Dear Preston,
I read your blog every day, because you are one of the few who aren’t afraid to share true experiences in the wedding and event industry. But, sometimes, it feels a little like you are living in your own world. I wish you would write more basic stuff. Like how can the rest of us make enough money to feed our kids? That’s what I need to know. Not give you advice about which blogs to read.
Sincerely, A Serious Fan
Dear A Serious Fan,
You’re right. At times, I can see how it might seem like I do live in a world all my own. In a way, though, aren’t we all living in worlds of our own making? But, still, no matter where in your wedding and event industry career you find yourself, we’re all facing the same issues:
1. How to Get Clients
2. How to Make a Profit After We Get Those Clients
3. How to Grow Our Business
I call these three my deal breakers, because you cannot afford to fail at any of them.
I have written a lot about all three, but maybe I haven’t written enough. I will do my best from now on to address these important topics in a more down-to-earth fashion. In the meant time, I am going to reach out to you directly and privately to see how I might be able to help you and your work.
Dear Readers, do you agree with “A Serious Fan”? Do I need to change my tone? Am I not accessible enough?
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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.
Alejandra
December 6, 2011
Sometimes, when you are a roll model, people need to beleive that your words, information, etc. can help them. I have being learning from you, reading your blog, but what works more for me is the use that you give to sociall media. That is how I´m working now to let the people learn about my work, I really need a lot of help, because first: I´m starting over with my company, and second I´ve always worked in Corporative Events………..I need to do and get my first wedding.!!!. I hired personal to help me with this dutty, and new challenge, but still trying to get new clients in this “weddings”. Yo know that people always want to see your latest work in “weddings”. Hope to get the oportunity soon. From Panama, hugs. Alejandra.
Nicole
December 6, 2011
Mr. Bailey you have already done so much. We need to stop looking to you to provide all the answers. You have provided us with books, seminars, courses and your blog. What more could you do. I’ll answer: NOTHING!! Grow up people and pay the price people!! We are responsible for your own destiny. If you want to figure out how to survive try some blood, sweat, and tears! You have to want it for yourself. No one can do the work for you. Take some responsiblilty for your own actions.
Amanda
December 6, 2011
I would have to disagree with “A Serious Fan”. There are so many blogs and websites that give us “how to” articles in our industry. I love reading your blog because you are different and you are honest. Of course I love the “how to” articles, but sometimes it is nice to see such a well-known designer look to increase their network as well. It is nice to see that every one of you have made some mistakes as well. It reminds me that we are all human and we can’t all be perfect, no matter how hard we try to be!
Julia Hewitt
December 6, 2011
I think that what you teach most is how to be in the world around you and take life on life’s terms- Your insight and wisdom is valuable and your work is stunning. I wouldn’t change a thing!
Tina
December 6, 2011
hmm interesting if I do say so myself. I like your blogs and to be honest sometimes it’s hard to bare – you being extremely successful – and us trying to get to a point of our “own” success – always wondering and thinking “it’d be so easy to be Preston” – but then reality hits and your a human too – you live and breathe – have hard times and good ones – I think some of us get too caught up in the “celebrity” of it all! I like seeing your amazing ideas and they inspire me to be creative and use your ideas sometimes on a smaller scale – yes there are lots of blogs out there – giving advice, but your advice is highly respected and it would be nice to continue to see articles on the 3 items listed above – so here’s what I say – you can’t always please the world – keep doing what your doing – cause you’re doing it well
Cheers everyone – have a lovely day!
anne
December 6, 2011
there are different reasons to read a blog. when reading your blog (at least twice a week!), i do so not to only receive information on running a successful event planning business, but also to be inspired. you have inspired me to expand my creativity and do what i love to do – PLAN. designing was not my strongest suit, but i (along with friends, family, and clients) see a huge difference and that highly stems from the inspiration provided in this blog. continue to live in your world – thank you for allowing us to peek in from time to time. god bless you (and your team).
elissa @ one stone events
December 6, 2011
it’s ‘your world’ that keeps me coming back to your blog every day! this blog is your platform to discuss whatever you wish. we have a choice to read it or not. it’s not your responsibility to make us successful, it’s ours. thank you for all your inspiration. i love your blog!
event specialist
December 7, 2011
I could NOT disagree more.
I don’t know how long ‘a serious fan’ has been reading your blog, but maybe she missed when you had clients that refused to pay, that were unhappy, the constant search for balance, worked with vendors that didn’t work out as planned. These things and more are all the things that planners go through.
In a world that is ever-shrinking – why would you give away your secrets to how you became successful? Would you ask Donald Trump for the keys to his riches and in laymens terms to boot? Your work and your sacrifice is what will hopefully lead to success. If blogs had been around in the beginning of your career, maybe it would have been more ‘relatable’ then. Instead, you are a role model to many and what some consider to be the gold standard in the industry. Your brand, blog and website reflect that.
I for one, appreciate your blog in its’ current format. I don’t think you would get more or less readers if you changed your style. You have enough balance in sharing with us how figure out how to do what you love and get paid for it.
As was mentioned, there are numerous blogs and resources out there to help find what you are looking for.
Molly
December 7, 2011
I am a newby to the event industry–I just landed a wedding coordination position at the Milwaukee Art Museum after many years of hard work, exhausting internships and night classes. I couldn’t be happier! I’m living my dream. I have to say that you, Preston, have been an incredible inspiration: always warm, always honest and always sharing yourself in the spirit of education. I ask myself constantly, “What would Preston do??” I come to this blog to feel a part of the event community and let my imagination run wild!
Thank you for all that you do. <3
Warmest Regards,
Molly
Gloria
December 7, 2011
I love your blog as it is Preston. The mix is great.
I’d encourage every Event Planner I know to get a solid foundation in business fundamentals. Night courses, correspondance, reading on your own. It’s must for any business person. Getting educated is very important. It’s investing in yourself.
I like to see, Preston be Preston here, and share what he has uniquely brought to the event world. Anyone working in events is standing on the shoulders of giants like Preston who have moved the aesthetics of the industry forward in such a big way. I come here to see what is happening NEXT.
While I may not work with the same budgets or scale, I love sharing the brain of someone so inspired and creative on a daily basis. It’s so positive and refreshing to some here for a dose of that in a stressful busy world. Interesting design is for EVERYONE regardless of price point or scale.
Sonia
December 8, 2011
Preston Bailey you are such a wise man and a real gentleman. When one is a serious fan they pay attention to what you say and do more closely. For the life of me I cannot figure out why this particular fan is so serious but have not seen the countless posts you have written on the subjects they are asking about. Why can’t they see that your hard work and good attitude has created the world you now live in. Why would they lean so heavily on you when you already give soooooo much. Reminds me of some of my ungrateful clients. The more you give the more they want.
Stephanie Alvarez
December 9, 2011
Preston,
I read your blog on a daily basis as well and have a small wedding planning business of my own. I genuinely appreciate all of the basic and down to earth advice you have given in your blogs, repeatedly in different forms and ways of explaining. Being in this industry takes time and effort. Receiving a handout from someone only can go so far. It is what you make it. It sounds to me like the serious reader needs to re-evaluate what they are doing and take some time to answer many of the reflective posts you have written. Thank you for putting yourself out there time and time again. Keep doing what you are doing; it is wonderful!
Bebeta Schiavini
December 9, 2011
Hi Preston, i’m a brazilian wedding planner and a big fan of yours.
Sorry about my poor english and the mistakes I might be making!
I follow your blog, FB and twitter and I think sometimes you exagerate a little, but I feel that people creative, smart and intelligent must do that to bring us new ideas and refreshment for the market.
On the other hand, I think the market need some real advices to reach more professional way.
I invite you to visit my website dispite there is no english version avaible yet, but you can notice my style and some references from my work.
My best regards.
Bebeta Schiavini
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Allison
December 9, 2011
Hello Preston!! I am new to your blog and this industry as well. In response to “A Serious Fan”, I have been on Mr. Bailey’s web site and I am instantly inspired by what I see. I have come to realize we are in a very competitive business and it’s all about making your name. There is enough business (or cash) to go around for us all but we must go get it. Network with others in your state or surrounding states. I’m located in Indianapolis, and at least once or twice a year, I travel to Chicago for seminars and workshops. Secondly, read, read, read. We can never read too much. Both of these will “light a fire” so to speak and motivate you. Lastly and most importantly, do not be afraid of failure or the word no. STEP OUT ON FAITH. I see Mr. Bailey has several appearances. I would love to come see you but I have membership renewals and seminars to attend to close to that time. With me just starting out in the business, my budget doesn’t allow me to make the trip this year. Hopefully, I will be able to see you somewhere near Indiana or make the conference in 2013.
Vanessa Alce (I Love My Planner)
December 10, 2011
I learn so much from your blog posts. You are both inspiring and educational. Your professional experience, both good and bad, teach us what not to do and often how to fix the bad too. I think your topics and responses are candid and very helpful. Thank you!
FP
December 10, 2011
Personally, I would like to know more about how you create some of your spectacular creations. I know, you can’t give away all you secrets, but just to have an idea of some of the mechanics. Do you use flower petals to cover other containers, and what do you use? How are your mechanics built up to create the height of many of your designs. Just a few simple tricks, please. Thank you and have loved all your creations from the beginning. Remembering you from the Martha Stewart days. Love and Peace.
Anonymous
December 10, 2011
I would have to disagree with “A Serioud Fan” as well. I am an emerging event planner in the bay area, however, I have been planning or assisting with the planning of events for approximately 28 years. The business side of this industry is completely different from helping friends, family or it being a part of your job responsibility. I came across your website/blog about 9 months ago. You are one of the very few extremely successful people in this industry who don’t mind the sharing of knowledge and information. I absolutely love everything you bring to the table to event specialists all over the world, especially your interactive approach to involving us in the creation/selection of your designs and color pallets. Although very few event professionals are willing to mentor or share information, you should not be depended upon as the only source of information. A serious planner will continue to read and learn everything he/she can industry wise, attend seminars, network, and be willing to go through the trials, errors, and economical issues of this business. It is not your job to hand hold us through this business. A “Thank You Mr. Bailey” should take the place of someone telling you what you are not doing… and if someone needs help…. Just ask. You were very kind in stating that you would contact her personally and offer further assistance… you are a true professional. I thank and appreciate you for all that you have done and shared.
HELGA
December 10, 2011
I am an emerging event planner in the bay area, however, I have been planning or assisting with the planning of events for approximately 28 years. The business side of this industry is completely different from helping friends, family or it being a part of your job responsibility. I came across your website/blog about 9 months ago. You are one of the very few extremely successful people in this industry who don’t mind the sharing of knowledge and information. I absolutely love everything you bring to the table to event specialists all over the world, especially your interactive approach to involving us in the creation/selection of your designs and color pallets. Although very few event professionals are willing to mentor or share information, you should not be depended upon as the only source of information. A serious planner will continue to read and learn everything he/she can industry wise, attend seminars, network, and be willing to go through the trials, errors, and economical issues of this business. It is not your job to hand hold us through this business. A “Thank You Mr. Bailey” should take the place of someone telling you what you are not doing… and if someone needs help…. Just ask. You were very kind in stating that you would contact her personally and offer further assistance… you are a true professional. I thank and appreciate you for all that you have done and shared.
Pam Archer
December 12, 2011
Isn’t it human nature? We hear 50 people tell us that we are doing an outstanding job and one person speaks a negative, and we begin to question ourselves. I highly value every bit of advice that you give in your blogs. I can attribute solely to you the fact that your advice and tips helped me to turn my business around this year and increase my bottom line 10 fold! It is you who inspires me to continue to create, learn, and achieve. You have a gift! Your imagination is a gift from the Creator himself! For you to even take the time to share any piece of it with anyone sets you far and above any other industry professional!! You don’t need to change a thing! It is the writer of the letter who needs to change…attitude and mindset. I may go a couple of days without having time to come to your blog, but when I get here, I catch up on all of them. Your blog is invaluable to me, and I have learned form everyone else who meets here in this special place. What a wonderful group of people! God bless you Preston!
night courses
January 12, 2012
Your style is so unique compared to many other people. Thank you for publishing when you have the opportunity.Keep up the good writing.
night courses