The Building-Sized Balloon Install That Took Over a Whole Town
Ever thought about doing something so big your entire town can't stop talking about it? That's exactly what Jodie of Pop by Posh Party Designs and Event Space pulled off in Leominster, Massachusetts, and I got to chat with her about how she orchestrated a building-sized flamingo install celebrating her town's Pink Flamingo Day. The way it all came together is a total masterclass in community over competition.
It Started at a Balloon Class
The whole thing was born out of a lunch break conversation at a Rainbow Balloons class. Jodie had just moved into a stunning new loft studio in an old building; she was itching to do something huge to let her town know she was there. Everyone at the class was in, and the group chat exploded from there.
I always say that the open shop-talk conversations are where the magic happens, and this is exactly why. When you get to talk face-to-face with others in the industry in a casual way, that's how some of the best friendships and collaborations are started.
The "Asks" That Changed Everything
Here's where I want you to really pay attention, because this part is gold. Jodie asked for things. Big things. And she got yeses across the board.
- Betallic and Rainbow Balloons sponsored every single balloon
- A neighbor in her building donated a crane and operator for the entire day
- Two other local businesses donated breakfast and lunch
- A local hotel discounted rooms for the out-of-town artists
- Custom t-shirts for everyone, sponsored by another neighbor in her building
The lesson here is huge. As Jodie put it, the worst anyone can say is no. So many of us hesitate to ask for sponsorships, donations or partnerships because we assume the answer will be no. But the yeses she got completely transformed what would have been a fun build into a full-blown community event.
Community Over Competition, For Real
Fourteen other balloon businesses showed up, including some of Jodie's direct local "competitors." Dede from Balloonacy Boston project-managed the design. Everyone got hands-on time, everyone got content and everyone got a story to tell.
Now the "competitor" down the street is one of Jodie's closest friends. That's what happens when you choose to lift each other up.
Key Takeaways
- Go to the classes; and introduce yourself to other attendees
- Ask for the sponsorship; the worst answer is no
- Invite your local "competitors" in; they might become your best friends
- Big community moments create months of press, buzz and word-of-mouth
If you'd like to hear the full story, including how Jodie took the whole thing down by herself and how the mayor showed up to do a live morning show, listen to episode 433 here.
