My friend Marcy and I had the most invigorating weekend with our mentoring program, Bailey and Blum. At first, we were ambitious in thinking we could have a large group of folks for the weekend. However, after some discussion and thought, we decided the most important part of the seminar was spending one on one time with each participant. Given the short timeline of two days, we decided to have a more intimate group of attendees, with a mixture of beginners and veterans (and even two people who traveled all the way from Portugal!).
We ended up with the most dynamic group of people. Not only did Marcy and I really like them, but they also really liked each other. There was a definite connection between all of us.
The luncheon table
The one question that was prevalent among all the folks was, of course, how to make money. What astounded me was how each and every person had such an incredible love and passion for this business. Since this was the case, I had no qualms in telling them probably one of the most important take-aways from the whole weekend: success is about endurance. My favorite part of the weekend was speaking to each person individually. In meeting each person and talking to them about their businesses, it was very apparent to me that endurance will come easily for these passionate folks.
It was a growth experience for me too. Each person helped remind me about my own love for the business and the desire I have to work hard (and endure) every day.
Master foodie Olivier Cheng and his Executive Chef Jenny Glasgow created an amazing lunch. They also instructed the group on the importance of great food presentation.
Needless to say, Marcy and I had a very powerful experience interacting with and teaching all the participants. One really great addition to the weekend was having Millie Bratten and Maria McBride from Brides magazine there for the whole day. It was a joy having them join us. We’re definitely looking forward to the next installment of Bailey and Blum (possibly this summer).
I also wanted to list all the attendees here in alphabetical order, and tell them once again how how wonderful it was to meet them and spend time with them this weekend:
- Anne Bowen
- Linda Casals
- Deborah Dixon
- Daphne Douge
- Eric Ellen
- Chrisya Enriquez
- Alberta Marimba
- Grace Muchiri
- Autumn Oser
- Jill Pocsik
- Lydia Short
- Claudia Teixeira
- Katharine Warden
Please tell me, in one word how do you define success (and why)?
On 03-08-10 Carol says:
Than you Preston for this insight-How I wish I could have joined you-I define my success by following in my 4 P’s: Passion, Planning, Persistence, and Patience. (The 4th one is the one I need to work on the hardest
On 03-08-10 Zainab says:
The one word I would use to define success is HAPPINESS. If you are happy with what you are doing and where you are headed not only work related but also your personal life; I think you have reached success. I enjoy reading your blog and find your work inspiring.
On 03-08-10 Rosalba Fasan-Buffat says:
COMMITMENT
to myself, my customers, my industry and my passion
thank you for always sharing!
On 03-08-10 Danielle - A Special Occasion, LLC says:
My one word would be Relationship. It’s important to develop a strong relationship with your clients. That’s what my partners and I try to do. We want our clients to be comfortable with us and therefore trusting that we have their best interests at heart. One of our clients told us she thought of us as friends just not her wedding planners. Forming strong bonds help with getting more business, and puts us in mind when they have another event they may need help with.
On 03-09-10 Kristina says:
Hi Preston, I would say that I define success by the word “exceptional”. When my brides and clients have completed their journey and the event is over, and I find out they had an “exceptional experience”, this is success. I know they will tell others about me and I know they will always have positive memories of our work together. Exceptional!
On 03-11-10 Staci-Jazzi Innovations! says:
Hello Mr. Bailey! Success is satisfaction for me. Ultimately my clients’ satisfaction is my satisfaction. I believe that if you are always focused and passionate about satisfying your client then everything else falls into place! If you stay true to yourself and the love of your work then you will “GLOW” in self satisfaction!
On 03-18-10 Chris Campbell says:
Passion, Focus, Respect and happiness
Always be positive to your clients. NEVER PANIC, plan B is essential
BE CONFIDENT!!!!!
On 03-22-10 Louise McAllister says:
LOVE. To be successful, you have to love what you do. You love getting up in the morning and working long hours. You even love the challenges as much as the triumphs. It all translates into your work, your entegrity, your professionalism, and your passion. Clients will see this, colleagues will respect it, and successful vendors and suppliers will share in your “love” for events.
On 04-02-10 Rhoda Wilder says:
Dedication. To be successful you have to be dedicated to your craft. When you are dedicated you become passionate about, and then you love what you do. Once that happens your clients see that and they are more comfortable with working with you.
On 04-13-10 Doña Carmen Milagros says:
Sacrafice. Dates back to BC. It may hurt a little but the reward(s) is(are) unless………
On 07-19-10 Bailey and Blum 2.0 | PrestonBailey.com says:
[...] enjoyed the first Bailey and Blum so much that we thought we would extend it to a summer weekend in New York (August 6th-8th to be [...]