This month has flown by, and it’s hard to believe it’s almost February — I’m still writing “2011″ instead of “2012″ on my checks!
I don’t tend to make lots of big New Year’s resolutions, but these last few weeks I’ve been thinking quite a bit about what I want 2012 to look and feel like for me and my business. I’ve found myself turning again and again to this blog and to you, my readers; some of my best thinking comes after reading your comments here.
Our recent discussion about trusting in your creative ability and learning how to know your work is good has given me an idea, and I’m really excited about it:
This year, I want ALL of us — no matter where we are in our careers — to reach out to someone else in the business. Every one of us has some kernel of wisdom to share. And the more you share, the more wisdom you’ll reap in return.
Even if you’ve only been in business a year, find someone in your community who’s only been in business a month or someone who hasn’t even opened their business yet but is thinking about it and feeling a little overwhelmed. Offer one piece of advice or an encouraging word. Think about what you wish someone had told you at an earlier point in your career — then go find someone who needs that information right now.
I know all of us are incredibly busy, but we all have time to offer at least one tip every month to a peer. That’s it. Once a month, be a mentor. You can do it in person. On the phone. Over email. Twitter. Facebook. Text message. Anywhere and anyhow! We all need mentors, whether we’ve been in the business decades or days, and I believe in the power of sharing what we know. It will come back to you.
Dear Readers, have you gone out of your way for anyone in the wedding and event industry recently? If so, please share your random act of (professional) kindness! If not, tell me what you’d like to do for someone else, and then go do it!
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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.
Vanessa
January 26, 2012
We love your “Random Acts of Professional Kindness” post. For our part we are inviting successful wedding event planners to share their experiences with people interested in starting their own Wedding Event Planning business. You are such an inspiration to so many people, we want to invite you to be the #1 expert on our panel.
thank you
January 26, 2012
Hi Mr. Bailey and fellow readers,
I first want to thank Mr. Bailey for taking the time out of his busy schedule to think of others. This is one of the signs of a true leader, and I hope we all follow in your footsteps and continue to think of others when working in such a high pressue industry. If I might be so bold, I would like to see if your kindness to fellow professionals and offer to help others extended to helping your avid readers find new opportunities to use their talents? I am an event producer that 6 years ago picked up and moved to Israel as I thought my New York training would offer a lot to people visiting and making events over their. Thank God it was a success, but success in smalls steps, which I think is healthy. I even have to turn away events sometimes as I am only 1 person and don’t have the steady flow to hire others continually. To make a long story short, it was not steady enough of a business, am now returning to New York and feel what I have to offer will be valued greater in the environment of like-minded and professional industries. While I am sending out my resume actively, I sure wish I had an opportunity to come back to , and wondering if you might help me re-connect with US industry. I can send my resume to anyone interested,you will see I have an extensive background in events.
Thank you !
Karen
Karen.roshevsky@gmail.com
Megan Meyers
January 26, 2012
The Wedding Connection will be giving away $25,000 worth of wedding services on February 4th. What a lucky bride that will be
Danial
January 26, 2012
While this is a good idea, most event planners won’t find someone to give a mentoring statement to unless they get really lucky. So my idea is to take the first Friday of every month on this blogg and turn it into a place where someone can ask a question that the readers can answer. This way we have the Dear Preston on Tuesday and the Friendly Friday on Friday. This also allows you to share your favorite quotes three weeks of the month. Hear is one to get it started, or if anyone just wants to help. I have not even put together one event yet, however I know I want to be an event planner. I have done a lot of studying and it is time to act. I started looking up Florists and other venders in my area, then a wise woman (my mother) said “why are you doing that, you don’t even know if your going to need flowers for your first event.” Then I started to wonder what the first step is. I literally have nothing to start with. Any ideas?
Taylor Lea Thomas
January 26, 2012
But Preston, if a kind gesture for someone is done in hopes of being recognized for it then it’s not really a kind gesture at all. In that case, it’s for publicity. I tend to highlight vendors I’ve worked with or liked via Twitter in Vendor Spotlights with a link to their website simply because I believe that when someone does great work, they should be recognized for such. It’s more because it’s well deserved rather than expecting a “that’s so wonderful that you did that kind thing for that vendor.” Heartfelt gestures should be just that. No announcement necessary.
Kindest regards,
Taylor
Laura
January 26, 2012
I am constantly looking our for new businesses and encouraging them. I think it is important to nuture and share our knowledge of the industry with newcomers and in the past few years many of them have become our fabulous and trusted suppliers as well as great friends.
Sileola
January 27, 2012
Love it! Your blog has been a major source of inspiration to me, every time I read it I feel like I am getting advice from you directly. I think it is a great idea and I will make that extra effort to reach out this year. When I started out in the business I was fortunate to meet two planners that were gracious to help me out and give me direction in the business. Because of them I always believe I also have to pay it forward. When I meet someone starting out I call them and offer to talk with them about being in the business. I also let them know I they can always call me if they have questions, if they get stuck or if they need any vendor or location referrals. Anything to help I think is always great, people helped me so I have to help others!!!!
SQH
January 27, 2012
Was driving by & noticed a beautifully decorated outdoor wedding, the detail of her work was “breath taking” however, the end result was not 100% due to lack of proper lighting. She had used regular lights & that killed the entire decor. Asked around who had done the work. Called her office congratulated them for job well done & gave contact detail of a few good companies who does excellent lighting work at a very reasonable price. Proper lighting can do wonders; i wish she could have used it at that wedding!
CK
January 27, 2012
This is a great post to tackle I’ve actually been thinking about it a few days back, My team and I would be considered to be too young to put up a company and try to tackle the events industry here in manila, but I believe that with perseverance we will make it, we try to make do with what we have to prevent from overspending money that we don’t have. What we do to help others who are also starting out, is to collaborate with them on certain projects, we promote them on our social sites and recommend them to our clients as well. I think that continually collaborating and trusting not only the people in my team but also those who are considered my “competitors” will make this next generation of designers better
like I said, I was pondering on this topic a few days back, it seems like some of vendors that we have worked with here are ruthless when it comes to pricing and the end quality of work, it’s good to know that someone with your experience still remembers to go back to his roots of helping other professionals out! thanks mr. preston!
Savannah Page
January 27, 2012
Love this, Preston! Always give more than you take, this is so true. Random acts of kindness feel great for all involved.
Thanks for the words of wisdom and inspiration! Today I’m going to reach out to a fellow writer and invite her for a guest spot/Q&A on my blog to help promote her work!
Much Love, Savannah
Kris
January 27, 2012
Yes! Advice, encouragement, a kind word, filling a need…important professionally, socially, personally, and spiritually. I have given gifts of a container of grass. Sounds a little strange, but let me explain. I read a quote many years ago that has stuck with me. I think of it almost every day. “If you think the grass is greener on the other side, work harder on your own grass.” I have applied this to literally hundreds of situations. One interpretation revolves caring for yourself. If you put in the time, effort, care, and love, you will be a strong leader. Once you are a leader, your influence stretches further than you could ever comprehend. With my gift, I wanted the recipients to understand that they are strong and beautiful, valuable and important, smart and savvy. The effort put into any aspect of life will produce results. This is a great symbol of marriage. Ignore the problems -the grass dies. Don’t feed and water it properly-it isn’t as strong. Bottom line: get your grass to be the green side and work hard to keep it that way.
YOUR NAME
January 27, 2012
Dear Preston Bailey! If you knew what I needed words of encouragement right now, I have a very difficult time – to continue the roll out of the way or, as I have 49 years. A year ago I changed my life and wanted to try to do what I have always loved – flowers! I graduated from a simple exchange of florists, even though my happiness I learned from a man who is in love with his profession! The first flower that I made in our floral shop (going to her friend on a visit) was purchased directly from the hands. And my other bouquets and arrangements to please people and was a true delight. I know that there are a lot of trial and error, not enough elementarno colors, materials and the basics of business. And family problems – Mom and Dad my husband became ill, had to take care of me. Do I have to say goodbye to his dream? I would be hoping for the best! Sorry for my English, helped by Google
Olga Pikalova
January 27, 2012
Sorry, forget write name
saundra hadley
January 27, 2012
Every chance I can, Mr. Bailey …..
Angela
January 28, 2012
Preston thanks for always being there to mentor me. trust me you have been doing this since 2011 and i guess for you it will just overflow into 20121!!! That is why you keep being blessed…” You are more blessed in giving than in receiving”