Gaia Beck is the founder of Cocktails & Conversation, an event company creating luxury events in London for singles. We spoke to Gaia about her day-to-day work and found out info on how to steal her job.
Name: Gaia Beck
Job title: Founder / Events Organiser
Company: Cocktails & Conversation
What does your job role entail?
Cocktails & Conversation’s curate luxury events for singles in London. In a nutshell, my job role entails venue finding, marketing and hosting. The cornerstone of my business is creating an ideal environment for two like-minded professionals to connect romantically. I have to understand what discerning individuals from a range of backgrounds require to make them feel comfortable and relaxed and receptive for love. I then have to make sure they know I know.
Describe your working day or week?
I plan 2/3 events a week. The bulk of my office time is spent building a network of eligible, single clientele to buy tickets to the events and growing my brand in order to form strong partnerships with luxury brands. Social media promotion, press releases, newsletters and invitations. In the evening I often attend networking events and openings to discover the most exciting new venues and of course attend my own events to host my guests and make introductions for members.
Which key skills do you need to do your job?
Tenacity is the most important quality you can have when starting your own business, I failed at so many events before I figured out what works for me, but believing in what you are doing and that you are the best-placed person to do it will help you keep going. Being an amazing networker will be your superpower, you can send 100 cold emails but one great personal relationship with the right person can change everything.
What made you decide to go for this job role?
I was unemployable for anything else, I wake up late, I drink Champagne at lunchtime and I like being in charge.
The best part of your job?
The best part of my job is seeing the change in someone when the spark of romance hits, London can be lonely so helping build a community and facilitating a positive experience gives me a sense of purpose.
The worst part of your job?
The anxiety pre-event can be tough, in my early days it could make me physically ill before a large event but I have overcome this now.
If I’m choosing a course to study, what type of course suits this job best?
You don’t need any formal qualifications for this job, you can hire a copywriter, an accountant and a social media manager as your events grow. You can learn as you go along in this business but learning something about marketing can’t hurt.
Does work experience really help you to get the dream job?
Yes understanding how venues work and what they will look for in partners will help you pitch to them, so work experience in a high-end venue will give you a good grasp of the market.
Give us a tip on how to steal your job.
Be bold and inject something young and fresh into an existing scene. If you’ve been to an event and think yes but it could be YASS then do it! Social media has opened the doors for you to build your brand, reach an audience and sell your event.
Visit the Cocktails & Conversation website for more information and follow Cocktails & Conversation on Facebook.