BALLOONS@WORK
This On Line Publication Contains No Paid Advertising.
In this issue:-
* EDITORIAL - Voluntary Work?
* DID YOU KNOW - New Products, Upcoming Seminars, Trade Trivia.
* SYDNEY FANS EXPERIENCE "260Q CROWD WAVERS" - Project Review
* HELIUM SHORTAGE?
* PRO TIP #11 - The W.I.I.F.M Question.
* PRO TIP #61 - Life Size “Chef” Balloon Sculpture

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
“Voluntary Work” ... Is it worth it?
G’Day from Down Under!
This month, I’m just swamped with all this work load that I call “voluntary work”. Know what I mean? It’s the work we intentionally do, for which there is no (or very little) remuneration! Wait a minute! Aren’t I supposed to be a capitalist businessman? Why would I then go and work for no pay? I do ask myself that question - often. I’d better clarify exactly what I’m talking about, because I suspect there are readers who do exactly the same thing as me.

I’m referring to those who accept a position on a trade or community group committee. It could be the school PTA, the local QBN Chapter, your local Chamber of Commerce, ISES, Rotary .... whatever? Could even be that you write an industry newsletter and publish it on the internet? Why do we do it?

Well, the reasons for “volunteering” one’s time varies greatly. Many are genuinely charitable. Some have visions of creating Utopia! Some feel hog-tied and see an avenue of opportunity to “show the world” their hidden skills. Others do it for the personal “warm & fuzzy” feeling of contributing to a worthwhile cause. The majority of us adopt a sense of “I want to make a positive contribution” for the benefit of me, my family and my peers, neighbours, colleagues or the like. Of course we all know (and experience) the volunteers with ulterior motives. Their hidden agenda is usually evident around the second time your group meets. I won’t dwell on the minority. At the end of the day, you are one in a group of people with a common interest, attempting to make your domestic and/or work environment better in some way!

But let’s get down to the “nitty gritty” and talk about balloon professionals that volunteer their time for industry committees. Why do they do it? What’s in it for them? Will having their name listed as Secretary of the QBN Chapter help their business? Will being appointed as chair of the “Special Events Committee” for NABAS put one additional wedding decor job on their books next month?
Easy answer :- “No!”

Wouldn’t it be easier and more savvy to just continue to stand among the bulk membership and let some other guy do that stuff? The sad truth is that most do exactly that! What’s worse, is that the genuine “volunteers” work their butt off for a pat on the back from their colleagues on the committee, ...... and jibes from the members by way of, “why wasn’t it done better, sooner, bigger, more economically?”

I’m not claiming to be a saint! I too have been guilty at times of standing back and criticising! I shake my head and say to myself, “you’re wasting your time, Don. You can’t put brains in a statue!” Then I walk away and (sooner or later) recall an early lesson in life as a young adult. I recall I was criticising the Government of the day. My brother turned and asked me if I voted for the opposition. I replied that, in fact, I hadn’t voted at all. To which my brother Bob replied,
“You were given the opportunity to have your democratic say, but you chose not to exercise it. Therefore you have no moral right to criticise the decisions made on your behalf. You had your chance to have a say in the management of our country - and you blew it!” I was hit square in the face with the proverbial brick!

Taken to the extreme, in order to live by the motto “put up, or shut up” .... one would have to stand for election to every level of public office, community group and trade association in town. That’s impossible. What I tend to do, (like most balloonies) is prioritise those issues, associations and groups that could have a lasting effect on the future of our business. For me, it’s the international balloon industry community, the local QBN and BASA-NSW and my Chamber of Commerce. I put my hand up and accept nominations for the board because I believe I have something to contribute and .... I feel I then also have a legitimate right to be critical (if need be) of what I don’t like within. I write and publish this newsletter on the BHQ, because there isn’t a formal international association to which I can belong besides the QBN - to which I attend the General Meeting in Chicago each year. I also make an effort to contribute to that meeting.

So; I don’t believe that it’s good enough to just join a group. Not everyone can be elected to the board. But you have a choice as to whether to attend meetings, man the trade show booth, get quotes for printed tee shirts or join the crew to build the sculpture at the city Shopping Mall. Ask yourself, “Do I contribute more than just annual dues and words to my industry association?”

Where’s this editorial going? Well, I had an secondary, ulterior motive for choosing this topic. I’ve been getting complaints from readers and colleagues saying things like, “I can’t download your newsletter” .... “why didn’t I get the June issue?” ..... “make a hard copy version and post it to me“... “you are product bias ” .... and even, “ it’s about time you volunteered another article for our magazine.” (no offer of a token payment) It’s quite discouraging when others consider what you volunteer, to be your duty to service their demands.

This is my 13th consecutive monthly issue and I need some time off to concentrate on our business. (See - I am a capitalist!) I enjoy writing and I’m passionate about small business success. That’s why I volunteer many, many hours of time to the QBN, BASA, this newsletter and being on the board of my local Chamber of Commerce. However, I won’t be writing an October issue of “Balloons@Work”. Any volunteer time I have, will be allocated elsewhere. Please don’t write in and complain. This publication is free to readers and there is no advertising income. I am

not duty bound to write. I volunteer my time to publish it. If you disagree with my taking a short break from writing and you can’t survive without a monthly fix of “Balloons@Work”, enjoy reading some back issues at: www.balloonhq.com/column.
I’ll be back before Christmas. Don Dixon CBA

Members of the Sydney QBN Chapter volunteered to decorate a popular wedding reception venue. The objective was to learn new techniques and skills using SDS frames, impress the venue management at the versatility and elegance of balloons and to create an opportunity for those who contributed on the day to take photos for their company portfolio. This SDS backdrop and cake table decor was only a small part of a full day’s project for 25 enthusiastic volunteers.
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PRO TIP #11
When you’re asked to sponsor an event or organisation; to clearly determine whether it is a true sponsorship or merely a veiled donation, ask the W.I.I.F.M question. (What’s in it for me?)

SYDNEY FANS EXPERIENCE 10,000 260Q “CROWD WAVERS”
Client’s Brief:- Client desired special effect created at a football stadium for the final (regular) home game of the season. The main objective being added value for fans at the game and to impress the media covering the game. Secondary objective was to create some ongoing “interaction” with fans via P.A. system throughout the game.

Contractor’s Objective: Repeat business! The client’s team will be involved in upcoming playoff / finals series and possible ongoing city celebrations. Crowd wavers had not been used at Sydney sporting events to date.

Logistics:- The game was to be a live Fox Sports televised Saturday night game. Anticipated crowd of 20,000 fans with 80% home team following. Balloons could

not be distributed to the crowd prior to 30 minutes before kick-off. Large majority of the balloons had to be distributed to fans most likely to be “panned” by TV cameras located in the west grandstand, adjacent to the team cheerleaders and behind the goal lines. There were only two storage areas (one within each grandstand) allocated for the 90 garbage bags (trash bin liners) of balloons. Inflation on site was not practical given the time and space restrictions.

Even though Celebrating ndertook this project, they still had 7 other decorating jobs pre booked for that Saturday. Four of those decor jobs were passed to members of the “Celebrating Sister Store” network (a marketing & buying group). To effectively and efficiently transport all 10,000 inflated balloons to the site, a 9m (30 ft) flat tray truck with side curtains and canopy was rented.

Product and Equipment:- Dolly Dixon CBA, General Manager of Celebrating in Sydney, chose a 50/50 mix of Qualatex sapphire blue and citrine yellow 260Q balloons. Fast and consistent size inflation was critically important. A Conwin Split Second Digital Dual Sizer was chosen as the preferred inflation device. The Conwin Quick Switch Connector (Nitrogen / Helium) adaptor was fitted to permit occasional interruptions from casual showroom customers purchasing helium filled balloons. It took approximately 20 cubic metres of Nitrogen to inflate all 10,000 260Qs. A satisfactory waste factor of only 3.5% was achieved as a result.

Production:- To minimise the number of “soft” 260s for the Saturday night distribution, Dolly decided not to inflate the first balloon until the Tuesday morning prior to the game. Four normal working days would have to be enough to inflate, bag and store all 10,000 balloons. To facilitate bagging and on site distribution, balloons were wrapped in bundles of 10. It also made it unlikely that individual balloons would fall or be blown out of the bags if bundled.

Labour:- Two staff worked the SSDD Sizer spasmodically, whilst one bundled and bagged in the workshop. On site:- All site crew, stadium security and client’s logistics personnel were briefed on site 1 hr prior to kick-off. Nine staff were allocated to hand out bundles. Three were designated as “runners” to maintain supply to the distributors. Distribution was started and completed on site within 15 minutes.

Project Evaluation:- Total client satisfaction! Client has booked more work. TV & radio sports commentators and the fans loved it! Client got better value from crowd wavers than mass release of helium balloons.
Nil environmental issues.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Trade Education - A.S.R. Style.
It gives us great pleasure to announce the 4th annua

l All Star Revue, November 8-11 2001 at The Headquarters Plaza Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey. Registration packets are now in the mail and also available on our web site at http://www.allstarrevue.com

You will find complete class descriptions, schedules of events, general show info and pricing, special discount programs and you can even download a registration application directly from the site.

The All Star Revue is produced by four balloon professionals who have a combined experience of over 60 years in this industry. Several discount programs are being offered this year. This year’s ASR features more than 50 different classes, over 40 of which are brand new, with about half of the classes being hands-on. Twisters will not be forgotten, with a number of classes and a FREE Twister Jam which will take place November 10 at 9:00 PM. We provide 10 meals and snacks (more than ever before) and four parties - one each evening of the event. A Vendor Village Showcase will again be
featuring the very best in products the business of balloons has to offer from
manufacturers and distributors. All are invited to view, touch, play and buy!

We have been able to assemble over 30 different instructors who are dynamic, exciting and distinguished throughout the balloon world. Thousands of Attendee Packets are to be mailed. If you would like to receive a packet through the mail, please drop us a note at
info@allstarrevue.com

We think we have assembled a fantastic program for this year's All Star Revue and we hope you think so, too.
Thank you,
Andrea and Mark Zettler with Dyane and Jimmy Hedrick - Show Producers
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New Enthusiasm Injected In BASA-NSW
The New South Wales branch of the “Balloon Artist & Suppliers Association” have recently held their AGM in Sydney. Close to 50 attendees turned out for the meeting and elected a new look committee to take responsibility for creating a resurgence of interest and enthusiasm within the local balloon industry. With recent industry-wide issues such as mass balloon release legislation and a shortage of helium Down Under, the necessary talent and business skills within of new committee looks very promising. Ray Connett of “Balloon Boutique” is the new President.
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Announcing New Qualatex®
646Q Giant Airship
Balloons!
Add a new dimension to figures, decor, and bouquets with 646Q Giant Airship balloons! These versatile balloons will appeal to balloon entertainers and decorators alike.
“Decorators can make self-supporting, spiral balloon arches in a
minimum amount of time with new 646Qs,? said Betty Vlamis, executive vice president, Pioneer® Balloon Company. “Entertainers have been asking for a larger twisting balloon. They can use 646Qs for large sculptures and balloon figures to make a big impact.”

The 646Qs can be inflated with helium or air, and add variety to
bouquets of Round balloons. They float for about 12 hours when inflated with helium. The balloons are offered in 50 count packages of the following single colors: Citrine Yellow, Diamond Clear, Emerald Green, Mandarin Orange, Onyx Black, Pale Blue, Pink, Quartz Purple, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, & White, as well as a Special Assortment containing all 11 colors.

The 646Q balloons are available through Qualatex distributors including:- “Business of Balloons Pty Ltd” in Sydney on Phone No. (61-2) 98981544. For the name of other Qualatex® distributors, call Pioneer Balloon Company at 1-800-356-0901 or 316-685-2266.
Retailers can visit Pioneer Balloon Company online at www.Qualatex.com.

On The Seminar Circuit in the USA
The Balloon Room in Dayton, Ohio (Vandalia) will be holding it's annual Fall Seminar / Open House on Oct. 23-24, 2001 at the Dayton, Ohio (Vandalia) location. The Guest speakers/instructors will be Christopher Horne CBA, Royal Sorell CBA and Jan Iiams CBA. There will 2 full days of exciting new classes! This is a don't miss event for decorators and twisters! The 2 day event includes 5 meals and a party Tuesday night with DJ and dancing. Event is only $50.00 per person! Space is limited so call today for more info.
1-800-494-0092
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The “All American Balloon Symposium” is being held October 14, 2001 at the Hilton Hotel in Irvine Ca. Here are some of the Classes:-
Holiday Sculpture Fantasy-- Judy Bradt CBA
Simply Sensational Holiday Centrepieces-- Linda Bruce CBA
Make a Grand Entrance-- Christopher Horne CBA
Fabulous Signs,Displays and Props- Bindy Kase CBA
Special Effects for Corporate Decor- Rob Stiff CBA
$119.00 before Sept.30.... or, $135.00 Oct1-14
Call “All American Balloons” for further information and Registration form . 800-927-9778
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The North New Jersey QBN Chapter is excited to announce that we have been able to put together a one day seminar with both Linda Bruce and Jan Iiams. "Two great industry instructors for the price of one!" The seminar will be held on Monday September 10th from 9:00 to 5:00 in Hasbrouck Heights NJ. Jan will be teaching "Quick Tips from Conwin" and
"Super Sellable Centrepieces". Linda will be teaching "Big Profits with Big Balloons" and "Inviting Profits with Entrance Decor". Priced at a very reasonable $80 for QBN members and $90 for non QBN members this is a must see. You can get all of the details on the following web site: www/awesomeballoons.com/QBN.htm.
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PRO TIP #61
The “Italian Chef” on the right, is a life size balloon sculpture created in clusters of 4 latex balloons on a base plate and single vertical rod. Inspiration came from a similar creation featured in an “Images” magazine. In this instance however, Leanne Brown of “Celebrating” in Sydney, used the “alternate size square pack” technique to clearly define the legs and incorporate a B&W checked appearance to the trousers. (as with a real chef’s uniform) The pizza tray the chef is holding was made by ‘distorting” a yellow latex balloon over a cake board and then gluing chopped up latex pieces to the surface. Leanne displayed it on the showroom floor and sold her Italian Chef creation to 3 separate clients in a week. “Glue Dots” were used to secure the pizza tray to the arms. Well done, Brownie!
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NEW SHIPMENT ARRIVED ..... AVAILABLE NOW!
From L-R:- * Wall Mounted Cylinder Safety Bracket. * “Glue Dots” - for balloons. * Steel Base Plates. To order any of the products shown or mentioned in this newsletter, simply e-mail:- sales@bizballoons.com.au

Photo shows just how strong the new “Glue Dots” are!

Steel base plate has convenient
handle slot and removable pin.




HELIUM SHORTAGE?
From all the information I have gathered from around the world, whether you are subject to the current “helium shortage” is pretty much dependent on whether your supplier has their helium originate from the “Exxon” well head in Wyoming that was shut down temporarily. In Australia, that well head provides around 98% of our helium for balloons.

As a result, we are currently being rationed to less than 50% of our usual demand for this time of year. New Zealand is in much the same situation - at best! Information I have managed to gather indicates that some in Canada are being affected along with a few balloonies in the North East and Central West of the USA. Californians and Southerners must be getting almost all of their helium supplied from the “Air Products” well heads, as they’re “...swimming in the stuff!” Strong rumors of pending world wide price increases too.

There is one simple thing to do when your business is placed in this situation. ie: Substitute air (or nitrogen) wherever possible! Within an hour of hearing of the news, I had made a list of 20 measures we had to apply to our business operations to alleviate the situation.

1] Eliminate free helium balloons for children and helium filled shop displays. Air is fair!
2] Prioritise your helium customer list. Convert as many as possible to air filled balloons.
3] If you donate balloons to schools, churches, junior sports, or hospitals ..... air fill them!
4] Use a 60/40 helium / air mix regulator. 28 cm balloons will still float for around 6 hrs.
5] Slightly under inflate (26-27cm) latex balloons. Never over inflate!
6] Every latex balloon to pop is 100% wasted gas! Use best quality latex balloons ONLY
7] If you supply rollover helium rentals at low margin, inform those customers of the shortage and ration helium to them. Helium is now for high profit jobs only!
8] Test your inflation equipment and regulators for leaks with soapy water. Repair it NOW!
9] Cut D.I.Y. 50 and 100 kits completely. Convert D.I.Y. kits to deliveries (or pick-ups) from your premises. Consider offering discounted delivery to pacify those customers.
10] Advise your staff and seek their input to help spare the helium. Together, you may decide all table centrepieces could be sold in air filled designs only.
11] You do not need to discount for air filled balloons. Air filled balloons deliver higher profit margin for your business. Sell the emotion and visual effect - not the product!
12] Football Finals, Halloween, Melbourne Cup, Spring Weddings and Christmas are coming. List a multitude of air filled decor options for your staff to offer. Columns and arches on rod in lieu of helium. Topiaries or cluster of 6 or 8 air filled - with 260Qs ??
13] Remove most decor photos from your portfolio and / or web site that feature masses of helium balloons. Customers are influenced by what they see. Limit their helium choices.
14] Buy back helium from customers known to “sit on” a single cylinder for many weeks.
15] Your balloon business can be less helium dependent than expected. Think about it!
16] People who are denied helium from their usual supplier will try shopping around. For now, adopt the industry policy of “no helium cylinders available for new enquiries!”
17] In lieu of a helium ceiling over the dance floor - offer air filled columns with criss-cross string-of-pearls arches. If you must ... limit dance floor ceilings to 100 helium balloons.
18] Network! In a jamb? Use the resources your QBN Chapter.
19] Did you know? 1x 40cm of gas = 3 x 28 cm gas. Also; 1 x 90cm gas = 33 x 28 cm gas.
20] Auto cut-out and/or sizing inflation equipment will greatly

reduce helium wastage.
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THE PICK MACHINE .... Once you’ve got one, you’ll wonder why you never bought it sooner! A friend of mine calls her’s “The Profit Machine”!

E-mail:- sales@bizballoons.com.au