Speaker Insights 2021: Bron Hansboro, “Stop Leaving Money on the Table”

What better way to get to know our illustrious speaker than through intimate conversations!  I had the opportunity to interview, Mr. Bron Hansboro who is known as The Flower Guy Bron (a magician in creating pure wonder with all things flowers), and we talked about to refocus, regroup during this time to create revenue for our brands.

Bron’s topic for The Signature CEO Conference 2021! TOPIC: “Stop Leaving Money on the Table”!

Get your tickets today…to get the full on how you can “Stop Leaving Money on the Table”!


Speaker Insights 2021: Jessica Rasdall, “Your Billboard Statement”

If you haven’t heard of Jessica Rasdall you are missing out! She is known in the industry as the Public Speaker Strategist!  In my recent interview with Jessica we yielded insight into her topic she will be sharing with our audience at The Signature CEO Conference 2021! TOPIC: “Your Billboard Statement…the Secret to Captivate and Close More Clients”!

Get your tickets today…to get the full scoop on creating your “Billboard Statement”!


Why Attend The Signature CEO Conference? Words From Loyal Attendee Shelby Tuck Horton

With the vast number of panel discussions, fireside chats, webinars, talks, and conference options that exist, why does The Signature CEO Conference continuously attract and excite newcomers, while welcoming back attendees who return, invigorated, year after year? 

The answer lies in the hearts and minds of loyal attendees.

Hearing from attendees, and understanding their expectations and motivations, is key. Their words empower me to strive harder, dive deeper, and dream bigger to optimize the conference event, through intellectually stimulating content enhanced by engaging, transformative experiences. 

Why attend The Signature CEO Conference? As the founder and managing director, I could go on and on, expounding on all of the amazing benefits, but instead, let’s hear from one the platform’s most faithful attendees. 

Here’s a powerful endorsement from 4-time attendee, Shelby Tuck-Horton Certified Life and Business Coach (who celebrated a birthday with us during The Signature CEO Conference 2020 – Virtual Experience). 

Shelby’s sentiment…

I have been a fan of The Signature C.E.O. Conference since I attended my very first one.  To be truthful, I mainly attended to support Tara for her first conference.  However, that was one of the best conferences I had ever attended.

Shelby’s take on the high-impact content…

I loved that some of the speakers were not in the wedding industry, but had valuable information, strategies, and tips for business growth.  As many conferences as I have attended in the wedding industry, I walked away with a notebook full of notes with strategies I could easily implement for business improvement.  

Sometimes I learned something new or confirmed something that I already knew.  There was information shared that could be easily implemented to see immediate changes in your business.

Her thoughts on engagement…

Since I missed last year’s conference, I was really looking forward to this year’s Signature C.E.O. Conference.  When the decision was made to make it a virtual conference due to the pandemic, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it as much. I don’t particularly like staying online for long periods of time.  

However, the speakers were engaging, informative, and authentic in their presentations.  There was still interaction between the speakers and attendees, fun, games, and entertainment.   I ended up taking tons of  notes.

Her feelings about the dynamic speakers…

All of the speakers were great and I learned something from each one, but I really enjoyed Britney Jeanine, a creative brand consultant.  She presented on building a plan-based business and brand.  Her presentation was informative and authentic.  

She helped me to see some mistakes I was making in my branding and confirmed some things that I was doing correctly.  I loved her energy and willingness to share her expertise in such an easy to comprehend manner.

On the ROI…

Needless to say, I have become a loyal attendee who only missed one year due to a conflict. I love The Signature C.E.O Conference and look forward to attending next year.  It is worth the investment in you and your business.

I’m proud to share that Shelby Tuck-Horton was a 2020 Financial Sponsor Award Recipient. Her unwavering support over the years is her greatest testimony. It is a tangible demonstration of her belief that The Signature CEO Conference has the ability to change the trajectory of someone’s life by harnessing the collective power of the brightest creative minds.


The Signature CEO Conference 2020…Virtual Experience Day 3 – Impact!

DAY THREE: IMPACT: A powerful, positive and purpose-driven influence that makes  a contribution towards a better future

Rested, and ready from Monday and Tuesday, our creative community tuned into day 3 anticipating more action items to enhance their personal and professional lives. 

They were encouraged by emcee, Marilyn Patterson, to “Stop and Woosah”. In other words, take it all in, review notes and consider: “What steps am I going to immediately put into place?”  

She emphasized identifying small changes that will make a greater impact over time. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM DAY THREE SPEAKERS::

Speaker, Michelle Gainey, Founder of Lemiga Events 

Topic: “Having a Red Carpet Brand… Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous”

⇨Key Takeaway: “When Oprah calls you don’t want to have to get ready. Be ready.”

Michelle’s overarching theme was to always be intentional about the projects you accept. Whatever your journey is, it doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. What’s important is that you stay true to the life you want to build. Your business should be a reflection of that. It should fit your lifestyle. 

  • Identifying the best practices within your industry 
  • Do the Work. There are no shortcuts in building your reputation
  • Have the right strategic partners 
  • Have a unique vision. Think beyond your industry
  • Build your tribe
  • Establish trust

The agenda switched gears midday from single speaker to a Peer Panel Discussion format to further engage.

This year’s peer panel was comprised of heavy-hitters: Shaune’ Hayes of Red Carpet Ready Makeup by Shaune’ Hayes + Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images + Benjamin Davis Yamean Studios.

Panelists covered key areas of business, such as: systems, marketing, vendor partnerships, customer relationships, personal well-being and entrepreneurship.

⇨ Key Takeaways: There were many golden nuggets of wisdom shared, but here are a few standouts:

  • Our identity is established by our habits
  • Love what you do. 
  • Adapt to change. 
  • Be a strong business leader/owner, understand what clients want, manage your money, and build a great team
  • Be brilliant. Be Brief and Be Gone
  • A business cannot survive if the CEO can’t thrive

During the midday break, Perfekt Blend Band had us floating on a natural high. The end of the day was drawing near, and their performance of “Before I Let Go” by Maze was a bittersweet sign that we would have to soon part ways again until 2021.

 

 

Speaker, Ticora Davis, ESQ of The Creator’s Law Firm

Topic: “Protecting Your Smarts…Business Legality Misconceptions” 

⇨Key Takeaway: “The law is a sword and a shield, and if it is used correctly it can protect your business, clients and team.”

Ticora empowered our creative community by setting them on a path toward understanding how to secure their rights; especially protecting our brand: names, logos, designs or phrases. Ticora delved into:

  • The power and purpose of specific business entities
  • The essentials to include in a contract
  • Trustworthy places to receive trademark legal guidance

Speaker, Monica Barnett, Founder of Blueprint for Style

Topic: “Paid Marketing vs. Brand Evangelism” 

⇨Key Takeaway: “Marketing is all about doing great business and building lasting connections and relationships.”

Monica clarified the differences between two of the oldest and most widely used forms of marketing: Paid Marketing and Word of Mouth; both with the end goal to increase brand awareness, visibility and awareness.

It’s not and either/or strategy. You need both. The key is to use them in the right proportions:

  • 70% Brand Evangelism (Free walking advertisement; an ambassador that eagerly spreads the word about you without payment or being prompted)
  • 30% Paid Marketing 

Think through the pieces that define what your brand is about. What is going to differentiate your product or service?

Speaker, Natarsha Wright of Natarsha Wright Photography

Topic: “Brand Clarity for Creative Professionals”

⇨Key Takeaway: “Your mission and vision will drive everything you do in your business. Develop an authentic brand voice to master personal branding like a boss”

Natarsha warned us, “Don’t do another thing to your visual brand until you’ve built the foundational elements of your business.” First clarify:

  • Brand Purpose
  • Mission
  • Vision
  • Values
  • Voice

Natarsha was very transparent in showing the growth and development of her own brand identity over the years, and how she overcame old ways of thinking that her brand was “all about her” – as opposed to her new mindset, “Your brand is not about you. It is about who you serve and how.”

Speaker, Teshorn Jackson of Teshorn Jackson Photography- “Crush the Competition…Get Found Online (SEO)”

⇨Key Takeaway: “SEO is like playing sports, you can’t score a basket if you’re not in the game.”

We’re all looking for ways to level up by elevating our online presence. Teshorn shared many technical insights on how we can use SEO to better position our brands online. These are a few things to take into consideration if you’re rebranding or building a website:

  • Identify Your SEO Objectives
  • Claim your business listing 
  • Identify Keywords you want to rank for
  • Use long tail keywords
  • Write Blogs

With his techniques, we will be able to go from not showing up on google to hopefully showing up on the first two pages.

At the conclusion of Day Three, attendees were brought on screen to share overall impressions of the mind-expanding, virtual event. An attendee remarked that having the lineup of topics top of mind, was value added – and appreciated being shown by peers how they activated various tools, techniques and strategies within their brand strategies.

Accolades were plentiful! No matter if an attendee was a seasoned business owner with 7+ years of experience or an emerging entrepreneur, more new to the game, we were all enriched by the robust wisdom imparted. We “walked away” inspired to use our lives as conduits to make an even greater IMPACT!

We bid one another a fond farewell – resonating with innovative ideas to refine our businesses for the remainder of 2020, and beyond. 

DJ Derron of Washington Talent Agency sent final farewells, through a fantastic musical playlist.

Special Recognition and Acknowledgements for our Virtual Experience:

I would be remiss if I did not thank all of #TSCEO2020 sponsors. attendees and speakers. I am especially grateful that all of you rode this wave with me as we bravely traversed the unprecedented Coronavirus. 

Every single year, I hand select each speaker, and intuitively, I know they will knock it out of the park. After witnessing this year’s presentations and absorbing the knowledge that was shared – the speakers did not disappoint! I thank each speaker from the bottom of my heart.

As a creative community, we are at the end of the 2020 virtual conference experience, but also at a new beginning to re-energize our entrepreneurial business journeys. 

It is my hope that you felt that I saw each and every one of you. This platform was specifically created and curated especially for you – for every level that requires a different you. Take time to rest and digest. Then, continue to set audacious goals. Change mindsets. Build relationships. 

Dare yourself to be bold each and every day.

It was a remarkable 3-days. We will continue to rise, and reconvene, fully renewed, in 2021!


TSCEO 2020 Virtual Experience (Part 1): Commencement Day One, July 27th

If you were one of the numerous attendees of The Signature CEO Conference 2020 – Virtual Experience, you were a part of history in the making! Although I was faced with the challenge of re-aligning to a virtual event in the midst of a global pandemic that gripped the event industry, the “socially distant” world we currently live in did not discourage me. While I missed connecting face-to-face with industry colleagues, I am pleased to share, the 5th annual event was a resounding success!

The 3-day, content-rich agenda was packed with a plethora of multifaceted topics. From marketing best practices to the latest in technology, and health and wellness, there were insights, strategies, and inspiration for everyone to accelerate their business’ impact – with ample opportunities to create long-lasting connections.

The 2020 theme “Mission Possible” not only set the tone – it raised the stakes!

Attendees radically shifted their mindsets toward reaching their highest potential, by shedding limiting beliefs and re-imagining what is possible for their personal and professional lives.

The slogan: “Aspire. Lead. Impact.” encapsulated the conference’s guiding ideals. These three concepts reminded attendees to always consider the impact of their work in terms of the legacy it leaves behind and the positive implications it will have on their sphere of influence.

If you are like most of our conference attendees, you were too engrossed in the experience to fully take notes. With all the game-changing gems that were dropping, who had time? You were immersed in the sessions, live-chatting, sharing on social, catching up with old friends, networking to make new connections – and maybe even presenting? With 18+ hours of game-changing content, and over 20 fascinating speakers, sessions and activities, there was a great deal of information to absorb.

We created a 3-part blog series, to fully explore memorable moments from each day, and enable you to further ruminate, contemplate and process the multitude of ideas and concepts still buzzing in your head.

Enjoy re-living the experience! Reflect and Reminisce!

DAY ONE – ASPIRE:  To direct one’s hopes and ambitions toward achieving a transformative goal for their lives, in the highest pursuit.

 

With a full agenda of energizing topics awaiting attendees on Monday morning, I kicked off day one to the tune of the iconic theme music from the movie, Mission                Impossible. I can still hear each sharp percussive blast of brass and woodwind sounding like a charging step to get everyone pumped up!

Emcee DJ Derron of Washington Talent Agency and co-host, Marilyn Patterson of Joyous Events welcomed everyone with bright smiles and cheerful greetings.

Marilyn’s opening remarks invigorated the audience, “If you have vision, passion and hope, you are in the right place today! We are here to stimulate, elevate and activate our professional posture. We experienced a shift in the venue, but not the VISION!”

Next, I shared a heartfelt yet energizing opening keynote. I stood poised behind a sleek, acrylic podium within my home; elegantly transformed for the momentous occasion with luxe drapery and stylish balloons furnished by Fabrication Events and Anelia Rose.

The behind-the-scenes tech team, Jazmine Peaters of Jazmine Karess Events and Christina Galloway of Galloway Event Services ensured we were ready to launch without a hitch. And, the media team, Ana Isabel Photography and Capital Films DC, were in position to capture every exciting moment along the way!

“We finally made it!” my face beamed, full of enthusiasm, joy and gratitude. My next remark, “Every next level of your business demands a different you,” was the perfect motivation for what was in store for the 3 riveting days that lay ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM DAY ONE SPEAKERS:

Speaker, Beny Blaq, Founder of Rebel Fit USA

Topic: “Be the CEO of Your Own Body”

⇨Key Takeaway: “Mindset is the Key to success! You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you are living a healthier lifestyle, you’ll have more energy and focus to do your best work.”

Beny Blaq’s whole-body plan inspired attendees to be more proactive and take greater charge of their lives.

He motivated attendees to set and achieve their goals, whether they were focused on losing weight, becoming physically fit, or simply living their best life possible!

Speaker, Tara McMullin, Founder of What Works and YellowHouse Media  Topic: “Manually Managing Projects, Goals and Tasks to Create Habit & Take Ownership”

⇨Key Takeaway: “What is Ownership? Ownership is taking responsibility for how you show up, how you spend your time, and how you lead.”

Tara’s mic-dropping gem,“Vision is a filter for decision-making.” Those words resonated with our attendees, through two overarching questions that were explored:

  • What is the vision for your business/life?
  • Who are you becoming?

Next up was an electrifying live performance by Perfekt Blend Band. They raised the roof – and the energy in the room during our first break. They entertained attendees with a wide range of upbeat covers of popular music across genres. Attendees rocked in their seats, as they filled the chat box with great reviews, such as: “Whooo!” “Yes! They are great!” “The music is great!”

Speaker, Chip Dizard – Founder of Chip Dizard Weddings

Topic: “Effective Social Media Advertising (FB & IG) to Transform Prospective Customers into Loyal Ones”

⇨Key Takeaway: “Content is King but engagement is Queen and she rules the house.”

Chip demystified digital marketing by illustrating a variety of proven tactics and targeting methods.  His techniques showed attendees how to transform prospects into a “team” of loyal customers.

Speaker, Jacquette Timmons, CEO of Jacquette M. Timmons & Sterling Investment Management Inc.

Topic: “The Hidden Impact of Pricing You…How to Price Your Genius”

⇨Key Takeaway: “Your business’ financial success should translate down – and have a positive impact on the health of your personal finance as well.”

Jacquette’s insights helped attendees understand how to make the right connection between our business and personal finances, by using pricing as the mechanism to do that.

She revealed how many entrepreneurs and small business owners are confined by industry pricing and market misconceptions.

Key Question: “What should I Charge for This?” The question is ubiquitous. The answer was not, as she shared her pricing framework.

Speaker, Myrna Daramy, Founder of Myrna & Co.

Topic: “Optimize Your DMO (Digital Marketing Optimization) & Build Traction for Your Business with Blogging”

 ⇨Key Takeaway: The Question, “Why Blog?”

Myrna delved deep into the following answer, outlined as bullet points below:

  • It creates dynamic content
  • Establish Expertise
  • Creates Authority
  • Builds Trust
  • Improves On-Page SEO
  • Optimizes Your Footprint

She successfully delivered not so easy to comprehend tech information in a way that was relatable, digestible, and easy to implement.

Speaker, Darnyelle Harmon, Founder of Incredible One Enterprises LLC

Topic: “Sales is Not a Dirty Word”

⇨Key Takeaway:  “The idea of selling should not seem distasteful. It’s not about selling products, it’s about helping people become the best versions of themselves – filling someone else’s need, providing real benefits or services, or doing something useful by helping your customers. There is nothing dirty about that.”

Darnyelle’s mic-dropping gems:

  • “Nothing happens until somebody “serves” someone!
  • Think like a CEO not an entrepreneur
  • Success requires a posture change

Here’s a glimpse into Darnyelle’s  Sales Success System:

  • Realize it is as honorable to sell, as it is to buy
  • Create Your Sales Management System
  • Kick Your Competition to the Curb (Rise Above the Noise and Stand Out)

At the conclusion of Day One, our creative community was challenged to fully take in their newfound knowledge. We ASPIRED to implement our new skills, to grow and evolve personally – and take our businesses to higher plateaus.

Washington Talent Agency placed the perfect musical punctuation at the end of a magnificent first day.

(additional photos of TSCEO 2020 virtual conference, click here)


How to Use Your Mobile Phone to Create Video That Connects With Your Clients

Our Speaker’s care and want to extend their support to you during this time of uncertainty. As we were all affected by COVID-19, The Signature CEO Conference was postponed and with the support of our Speakers they still want to extend a reach to each of you and share advice on how you can pivot through this temporary disruption of our businesses.

We had the opportunity to do a LIVE Facebook Interview with Speaker, BENJAMIN DAVIS of YAMEAN STUDIOS. Benjamin, the leader behind Yamean Studios, an award-winning brand strategy media agency who work with brands and businesses to develop meaningful content and engage people with actionable brand experiences that spark human connection. His media company turns stories into conversations, impressions into relationships and campaigns into results.

Watch our video to get full details.


(5) Tech Tips for Your Business during Amid Covid-19

Our Speaker’s care and want to extend their support to you during this time of uncertainty. As we were all affected by COVID-19, The Signature CEO Conference was postponed and with the support of our Speakers they still want to extend a reach to each of you and share advice on how you can pivot through this temporary disruption of our businesses.

We had the opportunity to do a LIVE Facebook Interview with Speaker, MYRNA DARAMY of MYRNA & CO. Myrna is a digital media strategist and tech translator for the modern business owner. With over 12 years of experience, her natural ability to clarify the blurred lines between technology application and spontaneous creativity is what makes her one of the most insightful digital marketing strategists today.

During our conversation he highlighted, “(5) Tech Tips for Your Business during Amid Covid-19”:

  1. Jump into video right now (practice, practice, practice) – Video it the number media that people are absorbing right now… Whether you are showing up on Zoom, IG, FB, or YouTube
  2. Take some time out to do an audit of your digi-home from your mobile device (your website)
      • Is your website reflecting the current version of you? (Are you digitally cohesive?)
      • Is your site responding to the fact that it is on mobile
      • When is the last time you blogged or created any new content on your website?
      • Are there any broken links on your site?
      • Is your site optimized?
  3. Visit your analytics on all the platforms that you are active on
  4. Take some time out to do an audit of all the tech platforms you are using (many of these platforms have modified their offerings)
  5. Unplug and give yourself a curfew with tech

Watch our video to get full details.


(5) Tips to Avoid Distractions in Your Business with COVID-19 | Shaune Hayes

Our Speaker’s care and want to extend their support to you during this time of uncertainty. As we were all affected by COVID-19, The Signature CEO Conference was postponed and with the support of our Speakers they still want to extend a reach to each of you and share advice on how you can pivot through this temporary disruption of our businesses.

We had the opportunity to do a LIVE Facebook Interview with Speaker, SHAUNÈ HAYES of RED CARPET READY MAKE UP.  Shauné is a makeup artist, beauty expert, entrepreneur and beauty business coach based in Washington, D.C. She is the owner and principal makeup artist of Red Carpet Ready Makeup with Shauné Hayes and have worked in the beauty industry for over 15 years. 

During our conversation he highlighted, “(5) Tips to Avoid Distractions in Your Business with COVID-19”:

  1. Identify what your distractions are. I think this is important so you know what keeps you unfocused and can specifically address it.
  2. Plan/Go over your daily routine the night before. Identify 2 or 3 main tasks you want to get done.
  3. Turn off notifications. Limit texting and emailing.
  4. Take mental breaks. After an hour or 90 minutes of focused work, take a break.
  5. Keep it clean. If my work area is disorganized and cluttered it affects my energy and productivity.

View our video to get full details.


5 Healthy Living Tips from the Inside Out during COVID-19 | Beny Blaq

Our Speaker’s care and want to extend their support to you during this time of uncertainty. As we were all affected by COVID-19, The Signature CEO Conference was postponed and with the support of our Speakers they still want to extend a reach to each of you and share advice on how you can pivot through this temporary disruption of our businesses.

We had the opportunity to do a LIVE Facebook Interview with Speaker, BENY BLAQ of Rebel Fit USA.  Beny is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist whose studio has grown from 5 clients to over 150 clients in the Northern Virginia area providing boot camp classes, small group personal training, and private personal training.

During our conversation he highlighted,  “5 Healthy Living Tips from the Inside Out during COVID-19”:

1. Exercise at a min of 3x per week
2. Drink minimum of 64 oz of water
3. 7+ Hours of sleep
4. 5 servings of Veggies per day
5. Keep stress low: Reduce TV and social media intake, get fresh air daily and limit alcohol intake.
View our video to get full details.

5 Brand Strategy Tips to Implement during COVID-19 | Britney Jeanine

Our Speaker’s care and want to extend their support to you during this time of uncertainty. As we were all affected by COVID-19, The Signature CEO Conference was postponed and with the support of our Speakers they still want to extend a reach to each of you and share advice on how you can pivot through this temporary disruption of our businesses.

We had the opportunity to do a LIVE Facebook Interview with Speaker, BRITNEY JEANINE CANIDATE ofBritney Jeanine & Co Britney works with creatives & designers to level up their businesses & brands through brand coaching and online education. With experience in photography, web and graphic design, she has been blessed to create for over 110+ brands since 2008—and have been the catalyst in visually propelling brands forward.

During our conversation she highlighted,  “5 Brand Strategy Tips to Implement during COVID-19”:

1. Refocus and restructure.
2. Plan through all of the panic.
3. Assess your Q1 numbers for a better Q2.
4. Build your Q2 content marketing strategy.
5. Continue showing up and serving your people.
Watch the video for our full interview.