Balancing Life in the Service Industry

Working in the event industry may seem like a dream come true, to be part of creating something that will bring joy and happiness, excitement and fun to all those attending the event. From planning a wedding, the single most important day in many couples lives, to the perfect birthday bash, it all seems like an exciting thing to be apart of but when you are the one planning there are some key hurdles and points to overcome and keep in mind. Specifically you must learn quickly how to work with different types of people. Two areas that are important to understand are the dynamic personalities out there and being consistent with communication.


Personalities


This world is full of different people, which makes it, of course, unique! However, its an important point to keep in mind when working in a service industry, where you are dealing with new people every day. Everyone has different way of interacting, different way of conveying a message and as someone who has to decipher exactly what someone wants, you have to be in tune with different personalities. Ive found that listening is the most important thing to do when having an initial conversation with the client. Secondly is to ask the right questions. You want to pull out as much information and learn the most about that person in your initial meeting. You will learn quickly how things with progress based on their responses, and determine what the best mode of communication with that person is. I've always told me self just remember that understanding and patience are two things you must never take for granted.

Open Communication


Being able to understand and be patient with a client is essential, but there is alot more than this when it comes to actually implementing the plan you have created with them. You must be able to keep consistent communication with the client. Always making them aware of any changes or bumps along the road when it comes to your booking and confirming their appointments and meetings with vendors. Again this can come back to the personality of your client, some may find it their mission every day to send you many emails, with questions, concerns etc. Others may be silent, until you probe them with questions. Its important to recognize a balance for yourself and between you and your client when communicating. Like any business operating in the service industry creating a positive client experience is essential. It is positive word of mouth that will build your blossoming business, and capture you some great referrals.


So, now you have read two major areas of concern that are essential to the event planning industry. Every job is different and will not always run as smooth as you would like it to, but I find that if you keep a clear head and listen while asking the right questions you can avoid plenty of headaches and misunderstandings.


Good luck to others starting out in the industry!

~Jennifer

Events are Everywhere

I recently had someone say to me, how do you make a living doing events...I paused for a second because I thought this was a very strange question. However, after thinking about it, I totally see why people would think that. So this is about events and how they surround us...and how I can make a living doing what I love!

Events happen every day around us, and most people do not even realize some of these ‘things’ would even be considered an event. The obvious events are those that are more talked about, such as weddings, fundraisers and golf tournaments. Events can be very small to extremely large. G20 (in Toronto) is a great example of a large scale event; where as ‘reading time’ at a local library is an example of a small event.

Events are a great way to get publicity, obviously the media would be more interested in going to a store opening if it is a bigger production with special people invited because this then becomes something the public would be interested in, therefore it is ‘newsworthy’ and also considered an event. The reason I think events get overlooked sometimes is because most people do not understand the organization that goes into planning one.

There is always a purpose for events, be it publicity, fundraising, celebrating or givebacks/kickbacks and it is the job of the event planner to ensure the purpose of the event is successfully completed. I know with every event Elite Events does, it is our sole mission to create something that leaves a lasting impression on those who attend and without that you cannot have a successful event.

Events are everywhere!

Check out the Video Clip below to see Lindsay of Elite Events Management at the 

Toronto Honda Indy July 17, 2010

-Lindsay

The Candy Bar

Whats the huge new trend in the choice of wedding favors for 2010? It's an interactive piece of art at your wedding, and is known as a "Candy Bar" or Candy Buffet" a wildly popular favor choice this year. A candy bar can actually be economical in terms of saving on wedding favors for your wedding.

The average cost of a wedding favor is about 3% of your over all budget but anywhere between $5-$15 per guest or per couple. This can add up quickly is you are on a budget. Therefore not only is the candy bar a focal point at your wedding but it is extremely cost efficient. One can purchase take away bags/boxes/ or tins from as little as $0.25! And if you stick to candy that excludes chocolate and any other specialty (expensive) assortments you can create a candy bar for well under your initial budget.

Candy comes in all shapes and colors and can add that pop to your wedding decor, and keep your guests talking throughout the night about it. One thing to also consider when budgeting for a candy bar is the jars and glassware. These can get pricey fast! So your best option is to rent. Renting can range any where between $100-$300 for jars and decor. So keep this in mind when totaling your overall expenses for favors. Ideally you are looking at $350.00 for everything, for a medium sized wedding of approximately 100 guests. Which is only $3.50 per person!

This is a great option if you are stumped for favor ideas, and want something a little less traditional. It is easy enough to do it yourself, but for a showstopping masterpiece its always good to go to the professionals for advice!


-Jennifer