon subscription program works! We wrap up by talking about the business credit and you'll hear why she considers it “good debt”, the cute story that introduced her to the idea, how utilizing business credit is a part of her everyday life and what it's allowed her to introduce at her Columbia, SC, headquarters…  The Business Bestie Retreat! And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for building community over competition.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  theballoonsquad.com | businesssuccesssquad.com | Business Success Squad Community Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube

If you've ever wanted to hire a freelance balloon artist, or be hired as a freelance balloon artist, this episode is for you! I get all the details about how Jules travels and country and helps other balloon businesses while managing her own balloon business, too. We cover everything you need to know about this new perspective of balloon decorating, including details about the kinds of tasks she's helped with, accommodations, travel, food and how to actually get known as a freelancer.  It was so fun to hear about yet another way to make balloons (and your balloon business) work for you and your life! Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for having your QR code readily available.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  @partyperksstl  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% on orders $200+ with code PODCAST) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% on orders $200+ at Havin' A Party with code PODCAST)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

When I reflect on all the exciting things happening with the podcast, not only am I incredibly grateful, but it's also really fun to look back at how it all started. So in this episode, I'm re-listening to my first handful of episodes and asking myself, “Do they still hold up?!” I thought before listening that I had a pretty good idea of what I said in these early episodes, but I actually kind of surprised myself sometimes! Listen in as I share the details on what has stood the test of time… and what I have a new way of thinking about. Here's a preview: Stood the test of time: 3 important things for your Instagram Email signature Directing people to a contact form on your website Getting a Google Business Profile Instagram caption ideas & social media schedulers Automation ideas & endorsement for 17hats CRM Profit First cash flow system I have a new way of thinking about: Some of the resources I created and mentioned in the early episodes Business email accounts Importance of styled shoots Watermarking photos   I also share my episode plan for the year, in case you're curious! And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for transporting framework in a personal vehicle.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) Courtney Lynette Creative Co 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In our final curated interview from TUFTEX, I made a new friend in Angharad (AKA Annie) of Angharad's Party Art in the UK. I loved hearing about the similarities and differences we experience across the world!  She tells us how when she started her business, she faced a very familiar issue that we do in the states - childcare. She continues to adapt her business based on her family needs today, too, and I really appreciated her openness on this topic.  After that, we hear about her unique style, plus new types of events and trends she's seeing… and what's coming back into style! Then of course we chat about her time at the TUFTEX Experience in 2024, and how she'll be a part of it again this year. What a fun conversation this was, and I'm so happy to have made a new friend. Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for marketing while participating in a parade.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets  Angharad's Party Art  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) Balloon Suite  2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In another episode curated by TUFTEX, I'm chatting with Dolly & Eddie of Delloons again! Since our last conversation with them, they've had another baby and moved into a boutique retail space… so needless to say, there's a lot to catch up on and I appreciated their honesty and openness. And don't miss a bit of behind the scenes info from them about the TUFTEX Experience! We talk about why they decided to move into the boutique, how it happened so quickly and what financial impacts they considered in the process. I always have a ton of questions about retail, so I also ask about taking payments, walk-in traffic and what exactly they plan to sell there. They gave us the scoop on those things, but also insurance, utilities and profit margins. Then we dive into what it's like to be a part of the TUFTEX Color Crew, and hear more about how they'll be involved in the TUFTEX Experience this year. It was another fun conversation with these two! And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a really cool resource for getting started with implementing Profit First methods.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets  @delloons  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) Balloon Suite  2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube

In another episode curated by TUFTEX, I'm chatting with Tiffany of Confetti Castle about the thrill and challenges of being tasked with large installations for large events. We talk about getting the jobs, staffing them, troubleshooting, logistics and more. She also tells us about how she's planning the decor for the TUFTEX Experience and how YOU can be a part of it! More key points of our conversation included building relationships, building your mindset so that you don't get overwhelmed by big jobs and what kinds of actual items can be sold to make up a $10,000 job, for example. Speaking of pricing, I also ask Tiffany about her proposal process. Hear how she takes the offensive in terms of decor choices, plus some great tips for managing logistics and properly staffing events when there are multiple going on at the same time. We closed up the conversation by talking about the TUFTEX Experience, and I got even more excited to go than I already was! Hear what kinds of very cool things happen there, her hint at this year's theme, which instructors she can't wait to hear from and her biggest tips for maximizing your experience! Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear about a way to decrease the risk of damage to your marquees.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: TUFTEX | TUFTEX Experience Tickets  Related episode: 267. Starting a mastermind theconfetticastle.com | @confetticastle Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) Balloon Suite  2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Kicking off this curated month by TUFTEX, I'm chatting once again with Allison, the owner of TUFTEX! She's giving us a ton of behind the scenes info on their new products, plus where and how they've expanded since she last came on the podcast. First, I asked her to walk us through their acquisition of a balloon factory in Canada. I really appreciated her honesty about the learning curve that was involved, and it was fascinating to hear how the acquisition required not just latex recipe updates, but process updates more than anything. She'll also tell us how the changes have impacted their marketing strategy and how she hopes will impact their reach. Then, I was so thrilled that Allison spilled the beans about some items we can expect soon: TUFTEX Effects and Links! Plus, she drops info on TUFTEX Tuesdays, Hip Hopping in Houston in March and of course the TUFTEX Experience in July! I learned a ton and am very excited about what I heard in this conversation… I'm guessing you will be, too!  Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for using water weights.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Presenting sponsor: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Curated Month by: TUFTEX | Events Related Episode: 164 - Making an impact with color | Allison of Tuftex  Other sponsors & resources: Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) Balloon Suite  2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

This episode is a list of wins people had from tips in the podcast interviews! I'm so grateful to the guests who shared those tips & congrats to everyone who put them to use & saw growth because of it! Episodes are listed below and are easily searchable at thebrightballoon.com/episodes! I also share what's in store for the podcast in 2025! In the UGlu Hotline, hear how one listener makes signs for her vehicle that communicate loading info.     RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) | Twist Fest  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  I booked a 100K job! (bonus episode) 101 - Pumpkin Planning Your Balloon Business  251 - Wowlloons  201 - Confetti Castle  100 - Treb  Episodes w/ Creative Heart Studio  265 - Presley Paige  271 - Zac  157 - Banzi Balloons  245 - Clik-Clik 257 - Balloon Coach  180 - Designs by Jo Jo's Creations  164 - Tuftex  253 - Blush Balloon Party Shop  214 - LaMarvelous Balloons  131 - Extra Betty  147 - Partistry Balloons  146 - Balloons by Misti  176 - Balloons by Tommy  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube

Since recording this episode, I've had the pleasure of hanging out with Tiffany at Balloon Boss Summit and seeing her LED Marquees in action. Wow, are they cool! Listen in as we chat about this very neat option you may consider adding to your inventory. Tiffany tells us how her marquees were designed to give a different vibe than the traditional incandescent marquees, as she looked to stand out in “Neon Nashville”. Hear more about what they knew they needed in the design and how they had balloon artists in mind all along. You'll also hear about how she's operating her own service-based business with these marquees, which makes it easy for her to understand our needs.  Then she tells us about the licensing model they chose over franchising and wholesaling, because they wanted their marquees to be a symbol of quality service. Hear more about the kinds of assets you receive upon licensing, the territory protection and what it's like to become part of the “Neon Nation” family.  Then in the UGlu Hotline, there's a tip for a really creative way to improve the reviews you get from your customers!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) | Twist Fest  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NOW AVAILABLE! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Open an LED Marquee location - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Edward is one of the kindest and most talented people I have ever met. In this episode he shares his inspiring story of bringing his balloon business to the U.S. from Venezuela, and all of the challenges he faced in the process. He's very generous with the techniques he shares on Instagram and I know everyone will have something to learn from listening to him. You'll hear about: His strategy for competitions How winning one competition earned him a big opportunity  How he's juggling his full-time work for burton + Burton with his own business Why he only goes after big & unique jobs What he's discovered about working with corporate clients How he mixes classic and organic styles  Some other things that were fascinating to hear was how he paid for college with his balloon income, moved across the country with three days' notice, learned English and became a citizen. What an inspiring conversation it was! And in the UGlu Hotline, I answer a question about the best way to remove UGlu Dashes, and where I do and do not use them.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) | Twist Fest  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NOW AVAILABLE! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  @edward_munoz  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Sue was one of the first people in the balloon industry that I learned from online when I started. In fact, I would bet that you've come across some of her content, too! I loved the chance to pick her brain on all the things she's experienced in the industry, plus learn about BAPIA, a membership she runs that is available in the UK, and that I wish was available in the US! Hear how participating in a competition in Paris helped her hone her skills, gain confidence and get selected as an instructor, which she feels was her calling. She also tells us about how her blog helped her share even more helpful information on a larger scale. It's got hundreds of topics including pricing, business basics and more.  We also chat about her involvement in the CBA, design elements and principles, classic and organic and why formulas matter for each style. Then we dive into BAPIA (The Balloon & Party Industry Alliance). If you're not already familiar, you've got to hear about all of the incredible features of this membership! We wrap things up talking about all the recent changes in our industry and her take on its causes and results. What an absolute pleasure it was to interview Sue!    Then in the UGlu Hotline, I answer a question about my most successful form of marketing.    RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT) | Twist Fest  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NOW AVAILABLE! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  BAPIA | The Very Best Balloon Blog | @suebowler  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

This episode is perhaps one of my favorite interviews of the year! I chat with Yanira of Perfectly Wrapped Balloons about how having systems and good record keeping for your company really helps in case of a sale or big transition. Yanira moved her business into a new area, several states away from her previous home and walks us through how she negotiated the sale of her client list and essentially restarted her business. What I didn't expect to hear was all of the businesses she had even before moving Perfectly Wrapped Balloons! Hear about all of the things she's done, the cities she's worked in, some hiccups she's experienced and how she found her way in the balloon industry.  I also ask her to share about How her family transformed their garage into a studio What her sales were like before moving her company  What contributed most to her sales Why it was an easy decision to move What they looked for in a property when moving Then we dive into the sale of her business and it was fascinating! Hear about the terms that were set, whether she worked with a lawyer, what kind of person she wanted to sell to and of course, how her organized systems made a huge difference to the sale. She also shares what her first steps were after the move and how she started networking again. And now, she feels like she's beginning to earn referrals at the same pace she did before moving. Huge congrats to Yanira for this accomplishment! She shared so many insightful things about this process.  And in the UGlu Hotline, I answer a question about what it's like having to transition out of Qualatex colors.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NEW! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Let Nicole Help | @letnicolehelp - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this episode, Jenn takes us through the journey she's had in her business… from yard cards only to being convinced to take on balloon jobs for corporate clients to now handling her own team in a warehouse she still has room to grow into. She's done some huge things in the past year, including being on a reality show for entrepreneurs, hosting The Big Balloon Build and helping at the DNC balloon drop! Hear about the selection process for the show, lessons learned and challenges that were part of it. Then, learn more about the events that transpired during her build and how she had to take a major pivot in order to make it a success. We also chat about how she promotes her business to her local university, Notre Dame. She shares a couple of nuggets about how to make sure all of the different departments and visiting teams know about her services, which has her there nearly every week! Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for applying vinyl to jumbo balloons.    RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NEW! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Let Nicole Help  funbytheyard.net | FBTY on Facebook | The Blox | Zipper Mattress Bags - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this second curated episode by Let Nicole Help, we're hearing from Emily of 17hats who is in charge of all things Marketplace. If you're not familiar, it's a place where 17hats users can buy and try all sorts of templates for their account!  Emily tells us more about the kinds of templates available and how they can help both new and long-time users. We go on to talk more about the very specific balloon-related templates ready for purchase, how installation of the templates actually works and how templates and template sellers are vetted.  I even found myself making a list of items that I wanted to search for while Emily and I were talking! Then lastly, I also loved hearing that nearly every 17hats employee is (or was) a small business owner themselves. I think it speaks a lot to their insight on our needs. I'm excited to hear how this Marketplace is just the start of what they have planned because I have a lot of respect for 17hats' dedication to small business owners.    And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for reusing latex balloons!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  Now available! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  Let Nicole Help 17hats Marketplace listings | letnicolehelp.com | @letnicolehelp  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this episode I'm chatting with my friend Nicole, who helps a lot of people with their 17hats CRM, but also with other aspects of the customer experience. I've said this before, but the more I do balloons the more I think that balloons are about 20% of the equation and the rest is how you run your business. So we chat about some ways to give your customers a good experience, like: How to become known to prospective customers in the first place Using your leads' own words Ways to help yourself get solid leads Ways to nurture your leads & stay top of mind Elevating their experience while fulfilling the service Making yourself look professional in the way you collect info from your customers How to take care of your customers after the job How all of these things come full circle Then as we wrap up, we focus in on three specific actions that you can take to get a jump on improving your customer experience today.  And in the UGlu Hotline, hear a good tip for site visits!        RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NEW! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  5-day Customer Experience Email Course | @letnicolehelp  Car sickness glasses (they worked!)  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Freeform Freedom | More courses  @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this interview we'll hear about what it's like to stop providing balloon decor. Melody announced on Instagram a while back that she was no longer going to be doing installations, and in fact was beginning to count down the days to her last one.  She tells us how she was having her best year ever, in terms of sales and the clients she was working with, but behind the scenes was struggling physically with an old injury that progressively got worse. Hear about all of the options she considered, and why she opted for an actual announcement over quietly closing down the business. Then she also tells us what she's up to now, in the short term, as she discovers what her next big thing is.  Other topics we talk about included: Hiring and training Managing growth The physical nature of the job Comparison and relationships Personal branding & her content plan I really appreciated Melody's openness and honesty about this decision and the process, and since I know we all feel burnt out every so often, there's likely some parts of her experience that you'll relate to as well.  And in the UGlu Hotline, get a tip for when you're participating in a parade!        RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NEW! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this episode I'm interviewing someone who has been in balloons for the same amount of time as me… it's my husband! Someone on Instagram had suggested the idea and we rolled with it. After all, he's had a front row seat to Wisconsin Balloon Decor (and all my business ideas) from the very beginning so it was fun to have him share his experience. And since the idea originated on Instagram, I went back to the source for questions I should ask Zac, and I think anyone who also has a spouse or significant other along for the ride will enjoy hearing his perspective.  Zac and I talk about: Where he feels comfortable and wants to help How he's learned my installation style and standards His favorite and least favorite things about being married to a balloon decorator What it's like when I travel If he ever had any doubts about the business … and a few of my own questions for him!  Bear with us in the beginning as we fight through a bit of awkwardness, but we share openly about running the business while juggling kids and so much more. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions! Then in the UGlu Hotline, you'll hear about a banking option that has helped one artist implement the Profit First method.       RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NEW! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Max has been all over my Instagram lately so I was so happy to chat with him in this episode about some of the ways he aims to stand out from the crowd… including how he is starting to become a one-stop shop!  His fascination with balloons started when he was young and the store he would visit became an early inspiration for him. Then he came back to balloons for entertainment as times got tough… not knowing that he would one day start his own balloon business.  After getting degrees in hospitality and event management, the pandemic then halted that career and led him to finally take the leap into business ownership. Hear about his first paid jobs that really let his creativity lead the way. Now, he's got a small team and has incorporated quite a lot of rental items into what he offers so he can serve his clients in the way they need.    He shares with us the strategy for purchasing those items and growing his inventory… not just for the sake of growing his inventory, but with unique items he's not seeing others around him offering. Then we chat even more about finding ways to differentiate ourselves in our areas and how he's starting to put his event management skills to the test! Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a tip for renting marquees out to other vendors.     RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NEW! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  momentsbymax.com | @momentsbymax_ | Moments By Max; Balloon Décor  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube

This week's episode is a little different because it's another group interview - this time with the ladies of the mastermind I'm in. If you've been listening to the bonus episodes you have probably heard a little bit about the idea of a mastermind, and today, we're sharing everything about ours! You'll get the name of the book that inspired it all, how Tiffany (Confetti Castle) determined who to invite, how many of us are in the group, how often we meet and details on the actual structure of our discussions.  Several in the group mentioned how they had some self doubt about whether they could contribute in a meaningful way, but you'll hear how that quickly diminished as our conversations got going. And we're honest about it… sometimes the group needs to give some constructive criticism to our partners and I think we're all so glad that we have the respect for one another to receive that feedback without getting upset. I share a couple of challenges I've had with being a part of the group and how I plan to adjust my approach for our second “round”.  It was really fun to recap some of our biggest takeaways thanks to the accountability and ideas shared in our mastermind. I really hope this episode inspires you and provides you with some good tips for creating your own masterminds! They really can be a powerful tool and safe space for taking your business to the next level with like-minded people who really understand your situation.  In the UGlu Hotline, hear about a great way to secure your garlands to the floor.       RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  NEW! 2025 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  The Common Path to Uncommon Success by John Lee Dumas  Coming soon: Balloon Garland Kit Guide from Hip Hip Array - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Have you seen the massive sorority balloon installs from Arkansas? Well this episode's guest is Maggie of Presley Paige and she and her team are the ones behind so many of these mind-blowing jobs. She also has a retail store that you'll hear about! I learned so much from this interview and know that you'll pick up some gems as well. Her business actually started as a retail shop and over time they added balloon decor services because of all the customer requests. Hear about how she learned technique and why her team was so crucial as they grew quickly. Then we dive into the sorority installs that went viral for her in 2022. If you haven't seen them, check out her Instagram to see entire mansions dripping with balloons! She also shares with us a really unique way that she was able to do these incredible installations for sororities with smaller budgets, plus how she uses them as marketing. Maggie goes on to share more about her corporate and private jobs, what actual tools they use for the huge installations, some additional things she's started doing to help her manage bid day work and the amazing benefits she's able to offer her team.  But you've also gotta hear how she positioned herself to be debt-free from the get-go! Huge kudos to everything Maggie has done to dream, establish and build a very cool business.  Then in the UGlu Hotline, hear a good tip for removing dashes when they're feeling extra sticky.    RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  @shoppresleypaige  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In the final installment of our month of interviews curated by BalloonCoach.com, we're hearing from Dori of Total Party. There's a good chance that if you've been a part of any online training in our industry, you know Dori because she's so generous with her knowledge and experience and she loves to learn! She tells us about the party business she had as a teenager and how her experience with project management in the corporate scene melded together to transition her into corporate events, which then led to Total Party. Hear about the niche she started with and how it's since changed.  Dori also shares some of the difficulties she had transitioning from being the event coordinator, to providing all of the decor herself, to then focusing solely on balloons. With my own personal experience in discontinuing services, I know how hard that can be so I was thankful she was willing to share her experience, too.    We then chat about the benefits of being able to reach certain milestones in your business, what types of things can attract new customers, doing our best to practice work-life balance and the importance of being willing to ask for help or seek out solutions that are already available to us.  It's no surprise that this conversation with Dori was a total delight - she's got so much to share! And in the UGlu Hotline, we have a tip for all the balloon stuffers!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  @totalparty | Total Party LLC | www.total-party.com - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In our third of curated interviews from The Balloon Coach, we're hearing from Sheena of Dream Big Balloons. Sheena has done so much to take her business education into her own hands, and as you'll hear, it was often before she felt “ready”. But wow, has it paid off!  We'll hear about how balloons brought joy back into her life, how she has more than 10x'ed her business from two years ago and many of the things that got her there… all the while juggling two other jobs and being a mom and wife.  Some of those things included: In-person events Making relationships with other artists Hiring contractors for the business side of things And generally being a great student! She also tells us about her space, her help, her transportation, how she experiments with new ideas, the kind of marketing she does AND even her garland recipe that I personally believe totally stands out as one of the fullest-looking, signature styles.  Then in the UGlu Hotline, we'll hear a great tip for a water weight replacement.    RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  @dreambigballoonswaco | Dream Big Balloons Waco |  dreambigballoonswaco.com  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

This week we have another guest curated by BalloonCoach.com, and it's Allyson from Pop Studio Balloons in Connecticut! She tells us all about how she started Pop Studio Balloons as a side hustle and has since taken herself and her husband full-time in the business. More importantly, though, she shares with us how they've intentionally built the business in a way that works for their life.  Hear about her hilarious first “paid” customer, the first item she sold and how she quickly dialed back her offers so that she could focus on being great at the best-sellers.  We also chat about our similar backgrounds in teaching, going to conventions as new balloon artists and of course how Balloon Boss Mastermind has helped our businesses, not just because of lots of help and advice, but mindset shifts as well. It was so fun to hear the details of Allyson's business growth… everything from the transition from Covid drop offs to event installations, to her branding and process improvements, to earning repeat business through great customer service and experiences, to the tipping point that allowed her husband to join her full-time. Our conversation is lengthy, but jam-packed with so many things to learn from! Thank you Allyson! Then in the UGlu Hotline we get a tip for a good Amazon source!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit  popstudioballoons.com | @popstudioballoons  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

In this first of four episodes sponsored by Balloon Coach in September, we hear from the Balloon Coach herself, Joette. We have an honest conversation about what she would have done differently knowing what she knows now.  She's actually one of the few in our industry who has purchased a balloon business, grew it and later sold it. So it's very interesting to hear about all these phases of business that she's experienced.  We also chat about: Imposter syndrome Solopreneurship and teams Referral networks Business recommendations that stand the test of time Old designs becoming new again Email marketing Pricing and confidence Regrets & mistakes Then I ask for her opinion on what the best steps are to take a part-time, home-based business to full-time and $100k in sales. She offers equipment, staff and technology-related suggestions, according to a person's situation and goals.  It's always a pleasure to have Joette on the show, and once again, it's an episode packed full of good advice and encouragement. From the UGlu Hotline, we get an idea for sticking foils together.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  ballooncoach.com | Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

We've never had an episode like this one! Jordanne from Julep Publicity comes on the show to tell us all about one marketing aspect I know almost nothing about. She talks about how publicity works, plus what actual resources we can explore to get other people to amplify our businesses. It gave me so many lightbulb moments! Jordanne breaks down for us how and where publicity fits in the umbrella of all things marketing. Then she expands upon all the ways publicity happens (media features, influencer collaborations, brand partnerships, etc.) and the credibility that comes along as a result.  She offers tips about setting publicity goals, whether you're reaching for just your local market or beyond. We talk about developing relationships with influencers, some ideas for getting the conversation going and she drops a great tip about getting an estimated cost for influencer services, too! The conversation was so eye-opening. Whether you're going to try doing your own PR or work with an agency like Jordanne's, you're going to get so much information about how to best prepare for publicity and what exactly is involved!  Then in the UGlu Hotline, we have a tip for buying and using bulk rubber bands.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  Julep Publicity | @julep_publicity  Qwoted.com | connectively.us | sourceofsources.com - - - - - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

I met Chrissy at the 2023 Glow Retreat and think I can speak for everyone who was in the room when I say we were shocked at the scale of her business… she is the #1 Etsy seller for balloon garlands! She also does installations, has become almost a mini distributor and has a team by her side that she manages. As we get to talking you'll hear how the same exact Pinterest image that was an inspiration for each of us so many years ago. Then Chrissy takes us through how that spun into the garland kits that have since made her the #1 seller in her category on Etsy. We'll hear about her product photo shoots, her experience with retail, her team and how she got them, plus releasing control and even being ok with employees being the face of the business.  Other things we talk about include: her biggest decisions along the way how she added installations onto her already successful Etsy shop her business analyst background and how it continues to serve her the Etsy market and trends her clusters and the math behind them how she can help you keep more control over your inventory how she and her installation team use 17hats I find Chrissy's ownership style so unique and very fascinating! I'm so blown away by all she's managing and there's a ton to learn in this episode.  Then in the UGlu Hotline, there's a tip for getting your binder clips and clamps to blend in with your decor.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  Real Life Photos of Balloon Colors Canva Template Balloon Clusters (save 20% with code BRIGHT) @blushballoonevents | @blushballoonpartyshop  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Ifrah has made a big impact on my business over the past few months, specifically in terms of my branding and my website. So I knew I had to bring her on the show to share her photo shoot planning process! Before we dive in, we'll hear about how Ifrah's business blossomed to the point where she decided to leave her job she otherwise loved. She even hopes to return to it after she's grown Wowlloons enough to take a step back and let others keep the business running. Then we dive into why she considers branding photo shoots to be so important for her business. She tells us what three outcomes she wants from each of them and the kind of impact they've made. I share how moving the “about me” piece of my website to a more visible spot, like she's done, has helped people feel more connected with me right from the start.  When we start chatting about product photo shoots, you'll hear how she plans for trends, scale and best-sellers. We also dive pretty deep into the customer and ordering experience on the website. Hear about the background she opts for, what steps she took to decide which products belong on her website, how she turns her photos into content and where she got the inspiration. We also chat briefly about Instagram versus real life, and I'm guessing you'll nod your head and get a little chuckle when you hear it!  Then in the UGlu Hotline, we get a tip and a great example of why you should consider interacting with other local businesses.         RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  wowlloons.com The ultimate guide to planning a stunning brand photoshoot - Balloon Business Magazine - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Today's episode is about an unfortunate situation. Rachael of It's Your Day Balloons had a vendor relationship go south and we hear what happened, why and how she was able to learn from the experience. I appreciate her coming on the show to tell her story and I know there is a lesson for us all in it. Before we dive into the relationship gone south, you'll also get to hear how she transitioned into balloons from being a real estate agent and how that job has now become her side hustle! She also shared how she spent some time renting out furniture for events but has since discontinued many of those offerings. Then we dive into the hot topic… Rachael tells us how a new and budding partnership even turned into running promotions together, before suddenly she noticed her partner posting about more and more jobs with balloons that Rachael hadn't done. Then came broken promises and undercutting prices.  In the end, she swallowed the hard truth that things like this are sometimes just part of business - to which I can totally relate. She's since moved on to work with a different vendor and offers some good thoughts for doing what you can to prevent negative situations like this from occurring, plus how to move on emotionally. I really appreciated Rachael's openness and honesty about this whole scenario because things like this are hard to relive and share.   And in the UGlu Hotline, we get a calendar-related tip for tracking your rental items!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  @itsyourdayballoons  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

You may know Jesy for the very cool way she combines her floral and balloon artistry. And in this episode, you'll hear more about that creation process, plus mindset shifts, some tangible things you can do to reach your goals and how she's fallen in love with teaching in our industry. Jesy offers a nice reminder that everyone has to start somewhere, and to not compare yourself to people at another stage of the journey, including the process of becoming an instructor! She shares how she first discovered there might be an avenue for her as instructor and how it's since blossomed into a bilingual experience for her students. Then we dive into her passion for developing and strengthening a strong business owner mindset. She shares some of the practices she's implemented that have made a big difference for her in both the big picture and day to day. When we talk about her signature arrangements, you'll hear about the inspiration, how she worked with manufacturers and some of the ways the arrangements can be used. I find product invention and manufacturing a mysterious but really intriguing process so I loved hearing all about it!    It was so fun to chat with Jesy and I know you'll be uplifted from her positive outlook as well.  In the UGlu Hotline this week, we'll hear a good tip for removing UGlu dashes!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  @jesydecorations  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Jeff is one of the new owners of the company that creates the most valuable tool in my toolkit: my magnets! I had the pleasure of meeting him briefly at FLOAT and was happy that he could come on the show to tell us more about how he and his business partner made their way into the balloon community through Clik-Clik. I loved his openness and honesty and it was really a delightful conversation! You'll get to hear a bit of surprising Clik-Clik history, how he and his business partner chose it over other businesses, where else you might see Clik-Clik out in the world and a bit about their plans for the future. You may also get a bit surprised to hear about the size of their team! I can tell that Jeff is here to support balloon decorators for the long haul. He emphasizes how the products are all about keeping us safe on the job while helping us look very professional. He tells us about who else has been a huge part of their success thus far and how they're looking to make their products more accessible to a wider range of businesses and decorators. I'm looking forward to watching them grow! And in the UGlu Hotline, you'll hear about a cool way to donate balloons!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  clik-clik.com  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Back by popular demand is Courtney of Courtney Lynette Creative Co! And this time, we're chatting about her website services and how she can help your business take root with a permanent internet home that doesn't rely on social media. Websites are her bread and butter service, and the event industry is her sweet spot. With a history working in events, she knows how to create websites that are fun and inviting while legitimizing your business and making it a place to store the kind of info your clients need.  We talk about function, what should live on each page and how a good website can warm leads for you. Then, Courtney offers her opinion and a few reasons for why a business should not run on social media alone.  Personally, I know that having my prices on my website helps me remember what I charge for certain items… and of course it's a huge asset for my virtual assistant, too. To take it a step further, I'd also say that it gives me confidence to stay away from quoting things that aren't part of my services page. This keeps me focused and streamlined. Part of my conversation with Courtney also touches on how much actual content belongs on a website (specifically regarding images of our work) and how this content should make it clear to your clients that you have the experience and skills they're looking for.   Lastly, you'll hear about how you can work with Courtney for your website needs, what the services include and a little more about her personally! From the UGlu Hotline, there's a nice tip for solopreneurs who want to record more videos.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  Ep. 200 - Brand Consistency | Courtney Of Courtney Lynette Creative Studios  courtneylynette.com | @courtneylynette  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

I've felt my business grow over the past couple of years, but there have also been some life changes that kind of made things feel a little out of whack. So in this episode, I share how I'm trimming the “fluff” and tuning up my business by going back to the basics! This process is actually inspired by my previous time as a 6th grade art teacher. So much of what we would cover was foundational principles. And I always found that without them, troubleshooting becomes much more difficult. So, I took this mindset and applied it to my garlands, framework, clutter, inventory, product offerings and finances. In some cases, I had introduced too many variables to the task. In others, I just didn't even notice the buildup. And in one scenario, the changes were a little bit out of my control. Listen in to hear what changes I made to my recipes and offerings, the bags I use at install, what I've committed to never using again, some good advice I got about retraining and my next step in this process.  So far, I now have less clutter, more efficiency, better consistency and more reliable profit margins. Plus, another resource for you! And from the UGlu Hotline, we have a tip for always having your contact info readily available.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  Basic Bases  - - - - Get bonus episodes 50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube 

Travis and I purchased our marquee letters from the same vendor at about the same time, and in this episode we share our thoughts about the upsides and downsides of owning marquees. We start with all the good things about our marquees, including: How they help us land more corporate and convention jobs How they're a good anchor for balloons & serve multiple decor purposes Why they're an easy sale that can help you break even pretty quickly How you can actually charge per day for the rental That there's no franchising involved How there's virtually no prep time needed Then we cover the downsides with complete honesty. Here's where this part of the conversation took us: The physical labor involved Electricity needs Transporting them Needing to return for pick up Troubleshooting on site Inventory tracking If you're in the spot where you're considering adding marquees to your offerings, this will be a good, honest episode for you to hear! And in the UGlu Hotline, we get some tips for transporting our framework so that it can be easily put back together onsite. Thank you to PremiumConwin for sponsoring our monthly "throwback" episode!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin 2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  Ep. 145 - Local networking with Travis Green  @squeakballoondecor 

My guest in this episode is very familiar with the balloon industry and has become hugely helpful to me as I've needed graphic design elements in my business. Emily of The Party Method helps event decorators fulfill their customers' requests with custom backdrops and other printed products! In our chat you'll hear about Emily's background and how she was introduced to the balloon community. She also shares a bit of her experience with branding and what is included in her brand toolkit before we dive into her insanely robust pool of images that are available to match the themes we're decorating for. When we talk about the jobs we've worked on together, you'll hear how efficiently she and her third-party printer can get your orders in process. These products are such a great addition to our balloon decor... not only because of how well they print, but because they give that extra bit of texture to the display, too. And it doesn't stop there! Listen in to hear what kinds of digital and apparel assets she can provide as well. Emily has been a great partner of mine and I know she'll be able to help you, too.     Then in the UGlu Hotline, we have a tip for the balloon stuffers!   RESOURCES MENTIONED: 17hats (get 50% off your 1st year)  Balloon Suite  Havin' A Party Wholesale (save 5% with code BRIGHT)  UGlu by Pro Tapes (save 5% at Havin' A Party with code BRIGHT)  Call into the UGlu Hotline to ask a question or leave advice! (262) 221-8514 ‬Balloon Boss Mastermind & Summit   PremiumConwin  2024 Bright Balloon Business Planner  ALOFT (save $10 with code BRIGHT) The Balloon Guild (save 20% with code WeLoveSara20)  thepartymethod.co | @theparty.method  - - - - Join the book club  50 Ideas for Email Marketing | Join the Bright Balloon email list  Courses @thebrightballoon  The Bright Balloon on YouTube