The Bloom & Grow Show with Amber Housley Amber Housley

In today's episode, I'm sharing all about my pre-retreat preparation process and how I shift from a business-focused mindset to a warm and welcoming hostess mindset. I'll take you behind the scenes of what I'm doing to prepare for Inspired Retreat, ensuring that when my attendees arrive, I'm ready to create a fantastic experience for them.
 
Highlights & Takeaways:
 
• Shifting Mindsets: I discuss the importance of transitioning from focusing on business priorities to creating a welcoming atmosphere for retreat attendees.
• Engaging Pre-Retreat Communication: I share strategies for connecting with attendees beforehand to build anticipation and community, such as using Voxer, sending personalized emails, and thoughtful gifts.
• Strategic Planning and Logistics: I talk about having a "get it done" attitude, making decisions, and staying within budget, as well as the importance of a lean schedule leading up to the retreat.
• Creating a Cohesive Experience: I highlight how I design tablescapes, incorporate themes, and prepare my team to ensure a smooth and welcoming retreat experience.
 
Resources
Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop
 
Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight
 
Learn More About Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/inspiredretreat
 

In this episode, I dive into the world of marketing magic for retreats. Drawing from my extensive experience in hosting retreats and live events, I share three innovative marketing techniques to help ensure your retreat is fully booked. Whether you're a seasoned retreat host or just starting out, these strategies are sure to ignite your marketing efforts and attract the right participants to your transformative experience.
 
Highlights:
• Introduction to Marketing Magic: I share my passion for marketing and how it can sometimes feel overwhelming with so many options available. I emphasize the importance of simplifying your approach to avoid decision fatigue.
 
• Digital Magazine: Learn how to create a visually appealing digital magazine as a lead magnet for your retreat. I explain how to use content from your sales page and repurpose it in a more engaging format.
 
• Evergreen Email Sequence: Discover the power of an evergreen email sequence to nurture leads and build anticipation for your retreat. I share tips on how to create a sequence that remains relevant and effective over time.
 
• Info Session or Webinar: Find out how hosting an info session or webinar can showcase the value of your retreat and build trust with potential attendees. I highlight the importance of enthusiasm and energy in selling your retreat experience.
 
Key Takeaways:
• Simplify Your Marketing: Don't let the multitude of options paralyze you. Focus on a few effective strategies to start with.
• Utilize Visuals: A digital magazine can provide a more engaging way to present information about your retreat and attract leads.
• Nurture Leads: An evergreen email sequence is a crucial tool for keeping your retreat top of mind and building excitement.
• Engage Directly: Hosting a live info session or webinar allows for real-time interaction and can help alleviate any concerns potential attendees may have.
 
 
Resources:
Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop
 
Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight
 
Learn More About Inspired Retreat: amberhousley.com/inspiredretreat
 

Join me in this episode as I sit down with my guest, Sarah Masci, to explore the transformative power of VIP Days within the realm of retreats and how they can take your business to the next level. Incorporating VIP Days into your business model can lead to transformative experiences for your clients and increased revenue for your business.
 
Highlights:
• Sarah shares her expertise on hosting retreats and VIP days, discussing transformational impact, location selection, logistics, and format/content design.
• Discover how attending a retreat can be life-changing and translate into powerful testimonials for your business.
• Learn how to select locations that create memorable experiences for your attendees.
• Dive into the details of planning a retreat, from accommodations to handling unexpected challenges.
• Design the format and content of your retreats for maximum impact, including hot seat sessions and outdoor activities.
• Enhance your mastermind programs with retreats, offering alumni preferred rates and ongoing support.
• Explore how hot seat sessions can provide personalized feedback and support.
• Learn how VIP days can be a lucrative addition to your business offerings.
• Get tips for pricing strategies and structuring your offerings for day rates in your business.
 
Key Takeaways:
• Retreats and VIP Days can be life-changing for participants and increase credibility for your business.
• Incorporate retreats into mastermind programs to enhance community engagement.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with VIP days and other offerings to find what resonates best with your audience.
 
Links
Connect with Sarah: sarahmamsci.com
Instagram: @sarahmasci
Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop
Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight

In today's episode, I dive into the top 10 budget busters that retreat hosts face and how to avoid them. From choosing the right location to managing food and swag costs, I share practical tips to help you stay profitable while delivering an amazing retreat experience. Whether you're a seasoned host or planning your first event, these insights will set you up for success.
 
Key Takeaways:
Location Selection: Opt for budget-friendly destinations that align with your retreat's theme.
Room Blocks: Approach room blocks cautiously to avoid unnecessary costs.
Budgeting: Know your break-even number and track expenses closely.
Food Costs: Be strategic with meal planning to minimize waste and expenses.
Hotel Expenses: Understand all potential costs associated with your venue.
Team Expenses: Budget for your support staff's travel and accommodation.
Swag: Choose meaningful and cost-effective swag items.
Alcohol: Use drink tickets to control alcohol consumption and costs.
Event Size: Start small to manage costs and gain experience.
Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being to ensure a successful event.
 
Links:
Join my Free Mastering Retreats Workshop Series: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop
Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight
 

Dive into the power of retreats in building community and creativity. On today's episode I welcome Christen Phillips, the creative force behind I See Stars Quilting, to share her journey from starting a modern quilting blog to hosting sold-out retreats that bring women together in creativity and connection. Discover how Christen's retreats have transformed her business, deepened her community, and inspired attendees to embrace their quilting passion.
 
Key Takeaways:
From Blog to Business: Christen's evolution from starting a quilting blog to creating a thriving community.
Retreat Inspiration: How attending Amber's retreats influenced Christen's approach to her own events.
Overcoming Challenges: Lessons learned from hosting the first retreat and the importance of personal touches.
Community Impact: The role of retreats in fostering connections and confidence among attendees.
 
Links
Connect with Christen: iseestarsquilting.com
YouTube: I See Stars Quilting
Instagram: @iseestarsquilting
 
Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop
 
Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight
 

Welcome to the realities of planning and hosting retreats. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes, sharing my personal stories, including the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned from over a decade of event planning experience.
Combined with a bit of humor, the insights I provide in this episode offer a valuable look into the complexities and rewards of retreat planning. My emphasis on authenticity, community, and self-care offers inspiration for anyone looking to create impactful and memorable events.
 
Highlights:
• My extensive background in event planning, from college days to working in the wedding industry to hosting my own retreats
• The importance of managing attendee expectations and logistics, including accommodation challenges and the impact of swag size
• The significance of retreats in my business strategy, highlighting their role in my value ladder and the potential for generating revenue
• Creating a cohesive experience for all attendees, regardless of their investment level, and the power of community in my events
• Personal stories of challenges I faced, such as managing swag orders, vendor issues, and accommodation logistics at Inspired Retreat
• The importance of self-care and setting boundaries as an event host to maintain energy and focus
 
Key Takeaways:
• Retreat planning involves a delicate balance of logistics, attendee expectations, and creating a memorable experience.
• Swag size matters: consider the practicality of gifts for attendees who have to travel.
• Music sets the tone: invest in a good DJ or carefully curate your playlist to enhance the event atmosphere.
• Accommodation choices can significantly impact attendee experience; consider options carefully.
• Retreats are not one-off events but part of a larger business strategy that can lead to significant revenue and deeper connections with your audience.
• Self-care is crucial for event hosts to maintain their energy and provide the best experience for attendees.
 
Links:
Join my Free Mastering Retreats: A Three-Part Series to Design, Plan & Book Out Your Next Event: amberhousley.com/retreatworkshop
 
Explore my Invite & Delight Retreat Planning Program: amberhousley.com/inviteanddelight
 
Discover the Blooming Business Inner Circle: amberhousley.com/innercircle
 
Start Your Coaching Journey With Me: amberhousley.com/mastermind