As I look back upon the
last 15 years and consider the success Exceptional Events has enjoyed, it doesn’t escape me that
our “success” is as a result of the participation and cooperation of
others. It is why I was successful in my
other career in insurance claims and claim litigation as well. Condensed down, it is that one’s success is
as a result of the efforts of others in varying capacities. The smallest cog in the wheel can determine
whether or not the wheel turns at all.
The lowest person on the totem pole can make or break you. It was a valuable lesson I learned when
negotiating personal injury settlements with attorneys. Respect and be nice to the attorney’s
secretary and the attorney will be more willing to negotiate a reasonable
settlement with you because the secretary will be your best PR person. Treat your own
secretary with respect and consideration and she or he will take care of you
and make you look good. If you fail to
do that, that same person can make you look like a fool. For the same reason, a dining establishment
or caterer can live or die by the level of customer service provided by the
waitstaff or the cleanliness of the kitchen.
A business person should
never get so full of him- or herself as to think they accomplished great things
all by themselves. Don’t get such a big
head as to think that it’s all about you.
Rather, it’s all about all of the people around you who got on board
with you to help you and your clients; who made you look good; who, without
them, you would be a miserable failure.
As I look back over the
last 15 years of our existence, I feel I owe a huge, sincere thank you to so
many professionals and non-professionals alike for the parts they played in
what we accomplished. I am but an
orchestra leader. I bring together great
people to make beautiful music together for the sole objective of creating
wonderfully memorable events and weddings that reflect who our clients are;
different melodies and arrangements for each unique person. To the florist, lighting designer, venue,
caterer, photographer, videographer, DJ and any other service that was
enlisted, thank you for doing your utmost to make our clients blissfully
happy. Thank you for allowing me the
privilege of orchestrating the day and working with you to make it sing. To the maintenance man, thank you for making
sure the electricity and plumbing are in good working order. To the bus-staff, thank you for clearing the
tables and making the room look neat and orderly even if the guests
aren’t. For the floral delivery people,
thank you for being on time so it doesn’t slow the progress of the day. To the custodian, thank you for making sure
the bathrooms are clean. Thank you to my
staff of professional event people who assist me at weddings, run children’s
games at private events, set up linens, fold napkins, and virtually do just
about anything I ask of them. As you can
see, “the devil is in the details” but the details often don’t happen without
someone else who is willing to take care of them for you. It's Not All About Me
