Success requires more than talent and a strong work ethic
Artwork by Benny Kanofsky (left) and Anthony Burrill (right).
If you've worked in the bridal industry for more than twenty minutes, then you know that a person is not always their best self when planning their wedding.
There are several reasons for this: unseen family dynamics at play, emotions long buried now bubbling to the surface, fear and uncertainty at this new season of life and, of course, daily conversations about money, which is generally not a comfortable topic regardless of purchase size.
If you expect your clients (or their families) to be saints all the time, you're in the wrong line of work.
Being generous doesn't just apply to material resources – sometimes it means being generous with our patience and empathy as well.
It means extending the benefit of the doubt when you'd rather make a snap judgment.
It means not expecting people to be fully rational when making decisions about an emotional milestone event.
It means listening on a deeper level, beyond just what your clients say aloud.
It means asking for the story and leaving space for it to be shared.
If you want to make it in weddings, you'll need these qualities – gracious generosity and deep listening – in spades.
Originally published March 2013
Written by
LIENE STEVENS
Liene Stevens, the founder and CEO of Think Splendid, is an author, speaker, and award-winning business strategist. Armed with $2000, a healthy work ethic, and an undeserved dose of privilege, Liene bootstrapped Think Splendid from a scribble in a notebook to a successful wedding business consulting firm with a client list spanning 94 countries
