Monthly Archives: October 2010

Halloween Costume Ideas

October 29, 2010

I’m not much of a Halloween guy, but I do appreciate how creative and detailed some folks can be with their Halloween costumes.

My Creative Director Merv and his wife Janet spend a lot of time and blood, sweat and tears on Halloween costumes for their kids. I just had to share some of the pictures he showed me because they were so great.

Last year Dylan was Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady:

The year before that she was Ace Freeley from KISS:

And the year before that she was Axl Rose:

This year she’s going to be Mary Poppins and her new baby brother will be Bert. Can’t wait to see the pictures Merv!

Have you created any amazing Halloween costumes? Which one was your favorite? I’d love to see the pictures on our Facebook page.

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Common Mistakes: 4 Tips for Talking Budget with Your Clients

October 28, 2010
(Piggy bank image via Alan Cleaver)

We are in the entertaining industry, and even though our wonderful job is to create lifetime memories for our clients, establishing a cost for these memories, is always a budget dance.

This is what I have learned about clients and budgets:

When they have a budget in mind…

  • Good news: This is great, and you CAN design with a budget in mind. (Good luck. I always find this to be a huge challenge. My designs dreams are way too big, but I am learning.)
  • Bad news: Normally their expectations are much more than their budget. (They want it all…within their budget restrictions.)
  • Solution: Be very clear about explaining what things cost. Always have many options (and lots and lots of patience).

When they say they do not have a budget in mind…

  • Good news: If you show them a design they like, they’ll probably buy it.
  • Bad news: Most clients ALWAYS have a budget in mind. Even if they say they don’t. (Like all of us, every time we buy something we have an idea about how much we want to spend.)
  • Solution: I used to played a fun game to get the real information. I would make up a ridiculously high figure and then they’d usually say, “Preston, are you out of your mind?!” Then, they would tell me how much they actually want to spend. (This information is very important. You never want to start designing without a figure from your client. It could become a waste of your time and energy.)

The clients looking for a bargain…

  • Good news: Oh wait, there is no good news.
  • Bad news: I am not the right person to give you advice in this area. Years ago, I gave my clients lots of bargains and almost went out of business because I couldn’t meet my profit margin. So, forgive me. I just don’t know how to run a successful business by giving bargains.
  • Solution: In these difficult economic times, if you find yourself giving lots of bargain prices please make sure you are making at least a 40% profit margin. (40 cents profit on every dollar you spend.)

They are some clients (or friends) entertaining for the first time ever, and need a complete education in cost. (Especially those friends who are used to getting your design services for free.)

  • Good news: If you explain in detail how much you are spending (material and time) and how much you are marking it up, most of the time they’ll understand you need to make a living and they’ll pay.
  • Bad news: Because they have never had a designer or florist, they simply cannot understand why things are so costly.
  • Solution: Give them a few options between low, medium and high, and they will be able to reach their comfort level.

In all my years in business I have never had a client say to me, “Preston, design anything you want. The sky is the limit and we’ll pay.” I cannot wait for that glorious day.

Most of my wealthy clients became rich because they knew how to get the best value for their money. So, even though I do not discuss the final cost with clients, talking budgets is a big part of keeping a client (and yourself) happy.

How do you handle a client who wants a bargain? Do you find it easy to design with a budget in mind? Do you find it difficult to charge your friends for your services? (After all, you do need to make a living.)

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Reminder: Say What You Want To Be, Then Do What You Have To Do

October 27, 2010

It’s important to treat yourself as if you already are what you’d like to be–then become it. Let me explain.

I started out as a florist, however I knew that as much as I loved doing flowers, I wanted to be a designer.

When folks asked me then what did I do for a living, I started saying, “I am a designer.”

The moment I started doing this, I became one.

Whatever your dream is, even if at the moment it feels impossible, I encourage you to begin acting as if what you would like to become is already a reality.

It is this world of “inspiration” that will guide you to access anything you would like to have in your life.

“By having the courage to declare yourself as already being where you want to be, you will almost force yourself to act in a new, exciting, and spiritual fashion. Treating yourself this way can become a habitual way of life.”*

“This doesn’t involve deception, arrogance or hurting others. This is a silent agreement between you and god in which you discreetly work in harmony with the force of the universe to make your dreams become a reality.”*

So, dream big and trust the amazing positive forces of success. I know I do.

Do you feel that you are on a path to becoming your “dream” self? Are you being gentle with yourself in allowing things to happen at the “right time”?

*Excerpt from the book 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace by Dr. Wayne Dyer.

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FAQs: Can anyone be a designer?

October 26, 2010
(Photo via Andreanna Moya)

There is this mystery among the elite designers of the world where they think they are in a group all their own.

When in actuality, given the right circumstances, I think anyone can be a designer.

I never dreamt that I could be a designer. The reason I started designing was because I was broke and needed a job, and the opportunity emerged so I took it.

Even today, I have no other skills other than what I’ve learned over the years.

So, for all of you out there: If I can be a designer, so can you, as long as you put your mind to it.

What makes a good designer?

–The ability to look at anything and give it your own interpretation.
–The ability to be playful.
–Not being afraid of making mistakes.
–Dreaming big.

If “creating your own version of the world” is your goal, then congratulations! You are a designer. Even if this not your goal, designing can be a learned skill just waiting to be awaken.

When did you first discover that you like designing? What do you think makes a good designer? (Or planner?)

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Venting: New Beginnings

October 25, 2010
(Sunrise image via Caza No. 7)

Quite often we unnecessarily postpone, when we should simply take the risk and leap into a new beginning. If you are like me, you probably have at least three things you know you need to start, yet you might be paralyzed out of fear or lack of planning.

How does one get past that fear that stops us from being our best?

Often we look back at business practices we have done repeatedly and have failed to serve us well, yet we resist changing them. (I know because I’ve been there more often than I’d like to admit.)

We forget that to embrace change is one of the great dreams of every heart, and that this flexibility is mostly rewarded with a life of abundance.

A new beginning can open the door into a house of creativity and belonging. I encourage us to stop and look at what is “new” in us or our business that wants to be seen, yet we are resisting to show.

I am so excited for the many new folks in the industry who have been taking a leap, and are leaving some boring jobs behind to embrace the event industry.

For all of you I say, “BRAVO.” And yes, there are enough events and parties for all of us.

For our “Dear Preston” series, I’d like to continue offering my humble help. What is one business “beginning” or change you need help with? And what do you think is stopping you?

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