Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Becky Lanham and I, along with my husband Steve, own Lanham Events, LLC and Dance Murfreesboro. Our main focus, Lanham Events, LLC, encompasses three unique event rental spaces in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Carmengail Hall and Harmond Hall at The Warehouse in Murfreesboro and The Remington Room in Smyrna.
How did you get the idea for your business?
The idea for renting space came from a couple that was taking one of our dance classes. They wanted to use the space for their wedding. They brought in the tables, chairs, and draping themselves. The place looked beautiful and we quickly realized that was something we could recreate and build upon.
What is unique about owning and running a business in Murfreesboro?
The networking opportunities that are available to individuals in our county are top-notch. Business owners in our area are always collaborating and helping each other succeed and create more opportunities that benefit our entire community.
How do you advertise your business?
We don’t do much advertising. We have one website which we work with that targets event planners, but mostly we rely on word of mouth.
As a business owner, what keeps you up at night?
Early in my career, everything! As the years have passed though, I have grown fond of the idea of not sweating the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff.
What is one way you’ve had to pivot or change course to grow your business?
Dealing with the pandemic was a major challenge for us. We lost significant revenue and had to adapt to the new rules and regulations set by local government as we navigated more than 100 event cancelations.
We made use of downtime by renovating Carmengail Hall to make it more attractive for future rentals.
If you could wave a magic wand and make one problem go away in your business what would it be?
Since the Covid shutdown, we have had a very hard time finding quality people who want to work. Hopefully, my magic wand will change some attitudes and get more folks back to work soon.
If you could travel back in time to the day you started your business, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself not to try to do everything on my own. My personality wants to have my hand in every aspect of the business. Sometimes it’s wiser to outsource certain aspects and focus my energy in areas that will propel the business further forward.
Where do you want to go with your business?
I’m always open to exploring business expansion and new opportunities. However, early retirement doesn’t sound so bad either.
What is one business lesson that you have learned that you are willing to share?
(This is really the same as what advice I would give myself if I could travel back in time) Outsource areas of your business that don’t suit your skill sets.
What’s a podcast, book or website you’d recommend that has inspired you to grow your business?
The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey were both important books in my business journey. The Total Money Makeover laid out a roadmap that helped me create a strong foundation on which to start a business. EntreLeadership helped me focus, organize and execute ideas that grew my business.
What do you use for a daily to-do list?
I use a physical planner for my daily to-do lists and organization.
What social media apps do you use that other businesses could use?
Canva has been a great design app to easily create everything from business cards and brochures to social media graphics. It allows someone with no formal design training to create impressive designs with just a few clicks.
Learn more about Lanham Events by visiting their website!
