Q Corner Convention Additional Class Information From Glen LaValley & Rupert Appleyard

Have you had the opportunity to watch all the incredible classes from the Q Corner Convention yet? 

Since the convention, a number of the instructors have very kindly shared additional information to supplement their classes, including photographs and materials lists. To make it easier to find these for future reference, I have documented them, along with their class video, in a series of blog posts that I will publish over the next few weeks.

Glen LaValley - Glen the Balloon Guy, from Edmonton, Canada. 

Class Title - Balloon Make-Up and Dècor Pieces

"How to combine foils and latex balloons to create make-up and cosmetics related accent sculptures."

If you missed Glen's class, just click on the video below! This video starts from the beginning of his class.

Rupert Appleyard,CBA - Phileas Flash - Time Twister, from Edmonton, Canada.

Class Title: The Power of Being Underestimated

"When he was recently asked to create a lecture for the World's largest magician's convention Rupert Appleyard (aka Phileas Flash) decided to make something a little different. Join him for this inspirational talk about how balloons have changed his life and how they can change yours, if you let them."

If you missed Rupert's class, just click on the video below! This video starts from the beginning of his 1st class.

Class Title: Dragon Riders

"Get ready to spread your wings and burn some rubber as Rupert Appleyard introduces you to the weird and wonderful world of balloon dragon racing. Dragon Racers uses a modular body design that, when combined with different heads, makes a variety of mythical dragon steeds that will carry you to victory! 
So fire up your dragons and hold on tight, because this class is about to take your balloons to new heights." 

Material List:

Body (base colour to match the head) 

350Q x 4 

646Q x 1 

260Q  Chrome Green x 4

Bernie head (simple design) 

350Q Red x 3 

260Q Red x 1 

350Q White x 1 

160Q Grey x 1 

6" Geo Blossom White x 1 

160Q Chocolate Brown x 1 

160Q Dark Blue x 1  

The Viper head (Intermediate) 

350Q Spring Green x 3 

160Q Spring Green x 1 

160Q Red x 1 

260Q Ivory Silk x 2 

260Q Chrome Silver x 1

Royal Dragon head (advanced) 

350Q Lime Green x 2 

260Q Lime green x 2 

260Q Chrome Gold x 1 

260Q Chrome Silver x 1 

260Q Chrome green x 3 

646Q Lime Green x 1

News Alert! - Baby dragon racers!

"These little fellas just hatched and they are already having fun - aren't they cute? Instead of hugging your waist, these hatchlings prefer to perch on your head, which allows for smaller scale jousts and races."

If you missed Rupert's class, just click on the video below! This video starts from the beginning of his class.

A huge thank you to both Glen and Rupert for providing so much valuable information! If you make any of the designs that were shown in the Q Corner Convention make sure to put #QCornerconvention on your post so we can see you're amazing creations! 

Happy ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com
Follow me on Instagram @suebowler

Q Corner Convention - A Bonus Design from Sue!

Wow, have you had time to recover from watching all those amazing classes from the Q Corner Convention yet? What a truly fabulous five days that was, and definitely one that will go down in ballooning history! A huge thank you to Susan Dhillon, Eve Antonello and the entire Pioneer Balloon Company team who made this happen in such an incredibly short time! And of course, a very special thank you must go to Keith Stirman and Dominic Cassidy of Q Corner, who did an incredible job of both hosting and running this event, all while coping with very little sleep, and a fair share of technical glitches! 

As with all classes, 90 minutes is never quite as long as you think, and I still had one design in the wings that I sadly did not have time to show. So rather than waste the balloons and the design that I had prepared, I thought that I would make a short video that shows the bonus designs, plus a few additional tips! 

To understand the new design, you will need to watch the original class, so I have added the video here. Please note that the convention was filmed in parts, in which each of these parts is a number of classes (mine was the first to be recording in Part 6).

Here is the bonus video, I hope that you enjoy it! 

To help you to recreate these designs, I have included product and material lists.

Product and Material Lists

100th Birthday Celebration Balloon Arrangement 


#57050, #57048  (pkgd.) 2 - 18" Rose Gold Round Microfoil™️ Balloons

See listed below the range of latex balloons that I used: 

#58283 - 260Q Chrome Gold
#12939 - 260Q Chrome Rose Gold
#85111 - 7" Chrome Gold
#12936 - 7" Chrome Rose Gold
#43562 - 5" Ivory Silk
#43591 - 5" Pearl Peach
#57340 - 5" Rose Gold
#43584 - 5" Pearl Ivory

1 - 16" Cake Board Base  Silk Roses & Greenery
Double-sided Tape
Strong Sticky Tape
Uglu™️ Dashes/strong glue dots or Clik-Clik™️ Balloon Bond

Happy Birthday Tropical Hat Box Arrangement

#57280, #57278 (pkgd) 2 - 18" Birthday Hibiscus Stripes
#10464 1 - 14" Mini Pink Flamingo

#58283 - 260Q Chrome Gold
#85111 - 7" Chrome Gold
#43548 - 5" Onyx Black
#99326 - 5" Jewel Magenta
#43575 - 5" Pink
#25571 - 5" Wild Berry


1 x 12" Cake Board Base
1 x Black Hat Box
1 x Premium MaxiCup™️ II
1 x Premium Balloon Accessories MaxiStick™️ II 
2 x Premium Balloon Accessories Original Cello-Cup Clear 

1 x Premium Balloon Accessories Balloon Stick Clear
Pink Satin Ribbon
Silk Flowers
Low Temperature Glue Gun
Uglu Dashes
Double-Sided tape
Strong Sticky Tape

I created this Tropical Centrepiece to compliment a design that I recently made with Balloon School Pro, Setting the Scene Part 1 - Duplet Square Pack Balloon Walls and Setting the Scene Part 2 - Tropical Theme Organic Garland and other accent details! This is a paid download - to find it click HERE

Tropical Centrepiece

1 x Plexipole Base & Pole

#68824 1 - 20" Deco Bubble
#10464 1 - 14" Mini Pink Flamingo

#43793 - 11" Jewel Sapphire Blue
#85112 - 7" Chrome Blue

#85142 - 7" Chrome Green
#43602 - 5" Jewel Sapphire Blue
#99332 - 5" Fantasy Assortment - this includes both Jewel Sapphire Blue and Jewel Teal
#43552 - 5" Diamond Clear
#43607 - 5" White
#58284 - 260Q Chrome Blue

Tropical Leaves
Metallic Confetti
Hi-Float
Uglu Dashes

Fairy Number Design

#97429, #97430 (pkgd.) 1 - 18" Pastel Ombré 

#12245 1 - 14" Mini Fairy

#86369 1 - 16" Number Two Jelli Ombré 

#43566 5" Pastel Pearl Assortment - in the video I said that I used the Sorbet Assortment, but this was an error.

#43607 5" White

#58283 260Q Chrome Gold

1 x 12" Cake Board Base
Uglu Dashes

Double-Sided tape
Strong Sticky Tape
Heat Sealer

I hope that you enjoyed the bonus design and the few little extra tips! And don't forget, that you can catch-up with all of the classes anytime! Simply visit Q Corner on YouTube, find the class that you want to watch, and enjoy! 

Happy Ballooning!

Sue
www.suebowler.com
Follow me on Instagram @suebowler

Are You Ready for the Largest 100% Free, Virtual Balloon Convention in History!

Earlier this week, Keith Stirman and Dominic Cassidy from Q Corner answered a few questions regarding the convention during their live show. Here are some of the main points that they covered:








Is the convention free?
The convention is 100% free!

Who are the instructors, and how do I know when, and what they will be teaching?
There will be 92 instructors from around the world, who, over 120 continuous hours, will teach an incredible selection of classes. These classes will range from decor design, twisting, line work, painted balloons, fantasy flowers, business classes... and so much more!

To find out more about the instructors, visit The World Balloon Convention Website or click HERE. Below each instructors name is a corresponding number which links to the class that they are teaching, as well as more details regarding their classes listed.

When does the convention start?
Obviously, as we are all in different time zones, the start time will vary from country to country, but as the convention is technically going to be hosted from the UK, the official starting time is Monday 30th at 12 am (midnight Sunday). If you would like to find out what the time will be for you, visit https://www.timeanddate.com and change it from 12am BST (British Summer Time) to your local time.

How do I watch the classes?

The Convention will be hosted on the Q Corner YouTube channel. We recommend that you subscribe to Q Corner on the YouTube channel before the convention. You can set reminders for specific classes that you want to watch, and when you subscribe, you will be entered into a drawing for one Premium Twin-Air Sizer™, courtesy of our friends at Premium Balloon Accessories! All subscribers to the Q Corner channel will be entered into the drawing.

Can I only watch the classes live?

No, you will also have the ability to catch up on classes that you miss. The convention will be filmed in 8-hour parts and will be available to watch once each section has finished... allowing a little time for Keith and Dom to post it. You can see which classes (by number) will appear in order, as classes will not be posted separately. You can set reminders to notify you when each of these parts are available! 

YouTube Schedule

Each day is split into three parts on YouTube, so the link will be the same for several classes in a row. The parts are as follows:

• Part 1: Starts on Monday, March 30 at midnight BST. Covers classes #1-5
• Part 2: Starts Monday, March 30 at 7:30 BST. Covers classes #7-13
• Part 3: Starts Monday, March 30 at 16:00 BST. Cover classes #15-19
• Part 4: Starts Tuesday, March 31 at midnight BST. Covers classes #21-25
• Part 5: Starts Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 BST. Covers classes #27-32
• Part 6: Starts Tuesday, March 31 at 16:00 BST. Covers classes #34-39
• Part 7: Starts Wednesday, April 1 at midnight BST. Covers classes #40-46
• Part 8: Starts Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 BST. Covers classes #48-53
• Part 9: Starts Wednesday, April 1 at 16:00 BST. Covers classes #55-59
• Part 10: Starts Thursday, April 2 at midnight BST. Covers classes #60-65
• Part 11: Starts Thursday, April 2 at 7:30 BST Covers classes #67-73
• Part 12: Starts Thursday, April 2 at 16:00 BST. Covers classes #75-80
• Part 13: Starts Friday, April 3 at midnight BST. Covers classes #81-87
• Part 14: Starts Friday, April 3 at 7:30 BST. Covers classes #89-94
• Part 15: Starts Friday, April 3 at 16:00 BST Covers classes #96-100

Are all the classes being shown live?

With the exception of a few of the classes that will be pre-recored (to account for bad internet signals and other technical issues) the majority of classes will be shown live. So be prepared for a few glitches and get ready for lots of fun stuff too! 😊

Can I ask questions during the class?

Yes! You will certainly have the opportunity to ask questions during a class. 

Will any of the classes be translated?

Some of the instructors have already anticipated this and will have someone with them translating their classes during the live session. However, a selection of classes will be translated after the event has finished and will be available for all to view.

Will there be any competitions?

Yes! Some very generous manufacturers (see below) have donated some truly fabulous prizes. These will be up for grabs throughout the convention, but only during the live sessions, so that is a very good reason to watch live! 

Can I join in on any of the classes?

Yes! A number of the instructors plan to offer a hands-on session where you can re-create their designs and techniques during their classes. 

For example Chun Lin, Sung, who is teaching class #84 will be demonstrating one of his own incredible designs, and has listed all the materials that you will need to make it. To find other hands-on classes, check each of the classes listed in the Class Schedule.

Other Information:

All the instructors are giving their time to help inspire, educate and uplift the ballooning community at this very difficult time.

This will be an exceptional opportunity to learn from some of the most creative people in the ballooning world, and to see designers who rarely teach at all, let alone outside of their own countries! 

There is an awesome merchandise store where you can purchase one-of-a-kind Q Corner Merchandise! All Profits will go to charity! Click HERE for a direct link.

A huge thank you to Qualatex and the entire Pioneer Balloon Company Team who have worked incredibly hard to put this whole convention together in such a short time! Of course a MASSIVE thank you to Keith Stirman and to Dominic Cassidy who will be hosting the entire 120 hours... I have no idea how they will do it, but if anyone can do it, they can! 

And thank you all the wonderful sponsors, as well! This convention would not be the same without them!

Keep checking the Q Corner Convention page for updates, as they are being added daily! 

Wishing you a truly amazing week of getting to be part of the largest virtual balloon convention in history! 

Happy Ballooning!


Sue
www.suebowler.com

Social Distancing - Tips on How to Keep Your Customers Engaged From a Distance.

I think it's safe to say, this current crisis is unlike anything that small business owners have faced in the recent past. 

Each day, it seems as though we just sit and wait for even more government announcements, hoping for more guidance and advice to get us through these confusing and difficult times.

As we have all discovered, social distancing, while good for public health, is bad for small businesses. Many businesses have already closed their doors and those businesses that have managed to remain open, foot traffic has dropped significantly since the coronavirus outbreak, as more and more customers stay home and self-quarantine. 

As a result, every industry is looking for ways to hold on to their customers during the coronavirus lockdown. 

Here are some tips to keep your customers engaged from a distance:

Communicate proactively with your customers

The situation is evolving rapidly, and no one is quite sure what news each day will bring. It is much easier for customers to empathise with businesses in crisis if said business is communicating with them properly. In the past few days I have received a number of emails and social media messages from local businesses including suppliers, pubs and restaurants, and my heart goes out to each one them. Many of them have been very inventive and are offering their services in a number of safe and responsible ways! I have found that because they have taken the time to communicate with me, I am making it my mission to try to support as many of them as I can during these turbulent times! 

Keep contact with your customers and let your customers know if you’re closing your doors, changing your hours or any other steps you might be taking to keep your employees and work environment safe and clean. If your store is closing or closed, notify your customers on your social media channels, through email and on your website. If your store is staying open, describe the steps you are taking to reduce risk. 

In addition to letting customers know what you are doing, give them a way to stay connected. Now is the time to step up your social media activity! Customers spending more time at home will still need to shop for things. Facilitate this need by creating direction to your online store, taking orders over social media, start a no contact pick-up and delivery service - but most importantly, ensure that you work within Government guidelines. Be prepared for more people to view your website than in previous months. Maybe it's time to make those ultra- important updates and give your website a little spring clean.

Keep communication lines open.

Now you have your customers attention, keep those invaluable communication lines open! Give regular updates of what you can offer, show designs that you have made or are making for other clients. 

Ask your customers to share a testimonial or a photograph, or maybe just a few words on your Facebook page regarding the service that you are currently offering. I have seen some great stories and messages, and each one serves as a reminder of that business and what a great job they are doing to keep their customers happy and staying afloat during these extremely trying times! 

Even if you have decided to temporarily cease trading you should not cease communication with your customers.

This is an extremely important time to keep your communication lines open and active. You may not be able to supply balloons at this time, but you can certainly continue to communicate. I am sure that you will have heard of #throwbackthursday (#TBT); this is a great way to share some of your past favourite jobs and decor. But instead of #TBT how about;

#mondayinspiration

#tuesdaytips

#wednesdayselfie

#fridayfavourites

I think you get the gist: every few days you can post something that will catch your customers attention in a way that will remind them that you are still there and will be back up and running as soon as you are able.

You don't need to be posting photographs every day, you could take this opportunity to create some fun and exciting posts using CANVA, a fabulous free design tool. If you are unsure how to use CANVA, I will add a link to a past blog post that shows you how! 

For a direct link to my Canva blog post click HERE or visit https://theverybestballoonblog.blogspot.com/2018/10/good-design-matters-for-your-business.html

This was a post that I created using CANVA for National Unicorn Day! 

I am sure that many of you will be participating in the Q Corner Convention. The largest 100% FREE, virtual balloon convention in history! Starting Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3, 2020, 24 hours a day - 5 days. Starting at 12 am GMT, the convention will be hosted on the Q Corner YouTube channel. To subscribe to the channel click HERE

So what does this have to do with keeping in touch with your customers? This will be a great opportunity for you to let your customers know that though you cannot trade at this time, the opportunity to learn does not stop, and you are looking forward to sharing some of your newfound skills and design ideas with them soon! Maybe film yourself watching a class or strategically place your balloon pump and a few balloons near during one of the demonstration! 

I took this photo when I re-created Jackie Ochitwa's Fairy design
that I learned to make from her online tutorial

Take Care of yourself

Situations like this are stressful enough on their own, and managing a small business in the midst of the chaos can amplify that stress. Before you rush into action, if you are struggling with excessive stress and anxiety, look for some ways to alleviate that. I know that when you’re overwhelmed and concerned about your small business, it can seem like you don’t have time for things like self-care. But this situation is a marathon — not a sprint – and it’s important to take care of yourself throughout.

Please try to stay positive during these unprecedented and difficult times. The balloon world is a very caring community, if you need some words of support and encouragement please reach out to one of the Ballooning Facebook Groups such as the Qualatex Group. 

Please keep safe and well!

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue

www.suebowler.com

Follow me on Instagram @Suebowler

The Necessity of Obtaining Deposits for Bookings

Contracts, Terms and Conditions, and Deposits are vital for all businesses, regardless of how big or small they are. 

Whether your inaction is out of fear or a lack of confidence, not getting that deposit up front can end up by coming back to bite you.

This may feel like we are attempting to close the door after the horse has bolted, however, there has never been a better time than now to review your businesses terms and conditions, including non-refundable deposits.

I have seen many posts on Facebook about how to deal with customers who cancel at the last minute. If you don't already have a cancellation policy or deposit system in place, it is important to take steps to protect yourself with future bookings.

Asking for a non-refundable deposits in your terms and conditions is a solid way to protect  your earnings especially in an industry where last minute cancellations are likely to leave you out of pocket.

By asking customers to pay a deposit upfront, they are able to secure their event and the services upon which you have both agreed. A deposit is a gesture of good faith and commitment from the customer. This will ensure that you have at least part of the funds before they receive whatever goods and services you are providing. Though it's not a substantial amount of money, a non-refundable deposit is generally used to cover the unavoidable outlay of stock and materials or other bespoke items as a kind of security against any kind of cancellations.

The timing between the initial deposit and the final payment of the remaining balance should be pre-determined between you and the customer. The deposit should be set at a realistic and reasonable level. If you ask for too much, you may find that even with the most plainly worded terms and conditions, non-refundable deposits deemed too expensive can be difficult to enforce. Remember, it can only be deemed non-refundable if it covers the actual cost of the loss that may results from a cancellations.

Be assertive, and do not apologise

Many small businesses, especially new ones, find it difficult to ask for money at all. 
But if you want to be successful in the business world, it’s a fear that you must overcome. The first time you ask, it might feel uncomfortable, but do it anyway.

I have found that one of the easiest ways to overcome this fear is to not ask, but tell. After the initial consultation with your client, simply explain the next steps if they have indicated they would like to proceed. Say something along the lines of: 

“If you would like to proceed with the order, just let me know, and I will email you a full description of work, my terms and conditions, and an invoice for xx% of the event cost as a deposit.” 

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue 
www.suebowler.com
Follow me on Instagram @suebowler

Riding out the Storm: How to Cope in the Face of Adversity.

Earlier this week I read a Facebook post written by David Mahoney of Balloons Everyday, Texas, USA, which contained some very wise and encouraging words.

 "Focus on what you can do and can control. Don't worry about the rest. Best advice I was ever given."

 David goes on to talk about the effect of Coronavirus on business and the economy.

"Sure, things are changing a bit because of the Coronavirus but that does not change the facts that there are still lots of everyday business. Take birthdays in the USA... there is almost 800K birthdays everyday.

AGAIN.... 800,000 BIRTHDAYS A DAY!!!!!!

People will still get married, babies will still be born, companies will still do business, and anniversaries still happen.

Focus on what you can do, adjust where you need to, and push... You are still in control of you and can still succeed and achieve your dreams."

Yesterday, Steven Jones of Balloon Designers, Seattle, USA, gave his perspective on this situation:

"Good morning, everyone...with everything going on in the world right now, I just want to offer up a couple of thoughts.

1. For everyone affected by the COVID-19 issues going on around the world, you are NOT alone. The entire "gig economy" is feeling the impact of this situation, and believe me, if you aren't already experiencing cancellations and the like, you probably soon will be.
2. Remember that this can always be worse...yes, you might be experiencing a lot of cancellations and the like, but you could also be in a hospital bed somewhere suffering from this disease, so let's put things into perspective.
3. Breathe...and know that this WILL pass. Think of this like a storm...yes, it's going to do some serious damage while it's here, but it will eventually end and the sun will shine again.
4. Harsh reality time...let's be VERY honest with ourselves...we have invested and embraced a line of work that ultimately no one NEEDS. At the end of the day, what we offer is a luxury service that serves no other purpose than to inspire emotion.
Now, let me be clear...I'm not saying that's not important...not at all, or else I personally wouldn't be doing this. But at the end of the day, people need food, people need shelter, people need heat and clothing...they don't NEED an air sac of latex sculpted into the form of Baby Yoda...so when economic times like this occur, this IS going to happen.
And it will happen again one day...and it will happen again after that. It may not be viral related, but economic downturns are a part of life. You HAVE to plan for those in the future.
5. On the other side of this, call it pie-in-the-sky-optimism, but the reality is some of the worst times in our business careers are actually huge opportunities in disguise. Sure, a lot of us are losing revenue, but you're also gaining something you've lost a LOT of...and that's time.

USE THAT TIME...market your business, organize, clean, take on that project you've been meaning to get to or hell, reconnect with your family and loved ones that you never get to visit with because you're constantly working. USE this time to your advantage as opposed to feeling sorry for yourself and the state of things.

6. Never forget one thing...that you are AMAZING...do you realize what a bad a$$ you are? You are one of the very few people in this world that had the strength and fortitude to create a business. You have done something millions and millions of people only DREAM of doing...and you did it! You're driven, you're motivated and you're succeeding in ways others will never, ever know...
And you know what else? Just think about this...when people want to celebrate the greatest moments of their lives, their highest achievements and their most precious of memories, they think of YOU to share in that joy. Your gifts and your talents make their moments better, and they seek you out to bring joy into these major milestones. Your works are something they will carry in their hearts and minds for as long as they live....and that's something you should be proud of, regardless of the current state of things. 

So take a moment to catch your breath and absorb what's happening. Then remind yourself of who you are and why you do what you do and keep moving forward.
You've got this  

And you know what else? When this is all over, the whole world is going to be ready to celebrate! So get ready for that too

Thanks for listening " 

Both David and Steven shared some incredibly encouraging words and practical advice that can help you over the coming months. 

I too have a few final words that I would like to share with you that may help at this difficult time.

Keep a positive mindset

As much as this is a very scary time for us all, it won't last forever, so it is important to stay as positive through it all so we can come out shining!

Embrace adversity as a chance for opportunity

It is time to consider potential opportunities rather than dwelling on despair. Maybe we can't work on big events for this period of time, but as David rightly said, there are many everyday prospects available to our industry.

Be Informed

Find out what kind of help is out there for you and your business. In the UK this week, our Government announced some great new schemes that will help small businesses through this rough period. Even those of us who are self-employed will receive support if we are unable to work. Investigate if there are any new initiatives or schemes in your country that can help you if necessary.

Use your time wisely and productively

I don't know about you, but I have a long wish list of things that I need to do. My website is long overdue a complete revamp, I started an online social media course on Udemy and never completed it! My list is endless and I am sure that yours is too! 

Communicate with other Balloon Professionals

Whether it is through social media, or networking groups, this is the perfect time to initiate conversation with other balloon professionals. We all have some truly great ideas or knowledge that we can bounce off each other.

Keep safe, healthy and positive! Exercise regularly, get plenty of fresh air, eat a well-balanced diet, get sufficient sleep and make time for self-care. These habits not only boost your immune system and keep your body functioning optimally; they will also help you feel healthy and fit. Moreover, when you feel strong and healthy you will find that you are better able to cope with whatever is taking place around you.


Sue
www.suebowler.com
Follow me @suebowler