We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrea Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrea below.
Andrea , appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
Gaining entry into the room has often proved to be a difficult feat in my business. Yet, thanks to a few kind-hearted fellow business owners, I have been given the chance to thrive. In the world of business, sometimes all it takes is someone willing to take a chance on you. While client referrals have been invaluable, a direct referral from a trusted source like an event planner can truly elevate your business. One such opportunity arose when a planner I had worked with for years introduced me to her network of fellow planners. This introduction opened doors for me in ways I had never thought possible. My new mission is to lift and empower those around me who may have never had the chance to succeed.
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?
From a young age, my career aspirations revolved around becoming a Broadway performer. Throughout my childhood and college years, I immersed myself in musical theater and Broadway performances. Upon relocating to New York City, I swiftly achieved my dream of performing on Broadway, only to have the show close shortly after. Despite this setback, I discovered a new passion in wedding and event band entertainment, which I wholeheartedly embraced.
I went on to establish my own bands and company, requiring me to quickly acquire business skills and experience. Our approach to event production and performance is straightforward – prioritizing our clients’ needs. We value clients who collaborate with us and are open to exploring creative ideas together. While many artistic entrepreneurs can become absorbed in their craft to fill a personal void, I am committed to meeting our clients’ visions while maintaining the integrity of the art form. Embracing this challenge drives me to deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Any advice for managing a team?
As talent managers, we prioritize a personal touch in our interactions. Our contractors share intense moments together, from traveling to performing, creating a unique bond. Managing personalities poses a significant challenge for any business owner. I believe that acknowledging and listening to the needs of your team is essential. I encourage direct communication and welcome both positive and negative feedback. It is my priority to ensure that my team feels valued. This may involve listening to personal concerns or offering support by compensating team members before their work is completed. A strong team is crucial, and each member should feel important and appreciated.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Navigating a male-dominated business as a woman and minority presents unique challenges. In approaching various situations, I must be mindful of how my energy and actions are perceived. Even when I am confident in a decision, I strive to involve others in the decision-making process. In a particular instance, I ensured that the client believed a specific production idea came from the planner, emphasizing the importance of the client’s trust in the planner. While the client already trusted me, I recognized that the success of the entire event relied heavily on the planner’s capabilities. We made extra efforts to showcase the planner’s expertise and dedication to ensure the event’s success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebandmethod.com
- Instagram: @thebandmethod
Image Credits
Blue bare photograph