The conflict we must all confront is how we can become (or stay) that loving, giving, soulful person and still make a living.
I think the very heart and soul of your business is: you. Everything else is secondary.
I’d love to help you define what is at the core of your business soul. This, of course, is only my humble opinion about the questions we should ask ourselves to adjust our business souls:
1. Do you find it easier to give or receive?
2. Do you find it easy to learn from your mistakes?
3. Do you actually like most people or do you just tolerate them?
4. Do you tend to look at the good in folks first or do you look for what you don’t like?
5. Do you believe in charging a fair price for your services or do you prefer making a killing if you can?
6. In order to give exceptional service, do you believe it’s important to go the extra mile and further?
7. Are you comfortable giving good service to your clients without feeling like a servant?
8. Do you believe in the old saying, “The customers is always right”?
9. Do you feel, because of your talent, your customers need you more than you need them?
10. Last but not least, is money your number one goal?
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Please answer one or more of the above and share it with us below in the comments. If you’re not sure which one to answer, try to choose the one that gives your business more of your “soul.”
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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.
lindsey
February 15, 2011
Thank you Preston!
I love learning from my mistakes! I write a post-mortem on every event I do, large or small. While packing and planning for the next event I review these notes to myself- so far the only mistake I’ve made twice is not having enough garbage bags. To me, this goes hand in hand with my love for feedback!
Warmly,
Lindsey
Debra Biagini
February 15, 2011
so far you have not talked about doing events in other countries.
Tomarrow I have a meeting to design a wedding for an Arab princess. It just occurred to me that I don’t know anything about their customs.
You have done weddings in arab countires. How did you prepare for your first meeting and can you give me any quick advice?
Debra
Rayna L. Brown
February 15, 2011
My husband and I met through a mutual friend. In 2005, the Christian Band that I lead needed a drummer. A singer in the band introduced him to us and he’s been playing the drums for us every since. We recently tied the knot on July 8, 2010!!!
Rayna L. Brown
February 15, 2011
Money is NOT my number 1 goal. My number one goal is to live my life doing what I have great passion for which will also provide people with memories of a lifetime. Being a wedding planner (eventually designer) allows me to pour myself into what I love to do and because I have that passion, I always strive to satisfy my clients.
I find it easier to give. I learned that I have to be a giver before I can receive. Every job I have, I tithe 10% on, I seem to also be an attraction for wedding planners just recently starting out who are looking for advice and I genuinely help as much as I can without shooting myself in the foot.
Wendy
February 15, 2011
1.give
2.I learn something every time I help a bride- mistake or no mistake. But, yes I learn from my mistakes.
3.I start off liking anyone I meet.
4.I always try to find the good in someone- even if there is none
5.I have never made a killing and I seem to be always giving someone a break.
6.I am known for going the extra mile- it is part of who and what I am
7.Service is the name of my business. It is why a bride hires me
8.No, but they don’t know that!
9. If I don’t have clients, I don’t get paid.
10. Only enough to be able to sustain myself. I am not looking to build an empire.
Now that I have answered your questions, I have one- “why am I not even in the loop?”
Nicky
February 15, 2011
“In order to give exceptional service, do you believe it’s important to go the extra mile and further?”
Yes definitely. Happy clients give great reviews and therefore leads to more clients. Nothing makes me happier than a bride and groom who are thrilled with my services and rant and rave about me. I don’t mind going the extra mile for people because I’ve been the bride and I know how hard it can be working with so many vendors.
“Do you actually like most people or do you just tolerate them?”
I like most people and I’ve definitely had my fair share of not so nice clients but I like the challenge. If I can turn a difficult client into a happy one then my job is done:) Everyone has a good side and it’s just a matter of finding a way to bring that out.
Michelle
February 15, 2011
1. Easier to give
2. Learning from my mistakes is easy; the hard part is learning not to be critical of myself
3. I like most people
4. I look at the good, but have to admit it is disappointing when they showcase the ‘me’ syndrome…I am developing my unconditional love walk
5. Charging a fair price
6. Going the extra mile
7. Never feel like a servant; I adore (breathe) what I do
8. Yes, even when I want to shake them
9. I need my clients and then they need me
10. The goal is to bring the vision to life
Deanna
February 15, 2011
1.GIVE, this is to a fault, and probably will get me in trouble! 3. I like people too much, I always find good in people. Sometimes, they need you to find the good in them too!
10. No, but money helps. Knowledge and experience is power!
yasmine rosario
February 15, 2011
#5. Believe that a beautiful wedding or event can be put together to a simple elegance that will make the client happy. With out breaking the bank. Every one deserves some glamour in their life wether its a big or small event.
Zyanya Itzel
February 15, 2011
We’ve understood that to make the difference we have to go the extra mile and further, but have trouble on convicing prospect clients that we actually can and the price is worth it, any advice?
Dianna Shitanishi
February 16, 2011
Another great post, I am a firm believer of giving and one of our company’s guiding principal’s is to give back by way of our Charity Contribution program and being able able to serve all types of brides (even if it is just the couple) as we believe everyone deserves a beautiful Hawaii wedding. Life is all about lessons learned and continually educating ourselves to better serve our clients. I always teach students that you need to what you enjoy in life, it is not about the money. You can have a great paying job and be miserable, or you can do what you love and not make as much but you’ll be richer nonetheless. I can’t wait to meet you in Las Vegas, I am one of the lucky winners!
Michele Gledhill
February 16, 2011
I love giving…probably a bit too much as my husband is always telling me off for not charging enough and doing way too much for my clients!! But you know, it always makes me so happy to see their reaction when their vision becomes a reality and I’ve done that bit more to make it happen. I have only been in business for 6 months so this will obviously be quite a learning curve for me but as long as I am enjoying my work, making some money and making people smile then I am happy!! I love to meet new people and hopefully connect with them which so far has been my story…I think because I have created a website which is hopefully a window into the type of person I am and my own style. People feel like they know me a little when they meet me and so far I have drawn people with similar style and vision which makes my work all play!! I love doing what I do, for me it’s not all about the money…its about the service and the energy I give that makes an event special!
Melonie Karl
February 16, 2011
I used to like most people and give them the benefit of the doubt… I have now taken a more wait and see view…
Craig
February 16, 2011
I prefer: “The customer is always first” (!)
Nishaka
February 17, 2011
1. Giver
2. The majority of the time.
3. Like most people
4. Look at the good, while searching their heart
5. Fair and profitable price
6. Drawn to go the extra mile
7. I am a servant.
8. I’ll see it a little differently…”Your perception is your reality”. Investigate the facts for truth in love no matter the outcome.
9. They have a need and we have the expertise to produce their results. We solve their problem.
10. Being able to work in passion is my number one goal. To stay viable, it must be profitable. It’s a hand and glove going together.
Thanks Preston for this blog!