I actually run two businesses. The first is OZ Events, where we create memorable events from start to finish, tailoring every detail to each client while bringing our own creativity and expertise into the experience.
The second is OZ Eats, where we’re creating unique experiences around Nigerian small chops: puff puff, samosas, spring rolls, meat pies, egg rolls and more. Whether that’s for a party, an anniversary, a playdate, or simply a special moment at home.
Over the last few years, I’ve made a number of changes that have improved both businesses, increased client satisfaction, and ultimately increased profits.
Here are five things that have made the biggest difference.
1. I Started Showing Clients the Vision
One thing I’ve learned in the events industry is that clients don’t always see what you see.
A client may describe what they want, and in your head you can already picture the colours, the layout, the atmosphere, and the experience. The challenge is helping them see it too.
So instead of trying to explain my ideas verbally, I create visual presentations and mood boards.
I show clients exactly what their event could look like.
I play around with colour palettes, themes, floral combinations, styling ideas, and design concepts until the vision comes to life.
The beauty of this process is that clients can immediately tell me what they love and what they don’t love. They become part of the creative journey.
I’ve won clients purely because of these presentations.
In fact, I recently secured a client who was already speaking to another event planner. After seeing the visual concept I created, she chose to work with me.
People buy what they can see.
2. I Don’t Just Give Quotes - I Give Ideas
One thing that differentiates my quotes from many others is that I include suggestions and enhancements.
If a client asks for something, I don’t simply price exactly what they’ve requested.
I think about how to make it better.
What would create more impact?
What would create more excitement?
What would make guests walk into the room and say, “Wow”?
Sometimes it’s a personalised feature.
Sometimes it’s an upgraded design element.
Sometimes it’s an unexpected detail that transforms the entire experience.
The goal is not to upsell for the sake of it.
The goal is to help clients create an event that exceeds their expectations.
Often, clients don’t know what’s possible until you show them.
3. I Refuse to Create the Same Event Twice
One of the biggest mistakes creative businesses can make is becoming repetitive.
I never want two clients to feel like they’ve received the same experience.
Every event must have something unique.
That means constantly researching.
Constantly learning.
Constantly looking for new ideas.
If I see a floral design I love, I don’t stop there.
I ask:
* What other flowers would complement it?
* What colours would elevate it?
* What styling elements could make it feel different?
I don’t just want to copy inspiration.
I want to make it my own.
Creativity requires research.
The more visual your business is, the more important it becomes to continuously educate yourself and stay inspired.
4. I Invest in Learning and Know When I’ve Outgrown It
When I started my events business, I paid for a monthly mentoring programme.
It helped me enormously.
The mentor taught me valuable lessons, and I genuinely believe that investment accelerated my growth.
But recently, I’ve realised I’ve outgrown that particular stage.
Not because the teaching is bad.
Not because the mentor isn’t good.
But because my vision has become bigger.
I’ve now found someone operating at the level I aspire to reach next.
Business growth often requires new environments, new perspectives, and new challenges.
The moment you stop learning is the moment your business starts standing still.
Clients can tell when you’re evolving.
They can tell when your knowledge is improving.
And they’re often willing to pay more for expertise.
5. I Treat Customer Feedback Like Gold
This applies to both my events business and my small chops business.
One thing I never do is ignore feedback.
Feedback isn’t an attack.
Feedback is information.
Recently, I delivered an order and the client told me everything was lovely.
But I specifically asked about one particular item because I wasn’t completely satisfied with it myself.
After a little hesitation, the client admitted that one of the chicken pieces wasn’t fully cooked.
Was I embarrassed?
Of course.
But I was also grateful.
Because now I know.
And because I know, I can improve.
I thanked the client for being honest, apologised, and made sure I learned from the experience.
Many business owners become defensive when customers give feedback.
I believe the opposite.
Feedback helps you become better.
Feedback helps you improve your service.
Feedback helps you deliver a better experience next time.
The businesses that grow are usually the businesses that listen.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, these five changes have transformed the way I operate:
* Showing clients the vision
* Including thoughtful add-ons
* Creating unique experiences
* Continuously learning
* Listening to customer feedback
None of these things happened overnight.
But together, they’ve helped me attract more clients, increase profits, and build stronger businesses.
Now I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one thing you’ve done recently that has improved your business? Let me know in the comments below.
With Love,
Ayo
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