Blog - Page 2 of 16 - Balloon Coach

Balloon Suite – What Makes It Different From Other Website Options

One of the top struggles I have had personally as a balloon business owner, and that many of my monthly subscribers share with me is their difficulty in making decisions on technology and creating a solid website to promote their balloon business. As creative balloon decorators, many times the tech stuff is a foreign language. I was delighted a few years ago that one of my Passport to Success members, Brandon Turpin from Utah, let me know he was developing a resource to help balloon professionals create their websites via Balloonsuite.com. Brandon then provided a free webinar to answer a long list of questions most asked by members and plus a great webinar on generating customers online. Most recently, Brandon traveled from Utah to Orlando, Florida as a sponsor and instructor at Promotions & Profits Retreat 2019. During the workshop, I had rave reviews from several attendees as to how Brandon helped them outside of classes during “tech talk” round tables to help them with their tech troubles. Today I asked Brandon to serve as a guest blogger to help those of you who did not meet him in person in Orlando – to get to know more about the services he offers, and understand he speaks both balloon and tech, which is a unique combination in a website developer! Welcome, Brandon! Hey guys, it’s Brandon here. I wanted to share a quick post with everyone on what the difference is between Balloon Suite, and other website options. I am not naive enough to say, no one can be successful on another platform. With the right skills and amount of work, you can be successful on any platform. However, I am going to explain why I think that Balloon Suite may be the best option for you… And why I think it is! A common question we get is “I have a site currently with [Insert Company Name Here], why would I use Balloon Suite?” Or “[Insert Company Name Here] has a little better price, why would I pay more?”. Honestly, I love these questions and could go on all day about why Balloon Suite will be the best option for your business. But I will try and keep it to a few paragraphs, so I do not lose you!

Built For Balloon Artists, By Balloon Artists

One of the best reasons to go with Balloon Suite vs other companies is your site is going to be set up from a company that knows your business. We know the difference between a standard garland arch and organic balloon arch. Customers send in a Pinterest picture and have no idea what its called. Having taken hundreds of phone calls from customers looking for balloon decor, and we know what they are looking for when they go to your website. We spent 3 years organizing and building the layout of our service, based on what works with customers. Each industry is different, and having someone with experience in yours, is an advantage that will be hard to find elsewhere. Every element we have on our site is placed in a way that is there for better conversions. Why do we have a phone number and order button in the header of every page? Because that is what you want customers to do…. call or order! And we tested it. We know that having it there, resulted in more calls, and more business. Our websites are designed and laid out with your success in mind.

Digital Business Card? Or Successful Online Presence?

There are a lot of customers that have a website. Many of those customers are the same customers that are struggling to find business to take the leap from part time, to full time. At Balloon Suite, we do more than provide you with a website. We have organized and structured it to give you the best chances of showing up in search engines. We have experience in ONLINE SUCCESS and try to help our customers turn their website from a digital business card, to a successful online presence that generates leads. Having a successful online presence is about a lot more than just having a website. We know what local businesses need, and we know what needs to be done for Balloon Professionals to be successful online. We currently have many services to help you with your online success, and many new resources for our clients coming out that will help even more. If you have a question about SEO or PPC, you can ask us, and we will do our best to help you be successful online. Our motto is: “We do not want you to worry about how much your website costs, but how much your website makes you.” When you turn your website from an expense to an asset, it changes your business.

Balloon Website For Balloon Professionals

As Balloon Suite continues to grow, we are ever-increasing our services and what we offer. Each of our services is centered around the balloon professional. If there are services that we do not have and you think are needed, what we develop comes from your input in what you would like to see. We are more than just a website company. We are growing a suite of services for balloon professionals to help them have a successful business.

Wrap Up

I told you I would keep it to a few sentences, so let’s wrap this up! When I started my balloon business over 4 years ago. I knew what to do to be successful online. I would see so many people on Facebook groups talking about how they are not able to find customers, they are not making money or want to take the leap from part to full time. Every time I would see someone struggling, I would find their page and check out their website. 99% of the time I would think to myself, if I could just give you the information I have in my head, I could show you how to make that leap you are struggling to make. That is how Balloon Suite started. No matter how big or small your website; If you offer deliveries or not. I started Balloon Suite to help you succeed, not just get a website. 2020 is going to be about YOU! How can we help you succeed? We are currently developing new services and resources for your balloon business. If you want more information on Balloon Suite, Click Here to view our website If you want to be informed of all the changes coming out. Fill out the form to be added to our mailing list. (We may even send you some tips on how to be successful online as well!) Thank you Brandon for being today’s guest blogger! If you would like to have access to Brandon’s Webinar How to Find New Customers Online Starting Today and over $2,500 of online training and support check out our Balloon Boss Mastermind program. Create Your Thriving Balloon Business! Your Partner in Success, Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor, Motivator, Speaker. BalloonCoach.com

Packing List for Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando 2019!

Packing List for Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando 2019!

Tips to prepare to make the most out of your investment

Start your packing for Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando 2019, focused on creating new systems for success and hands on learning produced by BalloonCoach.com One of the TOP things to do to prepare to make the most out of your investment is to prepare to be PRESENT in the classes as much as possible. That means, eliminating distractions so you can be in the moment, learning and creating new systems. Take time now to set up who will be taking care of your business and family responsibilities while you are away. Prepare to reduce distractions:

Assign someone to answer your business phone and email
If you do not have a person to answer clients, put a new phone message and email response that you are out of town at training and will return messages __________ you set the deadline of when you plan to be able to get back with them.
Make a plan for family members or friends to take care of your kids or family while you are away. Make sure if forms at school need to be filled out for someone new to pick up your child in case of emergency those forms are filled out.
Set a plan with your family or loved ones when you will communicate with them – will it be phone or text and time frame. I found that setting the expectation in advance that I would not be able to talk during the majority of my day helped. Depending on your time zone, having a morning chat before they head to work or school or night-time routine will keep you connected to meet their needs around the event schedule.
If you have events going on while you are away print any paperwork you may need to follow up with your staff on break and evening, or before class in the morning.

Promotions & Profits Retreat was created to:

Have our instructors share their business journey including their struggles and successes.
Talk real numbers and focus in on high profit decor pieces, that you can train staff to create so that you can build a business that can run without you inflating a balloon.
Build a network with other balloon professionals that you can reach out to when feeling frustrated, burnt out or needing help. Networking Lunch everyday as part of the program.
Get a boost of energy during a time that burn out can easily happen to leave motivated to rock the end of the year and start the next year fully charged!
Gain knowledge, our alumni who have attended with dozens of years of experience in the industry learn a new trick or procedure to make their business more efficient or increase profits.
Create systems for growth to become a Balloon Boss.
Increase confidence in building high profit decor.
Avenues to market your business.

Important Details The Host Hotel is:

Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs

1805 Hotel Plaza Boulevard

Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 If you are still making a reservations please use the link on the website /orlando-2018-retreat/

There is NO HOTEL shuttle from the airport.

You can put the UBER app on your phone (use our Retreat Facebook group to see if you can share and uber with another retreat person to save you money)

BEFORE coming to the workshop if you are not already in our Retreat Facebook Group, send a PM to Joette Meyers Giardina on FB for me to put you in the group.

or email Joette@ballooncoach.com

This group has several videos showing you what is around the hotel area, a tour of the hotel plus a post where people are introducing themselves. Great place to ask someone to share an uber from the airport – or see who has a car to run to the grocery store, or if people are coming early or staying after to go be a tourist with!

BONUS Hands on Build time

Sunday, November 10 from Noon to 5:00 pm, after you register you can work side by side with instructors and other attendees to inflate balloons to use in our professional photography for you to market with and learn about in our classes.

REGISTRATION at Event

BRING 2 business cards with you to Registration (if you do not have a business card print on a piece of paper or card stock your Name and name of your business the size of a business card.

Registration opens Sunday from Noon to 7:30 pm Ballroom Lobby, get your goodie bag and Name tag and workbook with the full event schedule.

If you are not arriving till Monday please Email Joette@ballooncoach.com to let us know. Registration will start at 7:30 am Monday morning.

Optional morning activities are 7:30 am to 8:30 am

Grab your seat in class at 9:15 am.

Self parking is $10 a day at the hotel.

An area with grocery store and food from fast food to sit down is .8 of a mile down the road with a sidewalk to get there if you wish to walk from the hotel.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO ATTEND THE FULL EVENT? If you know you are not able to attend the full day and will be missing meals or days of the event, please email contact@ballooncoach.com to let us know your schedule so we can plan accordingly. Please print the Packing List for Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando 2019 list below.

Packing and Prep List for Promotions & Profits

Hearing Protection – we will have over 10 pieces of inflation equipment running during some of the hands on portion of the workshop if you are bothered by noise or would like to protect your hearing bring – ear plugs or noise cancelling earmuffs or headset to use during the hands on portion of class daily.
Swimsuit it will be high 60s in the evening and 70s and 80’s during the day there is a pool and hot-tub outside open 7 am to 11 pm.
Sunglasses or hat/sunscreen if you plan to come early or stay after to enjoy the sun or sneak out during lunch break for some sunshine.
$$$$ You will want to have some cash and credit cards ready for meals not included. You will also have opportunities to purchase inflation equipment & BalloonCoach.com courses.
We have Pamper services available in the evenings from Massage, Facials and Paraffin Dip Treatments email Contact@ballooncoach.com to be put on the schedule
Tuesday Night you can learn makeup and skin-care tips from Marlee and Tracie with Mary Kay, Get your Satin Hands treatment to moisturize your hands!
Positive Mental Attitude
Be OPEN to looking at things from a different perspective. It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of, “I’ve always done it a different way”
Smile and a good handshake, this is a time to connect with like minded people you can turn to in the future for support.
Laptop or tablet if you have one, in the evenings you can round table to work directly into your computer to take action on what you are learning.
Friday night is Winter Wonderland themed event and style photo shoot we are the models. Dress your best you do not have to wear the theme colors but if you like to they are white, silver and shades of blue. We want it to look like an event our clients would hire us for from an Awards Banquets to a Corporate Christmas or NYE Party.
Themed clothing if you would like for other opportunities for you to take photos with the decor on your camera or phone (pair up with someone from the event and take each others photos, this is not something you have to dress up for, but wanted you to know you can if you like in the evenings go change clothes and take photos in the different Photo Ops to use in your marketing for the holidays. There will be a Staged shoots for the Clown Party on Wed evening, Parade delegations during Eddies Class on Thursday, and then Friday night at the Party.
New Years Eve (gold, black, silver)
50th bday Gold, Black, silver
4th of July
St. Patrick’s Day
Christmas Red and Gree
Christmas – Winter Wonderland
Valentine’s Day
Back to School Big School Bus!
Clown/Circus
Neon Sweet 16
Baby shower in Pinks and in Blues
Halloween
Fall
Easter
Unicorn Birthday
Check what the size and weight requirements are for suitcases from your airline.
Put suitcases out a week in advance and start packing early so you are not totally rushed at the end. (the last week before a trip always seems to be crazy)
Hotel and air reservation typed into calendar (printed out if needed)
Delete photos from phone and tablet, camera or purchase additional memory cards to have room for lots of photos!
Pack 120 business cards to exchange with others at retreat.
Portfolio or marketing materials that you may share during lunch or evening conversations to get ideas from others on improvements you can make.
Bring a special baggie or container or ladies even a cosmetic bag to put all the business cards in of the people you meet.
Pack your POWER CORD for all electronics (WBC 2012 Jani Blocker was nice enough to buy me a universal power cord when I left my laptop cord at home – not cheap!)
Pack an extension cord with multiple 3 prong plugs or power strip if you need for all your electronics
The lamp in your room does have 2 electric outlets and 2 USB ports on the night stand.
If you have a back up power pack or battery for your phone – bring all you have as you spend full days away from a power plug!
Hand held luggage scale you can purchase at Walmart or online, helps from extra fees at check in at your flight.
Chap Stick
Hand lotion
Jacket or sweater dressing in layers is good we are in FL with the Air conditioning on -some will be cold, some hot as we transition from hands on work with balloons to classroom lecture.
Logo clothing, or outfits you want your photo taken in to show off your brand when you take selfies in the photo areas
Comfortable shoes – we will be on our feet for the hands on builds Sunday, and Wed – Friday.
At least 1 Pair of scissors in your checked luggage. If you like to wear an apron while doing hands on classes bring it.
Hand pump if you have one not required
Notebook, it’s nice to have extra pad of paper for notes
Pens – easy to lose a pen or run out of ink
Highlighter if you like to highlight notes during class
Gum/Mints
Vitamins, you will probably get a little less sleep than usual having an extra boost of vitamins the week before you come and during the event can help you feel your best.
Pain reliever, allergy medicine, any medications you take.
Travel cup or money to buy one to have beverages in class and in your room. There is a Keurig coffee maker, microwave and small fridge in each room.
Travel Kleenex
Nail Clippers and file, with all the balloon work you are bound to break a nail!
Work out clothes if you would like to hit the hotel gym or sidewalks for a wake up or end of the day workout.
FILES for the weeks events. If you are running crews while you are away and plan to be in touch with your crew. Email the information to yourself if you wish to review.
IF at all possible plan for a full 8 hours of sleep night before your flight. Once you get to Orlando it is easy to lose track of time and be up in the lobby talking to a new friend til all hours of the night and morning!
Favorite granola bars, nuts, dried fruit etc. as many times you don’t take time to eat because you are visiting with people, good to keep your energy level up.
Hand Sanitizer if you use it.
Leave room in your suitcase for the materials from our sponsors you will get a Bag from Balloon Coach with some small items in, flyers and few small goodies – a Mini Bottle of HIFLOAT etc. Plus there is shopping available at the Disney store in the Hotel and Disney Springs is in walking distance for some Disney themed Christmas gifs and other upscale shopping (open night Wednesday)

TIPS While at Retreat When you meet someone you do not know – take a photo of them holding their name tag by their face so you remember their name when you get home. Get connected on Facebook while you are there. Eat meals with different people. It’s great to see old friends, but make some new ones too! IF you are not an outgoing person and have a hard time meeting new people, relax and say hello! Send me a PM on Facebook Joette Meyers Giardina and I’ll be glad to introduce you to people! Lunch Monday – Friday is 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm lunch buffet covered in your registration Dinner Friday night 7 pm included in your registration, with Dancing, Casino games and fun! (If you plan not to eat meals with us please email Joette to make adjustment to the head count for the hotel) Show on Social Media that you are attending Industry Training!

Post on Social media you are attending the event (let your customers know you are continuing your education.) #BalloonCoach #Promotions&Profits
Friends and clients LOVE to see that you are investing in your business an fun photos of your travels keep people interested in your business!
Please post thank you messages, and send a note of thanks to the instructors that give you those ah-ha moments (without giving away the training you paid to learn)
As you post photos in the future of jobs you land, or increased income from what you learn give a shout out and tag the instructors and Balloon Coach.

If you are reading this and not registered for Promotions & Profits Retreat 2019 Email Joette@ballooncoach.com to see if a seat is available for purchase. You can access training 24/7 from the comfort of your home, or office by joining our ongoing online training programs. Balloon Boss Mastermind gives you Group Coaching, Marketing, Goals and Vision Training plus access to our webinar library from over 40 instructors at just $97 a month with access to over $2,500 of online training. Monthly live Q & A for Mastermind members the first Monday of each month, Plus access to our private facebook group discussions for support and training. I look forward to helping you reach your balloon business goals! Your Partner in Success,

Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor. Motivator. Speaker. BalloonCoach.com

Grow Your Balloon Business: Sell What You Share

Grow Your Balloon Business: Sell What You Share

The balloon industry creates a very visual product. When people see what they like on social media, your website or in a brochure they will request the decor they are most attracted to. Many businesses have difficulty when starting out to have a portfolio of designs to grab attention of their target customers. A great way to gain photos of beautiful balloon work is to attend hands on training. Back in 2003 when I started in the balloon industry, we did not have the magic of social media to help the industry grow. Today, brand new balloon businesses can jump into action and create decor that catches their clients eye and thrive quickly. A mantra I have been sharing for years is “We sell what we share”. If there is a specific type of balloon decor you do not wish to create, then don’t share those designs on your website or social media. For Party People Events we prefer to create decor that any of our staff members are able to assemble and deliver. Classic decor, columns, arches, three foot balloons, three foots with lights, neon decor with lighting are our go to items. Part of our team have the training and skills to make very detailed pieces of art, however those are much more time consuming and cannot be duplicated by every member of our team. One way to build your portfolio as you grow your thriving balloon business is to invest in online and in person training that gives you access to the knowledge of how to create eye catching decor and then practice those designs and get them out for your target client to see. I would like to introduce you to a company that has done just that. Meet Paul and Gayle of Balloons by Gayle, from Fort Myers, Florida.

Gayle and I originally connected online through a Facebook group, and she attended the first Balloon Coach business building workshop in Orlando in 2016, Bridge the Gap to Success, then in October of 2017 brought her husband to Parade, Promotions & Profits. They returned again for Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando 2018. During the Balloon Coach Hands on Workshops we have professional photography taken for the alumni to use in their marketing when they return home so they can Sell what they Share. Leaving with the knowledge how to make the designs is a great accomplishment, and confidence to price for profit is a great combination for growth. Designs created at Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando 2018

Designs created by Balloons by Gayle September 2019 inspired by what they learned at Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando.

Gayle how did you hear about Balloon Coach? I was a follower of Joette Meyers Giardina on facebook since 2014, she was my very first balloon friend. I then saw a post of Balloon Coach a short time after teaching myself by watching YouTube. I said “I need this”. When I sawy you were holding Bridge the Gap to Success in Orlando in November of 2016, I talked to Paul about how I want do do balloons and decided to take the opportunity and start with some good teaching. After I met Joette in person, I knew what I wanted and needed to do to grow a balloon business. How did you decide to have your husband Paul become a part of your balloon business? When the next Balloon Coach training came up in Florida, October of 2017, Paul had been helping me with the framing and set up so I wanted him eot also touch the balloons so I decided he needed to come with me to Parade, Promotions & Profits Orlando. He loved it so much and learned so much. That is when we decided to push onto the next level of our business. Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando 2018 was when we really starting networking and just getting out into the community to promote Balloons By Gayle. Having two trained people is so much easier when you have to trouble shoot and run ideas and solutions off each other. Now being married to your business partner can also be a challenge but in the end it is so worth it. What is the Purple Tie Ball and why did you provide decor for the event? The organization that holds the event is One Way Out Ministries, they help get women out of human trafficking and also drug rehabilitation. This is an organization and mission I wish to support and have seen so many women grow and turn their lives around. How do you gain new customers through going to strike your events? With large scale events where I know there are a lot of people, I always like to make sure I have my Balloons by Gayle shirt on, arrive a bit early and stand outside with my Magpole which people get attracted to. As people are leaving the event they notice my logo on my shirt and they come over to talk to me and ask me what services I provide. During the strike of the Purple Tie Ball I had six really good contacts, mostly event planners and other business owners come up to me and ask for my card. I immediately booked two jobs and have put out multiple quotes from that one event.

Thank you Gayle for sharing your story, tips and hints with fellow Balloon Professionals to help our industry grow. When people experience professional balloon decor they think of all the different events that they want to purchase it for. One of my favorite quotes is, “We don’t know, what we don’t know.” Most of our target clients have no idea how balloon decor done right can transform a venue into a memorable occasion and bring their event to life. Creating opportunities for your target market to SEE what you can do in person and via photos is a top key to success. Grow Your Balloon Business: Sell What You Share!! So make sure you are sharing quality, high profit designs to grow your thriving balloon business! BalloonCoach.com online and in person training was created to help overwhelmed balloon artists create Thriving Balloon Businesses. I share my personal experiences working in the balloon industry full time since 2003, along with training from the network of balloon professionals I have had the honor of learning from throughout the years. I invite you to become a part of our online community by starting with our facebook group Balloon Coach Community – where we focus on business building topics. Looking for ongoing online training and support I encourage you to join Balloon Boss Mastermind If you would like to experience hands on learning first hand then email Joette@BalloonCoach.com to find out about the next hands on opportunity available to meet your needs. Private and small group classes are available in Lakeland, Florida at the Balloon Coach workshop and Party People Events behind the scenes work shadow programs. Grow Your Balloon Business: Sell What You Share! Your Partner in Success, Joette Giardina, CBA Founder BalloonCoach.com Grow Your Thriving Balloon Business Join Balloon Boss Mastermind

Steps to Transition From Hobby to Balloon Business

Steps to Transition From Hobby to Balloon Business

Welcome to the wonderful world of balloons! One of the top questions I hear from those new to the industry as Balloon Coach is “how do I become a real business?” If you want to create income or already are getting paid for your services, take time RIGHT NOW and click the link below to read these important tips from the SBA! Small Business Administration is a great resource! Many people get so excited about creating the balloon decor and thrilled that people are willing to pay them for what they are doing, that they don’t take time to look into all the steps of creating the business! Many times local chapters of the SBA hold seminars and training to help you get started and connect you with local resources. Another great resource for local business mentors to get an understanding of the expectation of a business owner in your city and state is Score.org If you know what you would like your business name to be, I encourage you to go to Godaddy.com or another resource to search and see if the name you want to use is available as a .com. If you do .biz, .org etc then someone else already has your name as a .com and people may end up on their website rather than yours. Before you BUY the name, go to register your DBA and see if the name you want is already taken by someone else. More information on how to register is in the SBA link above! Other steps to take as you become a balloon business: *Business license *Resale License to buy balloons wholesale *Collect Sales tax and remit to the state monthly or quarterly depending on your sales and state laws *Liability Insurance *Possible Commercial insurance for your vehicle *Inflation Equipment *Purchase balloons and products from Balloon Wholesalers. Check out this blog for those resources.

If this process seems a bit much for you to take in and you would like help creating your business plan, marketing and a place to problem solve with other balloon professionals check out the resources to grow your business visit BalloonCoach.com, click on Mastermind to check our our group coaching program and online training giving you support from a Balloon Professional who has been in the industry full time since 2003. Contact me directly with any questions Joette@ballooncoach.co m We can arrange one to one coaching if needed to go over your business strategy. Balloon Boss Mastermind gives you access to over $2,500 of online training at your finger tips 24/7 for just $97 a month. Balloon Boss Mastermind members have a private discussion group to share tips, successes and problem solve situations! Plus our live Balloon Boss Mastermind call the 1st Monday of each month and continued support. If you don’t feel you need our group coaching support but would like getting perspective from successful business around the world – Sign up now for our Webinars! BalloonCoach.com at just $47 a month, while an active subscriber you get access to all the past replays since Sept 2015 from over 40 different instructors around the world sharing their tips and hints to help you save time and money as you grow your business. To check out a FREE mini webinar on gaining schools as a client, click on this link for a 25 minute replay with some of my tips on Marketing to Schools. School Spirit, Homecoming and Prom No matter what stage you are in with your business, gaining insight from others who are in the balloon business allows you to get on the path to success quicker. I look forward to supporting you as you grow your Thriving Balloon Business! Your Partner in Success,

Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor. Motivator. Speaker. Take Your Business to New Heights! BalloonCoach.com Join our Facebook Group Balloon Coach Community

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5 Tips to Increase Your Balloon Sales During the Final Quarter of the Year

5 Tips to Increase Your Balloon Sales During the Final Quarter of the Year Imagine yourself on New Year’s Eve, as you prepare to ring in the new year. Clinking champagne with friends and family, or as you preparing to pull a balloon drop. As you reflect over your accomplishments of this past year, what is the magic number you want to celebrate? The last quarter of the year – October, November, December – tends to be one of the most profitable times of the year for a balloon business. Are you READY to jump both feet forward to make this your most profitable quarter ever? Here are 5 tips to increase your balloon sales during the final quarter of the year:

Write down a goal.
Identify your target clients to make that goal reality
Create an action plan to reach out to those clients
Take action daily to book out your calendar
Establish your support team to make that goal reality

Let’s break that down a bit. Write a Goal. If you don’t know where you are going, how do you expect to get there? Set a number, either:

An end of year sales goal
Number of new clients you want to service
Total number of balloon drops or decor set ups for New Year’s Eve
How many Christmas Parties you want to decorate
Number of Birthday parties you want

Bottom line: write a goal of some type that is measurable. Identify your target clients to make that goal reality

Not everyone is your customer, so do not waste your time fishing in a pond that does not have the money to pay you a profitable price.
Who do you enjoy servicing that has the money in their budgets and values quality balloon decor and service?
You don’t have to target just 1 specific person. You can market to a variety of people.

Create an action plan to reach out to those clients

Write out what you will do to gain access to the people you want to work with

Take action daily to book out your calendar

Building a thriving balloon business takes daily focus and action, not just waiting on the phone to ring
Set a schedule for success of tasks you will do each day, or throughout the week to gain new clients.

Establish your support team to make that goal reality

Growing a thriving balloon business takes a lot of time and energy. It is easy to work 80 hour weeks and get burnt out.
What are the things you do not enjoy doing in your business that you would like help with?
Seek out people with the skills and availability to help you from small task to inflating and going on jobs with you.
Team work makes the dream work. I get to witness the power of a team daily as the marketing manager for a $600,000 a year balloon business now. Each member of the team plays an important role to allow Johnathon Gerber to be a Business Boss of Party People Events, rather than a worker bee.

When you look at that list do you feel overwhelmed or excited and ready to move forward? Growing a balloon business is not for the weak at heart. It takes focused energy and working daily to make your dreams reality. Would you like someone to help you feel empowered to make your dreams reality with training and support for your journey to ROCK your end of year sales goals? I remember how alone I used to feel in my business journey when I started out in 2003 and how many times I doubted my ability to grow my business. I’m so glad I invested in my training and building a network of balloon professionals who had been in my shoes to encourage me on my journey and not to give up. The balloon industry is booming and you are in the right place at the right time. In our Balloon Coach online programs you have access to training from balloon professionals and business owners from around the world that share their secrets to success. No need to waste time and money making mistakes, learn from our mistakes and successes to have a quicker path to success! The online training is at your finger tips 24/7 Join us in Balloon Boss Mastermind – the minute you sign up you have immediate access to over $2,500 of online training. Webinar replays to help you excel during the last quarter:

How to make and sell balloon drops – Chris Potts
Gain more clients with clear brand messaging – John Roquemore
Enhance balloon designs with florals & ribbon – Cody Williams
Beyond Likes Make the most out of your instagram – Serena Waller
3 C’s of growing your business and staying sane – Dianna Glandon
How to find new customers online starting today – Brandon Turpin
Elevate your enthusiasm to increase sales – Liz Romani
Digital Business systems for balloon professionals – Chris Adamo
Seven steps to success – Stuart Davies

All these webinars and more are a part of our online training available to you 24/7 to listen to while you inflate balloons, work at your computer or take care of other chores. When I started in the balloon industry in 2003, I never dreamed that today I would serve as the marketing manager for a balloon business that does over $600,000 a year in sales. Johnathon Gerber, who purchased my company back in 2015 has built a strong team to make his vision of being a balloon boss a reality, one step at a time. If you would like to have hands on training from a team, I’m delighted to announce that in addition to our online programs and yearly training in Orlando, BalloonCoach.com and Party People events is now offering dynamic behind the scenes one to one training experiences in Central Florida. To apply for the program email Joette@ballooncoach.com In the subject put Hands on Training. We will send you a form to fill out with the details of pricing and requirements to come work in our Auburndale Florida Warehouse with Johnathon and his team to focus in on your goals and see behind the scenes the systems Johnathon has put into place. Your Partner in Success,

Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor. Motivator. Speaker.

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Is FEAR Standing in the Way of Your Success?

Is FEAR standing in the way of your success?

As a Balloon Business Owner it’s good to take a look at the obstacles that stand in your way.

What is your FEAR? As you wake up today and look at your plans for the future, in reaching for your dreams, what scares you? It is OK to have fear, we all have something in our life that tends to creep up or jump out at us and keep us from becoming all that we can be. Common fears that keep us from our full potential include, FEAR of:

Failure
Speaking in public
Opening ourselves up to others
Being criticized
Heights
Snakes
Making a fool out of ourselves
Success
People saying no to our products (and taking that personally)

I am a bit of an expert on facing fear. Something you may not know about me is prior to my full time career in the balloon industry (since 2003), my college degree was Recreation & Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Outdoor Education. My internship (where I met my husband, Brian) was at Bradford Woods, run by the University of Indiana. Each week, we had students and corporate groups that came to the camp for Team Building and Challenge course experiences. My job as a high ropes facilitator was to tie the harness onto climbers correctly so they would not fall to their death from 100 foot platform up in the air. I would then have the climbers on belay (a rope tied from their harness, and attached to me to guide them as they were in the air to keep them safe while facing their fears through the high ropes challenge course). Talk about an exciting job! Each day, I helped people face their fears and celebrate with them as they accomplished the journey! Brian and I always wanted our daughter Marlee to have that same awesome feeling of being up in the tree tops and facing her fears. In 2013, our family took a trip to West Virginia to an adventure camp.

First step is training:

What can I expect from the experience
What do I need to be successful and have the right equipment
Ask questions as needed

Next step is practice. They run a line just off the ground to learn what it will feel like up in the cable sitting in your harness. And the last step? Jump. Just go for it!

Why did I share this story with you? My hope is to inspire you to move forward…one step at a time. In 2003, I stepped out in fear and went from working full time in social work to owning a balloon decor company as my primary source of income. This was truly a leap of faith, as I do not have a business degree and was not totally aware of all the hats I would wear as a business owner. I knew I loved balloons and creating memorable celebrations. The rest I learned as I moved forward daily to grow a thriving business. I prepared myself for business growth by attending balloon and business training. I then applied what I learned and jumped out into networking into my local area. Sometimes I rocked it; sometimes not so much. The key is I did not give up and look at each day as a new learning opportunity. Over time I became known as the go to place for creative balloon decor in my area as I grew my business. In 2015 I launched BalloonCoach.com to create resources for you that I wish were available to the balloon industry back in 2003. If you feel overwhelmed as you grow your business and would like support and training as you face your fears head, on here are some links to help you on your journey to build a thriving balloon business. Free services include: Blog YouTube channel Resources to Purchase for quicker results: Downloads for hot air balloon and other items Balloon Boss Mastermind Group Coaching and online training What do our members think of Balloon Boss Mastermind program?

#Grateful Just wanted to take a moment and thank Joette Meyers Giardina. Even though I have been doing balloons for 11 years, the best thing I have ever done for myself and my growing business was paying for my subscription to Balloon Boss Mastermind. It truly has paid for itself already as it is showing in my designs, pricing and processes. Thank you for your one on one on the spot coaching and encouragement that I have received every single time I needed you (and even when I thought I didn’t!). You always go above and beyond the expectation for me and those of us lucky to have found you. I appreciate all you have done for me and “The Balloon Lady LLC” and I am excited and look forward to the future with you coming along side me….I feel Empowered and Unstoppable!!

Jodi Lynn Mcnabb-Agla

The Balloon Lady, Indianapolis, Indiana

Balloon Boss Mastermind subscription includes:

First Monday of the Month Member Q & A “office hours” with Balloon Coach Joette via webinar 9 pm Eastern.
Access to ongoing Group Coaching through member only Facebook group
Decor 101 training – basics of supplies needed to create decor, framing and classic designs
Full access to the Passport to Success webinar library recorded since September 2015
Seat in the live monthly Passport to Success webinars the 4th Tuesday of each month 9 pm Eastern.
Vision Board and Goal setting training

So, Is FEAR standing in the way of your success? Is there a FEAR that is standing in your way of business growth? What is the #1 thing you are fearful of…write it down. Feel free to share it with us in Balloon Coach Community on Facebook Check out our free webinar on Confidence and Communication Don’t let fear stand in the way of making your balloon dreams reality! Go For IT! Your Partner in Success,

Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor. Motivator. Speaker.

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Strive for Progress Not Perfection

Strive for Progress Not Perfection

What is the first thing that came to mind when you read those words? Did you think, “I am always going for perfection” Or did you think, “I take action and don’t worry if things are not perfect” As the owner of a business it is really easy to get in a rut, and not produce new options for our clients, or try new marketing as we wait to be perfect. Perfection is often used as an excuse, masking our fear of reaching out to a new market or creating a new service. Example One of your balloon business goals – Write One Social Media Post a Day on Facebook Perfection Blocks:

I’m not a good writer
I don’t have a recent event photo to post
I don’t think the balloon design is good enough to post
No one is going to read it anyway
I’m not creative
I don’t have many followers on social media
and the list goes on and on

I choose to strive for Progress! When I look at my business as something that evolves over time and is always getting better, I don’t get stuck in the perfection rut and instead keep moving forward. Putting out a Blog NOW on the schedule that I set is moving forward – I can always go back and make updates and improvements later. Posting a photo on social media with a call to action to call our office, or fill out the contact form now has a chance to catch a perspective customers eye rather than not creating a post. I encourage you over the next week to look at the things that you may of been putting off completing or going after while you wait for perfection. Take bold action today and make Progress!

I’d like to share a bit of a personal journey with you on this concept and why it really spoke to me as a subject to share with you. It is easy to get caught in the trap of not doing something…waiting on perfection. I am so thankful that back in 2014 a dear friend, Pat Crosland asked me an important question of WHEN. She knew my dreams of starting a training program with an online platform to share the resources I wish were available back in 2003 when I started my full time journey in balloons. I had doubts and concerns about if what I was building would be perfect to fit the needs of others, Pat encouraged me to set a deadline and go for it! Balloon Coach was started in January of 2015! It took time to build out my online platform, we launched my first webinar program in September of 2015 with David Mahoney of Balloons Everyday as our first speaker.

When I hear the testimonies from clients around the world how the webinars and training they have received from BalloonCoach.com programs have giving them guidance and support for success, I understand more than ever the importance to Strive for Progress and not Perfection. What have YOU been holding back from doing…waiting for Perfection? In September 2018 I launched Balloon Boss Mastermind group coaching program n celebration of 3 years of webinars. I have been blessed by learning so much from the guest speakers in our webinar program that have shared their tips and hints, successes and failures to allow you the opportunity to grow quicker and more efficiently by learning all the things that I wish I would of known in 2003.

If I had waited on Perfection to get started NONE of these resources would be here to support you in your journey! Do you ever feel alone on your balloon business journey? Spend hours, days or months looking for an answer on how to do something for your business and would love to find out that info quickly? Check out Balloon Boss Mastermind And see why many of our members say “it’s the best investment I have made in my balloon business” In Balloon Boss Mastermind I share a 9 week Schedule to success program for marketing your business, what I did to grow a home based business to $150,000 a year in sales. And insights now from my role as the Marketing Manager, and trainer at Party People Events as our team did over $600,000 in sales in 2018. Growing a team can be scary, and is not easy but it allows for you to have time with your family and to enjoy life knowing your team is taking care of your clients. What ever your DREAMS are, I look forward to supporting you as you create a Thriving Balloon Business! Take 5 minutes and write down your goals for your business. Click here for a blog and free webinar to help you with goal setting.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey in the wonderful world of balloons! Go take action for PROGRESS not perfection!

Your Partner in Success,

Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor. Motivator. Speaker.

Create a Thriving Balloon Business Balloon Boss Mastermind

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Balloon Business Owner Self Care Tips

Balloon Business Owner Self Care Tips

As you build your thriving balloon business, it is very easy to put 110% of your energy and time into your business and neglect yourself and your family. From 2003 to 2015 as I was building my balloon decor company, Party People in Lakeland, Florida and I fell into the trap of being a workaholic! I was very guilty of of:

Not getting enough sleep
Not eating healthy food
Putting off quality time with my family to work longer hours

Facing burn-out several times, I sold my balloon business in 2015. I now enjoy a bit of a more relaxed schedule as the marketing manager for Party People Events and serving as a mentor through BalloonCoach.com resources. However I find that I am still driven by work more than I wish to be and have to focus on making time in my schedule for me and my family. Today I’d like for you to meet Rachel Porter, owner of Balloon Splendor in Mount Vernon, Washington. We hope that her sharing her story will help you plan your schedule to include taking care of yourself to help your business thrive!

When did you start in the balloon industry? I started balloons when I was laid off from my corporate job. My sons were 5 and 7 and I wanted to be home with them and doing balloons was a way to do that. Unfortunately, that spiraled down quickly. In my early days, the first 10 years of being in business really, I put the business first, putting my sons (single mom), house and myself second, third and fourth. My children resented me (we’ve since made up and we have a great relationship now), my family never understood why I had to answer my business phone even at the dinner table. I would cancel family get togethers in favor of doing that job. I was more loyal to the business than I was to those that loved me.

Did you have other income outside of balloons? For the first two years, I was living with a friend who didn’t charge me for the rooms we were using. I did have a part time job working for an engineering firm that a friend who worked at the corporate job I had started. I did his front office work and he rented the garage space in the back to me. That lasted for a year. By mid-1997 I was solo. My parents would offer to help with groceries on occasion, I think more to make sure their grandchildren were fed, lol!

What did you do to grow your business? I was an early adapter to the internet. I had a website in early 1997. The delivery business was quite robust because of it. When I did deliveries, I would hand out cards to everyone that commented on them, and sometimes would have new orders called in before I made it back home. I learned to keep order forms in my van. I was also an early adapter to cell phones, having my first one in 1994. I also did a lot of networking through my friends and family. That’s a class onto itself!

How did you get training for your business? Until 2007 when I attended my first convention, I relied on Pioneer’s QBN program and any lessons I could glean from that program. I also attended the rare Qualatex sponsored trainings that came to the Seattle area. I would comb through Images magazines and find designs I could do and change them up to make them my own.

Did you have someone working with you as you grew your business? My husband retired from carpet laying in 2007, so stopped materially contributing to our household income then. He did deliveries for me, errands, moving tanks and bases. He wasn’t much help in actual building of the decor. When we moved up to Mount Vernon, he worked minimum wage jobs for the first couple of years, part time until my business took off up here. He got a job at the school district working less than 10 hours a week (I needed him more hours). He worked for the medical benefits. He was bringing home less than $500 a month. And then he had a medical emergency.

What was your husbands medical emergency? A brain tumor. It wasn’t benign, but not aggressive enough to be malignant either. They removed it, did radiation, and I think the radiation was a poor choice. Had I known then what I know now, I would have opted for quality of life over potentially extending it. But it is what it is. The job he had with the school district insurance covered the surgery and rehab.

How has his medical condition affected your business and health? His surgery was in early 2015. I had a very good New Year’s a couple of months before, so I had plenty of money in the bank. So when his surgery came at the end of February, I was basically out of work for 6 weeks with him. I stopped answering my phone unless it was an existing customer I liked. A local balloon friend was instrumental in helping me maintain my client base in the Seattle area, offering to do jobs for me and giving me most if not all of the money earned from them. That karma has come back to that balloon artist 100 fold. My husband lost his ability to speak, as the tumor affected language and speech. He knows what he wants to say, but can’t get it out. His right side secondary motor function was also affected, so standing, walking, using his hands… all affected. He required hours of therapy daily, and was improving wonderfully, until he came home. I live in a rural county, so home healthcare options are limited. So there I was, assisting him with everything. And because of the meds he was on, he had to go to the bathroom several times a night. So not only was I a full time caregiver during the day, and running my business, I was also getting up with him several times at night. I was literally exhausted, running on empty, and very sleep deprived. That lasted for a few months when I finally made arrangements for him to be put in a nursing home. My new goal was to help with his rehab so I could bring him home again. The nursing home was 70 minutes away in no traffic (I went after morning rush hour so I could get back before evening rush hour). I was gone 4 hours daily, 7 days a week. He made great progress. But never enough to come home. It was finally in 2018, after another surgery, and two more nursing homes that I finally had to make the decision to stop being his therapist and just be his wife. The guilt of giving up on him was tremendous. I ended up in the hospital from the stress, guilt and extreme grief of it all. Meanwhile, I am treading water as Balloon Splendor. I was such an emotional wreck that I still didn’t answer my phone. I have a handful of very faithful female customers who were empathetic. I could talk with them on the phone, through tears, and it wasn’t awkward. But because I always did an excellent job for them, they were willing to continue working with me, in spite of me crying through my jobs sometimes, being run down, being human. They listened, asked about my husband, they were very kind. My revenue was literally a fraction of what it was before, but because my husband and I have been debt-free since 2008, (except for our home,) it wasn’t a hardship to live on as little as $3k a month or so for a couple of years while I focused on him. Desperate times they were. What discovery did you make recently at a doctor appointment for yourself? In finally coming around to take care of me, and having been fighting severe fatigue, apathy, and depression for the last year, I FINALLY went to a new doctor for may annual check-up. I brought him up to speed on everything and he ordered a LOT of blood tests. Found out I am low on iron, and extremely low on Vitamin E, both of which are causes for my symptoms. There were some other things that were bordering out of range, and other things going on, and it was a huge wake-up call for me to take care of myself first. I don’t want to end up in the hospital. Who’d advocate for me? My family isn’t local, and they all work full time. My mom has her own health issues and my dad cares for her.

When unable to work what is the cost to hire in another balloon decorator? I had a job recently at a casino, and when I was about half way through it, I suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, and felt like I was going to pass out. I was hydrated, I had just eaten, you know… going through the checklist… I was in bad shape. So I called a friend of mine, who is a CBA and a fully competent balloon person in her own right, and she was able to drive out and pick up where I left off and finished the job for me. I’ve learned to have a Plan B ready all the time. When I hire her, I pay her $50 per hour. I respect her skills, the fact that she is willing to do what it takes, and I NEVER have to worry about her trying to steal my customers. THINGS TO THINK ABOUT So think about that for a moment. What is your labor rate? What are you billing the customer? Are you charging enough that if the “caca” hit the fan, you’d be able to hire another balloon artist to step in and take over? Have you built those strategic relationships? Are YOU willing to step in at $10 or $15 per hour and cover for another artist? Some do, and I’m not judging. I know some artists who have a “token labor rate” of minimum wage that they charge one another, and if that works for you, fantastic. Another thing to also think about, if you’re running your business solo, is if you had to ditch on your customer for a family emergency, is that going to break the bank? If you had to refund? Is that going to destroy your business? If the answer is yes, then I strongly recommend you build those reciprocal relationships as a Plan B, make sure you’re charging enough to cover premium labor if it comes to that, AND, to always have enough cash in the bank that you won’t go under if all else fails. Being a sole proprietor is very risky business. The stress of that risk isn’t worth putting you in the hospital.

What is your advice to other balloon professionals as they grow their balloon business? Learn from my mistakes, learn BALANCE. You will be a better balloon artist for it. You will be a better business boss for it. You will be able to give 110% when you need to. Including when you need to rest and recreate. The customer isn’t #1. Your business isn’t #1. You are. Without you, the customer goes elsewhere and your business dies.

What training do you offer balloon professionals to help them price for profit and plan for situations where they use staff or outside contractors? I have a Pricing Clinic coming up which I will go in-depth on the math, and will address the labor portion and why it’s important to plug in numbers that may be a lot higher than you’re used to. Having taught the pricing class several times already, I see a tendency to plug in $15 per hour for labor, and 50% for profit on the other end. My Pricing Clinic will reveal to you why that may not be the best strategy. Click here for details on Pricing Clinic

Any other words of wisdom you would like to share? A wise woman recently told me, “Rachel, you need to put your oxygen mask on first, then put it on others.

Thank you Rachel for sharing your story so we can learn from your situation and make plans for our business to prepare for personal and family situations that may arise. These were great Balloon Business Owner Self Care Tips! I created BalloonCoach.com resources to give YOU the resources I wish I would of had back in 2003 when I jumped into the balloon industry full time. I now serve as the marketing manager for the company I once owned. Johnathon Gerber is the owner and a Balloon Boss as he has a TEAM around him that helps market and run the business so he can have events going on that he knows little to nothing about and can take a family vacation and spend Sunday’s with his family knowing the team he has put in place is serving our clients. I share this information so that you know that it is possible to build a team to grow your thriving balloon business.

Your partner in success,

Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor. Motivator. Speaker. Balloonbosspro.com Build Your Thriving Balloon Business Join Balloon Boss Mastermind

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Balloon Business Owner – It’s Your Turn to Soar!

Balloon Business Owner – It’s Your Turn to Soar!

While viewing this beautiful fountain, I was reminded of one of my favorite sayings shared at our monthly Lakeland, Florida American Business Women’s Association meetings by past president, Maria Mahoney. “She took the leap and built her wings on the way down.”

Maria, a business coach often spoke of how we as humans let fear stand in the way of going for our goals. When you look at your life and business right now, are you standing in your way of success? Are you fearful to take the next step to grow? Do you fear failure? Do you fear success? When I started in the balloon industry in 2003, I had no formal business training. I was excited and scared all at once about my new adventure as the owner of Party People Celebration Company. I surrounded myself with amazing people by attending training in the balloon industry to share with my clients the unlimited potential of balloons. The support network I grew over the years, I now share through the Balloon Boss Mastermind Program with access to over $2,500 on online training learning from the success and struggles of business owners around the world! I stepped out in fear and grew my business and referral network locally through business organizations and training. When I sold my business I was doing $150,000 a year in sales working from a warehouse in my backyard. Now as the Marketing Manager for Party People Events I get to experience the exciting dynamics of being a part of a team for a thriving balloon business now run by Johathon Gerber with over $600,000 a year in sales in 2018 in central Florida. I enjoy sharing tips for setting goals and marketing to help you grow! As a business coach for the balloon industry since January 2015, I have found that many of my clients and friends struggle with dreaming BIG, Believing in themselves and taking the action to transform their life and business due to limiting beliefs, and negativity in their life. It’s much easier to listen to the negative Nancy sitting on our should saying “you can’t do that”, “people will never pay that much money where you live for balloons” or “you don’t have what it takes to be a successful business owner”. The first step to success is to Believe in yourself and seek out the knowledge and skills you do not currently possess to TRANSFORM your life to create the future you desire. This lovely statue shared all those values and I felt chills seeing the JOY in the face of the girl in this sculpture as it’s the JOY I feel when I see a business owner JUMP out in fear and take the next step in their business.

As I write this blog, I am currently on a 9 state teaching tour across the United States. On my way to teach in Seattle, Washington I made a short pit stop in Meridian, Idaho to see a lovely fountain created by Brian Keith on the recommendation of Amber Clark of Up Balloon Boutique in Walla Walla, Washington. When I saw the sculpture I immediately thought of you, my balloon friends. This wording is from the side of the fountain. NEW WINGS Can you see her flying about you? Do you hear her laughing? Listen! Now, it’s your turn. Deep breath, as the swing pulls back… Whoosh! You’re off on your own adventure! Go ahead, fly high. Maybe you’ll catch-up to her in the sky. “New Wings: tells the story of a child transformed by learning. Knowledge has helped her tap into her potential and she is changed. As she flies, she anticipates horizons filled with new wonders and opportunities. Fearless and inspired, her face displays excitement as she boldly soars over higher. Her eyes say it all; she knows the secret: Never stop learning. With these sculptures, bronze shapes an exuberant story of imagination and hope. they are dedicated to the women and men of Idaho who teach. So now it is your turn – at the side of the fountain, they have a swing you can sit in to take your photo, close your eyes for a minute and see yourself sitting in that swing looking over the goals you have for your business and your life!

I encourage you today to write those goals down, then Take Action and grow your thriving balloons business. Are you unsure what step to take next to grow? Do you feel alone on your business journey and that those around you don’t know how to support and encourage you? Balloon Coach Programs were created for! Want ongoing support with someone cheering you on? Check out our Group Coaching Balloon Boss Mastermind online program to see if it would be a good fit for you! Balloon Business Owner – It’s Your Turn to Soar! I look forward to supporting you on your journey. Your Partner in Success Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor. Motivator. Speaker. Balloonbosspro.com

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Tips for Balloon Boss Moms

Tips for Balloon Boss Moms

From one balloon boss mom to another I want to commend you for going for your dreams! After my only child Marlee was born in 1999, I had a strong desire to work from home. My husband is a teacher in Florida, so that means I need to bring in income to help support our family expenses. I purchased Party People in Lakeland, Florida in 2003, when my daughter was 4 and I was burnt out as a Social Worker. Our home was transformed into a balloon making factory! My goal was to be “the perfect at home mom” with dinner ready for my husband in the evening when he got home and having lots of time to spend with my daughter creating a flexible schedule by working from home. I was looking at business ownership through rose colored glasses. The reality is that we ate a ton of fast food and more microwave meals than I care to admit. My daughter and husband worked the balloon business with me on evenings and weekends to help grow the company, and to be able to spend time with me they became my set up crew. At one point my husband stated, “I don’t remember ever asking to have a 2nd job!” Today I want to share a few tips with you that I have learned along the way to encourage you on your Balloon Boss Mom Journey Do you feel a strong passion to grow a thriving balloon business and love the feeling of being your own boss? I have found on my business journey that there are many twist and turns along the way but when I found my “tribe” of like minded balloon professionals, and surrounded myself with positive, successful people their support and encouragement helped me keep moving forward and overcome so many obstacles along the way.

Things our children learn from having a Balloon Boss Mom:

To go for their dreams
You can create any business you have a passion for
Work skills
How to talk to strangers
How to behave in public
Customer service
Money doesn’t grow on trees
Opportunities to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds
Value the work that goes into a special event

Work Life Balance: The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. -Stephen Covey Each day we make difficult choices, as a Mom and Business owner we are juggling two full time jobs. Women tend to often neglect themselves and put everyone and everything else in front of self care. I know I sure have. Over the years of business ownership I gained more weight and ate drive through on a regular basis. In June 2019 I decided to finally take action on losing weight. As of the date of this article of have lost 75 pounds on my weight loss journey over 11 months. I still have much more to go on my “fit at 50” goal but it is exciting to feel good! My knees do not have the pain they use to and that is energizing! Whatever your personal goals are, I encourage you to take action now…You can’t pour from an empty cup. I was sleep deprived, nutrition deprived and felt burnt out. NOW I have so much more energy to make my dreams reality! Fill your cup FIRST!

According to the National Institutes of health 7-9 hours of quality sleep directly effects our mental and physical health making us more productive.
Feed your body healthy foods that nourish your body with vitamins and create the energy you need to run a business.
Feed your mind positive thoughts
Set a morning ritual of time focused on you.
Schedule exercise, stretching or other physical activity to keep you strong
Plan at least one vacation or “stay-cation” a year to rejuvenate
Create a vision board to see your dreams daily, and put the Law of Attraction to work for you to make your dreams reality.

Fun times traveling in our Party People Van! Marlee’s smile reminds me why I work so hard to make my dreams reality. If you have the passion to have a Thriving Balloon Business, and to be an amazing mom, I encourage you that it is possible to have both. The more that you have written plans and objectives the more time you can create for your family. One KEY to Your Success is to know your WHY

What is your WHY? Why do you have a balloon business write those goals down
Who do you want to spend the most time with
Set a schedule of Work time and Family time
Create a support team to help you make these dreams reality
Take action daily to THRIVE in all areas of your life.

Marlee, Joette, Brian Rockstar Party WBC 2014 Denver Colorado I made a lot of of decisions over the years between family time and serving my clients. The passion to have a thriving balloon business sometimes comes at a cost of less time with your family. Each of us have different personal, family and financial goals. For me, the key to making those dreams reality has been writing my goals, creating a vision board, and taking action daily to make those dreams reality.

Marlee and my assistant Jen checking people into my first Orlando hands on event November 2016 Bridge the Gap to Success. Through these experiences Marlee has seen what it is like to be a part of a team, watch balloon business owners write their goals down and go for their dreams. In 2015 I took a leap of faith and sold Party People “my baby of 12 years” to Johnathon Gerber, I now serve as the part time Marketing Manager for Party People to have my full attention on creating online and in person training and resources for the balloon industry through BalloonCoach.com.

It is exciting to see my daughter grow into a young adult, and now serve as one of my biggest cheerleaders. Proud mom moments that came through owning my balloon business include my daughter as an elementary student shaking hands with the Mayor of Lakeland and my Chamber ribbon cutting event and confidently introducing herself. The photo above is Marlee’s boyfriend Stephen, Marlee, my husband of 25 years Brian and I at BalloonCoach.com Promotions & Profits Retreat Orlando 2018 dinner. At this event Marlee had some great conversations with participants of the workshop talking about her goals for the future, she got her spark and registered for Aesthetician and skin care program. I am so blessed by the amazing men and women in the balloon industry that serve as my support system and that have been an active part of my family’s life. If you are in need of a support team of Business owners to help you make your dreams reality – check out our group coaching program Balloon Boss Mastermind Your Partner in Success, Joette Giardina, CBA Mentor. Motivator. Speaker. BalloonCoach.com Balloon Boss Mastermind access to over $2,500 of training and support at your finger tips 24/7 Looking forward to June and July on the road across the USA! I would love to meet you at one of the classes check out Summer LIVE tour 2019 of 9 Cities!

Tips for Balloon Boss Moms

Balloon Boss Balloon Business Tips for Balloon Boss Moms Work Life Balance