We are excited to have another meeting and events industry icon joining us as our guest for this show.
Jeff Gold is a partner and senior sales manager at Event Service Group and the MPI President for South Florida. He is with us today to share his inspiring story of resilience, grit, and success within the industry.
Stay tuned to learn from all the wisdom Jeff has gained throughout his impressive career journey.
Humble Beginnings and Early Passion for Music
Jeff began his journey in East Meadow, Long Island, where he nurtured his love for music at an early age. Encouraged by his mother, he picked up the trumpet at six years old and quickly excelled, performing in various bands by the age of nine. His early exposure to music sparked his passion for audience engagement, a theme that would define his career.
Transition from Musician to Entertainer
In his senior year of high school, Jeff had a pivotal moment when he took over the microphone at a graduation party. His natural ability to energize and engage the crowd led him to explore emceeing as a career. The shift from musician to entertainer opened several new doors, and he soon began working with a New York-based entertainment company, honing his skills in the events industry.
Building Platinum Gold Entertainment
His success as an emcee in New York continued through college, leading Jeff to establish his own company, Platinum Gold Entertainment. He started out focusing on Bar Mitzvahs. The company grew fast, and Jeff eventually had to cope with up to 40 events in a weekend. Despite the challenges of managing such a large operation, his unshakable commitment to creating unforgettable experiences kept the company thriving.
Expanding Horizons and Facing New Challenges
By 2012, he realized he had to expand beyond the Bar Mitzvah market and began exploring corporate events. However, breaking free from the Bar Mitzvah guy stereotype was hard. To overcome it, he merged Platinum Gold Entertainment with a larger company with a broader reach, the Event Services Group. That strategic move allowed Jeff to diversify his offerings and rebrand himself in the corporate events industry.
Embracing Change and Moving Forward
Jeff has navigated many forks in the road throughout his career, always choosing to embrace change rather than resist it. His journey is a testament to the importance of adaptability and the willingness to take calculated risks in his pursuit of success. His decision to merge with Event Services Group was risky, but it ultimately paid off, enabling him to grow his business and reach unprecedented heights.
Importance of Sales for Entrepreneurs
Sales are essential for businesses of all sizes, and the entrepreneur often becomes the face of the company. Education and the ability to connect are the keys to successful sales, as people prefer buying over getting sold to. Establishing trust through education and personal connection leads to successful sales and long-term business relationships.
Trust and Connection
People buy from those they trust. That is unlikely to change despite advancements in AI and technology. Positioning yourself as a problem-solving partner for clients, rather than merely providing logistics, creates a deeper connection and sets a business apart.
The Power of Asking the Right Questions
Asking clients about their ideal end game will help you uncover their real needs. Combining that approach with offering additional solutions or ways to enhance things can exceed client expectations and lead to repeat business and more client retention.
The Value of Volunteering
Volunteering in professional associations like MPI (Meeting Professionals International) offers educational opportunities and the chance to connect while mutually offering support. The camaraderie and trust built through volunteering often lead to business opportunities and personal growth, as volunteering is a selfless act that can ultimately benefit both the individual and the community.
Professional Fulfillment
Jeff loves creating impactful and memorable moments for his clients through events. He focuses on delivering exceptional, short-lived experiences that leave a lasting impression. He cares far more about personal fulfillment and maintaining the quality of those experiences than simply growing his business.
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Connect with Jeff Gold
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