Today’s entrepreneurs have multiple sources open to them when looking for a business plan to create a successful business. However, the time taken for market research, customer development, and finding great books is daunting. You can look at the books that today’s influential entrepreneurs highly recommend. These books include key ideas and actionable tips for starting a business and enhancing your personal life,

The Art of War” by Sun Tzu is a must-read for anyone starting a new venture. Although it was originally written as a military treatise, its lessons and principles have been applied far beyond warfare, offering valuable wisdom for navigating challenges and achieving success in various aspects of life, including business. 

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Los Angeles (CA) — Award-winning marketing expert, academic researcher, and founder of the global marketing outsourcing agency BBSA, Anna Stella, has been named among Eventex’s 100 most influential people in the Events Industry for 2024.

The 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry for 2024 by Eventex index comprises the most exceptional individuals from around the globe who have made an impact with their creativity, vision, and capacity for innovation. The ranking is entirely curated by the events community, which first nominated, and then determined the individuals who made the list. 

The 2024 edition of The 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry index saw as many as 1086 nominations.

“I’m honored to be named among such a talented and inspiring group of industry professionals,” said Anna Stella. “The events industry has always been about more than logistics—it’s about creating memorable, transformative experiences that draw people together. This recognition from Eventex is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation that drives us all forward.”

“The Eventex index of the top 100 events industry professionals celebrates the most deserving individuals who keep inspiring us with their creativity and innovation and drive the whole industry forward. This year, we’re again recognizing specific expertise and regional presence, to better showcase the impact of events industry individuals across the board ” comments Ovanes Ovanessian, Co-founder of Eventex Awards.

The 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry for 2024 index is available here.

About Anna Stella

Anna Stella is an award-winning marketing expert, academic researcher, and founder of the global marketing outsourcing agency BBSA. She is also the president of the BASA Awards and host of the hit YouTube show “The Best of Business Show.”

About Eventex Awards

Founded in 2009 to celebrate creativity, innovation, and effectiveness in the industry, today Eventex Awards is the most esteemed international awards in the world of events and experiential marketing. Every year, the awards highlight the best events, brand experiences, tech, suppliers, and venues from the world of events.

There’s a trusted saying in business: plan for it to cost five times more and take five times longer, especially if you plan to go global. When creating your projections, it’s easy to be drawn to optimistic forecasts and impressive figures. But the reality is often far more challenging. To manage expectations, build your forecasts conservatively. A well-researched business plan is essential. The more preparation you put in, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the uncertainties of starting a business.

Building Achieving work-life balance is more than a buzzword—it’s a cornerstone of a healthy, productive team. From taking proactive steps early on to encouraging regular exercise and mental health breaks, these actionable insights reveal how top managers create an environment where employees can truly thrive, both at work and in life.

Building a business from the ground up requires substantial effort, and I’m yet to meet a successful team with a perfectly balanced routine. One approach that has worked for us is actively identifying and removing stressors as they arise. We’ve embraced a “JOMO” mindset—the joy of missing out—by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary pressures.

Building an online presence doesn’t have to take years. It depends on the product or service, but one of the most effective strategies I recommend focusing on is education. Many potential clients often don’t understand the nuances of your product or industry, so by educating them through clear, valuable insights at a basic level, you can bridge that knowledge gap and differentiate yourself from the majority of competitors. This not only helps them make informed decisions but also establishes your brand as an expert in the field.

The pandemic didn’t just change the B2B buying game; it flipped the whole table. Shape your content for every stage of the customer journey. Consider what answers customers might need so they won’t have to search. You’ll improve their knowledge and create a more enjoyable shopping experience. Think of your content as a buyer’s guide. Address the key questions, such as product suitability, technical specifications, and compatibility with existing solutions. Well-crafted content enables customers to make quicker and more informed decisions, benefiting both customers and providers.

Every entrepreneur makes mistakes, and it’s part of the journey. However, some missteps can be avoided with the right advice and experience. Knowing what not to do in business can save you time, money, and frustration. In today’s hyperconnected world, it’s easy to focus on growing your online presence, chasing likes, followers, and validation through social media. However, one of the most valuable lessons from seasoned entrepreneurs is never to neglect your local market. It’s really easy to spend time on social media and get positive feedback, but when it comes down to it, real people in real locations are the most important.

If you know beauty, you know Beautyblender. Since the brand’s launch in 2003, those fuchsia, egg-shaped sponges have become a staple in the beauty industry, thanks to the ingenuity of Rea Ann Silva, Beautyblender’s Latina founder and CEO. Today, the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based company is coming off its 13th Allure Best of Beauty Hall of Fame Award and does $100 million to $150 million in annual retail sales.  But you don’t dominate a trend-driven industry for over two decades without encountering a few challenges. Between the pressure to innovate, changes in technology, and knockoffs of her product, Silva has faced her fair share.

Much like a masterpiece painting standing out in a gallery, creating a standout brand in the crowded social media arena requires more than just skill; it demands strategy and passion. When seasoned professionals like a Marketing Manager and a Director of Marketing weigh in, their expertise cannot be ignored. Embark on this illuminating journey, beginning with showcasing your team and culminating in exploring new platforms.

One of the most effective strategies for making your brand shine is focusing on education. Many potential customers may not fully understand the intricacies of your product or industry, so by educating them through clear, valuable insights, you can bridge the knowledge gap and stand out from your competitors.

There’s a moment in every founder’s journey when they look back and think, “Oops, we did it again.” It’s not a Britney Spears tune playing in the background, but rather a haunting echo of early-stage mistakes that shaped their business growth. These mistakes, however, often carry invaluable lessons, turning fumbles into fuel for future success. In today’s digital world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that social media engagement will translate into long-term success. The hearts, the shares, the retweets are addictive, but they’re not necessarily currency in the real world.