19: From Overwhelmed to Intentional: Planning Events That Work with Heather Black

What if your next event didn’t have to feel overwhelming? What if it could actually be aligned, intentional—and even profitable?

Heather Black is here to show you how.

She’s the founder of Phoenix Collaborations and has spent 25 years in the event world, helping solopreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits turn events and speaking gigs into meaningful, money-making opportunities.

In this episode, Heather shares her signature S.O.P. method for event planning, breaks down what it really takes to host events that work, and gives practical advice for those of us who are already feeling maxed out. If you’ve ever wanted to share your message on a bigger stage—but the logistics have held you back—this is your starting point.

From Chaos to Clarity

Heather knows how easy it is to get lost in the weeds of event planning. With so many moving parts, it's no wonder people give up before they even start. But she believes events don’t have to be chaotic. With a clear strategy and a plan that fits your goals, events can become a major part of your business growth.

“Event planning is easy if you give yourself the right runway. But if you try to take a Boeing 747 off on a runway for a Cessna 180, it will not be pretty.”

Try this: Map out what a successful event looks like for you—what would you want people to walk away with?

Bonus idea: Write down your biggest fear about hosting or speaking. Then write a plan to work around it.

The S.O.P. Method

Heather’s signature approach helps mission-driven entrepreneurs move from idea to action using three key steps:

• Strategic – Align the event with your goals and create a clear plan.
• Organized – Use checklists and timelines so you know exactly what to do and when.
• Profitable – Make sure it’s actually worth your time and energy by tracking expenses and revenue.

Try this: Think of your next event idea. What would make it feel more doable?

Bonus idea: Break it into phases—planning, promotion, delivery—and focus on just one at a time.

The Power of 1:Many

Whether it’s hosting your own event or speaking on someone else’s stage, Heather is a big believer in the power of connecting with many people at once. It’s a visibility tool, a trust-builder, and a major income generator when done well.

“When it comes to being a speaker, I kind of break the speaking engagement down into three phases: the spark phase, the flame phase, and the ember phase.”

Try this: Make a list of 3 topics you’d love to speak about. These can turn into workshops, talks, or even content for an event.

Bonus idea: Reach out to one podcast, community, or group you’d love to speak to. Just start the conversation.

Why Events (Still) Matter

In a world where we’re all glued to screens, events offer something different—connection, presence, and real-time transformation. But it doesn’t have to be fancy. Heather reminds us that even small, focused gatherings can make a huge impact.

“Just be your authentic, fun self, whatever that looks like. Don’t get in that box that says we have to do it this way.”

Try this: Think small. What’s one micro-event you could host—online or off?

Bonus idea: Invite 3–5 people to a mini workshop or Q&A. Keep it simple, and focus on connection.

Quick Recap:

• Events don’t have to be overwhelming when they’re aligned with your goals.
• Strategy, organization, and profitability are the keys to making events work.
• The power of 1:Many helps you expand your reach without burning out.
• Small, focused events can have a big impact.
• A clear plan beats a big production every time.
• You don’t need to do it all—you just need to do what matters.

Ready to Bring Your Event Idea to Life?

Heather’s story is a reminder that events and speaking don’t have to feel stressful or out of reach. With the right support, they can be the thing that unlocks the next level of your business.

If you’re ready to get clear, organized, and actually follow through on that event or speaking idea—let’s talk.

Book a free strategy session at TheStandoutCreatives.com.

We’ll figure out where to start and how to make it feel like you.