At the time, the conversation was frustrating as hell. I have never liked answering a slew of questions because in my warped mind it feels like I’m being challenged. So as we sat in the truck flying down the highways and byways of America, I was challenged to explain to my other half just exactly what it is I do as an event designer. The explanation “I DESIGN EVENTS” just wasn’t hitting it for him. I even attempted to detail some of the services that I provide, such as DESIGNING THE EVENT (decor), vendor selection and negotiation, budget maintenance, and the overall coordination of putting together the event. Looking back on the conversation now I can’t stop myself from laughing. The end result was him asking what TANGIBLE good was I selling and saying that I was scamming people by charging to make phone calls and order people around. But see……my business is not one of a physical item as much as MY CREATIVITY and TALENT.
- Not everyone can “make phone calls and order people around.” You need to know WHO to call, WHAT to say, and HOW MUCH it’s worth. When ordering people around you have to know what the order is!
- If I dropped off 100 72″ round tables (which seat 10 people each) at Melette’s front door and told her that I wanted to have a reception….she would have absolutely NO IDEA what to do. I do! Not only that….but when I’m finished with those tables…..they’ll be in a magazine for being trendsetting.
- If I called Hostess and told her to staff a political fundraiser banquet and concert, she might cuss me underneath her breath…..so see…the phone calls I make are valuable. You have to know who to contact about security for your local governor as well as Earth, Wind, and Fire (and trust me…it’s not the same firm.)
- What’s worth the money? ME!
When I actually WORK on my craft, I get so excited that I’m giddy. I’m full of joy and wonder. I love it! When I talk about it my mind is racing. Today I asked myself “why do I feel differently when I’m working than when I’m thinking about it?” That’s because when I’m working the only thing I’m focusing on is the design….the fun of it all. But when I am thinking about the running of a business, money comes into play and brings doubt with it. Isn’t that horrendous! Today someone told me that I come up with the ideas that they see at a world famous location.
And in the back of my head I wondered “but can I make world famous location money????? hmmmmm”
Today I signed up for a table top contest at an industry convention in Las Vegas!
I am also considering signing up to participate as a team member in team competitions for tent design. It will depend on how much time is required vs. how it will interfere with the workshops.
Talking to TJ…..I recognized that I’m going to be running like CRAZY and may need to look into getting some on site assistance in Vegas.
But what’s more important than anything is that I’m taking the Mr. (cause I KNOW he’s always down for a trip to Vegas) and he will get to SEE what I do (instead of thinking that I’m scamming people). LOL
Category: Diva Designs
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Oh it’s definitely NOT a scam. I couldn’t plan an event if my life depended on it and I know I’m not alone. Heck, even the thought of putting an event together makes me cringe. There are people who want to appear fabulous (like yours truly) but don’t know how to go about it. That’s where you come in. Good luck in Vegas!
So now this turns into a Vegas scam?
Use your maiden name when we get there. I’m too cute to go to jail.
Seriously.
I would know what to do. I would call another event designer. Your other half needs to understand that you don’t offer a tangible good but a valuable service. Event designing is not something that is for the faint at heart. It takes a creative, organized and talented individual to give a client what they want in their budget on a special day. A well-connected event designer is also a great help because they know several people in each industry needed for the event so that if one doesn’t work out there is a contingency plan in place. The average individual does not have the time or the patience to cultivate those relationships. Any large scale event that I would have, you would be in charge because I know that it will be done tastefully and it would reflect both the designer and myself in the best light. That’s why you are the bomb at what you do and I pray you never stop doing it.
Girlfriend, I’ve been planning and organizing my own events for years and KNOW the value that you provide. Do you do stuff outta state? You can do all my events from now on. Humph! That way I can still be the Hostess with the Mostest AND enjoy my event.