A picture of me from a past speaking engagement
I’m constantly getting requests for mentorship, but my schedule is so hectic that it’s hard to fulfill each individual request so I’ve thought carefully about offering a workshop. The most important aspect is how to offer a workshop that is different from the others.
I asked my good friend and great planner, Marcy Blum, to join me in the effort. We wanted to create a learning environment that would be intimate and interactive. A workshop that offered one on one lessons not just on designing events, but the nuts and bolts of the business and the different pieces involved in producing the final product.
Marcy and me
For example, one of the most essential parts of my team is having a fantastic planner on board. Yet, I often find myself trying to explain to clients the necessity of having a great and experienced planner for the job. Over the years, the line between designers, production and planners has become blurred.
Here’s a summary of the differences:
- Designers: We do exactly that…we design anything and everything that has to do with visual decor: flowers, table cloths, staging, room decor, lighting, food presentation, theatrical design, table settings, etc. This, of course, is the main job I do in my company (in addition to being a kick-ass sales man).
- Production: After a job is completely designed, presented to and approved by our clients, then comes the most challenging part: producing the visual design into the real world in an effective, timely and cost-conscious manner. The production process is always a ”work in progress.” As my company grows and we do jobs in America and all over the word, this becomes more difficult yet exciting.
- Planning: Years ago when I first started, I tried planning myself. One day, after making 10 phone calls to organize one meeting, I realized how challenging and time consuming this job is. In my opinion, most clients do not have the slightest idea of the time, patience and detail that goes into to a planner’s job (and folks you’re not just a planner because you call yourself one–you need the experience to back up the claim). Planners do not have a specific product like flowers or dresses. What they sell is mostly their amazing organizational skills, their experience in getting the job done and wearing many, many different hats.
I’d like to thank all of you for the overwhelming interest we received when we announced BAILEY AND BLUM’S first workshop. At first I thought we’d have a class of 40, however after hearing your requests of what you’d like to learn, we thought the workshop should have more of a one on one component to it. So, because of the workshop timing (it’s just one weekend), we’d like to invite only 20 participants to the mentoring weekend.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Carol Griffin
February 22, 2010
Mentoring is a hard business. I worked as a retail buyer for 14 years-and had lots of newbies, assistants or interns at my side. It was always hard to make certain they received the right education. They were always so green-and had not spent any of their own time to get ahead. (It seemed to me.) As a wedding planner (yes, I really am that wound-up), I find it difficult to find people to work with that really care about the details. As a stylist ( That’s what I consider myself), lots of experience with fashion shows and catalog styling, I again find it hard to work with people who don’t “get” what needs to be done. Mentoring is hard! But, at the same time-I always had a mentor. There was always someone who took it upon themselves to help me out, and tell me what I needed to do to be successful. I would have been stuck in place had it not been for those great people. That leads me to this… Mentors usually find the people they want to mentor. Not the other way around. If someone who is successful decides to spend time on another’s personal and professional growth-they are usually pretty sure their time is not wasted. So, for someone to pay you to mentor them seems kind of wasteful. If someone is really hungry-they figure out the basics. Then someone successful takes note, and “wants” to help them reach the next level. But, from their knowing it is the right thing to do-not for a salary. That is only my personal experience talking. And I’m quite a gabber.
C
Andrinique Special Events
February 22, 2010
Mentorship is something I believe is VERY important. Sometimes re-inventing the wheel is just not necessary ! Having industy professional like Mr. Preston Baily to share their knowledge of the industry is just the amazin sprit of “giving back” …
Bravo to all those who share and teach !
Be Well,
Andrinique
Natalie John
February 22, 2010
Such a workshop is highly recommended. Please let me know about the second workshop as the timing is not good for me this time around.
Deborah Dixon
February 23, 2010
I have always loved your work and style. I have enjoyed reading and learning from your blogs. After meeting you back in early December I was very impressed how incredibly humble you were. I am excited and honored to have someone with your knowledge and experience that is willing to mentor. Two of the challenges for me are obtaining clients and pricing.
Sparkling Events & Designs, LLC
February 23, 2010
Wow! This resonates with me on so many levels! I *heart* you so much Preston Bailey for being a “giver”. I’m a new planner and have worked so hard to research every aspect of my business and still there are times that I wish that I could have ask a fellow colleague a question. A mentor, someone who is invested in “my success” would have be wonderful and still would be. I think the biggest challenge for me as a start up are: 1) Advertising Dollars – how to get the biggest bang for your buck? 2) Setting Your Apart from the Rest – what makes me special, besides ME..
Thank you for writing this. It feels good to know that I’m not crazy for wanting some guidance and advice from time to time.
Ebony
nayeli blanquel
March 5, 2010
Preston I love you, when I read you, always leave me in shock.
Thanks for share all your knowledge.
I´m from mexico city and here you have your fans!
xoxox
Shannon W
March 30, 2010
I have so many ideas in my head that are amazing and over the top such as seen on your site, in your books and your blog.
My question is:
my brides come to me with a Hollywood – New York city “want list” but have a country bumpkin budget and attitude. What they present in pictures would cost $5,000+ and are only willing to spend “hundreds”. In our community the average price of a civilian wedding is $20,000 – $25,000. We dont have celebrities here. How much of this should be the budget for decorations? I struggle getting my brides to use colored linen and chaircover and those that do wont go the extra mile to complete the look. How do I upgrade my brides or better yet how do I find the bride that is willing to spend the money on the finished product?
Tanya Malott
April 6, 2010
Preston, Next time you do one of these, I would love to offer input from the photographer’s point of view. I think too often the photographer and planner don’t communicate enough. There are so many little pieces of good advice that photographers can offer planners to make everyone’s job easier….about timing, and lighting, and even seating arrangements! I hereby offer my services should you like them.