April 15, 2015
Mandi Ford, ES Lifestyle Concierge
At a Glance
Bio The path that led her to this point
After years of working in the area of events, marketing and corporate hospitality I found myself looking for a new challenge.
In my last role before working for myself I found that I was been asked if I owned the business and if not why as I had a real passion for my work.
One day sitting on the beach I decided to invest in myself and start an Events Project Management business.
I wanted to offer business solutions to clients in the method that I liked to work, as a part of their team and completely transparent.
We have had over 5 fantastic years working with our clients on key business projects to help them build, grow and sustain their business.
As the business developed I found we were been asked to take care of tasks that didn't fit within our Project Management business delivery model, and there ES Lifestyle Concierge Services was born.
The two businesses really do compliment each other by providing all level of support to our clients for conferences, events, incentives, corporate hospitality, sponsorship and staff and customer loyalty with our concierge services.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Having the confidence to believe in myself and start a business has been one of my greatest achievements and to see it blossom into a well respected business has been rewarding beyond words.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
As the business grows, ensuring that I continue to work on the business and not get so bogged down in the business that we miss opportunities for growth.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
Hiring staff earlier as the business needed it rather than taking on more myself.
We have secured more opportunities having the staff as I haven't been as overloaded.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
Our business websites and blogs have really helped us to grow the business and increase our profile in the marketplace.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
Donna Hay - she is someone that had a passion for food and through this passion has created an empire of magazines, products and styling.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
That you are 100% committed to working for yourself on all aspects of the business - sales, operations, media, marketing and bookkeeping.
Believe in yourself, your product and the business will come.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
When we launched our ES Lifestyle website last year, the idea of opening a second business became a reality. After 18 months of customers trialling the service and 8 months of extensive research to create the right platform, we had a sexy new business.
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