Raising The Bar Podcast
Welcome to Raising the Bar, the ultimate podcast for event designers, creative entrepreneurs, and go-getters ready to elevate their business and transform their lives. Hosted by Precious Stevens, a seasoned business mentor and draping expert, this show is your go-to resource for mastering premium event design, scaling your business, and building a brand that attracts high-paying clients.Each episode is packed with actionable strategies, real-world insights, and expert tips on everything from perfecting your craft to navigating the business side of entrepreneurship. Whether we’re breaking down marketing tactics, diving into mindset shifts, or discussing how to create multiple revenue streams, you’ll leave every episode with tools to take your business to the next level.If you’re ready to raise the bar in your life and business, tune in weekly for high-energy conversations, no-nonsense advice, and inspiration to help you achieve your biggest goals. Let’s make success your new normal! 🎙️
Episodes

Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Harnessing AI for Event Design: Efficiency, Creativity, and Human Touch In this episode of 'Raising the Ball' podcast, host Precious Stevens dives into the impact of AI on the events industry, emphasizing that AI can be a valuable ally rather than a threat.
She discusses how AI can automate tasks such as creating mood boards, designing floor plans, and handling client communication, thereby freeing up time for designers to focus on the creative aspects of their work. Precious also highlights the pros and cons of AI, stressing its efficiency and data-driven insights while acknowledging the potential loss of personal touch and originality. Listeners are encouraged to embrace AI as an assistant, not a replacement, and to find ways to blend technology with human connection to enhance their design processes.
Resources Mentioned:
Event Draping Pricing Calculator: https://draping4dollars.com/pricing-calculator
Raising The Bar Mentorship: https://learnpremiumdraping.com/mentorship
Timestamp:
00:00 Introduction to AI in Event Design
00:28 Welcome to Raising the Ball Podcast
01:06 Understanding AI in Event Design
01:40 Embracing AI: Tools and Techniques
05:10 Pros and Cons of AI
18:48 Staying Ahead with AI
21:43 Conclusion and Community Engagement

Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Unlocking the Secrets to Selling Premium Luxury Backdrops
In this episode of 'Raising the Bar,' Precious Stevens, also known as the Draper Queen, dives into the world of premium luxury backdrops and draping.
As demand soars, Precious debunks myths about tight budgets and shares her personal success in the industry. She explains what truly defines premium draping and offers invaluable tips on positioning yourself for high-value clients. Practical advice includes scrutinizing your portfolio, creating impactful content, and leveraging consultations.
Tune in to learn how to elevate your draping services and attract top-tier clients. Stay tuned for next week's episode on the impact of AI in event design.
Resources Mentioned:
Raising The Bar Mentorship: https://learnpremiumdraping.com/mentorship
Backdrop Color Pairing Training: https://draping4dollars.com/color
Backdrop Pricing Calculator: https://learnpremiumdraping.com/pricing-calculator
Timestamp:
00:00 Introduction: The Demand for Luxury Backdrops
00:36 Debunking Myths: Premium Clients Are Still Spending
02:06 Defining Premium Backdrops and Luxury Draping
04:17 Creating the Ultimate Luxury Experience
05:09 Homework: Evaluating Your Portfolio and Pricing
08:40 Staying Ahead of Trends: Baroque Draping
11:09 Partnering for Success
12:36 Positioning Yourself for Premium Sales
14:57 Content Creation: Showcasing Your Skills
16:15 Engaging with Clients: Consultations and Mockups
26:47 Conclusion: Elevate Your Brand and Services

Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Mastering Difficult Clients: Strategies for Success In this episode of Raising the Bar, host Precious Stevens tackles the challenging topic of managing difficult clients. Precious shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear boundaries and processes from the get-go.
She provides practical strategies for transforming challenging clients into loyal supporters by setting firm guidelines, learning to say no confidently, and continuously improving business processes through client feedback. Precious also invites viewers to share their own experiences with difficult clients, fostering community and mutual learning.
The episode concludes with a preview of next week's topic on crafting irresistible client packages.
Resources Mentioned:
Backdrop Pricing Calculator: https://learnpremiumdraping.com/pricing-calculator
Raising The Bar Mentorship: https://learnpremiumdraping.com/mentorship
Backdrop Color Pairing Training: https://draping4dollars.com/color
Timestamp:
00:00 Welcome to Raising the Bar
00:26 Understanding Difficult Clients
01:17 Stop Blaming the Client
05:07 Setting Boundaries and Office Hours
09:24 The Power of Saying No
14:29 Transforming Challenging Clients
18:53 Share Your Stories
20:30 Wrapping Up and Next Episode Preview

Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Building Client Loyalty: The Secret to Event Draping Success In this episode of Raising the Bar, host Precious Stephens, the self-proclaimed draping queen, delves into the importance of building client loyalty for sustainable business success.
Precious shares personal anecdotes and actionable strategies to transform one-time clients into repeat customers. From creating unforgettable experiences with handwritten notes and surprise upgrades to following up post-event and engaging on social media, Precious provides a comprehensive guide to making clients feel valued and appreciated.
She emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of retaining existing clients over finding new ones and offers practical tips for staying top-of-mind without being intrusive. Tune in to learn how to build rock-solid client loyalty that will have clients praising your services and coming back for more.
Resources Mentioned:
Event Draping Pricing Calculator: https://learnpremiumdraping.com/pricing-calculator
Raising The Bar Mentorship: https://learnpremiumdraping.com/mentorship
00:00 Welcome to Raising the Bar
00:31 Building Client Loyalty
01:15 Why Most Businesses Get Loyalty Wrong
03:20 Creating an Unforgettable Experience
06:59 Staying Top of Mind Without Being Annoying
09:27 Share Your Client Loyalty Wins
10:06 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
In this episode of the Raising the Bar podcast, Precious Stevens, also known as the Draping Queen, guides listeners through the essentials of commanding premium rates in the event draping industry. She covers the importance of pricing as a reflection of service quality and provides actionable steps for setting and communicating premium prices effectively.
Precious also emphasizes the significance of confidence in pricing and offers strategies such as packaging services to enhance revenue. Listeners are encouraged to audit their current prices, test higher rates, and practice discussing these prices confidently. Additionally, the episode introduces a pricing calculator tool designed to help event drapers set competitive rates effortlessly. Tune in to learn how to align your services with their true value and elevate your event design business in 2025.
Resources Mentioned:
Event Draping Pricing Calculator: https://draping4dollars.com/pricing-calculator
Raising The Bar Mentorship: https://learnpremiumdraping.com/mentorship
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Raising the Bar Podcast
00:27 Recap of Last Week's Episode
00:51 The Importance of Premium Pricing
02:29 Setting Your Premium Prices
04:29 Building Value into Your Packages
06:24 Overcoming the Fear of Charging More
09:13 Actionable Steps to Boost Your Pricing Confidence
10:25 Introducing the Pricing Calculator
11:33 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Reflecting on 2024 and Strategies for Scaling in 2025In this episode of Raising the Ball Podcast, host Precious Stevens of The Posh Academy kicks off 2025 by reflecting on the trials and growth experiences of 2024. She shares personal stories about the challenges and importance of networking, emphasizing intentionality and business etiquette. Stephens discusses the power of reflection and how it can fuel growth and informs listeners about three key pillars for scaling their business in 2025: systemizing operations, investing in branding, and diversifying revenue streams. She concludes by encouraging listeners to join the Raising the Bar mentorship program for deeper strategies and support.00:00 Introduction and 2025 Kickoff00:18 Reflecting on 2024: Lessons Learned01:20 Overcoming Networking Challenges02:32 Breakthrough Through Reflection04:22 Strategic Networking in 202507:26 Three Pillars of Scaling in 202507:40 Systemizing Your Business11:40 Investing in Your Brand14:12 Diversifying Revenue Streams16:51 Conclusion and Call to ActionResources Mentioned: 🖥️ All-In-One CRM: Ready to take your business operations to the next level? Introducing Posh Academy Pro, the ultimate CRM solution designed specifically for entrepreneurs like you who are ready to scale. https://poshacademypro.com/crm🫶 Raising The Bar Mentorship: Join now and receive access to our Vision Board Party on January 31! This exclusive event will help you set clear goals and create a powerful roadmap for success in 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to kickstart your year with intention and clarity. https://learnpremiumdraping.com/mentorship Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-the-bar-podcast/exclusive-content

Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Creating a Holiday Sales PlanEpisode Title: Holiday Hustle: Plan for SuccessDescription:In this episode, we dive into creating a winning holiday sales plan. Learn how to set clear goals, plan your promotions effectively, and design marketing campaigns that will attract and convert customers. Discover strategies to maximize your holiday revenue.Key Takeaways:Setting specific sales goals for the holiday seasonPlanning promotions and discounts effectivelyCreating engaging marketing materials to promote your productsCall to Action:Listen to the full episode for more valuable insights and actionable tips. Don't miss out on this opportunity to boost your holiday sales!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-the-bar-podcast/exclusive-content

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
A new episodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-the-bar-podcast/exclusive-content

Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Podcast Show Notes: Assessing and Preparing Your Inventory for Holiday SalesEpisode Title: Holiday Hustle: Stock Up and Sell OutDescription:In this episode, we focus on the importance of assessing and preparing your inventory for the holiday season. Learn how to conduct an inventory audit, forecast sales, and source premium products to meet the increased demand. Discover strategies to ensure you're well-stocked and ready to maximize your holiday profits.Key Takeaways:Conducting an inventory audit to identify high-demand itemsForecasting sales based on past trendsSourcing premium products to attract high-end customersCall to Action:If you’re ready for even more guidance, strategy, and accountability to take your business to the next level, I’ve got you covered inside the Raising the Bar Mentorship! Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this mentorship program is packed with the tools and support you need to grow your business, attract premium clients, and hit those revenue goals.Head over to https://draping4dollars.com/mentorship to join the Raising the Bar Mentorship today and let’s get to work on making this your most successful holiday season yet. Thanks for hanging out with me—until next time, keep raising the bar!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/raising-the-bar-podcast/exclusive-content