Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudette Blythe.
Hi Claudette, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my event marketing business in 2020 after witnessing so many small businesses, particularly minority-owned businesses, being forced to close their doors due to the pandemic. I wanted to help build awareness around local brands and get their products and services in front of new potential customers. I decided to host the inaugural Central Texas Black Business Expo. I partnered with Splash Co-Working and the LBJ museum to host the hybrid event during Global Entrepreneurship Week to maximize visibility for the small businesses we were working with. The event was wonderfully successful. Afterward, I began working with the Downtown Association of San Marcos to produce pop-up venues for small businesses in the area. In 2021, I’d been asked by a niche media company in New York to assist with their event marketing campaigns. I helped them strategize and build out signature events such as virtual workshops and, eventually, a very successful in-person conference that helped them increase their revenue by approximately 30% by the end of 2021. That win gave me the confidence to expand my vision to include larger businesses. I began working with some well-known brands in both the corporate and non-profit sectors. I worked with brands in the financial, health and wellness, and education, helping them leverage tradeshows, signature virtual and hybrid events, and experiential marketing experiences such as pop-ups and workshops to increase their ROI and attract an engaged and loyal customer base.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Transitioning my business from a niche service and audience was a real challenge. Additionally, although a lot of funding was available for small businesses then, securing capital for my business took a lot of work.
I worked in the non-profit arena as a Program Director for families experiencing homelessness before starting my initial business. Modern Tribez began as a Family Engagement Consulting business in 2017. This was an easy transition because I’d built relationships and connections in my expertise. I learned the power of a purposeful gathering and the impact of hosting events. When I decided to move in the direction of helping small business owners, I felt like a fish out of water, specifically on the business side. My business model would need to change. I had so many questions. Where do I start with business name changes? I needed a new business plan, legal and tax guidance, and, more essential, equally important needs, such as a website buildout and marketing campaign. I found myself asking many questions, watching many videos, and purchasing the courses I needed to get me through these challenges.
As I mentioned before, there were ample funds available for small business owners at the time, but I didn’t qualify for one reason or another. I was constantly stressed as I didn’t want to let any of my clients down while simultaneously building the systems and processes needed to keep my business afloat. I finally decided to take it slow, one day at a time, and deal with what was right before me. I would have to bootstrap it, so I focused on one purchase at a time, one account at a time, building one process at a time, and so on. This approach allowed me to give my new clients the type of individualized attention that I could be proud of. Every new system I learned, and every new aspect I could add to my business made me prouder and more confident in my capabilities. About six months into my business, I noticed that I began to feel alone and isolated. I thought I needed to fellowship with other business owners to discuss ideas and feedback and have others to relate to. I joined a few entrepreneur groups in person and virtually to help with this issue. Even though this strategy helped ease the isolation, this is something that I still struggle with from time to time.
We’ve been impressed with Modern Tribez Marketing Solutions, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Modern Tribez Marketing Solutions, formerly Modern Tribez Events, is a boutique marketing agency specializing in experiential events and contemporary marketing strategies. We help our clients establish their brands’ signature event(s) to increase visibility and authentically connect with their ideal audience. We aim to deliver impactful customer experiences that increase engagement and encourage brand loyalty that noticeably increases our client’s bottom line.
Services include:
Event Marketing – Strategic Planning
Signature Event Design + Development | Done-for-You services
Digital Marketing – Event Website Build | Email Marketing | Content + Influencer Marketing
Day-of Coordination
What types of events are considered marketing events?
Workshops
Seminars
Webinars
Tradeshows
Conferences
Pop-ups
Launch Parties
Symposiums
Experiential displays + events
What sets Modern Tribez Marketing Solutions apart from other event marketing agencies is our commitment to white-glove professional service and approach to working with our clients. We pride ourselves on providing an individualized and unique experience when working with us. Our clients often feel like they are the only client on our roster. We can achieve this by working with several clients as a boutique agency. Additionally, we truly listen to the needs of our clients and use existing data that may have yet to be noticed to inform our marketing strategy. “We start with business goals and work backward from there.”
We love the work that we do. After working with us, our clients have one or more established signature events, complete with the systems, processes, and training, for them to duplicate and connect with their customers for years. Of course, we’re always there for our clients if they need us, but empowering them to activate our proven strategy brings us the greatest joy.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any essential lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Working in the events industry during COVID-19 taught me several important lessons. The most prevalent lesson was tapping into the natural ability to be creative and innovative. Event industry professionals had to think outside of the box. Rethink, revise, and re-strategize at a second’s notice. When we were boxed in, we needed to find a way out. The majority of us did, hence the infamous “pivot.” We learned that we could make incredible things happen. This sort of reawakening reinvigorated us toward creation and reimagining.
We needed to turn to technology and creative marketing to rethink our events and how we could still create meaningful gatherings for our attendees and stakeholders. This presented a new challenge for me and other event professionals. We had to learn new tech. Questions arose, such as which tech features were helpful for our unique events. We needed to compare pricing, research software integrations, and a whole gamut of other considerations. The learning curve was steep. Speaking for myself, learning new tech and trying to build a business simultaneously was extremely difficult. In retrospect, I was able to rise to the challenge and put on some fantastic virtual events. I learned a lot along the way, and my business is better suited for it. I now understand what it takes to put on a quality hybrid event for my clients—helping them understand the production process so that their customers enjoy a memorable experience.
The takeaway is that when faced with a challenge, know you have the creativity, ingenuity, resources, and tenacity to square off and face it head-on. You have everything it takes to take on challenges and overcome them triumphantly. A more potent, confident human being is waiting for you on the other side.
Pricing:
- Pricing is based on individual needs and length of contract.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.moderntribez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderntribezevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderntribezevents
