Risky Business

When do you make those big decisions like, 'When do I actually start up my business or next venture?' or, 'How do I know it's the right time to switch things up and take that next step?'

There never seems to be a good time for big decisions. But if you wait until that 'perfect' time, you will be waiting forever.

So, how do you know it's the right time?!

By listening to your gut, planning, saving, talking to your support team, and if you're like me: a lot of praying.

Whatever you're doing, whatever you're deciding: make a solid plan. What are your goals? What is your timeline and budget? And how will you achieve all of this?

What are you doing in the meantime to work towards that goal?

Big goals take big work. A lot of times we have to do things we don't want to, to get us to a certain point. So, what are you willing to do?

To me, that is what being an entrepreneur is. It's the tough stuff. The keep you up at night, can't shut your brain off, what's my next move mentality.

YES, the appeal for a lot of us as business owners is to do what we want when we want, but let me tell you there is so much more to it.

When is it time to push through something because it's so worth it? When is it time to take a break because you're burnt out? Or, when is it time to actually move on to the next idea or plan? These are things only you can decide. If you do your due diligence, put a lot of planning and thought into it, and listen to your gut, those big decisions won't seem so scary.

Remember, just because we're entrepreneurs, we don't always get to do whatever we want. Tackle those tough jobs, persevere, and take some risks.

You never know where it will take you!

xo Amy

TIPSY TUESDAY - Wedding Trends for 2018 with BottomZ Up Bartending & Events

09-Girl With Tray

1. Welcome drinks at the reception have been gravitating towards champagne service. Most weddings are moving away from self serve and want butler service.

2. Craft beers are in right now, especially getting a keg from a local supplier.

3. Signature drinks are all the rage, with couples wanting a drink that defines them, a signature Groom drink and a signature Bride drink.

4. Most Weddings are only serving shots after the music and party have begun to cause less disruptions during speeches.

5. A trend that was huge this Summer was a slushie machine for blended beverages. The cost is minimal and the feedback from guests is great. They are generally non alcoholic with alcohol being added afterwards for those who wish it.

6. Events are also moving away from having Wine on their tables to a ticketed or butler service to avoid over pouring or wasted half bottles of Wine.

7. White Rum is out and people are moving towards Spiced or dark Rum.

01-Neon

Shelley Francisco

Owner

BottomZ Up Bartending & Events

BottomZ Up is a Bartending & Events company locally owned and operated in Edmonton, Alberta. Serving Alberta for over 9 years, BottomZ Up goes above and beyond to make their client's dreams happen. They have a large staff and are able to service events of any size. They are professional, certified, and insured. Having a team like BottomZ Up behind you on your Wedding day takes the stress of throwing a great event off your shoulders.

For more information, please visit 

www.bubz.ca

MAD LOVE MONDAY - Katie Dooley | Katie Dooley Designs

Hi! My name is Katie Dooley and I’m a graphic designer. A lot of people ask me what a graphic designer does, and there’s a huge range from designer to designer. Me, specifically, I’m a print and brand designer. That means any pamphlet, poster, business card, label, invitation, banner, etc I can design. That’s the print side of things. Brand design is developing a logo and all the supporting pieces for a business that gives them their unique identity and place in the market.

I got into graphic design pretty naturally. I didn’t realize it was graphic design at the time, but when I was in junior high school and we were assigned a fun project like a poster or magazine I would always make sure mine looked the best and most accurate. As I got older and was looking into post-secondary school, I realized that it was actually a career I could pursue!

I love being an entrepreneur because it really allows me to do the work that I want to be doing. I love the freedom of freelance. Good designers are also life-long learners and I love getting to learn about different people in different industries. When I become part of a client’s team, I know I’ve done a good job.

If you’ve never worked with a designer before, finding one can be intimidating. There are so many options to choose from. You can hire a large marketing agency, a smaller boutique studio or a freelancer. All of these deal with different clientele and price points. A great first step is to look through their portfolio see the quality of the work they produce. Absolutely, loving their style is important, but many designers can adapt to fit your needs. Make sure you can work with whomever you pick on a deeper level. You want to know that you can collaborate with them and freely express your ideas. You also want someone that you’re okay being challenged by. So much of graphic design is education – why a certain colour, font or symbol works for the design – and it’s important that you are open to that education from your designer, even if it’s something you might not have originally picked for your brand. I am always emphasizing that design, and the communication around it, is a two-way street. I love hearing my client’s feedback, because at the end of the day, I want them to be happy.

I think having a designer in your corner when you are starting up, or growing your business is so important. Designers can be that outside set of eyes looking into your business and find different and unique ways to reach out to your target audience. There are so many little things we can help you refine that add to the customer experience. One item I actually love to design is forms! Intake forms, receipt books, invoices, proposals, etc, because I believe that even those little elements that someone might overlook, can add to or detract from the brand experience. Reinforcing your brand as often as possible is so important for visibility and differentiating yourself from your competitors.

My biggest piece of advice to someone trying to figure out their brand, or even their business is to go ahead and take the plunge! If it doesn’t work, shift it. Small shifts can make a huge difference, and will allow you to figure out what’s working and what’s not working. Maybe a postcard campaign is perfect for your business - you won’t know if you don’t try - and, if it isn’t successful? Take the opportunity to learn and adjust accordingly.

That’s me and my business in a nutshell! I’m so passionate about helping businesses reach their potential. Just like a great outfit, having a great brand can give a business the confidence it needs to go out there and kill it.

hello@katiedooley.ca

www.katiedooley.ca

www.facebook.com/katiedooleydesigns

Interested in being featured? Contact us at yegbossbabes@gmail.com