Learn from Others

A couple of weeks ago I took an adventurous trip white water rafting down 45 miles of the Colorado River and taking a helicopter ride down the Grand Canyon.  What an adrenaline rush as I hit the level 7 rapids!! 
  

I came back refreshed with a clearer view of my business direction; how I would like to market my skills and abilities.  Stepping away from my hectic life and crossing off one of the "Bucket List" items made me appreciate life and what it can offer both personally and businesswise.
 
This break also gave me a great opportunity to watch how Tour Operators handle groups and see a different perspective; that of a guests point of view.  My mandate is to always watch, learn and listen, noting comments from individuals, the major item from this group was COMMUNICATION. 
  
People were not sure as to where they should go and who was directing them.  I had felt slighted lost at times but as an Event Planner I tried not to be over critical with those organizing an event which I have not, we cannot see it from their point of view. 
 
With my next major event September 4, East Indian Wedding - 430 guests, I will be extremely cognizant of ensuring all the guests involved know what is expected and where they should be - so my trip not only gave me a renewed zest but also an excellent opportunity to illustrate how communications skills play a large role within any type of event.

Work Hard - Play Hard

With one Indian Wedding under my belt, the next within a couple of weeks and followed by a Moroccan/Lebanese wedding I need to step away and take a break.  What better way to do it but take an adventurous white water rafting trip down the Colorado River and then helicopter ride down the Grand Canyon.

Sounds like a plan.  Staying in Las Vegas to have fun as well and then attend a Criss Angel Show at Luxor should complete the madcap mini vacation.  The trepidation and of fear riding down the Colorado River plus the mystery of an illusionist will set me back on track for a hectic September.

My philosophy has been the more busy I get the more I need to take my mind of it, then I come back refreshed and revived a plus for both the client and myself.

Remember to always give yourself some down time.  At the end of the year I always take a R & R vacation, one to say well done another year completed with more successful events and happy clients.

Upon my return from this end of the year vacation I am then in the mode to sit down and plan out my  strategies for 2012 and look forward to the future with a clear and revived point of view.

It's Official - I'm an East Indian Wedding Planner

I can now officially call myself an East Indian Wedding Coordinator.  The groom and bride were wonderful people and their respective families made me totally welcome. 

The couple had organized all vendors, together we created the time lines for their special day, which included the ceremony and reception, my schedule was 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. non-stop and believe me it was exciting, demanding and totally rewarding.

My decision to stay the night before was an excellent idea, various vendors arriving to set-up needed advice, assistance and just someone to brain storm.

I had reduced my rate because honesty being my top priority and told the families this would be my 1st coordination of this type of event but I was definitely confident with large productions and this was huge, 400 guests, 3 different types of set-ups and numerous individuals to assist.

Did I enjoy it - YES.  Would I do it again YES.  Good job as I have now been hired to coordinate another East Indian Wedding in September and a Moroccan Wedding  too - I love my chosen career!!