Discover the inspiring journey of an event planning veteran whose 25-year career spans domestic and international projects. Learn how her commitment to authenticity and excellence, along with her adaptability and team-building success, has transformed the entrepreneurial and coaching industries.
Introducing Blue Diamond Events CEO, Linda
Alana introduced Linda, the CEO and founder of Blue Diamond Events, to the audience. Linda's extensive experience in planning domestic and international events for over 25 years has positioned her and her team as sought-after event producers in the entrepreneurial and coaching industry. Linda shared her background, including her upbringing in Southern California and her early experience working for a catering company. She also highlighted her philosophy of celebrating every individual's potential to make a difference in the world through integrity, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Linda's Journey to Entrepreneurship in Events
Linda shared her journey of how she, despite having no prior experience in event organization, took on the challenge of organizing a golf tournament for her catering company. She met with the people from a local golf course and a law firm to understand the process and eventually succeeded in organizing the event. This experience led to her being offered an internship in the marketing and events department of the law firm, where she worked for ten years and was involved in various events, including international programs and fundraising for animal welfare. Linda's introduction to entrepreneurship came when she collaborated with Adam Ramansky on a few events. Six months later, she decided to start her own event company, serving entrepreneurs, speakers, authors, and coaches. Today, her company, now in its 21st year, continues to thrive, even during the Covid-19 pandemic, by offering virtual events and smaller gatherings.
Linda's Journey to Building a Team
Linda shared her experiences in creating events for clients, emphasizing the flexibility and adaptability of the approach. Alana expressed her appreciation for Linda's inspirational outlook and highlighted the importance of having a team in place for entrepreneurs. Linda then shared her journey of building her team, starting with a local work fair where she met Lisa Benavides, who has been with her ever since. Alana found Linda's story of finding a team member through a high school work fair to be a great example for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial Relationships and Client Support
Linda discussed the company's long-standing relationships with clients in the entrepreneurial space, particularly highlighting their work with young moms and their side businesses. She mentioned the company's shift from working with trade associations to collaborating with top thought leaders and entrepreneurs, including Rich German Milana, Lushinski, Lisa Cairney, Lisa Sassovich, and Cynthia Kearsney. Linda also shared their ongoing support for clients, even when they take a break or pivot to different projects. Alana expressed her excitement about supporting such influential leaders in personal and professional development.
Balancing Presence and Self-Care at Events
Alana and Linda discussed the importance of being present and attentive during events, while also taking care of oneself. Linda shared a humorous anecdote about a team member and a guest speaker who led a deep transformational exercise. Two team members became so engrossed in the exercise that they fell asleep, reminding Linda and the team to find a balance between being present and not overexerting oneself.
Managing Events and Understanding Attendee Needs
Linda shared her experiences in managing events, emphasizing the importance of understanding the host's needs and the team's role in creating a safe and supportive environment for attendees. Alana added to this by highlighting the significance of maintaining a detached yet engaged role, especially during transformational experiences. Linda further elaborated on the need for a structured approach in event planning, highlighting the importance of understanding the event's key components and the ebb and flow of the event's energy.
Enhancing Tech Team's Presence at Events
Linda emphasized the importance of being present and attentive during events, not just as a tech team but also as individuals. She shared that they have learned to tap into the energetic aspect of events and to be aware of the audience's reactions. Linda also highlighted the need for a debriefing for tech teams to ensure they understand the event's purpose and can adjust their roles accordingly. Alana appreciated Linda's resourcefulness and creativity in managing different types of events.
Understanding and Catering to Event Audiences
Linda and Alana discussed the importance of understanding and catering to the audience at events. Linda shared a case study of a client, Jay, who discovered through a pre-event assessment that his audience was mostly new to joint ventures. This led him to tailor his training accordingly, resulting in a more successful event. Linda emphasized the need for pre-event engagement and education to keep the audience informed and excited. Alana thanked Linda for her insights and announced that Linda's company, Events by Blue Diamond, offers a comprehensive guide on profitable events.
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Profitable Events: The Complete Guide
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