I really enjoyed speaking to over 1000 industry colleagues in Las Vegas at the Event Solution’s symposium this Monday. I was reminded more than once the reasons why I love this industry.
Whether you are a beginner or have lots of experience, I was reminded that we are all seeking the same thing:
- To love what we do some much that it does not feel like work. (If you are one of the lucky ones, bravo to you.)
- Clients who can appreciate what we do and are willing to pay for it.
- Endurance to weather the good and bad times. (For most of everyone: last year.)
I felt a sense of pride for being in this industry of entertaining. I felt at one with a very large community of wacky, creative, brilliant folks. My only regret was that I was not able to stay in Las Vegas longer.
As I write this blog, I am on a 16 hour flight to Taiwan, for a public Preston Bailey exhibit we are working on. I just wanted to say thank you to all the folks who came to my speech and also to the many of you who waited patiently for hours in line to get a signed copy of one of my books.
Now, to keep it real, last week I promised you that I’ll tell you the top three Preston screw-ups of all time. Here’s number three:
3. A few years ago, I learned a very valuable lesson. At the time, a very important celebrity client (who will remain anonymous, but I bet you could guess who) came to me to do an all-futuristic wedding. I told her I thought it was a dumb idea, that this was not a children’s party, but a wedding and she fired me on the spot.
Lesson learned: It’s not your wedding, it’s your clients. Even if you think it, keep your big mouth shut. (Note: eventually she broke off her engagement anyhow.)
I am sure you might have had clients make suggestions you didn’t like. How did or do you deal with it? Also, are you one of those lucky folks who loves their work so much it feels like play?
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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.
Mackie Hill
March 2, 2011
Preston-
I am so sorry I missed you in Las Vegas. I had planned on trying to be there, but the finances of my new company are of course tight, so as I grow I plan on putting more and more of these type of events on my calendar and hopefully will be able to swing them for the education and networking of the event.
Now for your question. I have definitely been in your shoes. Mine wasn’t as big as disagreeing with the entire theme, but it was close enough. My bride chose a color scheme that looked like a circus however kept referring to how she and her fiance wanted the event to be elegant. Thankfully I kept my head and managed to find some inspiration and steer her in a better direction, still incorporating what she was looking for but managing to keep beautiful and classy. Must be honest…my first instinct was to tell her that she was crazy and that the reception was going to give people a headache.
Oh…and I do love my work, and most of it does feel like play, but some of it is definitely still work.
afcpam
March 2, 2011
I do love what I do! I love doing anything where I can be creative.
I have turned down weddings, because I didn’t want my name associated with the work that the client wanted. In the end, I do believe it is the right decision. However, most of the time, I am able to guide them to a more tasteful expression of what they have in mind.
My biggest problem is pricing. I’ve tried numerous ways, but never seem to find the right formula to make it as profitable as it should be. I pay my staff more than what is normal for my area, and therefore my services are more expensive already. Can you give me some guidance, please?
Shannon/Flourish
March 2, 2011
A couple of time last year I put out the red light- for sure! But the harsh truth is, when the rent is due- the rent is due! I cannot tell my landlord- “Sorry, my ideal client has not shown up today.” Believe me. I have tried. I just cling to the events that fire my creativity. Luckily, for me, those far outweigh the heinous ones. The less then wonderful events (I had a bride that wanted me to put a crystal topped pin in every single gerbera daisy in her all gerbera daisy wedding. EVEN in the centerpieces. I did say no to that request.) never make their way into my portfolio.
Last year stretched my love for floral design super thin. I do not think I could do another year like last year. But the good news is, 2011 is rockin’ big time. Gorgeous events for brides that love what I can design for them. Thank the sweet baby Jesus!
Debra Biagini
March 3, 2011
After 28 years working in a corporate environment I must say that most of the time my work today as a floral designer and living in Rome, Italy feels like play. Actually many of my friends ask me if I am in love and I respond that I am “in love” with my business and most of my clients.
When a customer comes to me with an idea that I believe is inappropriate for their event, I try to listen carefully to try and understand their motivation. Yes, it is their special event so it is my goal to turn their ideas into an elegant reality. A few months back I was asked to design a wedding with “Bees” as the theme.
Thank you so much Preston.
Debra
Aimee Wendell
March 3, 2011
Thank you for coming to share your inspiration with us in Las Vegas. It was so great to meet you and to learn from some of the industry’s best. I love that there is always more to learn out there and I think ES did a great job with the education this year.
I felt blessed to have the opportunity to meet you twice! You are a beautiful soul.
This reminder is great! I have to practice refraining from using my “ohhh my gawwd, that is so tacky” face.
xoxo
Clare Baukham
March 5, 2011
I often hear ideas that have me on the floor in tears laughing…inside my head of course. I think the most diplomatic way to deal with it is a Dale Carnegie type of trick. Agree with them and let them knwo that it’s a WONDERFUL idea and then start to point out the things that may not work with this or that theme. As long as they didn’t think they were wrong they will probably agree with the changes. I’ve changed a whole wedding with this trick. “Talk in terms of the other persons interests”. As Carnegie said…they’ll eat out of our hand..just let them think they are the boss.
Mindless
March 8, 2011
Photographing is a little bit different… although I can tell that we want the same too but the clients couldn’t have so strange suggestions I think.
Anyway they are paying for me to give my knowledge, my experience and my equipments and it is the first I would do to ask his/her opinion. After that I can tell what I would suggest him/her and he/she can decide…
Oh, and I love what I do!
Rachel Richards
March 9, 2011
Preston –
I was one of the lucky individuals who had the opportunity to both hear you speak at the Event Solutions conference and have my book signed…well, at least the paper cover of “Designing for Entertaining” because I packed too many stilettos and didn’t have room for the actual book
Your speech was both inspiring and motivating. Thank you for doing what you do, I have been an avid fan for years. Take care.
Rachel Richards