Dear Clients: Thank You

May 21, 2013

 

Dear Readers:

Though I am often writing about mistakes I have made and challenges I have faced in the hopes of helping some of you avoid making  and facing similar ones, today I would like to use my blog to share my gratitude.

I feel it is so important to acknowledge the generosity of others, the universe, and yes even a flower that offers you a peaceful moment or a whiff of its lovely fragrance. This morning, I awoke with a great sense of joy and appreciation–for life, my business, my staff, my partner and all of the exciting projects that I am working on.  In the next couple of weeks, I will be on one of the most beautiful parts of the country: Big Sur, California, working for a client who is not only a genius, but someone with an amazing ability to visualize his event down to the most minute detail.Both he and his lovely bride-to-be have been an amazing fountain of inspiration.

My staff and I are working on a never-been-seen make believe world that I am excited to help create.  I want to thank my clients for trusting me with their vision.  Now, I pray to the event Gods to allow us to execute this job in the exceptional way we intend to.

In today’s blog, I would like to celebrate our clients.  Please share an exciting project you are working on or send a note of thanks to a recent or present client.

With Gratitude,

Preston

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Unintentionally Overpromising In Contracts

May 20, 2013

Vintage Typewriter, flower, Preston Bailey

Dear Readers:

Over the years, I have had the chance to review a number of templates for planning contracts, and while it would be too much to get into in one blog post, I strongly suggest that all of you sit down with a good lawyer to help set up one that works best for you and your business. That said, today I would like to address the description of services portion of the contract in the hope that everyone reading this will walk away really thinking about what they include thus avoiding sticky situations with clients.

Let’s break down the usual sequence of events:

You meet your client, they express an interest in working with you and now you must describe, in great detail, what you will be offering in terms of services rendered.  It is essential that you be very clear in order to avoid misleading the client and creating awkward and stressful situations for both yourself and your client.

I recently came across one that offered the following:

Unlimited meetings.

Unlimited vendor recommendations.

Unlimited contact via email and telephone.

Now, is it just me or was this person asking for trouble?  I personally would be very cautious in making promises like this one, especially after having a client drop by my office without an appointment and fully under the notion that I was to be available to her whenever she decided I should be.

Unlimited vendor recommendations?  I imagine if a planner takes a client to three different vendors, they can find one to suit their needs.  While unlimited contact via email and phone should not be a problem, it’s essential there are guidelines set in place. You want to give your clients your full and complete attention, but there are also times when you will need to provide this high quality service to your other clients, and though well-meaning, some clients can assume that because they want to talk at midnight, you should be available as well.

Bottom Line: Be careful, concise and clear in the language you use in your contracts.  Being too vague can send the wrong message and tie you into agreements that are detrimental to all involved.

Question:  As a planner, are you comfortable making “unlimited” promises to your clients?  How many vendors (florists, musicians, cake vendors, etc.) do you recommend to clients because they choose the right one for them?

Blessings,

Preston

 

(Photo Courtesy of Pinterest)

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What Do You Get Out of Your Own Work?

May 17, 2013

 ”It’s art if it can’t be explained. It’s fashion if no one asks for an explanation. It’s design if it doesn’t need explanation.”-Wouter Stokkel

Dear Readers:

Today, I want you all to think about what motivated you to get into this business and what you get out of it. As artists, we design because it is an extension of who we are, and a piece of ourselves goes into our work. I believe that is why artists are often uncomfortable explaining their work and have such a hard time placing a dollar value on their work. How do you describe your deepest feelings? How much do you charge for a chunk of your soul?

This afternoon, please take a few quiet moments to connect with the designer who lives inside of you, the one who feels his or her work long before there is movement in the hands. Think about the joy you receive when working, the challenges you have faced (and overcome), and the pain you have suffered both to ego and spirit when you feel you have failed to meet the expectations of your client or they have missed the message.

Remember that all of these experiences have worked to make you a better artist (though you may not have felt it at the time).

Question: What gifts has your work given you?  How have you grown as a result of your work?  Does it hurt you when you have to explain your work?

Blessings,

Preston

(Photo: Light & Porcelain Margaret O’Rorke Courtesy of Ann Linemann)

 

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Do You Judge Mothers Who Choose To Work or Those Who Stay Home?

May 16, 2013

 

Dear Readers:

It’s imperative that I start this blog by saying that I am not in any way looking to offend anyone. Whether working in a career or doing your “work” at home, the role of mother is one of great honor, if unbelievably challenging.

Being a working mother, I can sympathize with those who wonder if we’ve made the right decision in choosing to pursue a career they love (and I truly empathize with those who must work in jobs they may not love just to keep food on the table). Though it is sometimes a struggle to find a balance, speaking truthfully, my career, just like my children, is just another part of me.

 

If I were to make a personal assessment of these two incredible human beings, they would be:

 Working mom: A woman in constant motion. One who divides her time between her many loves and aspirations. She who unapologetically believes she can have it all and is endlessly evaluating her options to provide unconditional love to her family while making her dreams come true. I’m obviously in this category and I love it!

Stay-at-Home mom: A woman who exhibits a natural ability to nurture. She has chosen to selflessly care for her family in every sense of the word and constantly finds ways to improve the manner in which her children and her family see the world. The amount of respect that I have for mothers who have chosen this route is incalculable. My hat is off to you.

Today I am going to address something that’s been on my heart for a bit. I would like so much for us stop pointing fingers at one another and to start supporting our individual choices. Our children, family, and our feelings will be better off. It’s easy to disrespect one another’s decisions. At times we’ve been guilty of passing judgement, and I think this is partially because neither party gives the other the credit deserved. This is unfortunate to me.

For those who are wondering why I am writing about this topic on my blog, let me explain. It’s been one of those fabulous wedding seasons where I’ve had to juggle meetings, little league games, clients, bed time stories, being a good wife and partner to husband, and well, just life. As of late, my travel schedule has been a bit hectic, but I remain determined to make it all work. Last week, after several client and staff meetings, avoiding taking a minute to relax or eat, I rushed out of my office, caught the train, and showed up to my son’s baseball game at the tail-end (out of breath and with a guilty conscience).

One of the team moms greeted me by saying, “The game is almost over” with a quizzical expression on her face that clearly meant why did you even bother. For a split second the comment made me feel horrible, but I immediately bounced-back and asked what the score was. “Honestly, I don’t know,” she replied. I was instantly vindicated. We all have reason to judge, but why should we?

I think we both learned from her indiscretion. You see, the fact that she had been there for the entire game really didn’t matter because she wasn’t truly in the moment. On the other hand, my son came up for his last at bat and I cheered and gave him the infamous you got this nod with no words attached. Those few seconds meant the world to both of us.

Stay-at-home moms and working mothers alike make unbelievable sacrifices in order to fulfill our roles and responsibilities. My hope is that we will always be mothers first, but the truth is that our decisions stem from our upbringing, culture, financial status, preferences… The list goes on and on. The one common thread is that we believe these decisions will provide a better life for all. Embrace what works for you with all your heart always and don’t allow doubt to rob you from your ability to be genuinely happy.

Have you ever felt judged unfairly by your peers or others? Do you find yourself judging others? Please share your thoughts.

 

With a Happy Heart,

Kathy

Kathy Romero is the Director of Event Planning for Preston Bailey Designs. She shares her thoughts and advice on Preston’s Blog every Thursday.

(Photo courtesy of Gina Zeidler photography)

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Dear Planner: Would You Consider Doing This For Me?

May 15, 2013

Preston Bailey Bride Ideas, Lady with Shoes

Dear Readers:

We can never really know what it feels like to walk a mile in the shoes of someone else, but in the spirit of understanding, I thought we might do our best to give it a try. There’s no denying that planners are the leaders in any event, but what about other vendors working with the planners?  Since seamless events require synergy and respect, I thought it might be useful to reach out to several colleagues and ask them what they would like to ask a planner to do in the spirit of getting the (best) job done. Here are their requests:

Florist

There are times when guests will take home items such as vases, candles, and other elements. Since these items are a part of our inventory and we make a living by reusing them, it would be helpful if you could let your clients know that they will be charged for missing items.

Event Designer

It’s often easy to overlook the time required to set up an event properly. When you are negotiating contracts and deals, please consider telling clients that they might need to rent the locations a bit longer.  We do not like to be setting up when guests arrive.

Lighting Professional

Because lighting is the first thing that goes up, please do your best to get us in the night before. Most hotels do not mind this. Also, please consider the benefit of existing hanging points when choosing a location.

Cake Maker

Please do your best to explain that it takes a long time and a whole lot of effort to make those beautiful sugar flowers. These kinds of details turn a cake into “art”. Also, please be considerate of the time and temperature required when serving a cake. They need to be served at the agreed-upon time. We had one planner leave the cake out in the sun and it started to melt!

Bands and DJ

Please have the hotel or client consider that we are there early and usually stay quite late and would appreciate being fed.

Caterers

Many times we have clients complain that the food was served late. In order to do this, we need a proper wait staff. Please do not cut the amount of servers to cut costs. Your guests will suffer.

Invitation Professional

Triple-check the names of guests, especially if doing calligraphy.  Also, last-minute changes are common so have a calligrapher on-site.

Hair and Make-Up

We are happy to do make-up and hair trial, but they take time. Please consider including a fee for this time in your budget.


I believe this to be a healthy list of suggestions, do you?

Planners:  What are the challenges you face when trying to accommodate these suggestions?

Vendors:  Do you have any more to add?

 

Blessings,


Preston

 

Monday:  Planning Contracts.

 

(Photo courtesy of Pinterest)

 

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