We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew Goldstein a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Andrew, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
The inception of Tally Entertainment was much like embarking on an uncharted journey – filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The idea was born out of a passion for making change and a desire to bring something innovative to the Florida market. The initial spark came while we where intrenched of the Covid-19 pandemic. I realized the immense potential for blending traditional entertainment with modern digital experiences i.e. video production, which was not being fully explored in the local Tallahassee scene.
The First Steps:
After the idea struck, I remember sitting with a notepad, sketching out what Tally Entertainment could look like. This involved a lot of research into the current state of the entertainment industry in Florida, identifying gaps in the market, and understanding the latest technological advancements that could be incorporated into our services.
The Planning Phase:
The months that followed were dedicated to meticulous planning. I developed a business plan, focusing on unique service offerings that would set Tally Entertainment apart. This was also the time when I started reaching out to my network, gauging interest, and gathering a small but dedicated team who shared my vision.
Legal and Financial Setup:
Navigating the legalities and setting up the financial framework was a crucial part of the early stages. I consulted with legal experts to ensure compliance with entertainment and business laws. Simultaneously, managing the financial aspects, such as budgeting for various phases of the business, was critical.
Building the Brand:
Branding was close to my heart, given my background in marketing (Brand director for VP Creative Agency, Agency Owner, and Marketing Director at Big Top Manufacturing). Crafting the brand identity of Tally Entertainment involved deciding on our message, our look, and how we wanted to be perceived by clients and the local public of Tallahassee specifically. This was followed by developing a marketing strategy to effectively launch and promote our brand.
Launching and Iterating:
Finally, the launch of Tally Entertainment was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The early days post-launch were about closely monitoring our operations, gathering feedback, and being agile enough to make adjustments. It was a period of continuous learning and adapting.
Continued Growth:
The journey didn’t stop at the launch. Over the years, we’ve expanded our services, locations, and adapted to changing market demands, and consistently looked for innovative ways to enhance our offerings. Winning the Best of Florida award for both 2022 and now 2023 was a milestone that validated our efforts and spurred us to reach even greater heights.
In summary, the journey from idea to execution was a combination of careful planning, relentless passion, and the courage to take calculated risks. Every day was a new learning experience, each challenge a steppingstone towards building a brand that stood out for its innovation and quality in the entertainment industry.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Andrew Goldstein, with a career that spans various facets of marketing and entertainment. My journey into this industry began with a keen interest in how brands communicate and connect with their audiences. This interest evolved into a professional pursuit when I embarked on my role as Director of Branding at VP Creative Agency, where I honed my skills in crafting compelling narratives for businesses.
My Industry Involvement:
Entering the entertainment industry, particularly with Tally Entertainment, was a natural progression. It allowed me to blend my marketing expertise with my passion for creating memorable experiences. The entertainment industry is in a way inherent. My mother Nancy Goldstein owns a large high end event planning company with locations in Boston and Connecticut. One of my mentors Evan Taback runs one of the largest event rentals companies in the northeast ET event (previously Boppers Events). Having worked under both in my past I have developed a passion and dynamic understanding of this industry. Which has pushed me to stay ahead of trends.
Services and Creative Works:
At Tally Entertainment, we specialize in offering innovative entertainment solutions. This ranges from high-profile video production, event photography, top-quality photo booth rentals, and other event rental services. Our services are designed to not only entertain but also to create lasting impressions, making every event unique and unforgettable.
Problem-Solving for Video Production Clients:
One of the key problems we solve for our clients is how to stand out in a saturated market. We achieve this through customized strategies that blend traditional video production elements with cutting-edge technology, ensuring our clients’ video productions are the talk of the town.
What Sets Us Apart:
What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and quality. We don’t just follow trends; we aim to be trendsetters. This approach, coupled with our dedication to customer satisfaction, has been the cornerstone of our success.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of the impact Tally Entertainment has made in the Florida entertainment scene. Being named one of the top video production companies by Three Best Rated, being named best agency by Design Rush, and Winning the Best of Florida award twice in 2022 and 2023 where all humbling recognitions of my team’s hard work and creativity.
To Our Potential Clients and Followers:
To those considering Tally Entertainment or just getting to know us, I want you to know that we’re not just about video production and entertainment; we’re about creating experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Our aim is to surpass your expectations and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
In essence, my journey has been about pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and staying true to the vision of delivering unparalleled media experiences. That’s the essence of Tally Entertainment – where creativity meets execution with excellence.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A critical lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that the journey gets easier. I initially struggled with this, especially during the early days of my career thinking if I just worked harder things will eventually be easier. The expectation to continuously ascend, to constantly outdo not only others but one’s self, creates an immense pressure.
The backstory to this unlearning process was quite personal. Reflecting on my journey – from my adoption and upbringing to my academic and professional endeavors – I realized that my true strength lay in embracing the unique twists and turns of my life. Each phase, including the times I didn’t follow the conventional route, contributed to my growth and perspective.
This realization was pivotal. It allowed me to shift my approach, both as a leader at Tally Entertainment and in my personal life. I began valuing the diverse experiences of my team, encouraging unconventional ideas, and accepting that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all blueprint to success. This not only enhanced our creativity but also made our work more fulfilling.
In essence, unlearning this lesson was about embracing my unique story – from my roots in Colombia to my growth in Connecticut, influenced by my family’s entrepreneurial spirit and my educational journey. It taught me that success is multifaceted and that there’s profound strength in charting one’s own path, even if it veers from the expected.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Absolutely, several books, personalities, and brands have profoundly influenced my management and entrepreneurial philosophy.
Seth Godin’s Writings:
Seth Godin’s works, particularly “Purple Cow,” have had a significant impact on my approach to marketing and branding. His emphasis on being remarkable and standing out in a crowded marketplace resonates deeply with my strategies at Tally Entertainment. Godin’s ideas about ‘permission marketing’ and building genuine connections with audiences align with how I envision customer engagement.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson:
As a fellow adoptee, Steve Jobs’ story, as narrated by Walter Isaacson, holds special meaning for me. Jobs’ relentless pursuit of excellence and his unique approach to product design and branding have been inspirational. His ability to blend technology with artistry and create products that weren’t just functional but also aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly has influenced how I view product and experience design in the entertainment sector.
Gene Wilder’s Story and Work:
Gene Wilder’s career, marked by creativity, innovation, and the ability to evoke emotions, has also been a source of inspiration. His ability to immerse himself in diverse roles and his unique approach to comedy and storytelling have taught me the importance of versatility and emotional connection in the creative industry.
Liquid Death’s Marketing:
In the realm of contemporary marketing, brands like Liquid Death stand out. Their unconventional approach to branding, particularly in how they’ve turned a simple product like canned water into a cultural statement, exemplifies the power of bold and creative marketing strategies. Their ability to craft a brand identity that is not only memorable but also resonates with a specific lifestyle and values has impacted how I think about branding at Tally Entertainment.
Malcolm Gladwell’s “Outliers”:
Gladwell’s exploration of success in “Outliers” reshaped my understanding of achievement and the factors that contribute to it. His concept that success is not just about personal qualities but also about historical and cultural contexts resonated with me deeply. As someone who navigated a unique path – from being adopted from Colombia and raised in a business-oriented family in Connecticut to becoming an honors graduate and a successful entrepreneur – I could relate to the idea that our backgrounds and experiences play a crucial role in shaping our journeys.
Blue Ocean Strategy:
“Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne has also been pivotal in shaping my approach to business and marketing. The core concept of creating new market spaces (‘Blue Oceans’) rather than competing in overcrowded industries (‘Red Oceans’) greatly influenced how I positioned Tally Entertainment. This book encouraged me to think beyond conventional competition and focus on carving out a unique niche in the entertainment industry. It taught me the value of innovation not just in product offerings but in our business model and strategic approach. The principles from “Blue Ocean Strategy” were instrumental in guiding Tally Entertainment to explore uncharted territories in entertainment, offering unique experiences that set us apart from traditional players in the market.
Each of these resources and stories has contributed to my entrepreneurial journey, teaching me the importance of innovation, the power of storytelling, and the need to continually push boundaries in both management and creative thinking. They’ve helped shape my philosophy that true success in entrepreneurship and management comes from a blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and an authentic connection with your audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tallyentertainment.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallyentertainment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tallyentertainment/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-goldstein-marketing-expert
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqlAdk8hcI3Rtca2KLFit7A
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/tally-entertainment-tallahassee
Image Credits
– Tally Entertainment