I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone else. ~ Bill Cosby
This quote has been buzzing past my head like an annoying tiny fly at a restaurant. You see it but you can’t quite get it. Then, I finally got it.
I saw this quote at least three times last week. It had to be an omen. Usually when facts or quotes or people jump out at me from the net, or in real life, I assume I’m supposed to pay attention and learn something. So, I knew I was writing about not being all things to all people. In fact, I had planned to talk with you today about business stuff.
You know, finding your niche and ideal client. Ciara Daykin of Rockstar Wedding Planner calls it ‘your flavor’ of brides. Too often I visit a planner’s site and can’t tell why I should hire her. That’s where Bill comes in- you can’t be everything to everyone. Brides want a specialized experience. You have to figure out what yours is. (hint: it’s not eliminating stress for the perfect day)
When I practiced business mediation and mentored others, I’d say to my folks pecialize either in the market (pretty narrow) or the service (fairly unique). For instance, I knew a mediator who had her office in the woods on a lake. Her specialty was providing an environment conducive to making agreements. Birds, green, big blue sky, lots of quiet. People longed for that experience, never mind that they also worked through their issues. What’s your special sumptin’ sumptin’?
Today, I realized the quote was for me. I needed to hear that message. I’ve been trying to fit Positively Wed into a mold that doesn’t work for me, personally. And, oddly enough, afraid to dive down deep into my niche- wedding professionals who want to be happier and use effective communication to do that.
Maybe I hesitated because that sounds so dubious. Like, you do what? And, where is my niche? How would I find people that want to be happier in their wedding businesses, I puzzled. You can’t just take out an ad. Or, maybe you can…
Today, I proudly proclaimed on Twitter that Positively Wed will focus exclusively on creating communication systems (a way of talking) for wedding professionals who want a happier, drama-free experience- for themselves and their clients!
I’m all about helping you fall back in love with weddings, brides, and your business. Sometimes I’ll be talking about communication. Sometimes I’ll be talking about practical stuff like the December Summit on contracts. Mostly, I’ll be sharing how being transparent, open to different ideas, willing to engage and collaborative can transform your experience as a wedding professional. How do I know that? I watched these ideas completely change the lives of business people for years and I know the same is possible for you.
In true mediator fashion, I’d like to know- what you think about all this?
