FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I use a base hourly fee to start. Additional fees may be assessed depending on your location, travel expenses, equipment set up, unique preparations specific to your event, handouts, etc. Regarding discounts, if you are truly invested in hiring me, but my fees are not within your budget, let's have a detailed personal conversation. My local (RTP - NC) fees for 2019 start around $450 for a single hour program. (Hourly travel fees and related expenses are added to any event outside of 30 minutes radius from my NW Raleigh location, or if I need to stay in your area after a late night event.) It's difficult to make specific quotes without understanding your needs. I feel if we're considering working together, we should be able to have an honest open conversation. Then we can ask/answer questions (on both sides), recognize things we need to figure out before committing, and iron out any known logistics, equipment issues, etc. Upon commitment, you will be asked to sign a contractual agreement and submit a non-refundable deposit to hold your date.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I use the same process and respect with both and previous customers. We get to know each other. Mutual interviewing through direct conversations allows us to ask appropriate questions, get answers, and (based on our respective responses) know what else to ask. This helps us become engaged and invested in working together, and helps me find creative solutions to meet your needs/event goals. We communicate actively, as often as needed, follow through with timely actions, meet deadlines for the event planning, and then can make confident decisions. Once we are satisfied with the details, we can mutually commit to a win-win outcome. During the event, we should be able to count on things going as planned. If something goes wrong, we work together to resolve the problem. After the event, I ask you for feedback about my service to you. I strive to earn 5 star references from all my clients. (However all constructive feedback is welcome and adds to the learning experience on both sides.)
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a member of Toastmasters International and have achieved Advanced Communicator Bronze and Advanced Leader status. I belong to two clubs so I may practice both speaking and leadership skills often. I serve as Emcee/Toastmaster in some of our club meetings, and also serve as an officer on one club's executive board. As a singer/musician/performer for many years, presenting programs in front of people is a natural extension for me. I have a Bachelor's Degree with a major in Psychology. I write and publish music, and have some fiction in progress. Several writing excerpts/essays were published in Volume I of the inspirational book series "Contagious Optimism". I also started my own blog "Staying Inspired" which recently was interrupted due to a website problem. However, I have taken my ideas into authoring a book of the same name, about living joyously and creatively. I hope to publish this book in 2019. While I use my musical skills as an entertainer frequently, I have many other life experiences and skills to draw on. I have earned awards/acknowledgements in customer service and medical/legal rationalization in the health and human services field, performed sales and marketing in the service fields, and have been an entrepreneur in multiple self-directed projects for pay through the years. I am currently known as a leader who networks and promotes other creative souls across disciplines through my website CreativeTalentedPeople.com.