As part of their school senior project, Menlo School seniors Sydney Boal and Tess Batchelder contacted me for an interview about my life style business. It went so well, I thought I’d share it with you. Enjoy!
Sydney & Tess: How would you describe your job?
Robin: I have a fabulous job as a life stylist. I am passionate about creating and curating fun and fashionable experiences for my clients. My life stylist services include event coordination, style creation which includes wardrobe consulting, adventure planning, and gift giving. There’s no project I can’t do. BUT…I won’t pick up your dry cleaning or walk your dog. Ha!
Check out my website: www.robinlaub.com
Sydney & Tess: How do you deal with difficult clients?
Robin: Frankly, I don’t have any. I’m fortunate enough to have carved a nice little niche of the market with clients who have known me as a volunteer at Menlo School, North Hillsborough school and other organizations. I’m all referral-based at the moment. BUT…if I ever did have a disgruntled client, my motto is, “the client is always right!” If my client was disappointed, I would make everything right. No questions asked.
Sydney & Tess: How do you promote your events/company? (social media, ads...etc.)
Robin: I promote RobinLaub.com via various social media sites such as my business page on FB, my personal page on FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, mass emails from my database, digital advertising and my blog The Report. I’m also very good at spreading my brand by word of mouth and networking.
Sydney & Tess: On average, how many other groups of people do you work with per event?
Robin: On events I may work with:
- Caterers
- Rental companies
- Photographers
- Videographers
- Florists
- Stationery Stores (invitations, save-the-dates, thank you’s, printed programs etc.)
- Lighting specialists and electricians
- Administrative support (registration, budget spreadsheet, guest lists etc.)
- Speakers
- Entertainment (DJ’s, band, comedians, hula-hoopers)
- Volunteers
- Venue managers and concierges
- Publicity/Promotion (how are you going to encourage people to attend?)
- Sponsors/Partnerships
- Any specialist that will make my event top-notch, I will hire.
Words of Wisdom: Follow-through is key to a successful event. For example, don’t ever assume a rental will be delivered unless you’ve made umpteenth phone calls confirming times and locations of deliveries. And always get a contact name and phone number.
Sydney & Tess: How do you manage your budget while working on an event?
Robin: Predictions of a budget of an event needs to take place in the early planning stages. So I meet with my client at the outset and discuss budget requirements. I will then research all the elements that are involved in planning an event such as venue, caterer, rentals etc. I’ll create a budget spreadsheet and review each line item with my client. Be realistic with costs! If at any point during the event planning process, it appears that I might be going over budget, I will notify my client immediately and determine if we still keep moving forward with the plan or alter some areas to reduce costs. It’s common to have adjustments and refinements throughout an entire project.
Sydney & Tess: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Robin: I’d like to instill a joie de vivre in people’s everyday lives. Because life is so precious – why not enjoy every moment and have fun doing it! I enjoy helping my clients save time with an added element of surprise. I like expressing my authentic style on each project and most importantly, I want my clients to look and feel great about it. My clients are the rock stars. I’m behind the scenes gal who makes sure every detail is in place!
Sydney & Tess: What makes you successful at your job?
Robin: I’ve been told by my clients that working with me is like working with a trusted friend. They like my taste and are thrilled with my follow-through skills. I offer an unpretentious approach to gracious living. I’m also fun to work with. So they say. Ha!
Sydney & Tess: What is the most important thing to keep in mind as we begin to plan the after party and other details of the show?
Robin: Logistics, in my mind, are the most important aspects of an event. Produce a detailed plan. Create a minute-by-minute timeline of the event’s details.
However, there are many other things to keep in mind…
1) Make sure each party/person knows their role in executing their services. They should know what to do, what to wear, where to be etc.
2) Do not ASSUME they will understand all of this ahead of time. Follow-through is key! Reiterate to everyone involved the timing and whereabouts until they get sick of hearing and seeing you!
3) Have a list of contact names and cell numbers of your DJ, catering company, rental company etc. Follow-up with them the day before making sure that they have already done a walk-through of the gym. Confirm that they have all of their necessary equipment. If they don’t, make sure they are prepared to bring all the essentials for a successful event.
4) Create a to-do list for:
- A month ahead of the event
- Two weeks ahead of the event
- The week of the event
- The day before the event
- The day of the event
5) I cannot stress enough about focusing on the details of the event. Do not let anything fall through the cracks. Expect something to go wrong and have a back-up plan.
6) Make sure a Menlo School Facilities personnel is on hand and easily accessible the entire night. Obtain their cell number. Introduce yourselves before the event to make a connection.
7) Sketch out ahead of time on how you’d like the gym to look. Confirm with all parties involved that they know where to set up etc. For example, your decorations committee should have a list of exactly how you’d like the gym decorated. Check out their décor ahead of time to make sure you approve. Give them a time line of when you’d like them to set up and clean up. Do this timeline for every party involved.
8) Knowing the details per person/party and following-through of all the details will make for a successful event!
9) Be organized!
10) Have some fun element of surprise and have fun!
Thanks for interviewing me, girls!
Sydney Boal is a senior at Menlo School and will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. She will be studying Nonprofit Management.
Tess Batchelder is a senior at Menlo School and will be attending Vanderbilt University in the fall. She is interested in teaching and plays soccer in her free time.
