January 6 is here again...time for another soul search and goal-setting session. Epiphany is an important day for me (see my post from last January 6). Important changes that I've made in my life for the last twelve years have been initiated on Epiphany. It's now twelve years since I stopped smoking; ten years since I launched my own book-a-month club with myself; seven years since I began researching my business; and so on.
Setting goals in my professional life, personal life, spiritual life and relationships gives me starting points from which to plan the steps to reach the goals by year's end. The broader goals become quarterly goals, which become weekly check-ups following daily exercises. Things don't always move along smoothly, but more often than not, there is improvement and movement toward the broader goal.
This year's goals are particularly vital in all four areas, so I'll need to work hard at focusing on each day's work to reach the benchmarks that tell me I'm making true progress. I get excited about Epiphany each year...what I'll choose to work on; how I'll decide to approach the problem and the ways in which I'll try to invoke change. I would recommend that anyone who wants to change things about their lives try it, just once, and see if it works for them.
I wish you all the very best of love, health and happiness in 2009!
Pat
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Saturday, September 06, 2008
A Different Morph
If you really want to morph...make a plan to morph, put the plan in motion, tell people how you're morphing and what your morph will be like, and then...hold on while the powers that be kick your plan out of the way, make of you what they will and leave you with egg on your face...but morphed nonetheless.
A few months back a friend and colleague, Lynne Cona and I decided to try a partnership. Well, after a while it became evident that things were not comfortable. We're at different places in our lives--she has two little ones; my kids are grown and raising families of their own. She has little time to devote to running a business; I'm enjoying having and running a full-time business in a profession I love. Lynne also loves the profession, but her priorities have to be with her family now. We decided to go back to where we were pre-partnership, chalk it up to experience and remain the friends we've been for five years now.
I'm still morphing, but the morph that will result is totally different than the one I imagined. Ah, well...I'll just have to follow the plan unfolds and hope in the end that I still come out a butterfly.
A few months back a friend and colleague, Lynne Cona and I decided to try a partnership. Well, after a while it became evident that things were not comfortable. We're at different places in our lives--she has two little ones; my kids are grown and raising families of their own. She has little time to devote to running a business; I'm enjoying having and running a full-time business in a profession I love. Lynne also loves the profession, but her priorities have to be with her family now. We decided to go back to where we were pre-partnership, chalk it up to experience and remain the friends we've been for five years now.
I'm still morphing, but the morph that will result is totally different than the one I imagined. Ah, well...I'll just have to follow the plan unfolds and hope in the end that I still come out a butterfly.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Give, Share, Leave with a Smile
Week before last, Lynne and I attended our first eWomenNetwork meeting. Frankly, I was expecting something akin to most of the other networking meetings I attend. Some awkward introductions, some forced conversations, and an over-prepared presentation. What we experienced was anything but.
eWomenNetwork's Accelerated Networking is a patented procedure whereby everyone in attendance offers something of value to at least one other person in attendance. Everyone has the opportunity to voice what her business is in need of and the opportunity to hear what others are in need of. Each person has the opportunity to give and receive--in other words, it's about sharing. We can't wait to do it again.
The program for the meeting was a panel of women involved in different categories of area media, talking about how they got where they are today (which was interesting) and then each offering advice on how to get the attention of media when we're marketing our business (which was invaluable). It's been a long time since I was so impressed with the value of a meeting. Cheers for South Jersey eWomenNetwork, especially Marilyn Kleinberg who's doing a great job as Director!
eWomenNetwork's Accelerated Networking is a patented procedure whereby everyone in attendance offers something of value to at least one other person in attendance. Everyone has the opportunity to voice what her business is in need of and the opportunity to hear what others are in need of. Each person has the opportunity to give and receive--in other words, it's about sharing. We can't wait to do it again.
The program for the meeting was a panel of women involved in different categories of area media, talking about how they got where they are today (which was interesting) and then each offering advice on how to get the attention of media when we're marketing our business (which was invaluable). It's been a long time since I was so impressed with the value of a meeting. Cheers for South Jersey eWomenNetwork, especially Marilyn Kleinberg who's doing a great job as Director!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A Metamorphosis
I have had the good fortune to welcome a partner into Distinctively You Events...Lynne Marie Cona. Lynne and I met in an informal networking setting and I was immediately drawn by her quick mind, enthusiasm and good nature. In those days, Lynne had seemingly boundless energy (somewhat dissipated these days by two preschoolers).
This was not my first attempt at partnering. I was in the process of joining with another person in the business several years ago and it totally fell through. I'm thankful every day that it did. Partnering in business is akin to a marriage and should not involve either person "settling". When Lynne's second child had her first birthday and Lynne expressed both interest and frustration in getting her business going again, the germ of an idea began to take root in my mind.
Before I thought seriously about working with Lynne, my satisfaction with my entrepreneurial experience was mixed. While I networked, met a lot of people, had the greatest mentor ever, and made sure I got out of the office for educational experiences, I felt isolated. I was also frustrated trying to keep up with everything when there were parts of running the business that I was neglecting because I wasn't interested in them. And, of course, there were the times when I couldn't split myself in half and be in two places at once. One obligation had to be chosen over another. I felt as though I was in a cocoon spun around me by all the "have-to's" that come with having one's own business. I knew that I needed...not an assistant to do all the things I dislike doing, but an equal partner whose talents would complement my own and improve the flow of the business. A like-minded soul who would be as passionate about the business as I am.
When the switch went on in my mind, it was so simple. Lynne and I like each other; our belief systems are very similar; our talents complement each other and allow both of us to take satisfaction in what we accomplish. Thankfully, Lynne was agreeable to the idea and we are in the process of acclimating.
Oh...and the cocoon? It's beginning to open and a big, beautiful butterfly is going to emerge.
This was not my first attempt at partnering. I was in the process of joining with another person in the business several years ago and it totally fell through. I'm thankful every day that it did. Partnering in business is akin to a marriage and should not involve either person "settling". When Lynne's second child had her first birthday and Lynne expressed both interest and frustration in getting her business going again, the germ of an idea began to take root in my mind.
Before I thought seriously about working with Lynne, my satisfaction with my entrepreneurial experience was mixed. While I networked, met a lot of people, had the greatest mentor ever, and made sure I got out of the office for educational experiences, I felt isolated. I was also frustrated trying to keep up with everything when there were parts of running the business that I was neglecting because I wasn't interested in them. And, of course, there were the times when I couldn't split myself in half and be in two places at once. One obligation had to be chosen over another. I felt as though I was in a cocoon spun around me by all the "have-to's" that come with having one's own business. I knew that I needed...not an assistant to do all the things I dislike doing, but an equal partner whose talents would complement my own and improve the flow of the business. A like-minded soul who would be as passionate about the business as I am.
When the switch went on in my mind, it was so simple. Lynne and I like each other; our belief systems are very similar; our talents complement each other and allow both of us to take satisfaction in what we accomplish. Thankfully, Lynne was agreeable to the idea and we are in the process of acclimating.
Oh...and the cocoon? It's beginning to open and a big, beautiful butterfly is going to emerge.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Epiphany - Day of Gifts
January 6th has become a day of renewal and reckoning in my life. Eleven years ago today I quit smoking. I had stopped a few times before that, but it never quite stuck. In 1997, I made just one resolution--to give up smoking and I did not begin on January 1st, but waited until the end-of-the-holidays depression let up and, on Epiphany ("Little Christmas", Feast of the Magi), decided to give myself the gift of living smokeless. I spent that day researching ways to help myself through the inevitable withdrawal time. I took up several new activities to keep my mind and hands busy and quit cold-turkey that day.
January 1, 1998 came and I had not smoked since January 6th of the prior year. So, Epiphany has become the day for me to pledge a gift to myself--a gift I have to work at, but the result of which will make my life better. In other words, an epiphany (a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience) on Epiphany (January 6th, Feast of the Magi). Over the years, I've given myself the gift of pledging:
Happy New Year!
Pat
January 1, 1998 came and I had not smoked since January 6th of the prior year. So, Epiphany has become the day for me to pledge a gift to myself--a gift I have to work at, but the result of which will make my life better. In other words, an epiphany (a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience) on Epiphany (January 6th, Feast of the Magi). Over the years, I've given myself the gift of pledging:
- to read at least a book a month, regardless of how busy I am
- to write in my personal journal daily
- to face my own mortality and then concentrate on life
- to do one thing each month that I've never done before
Happy New Year!
Pat
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Another Association?!?!
I'm a "personal event consultant." I'm also a wedding planner, a professional event designer, and a fundraising consultant. The term, "personal event consultant" grew out of frustration with being lumped in with corporate planners and then dismissed as a "party planner" whose work is not to be taken seriously.
Who are recognizable personal event planners? Colin Cowie and David Tutera. Look at their work and you'll get an idea of what we do. We are among the most creative of professions...because we not only have to know how to do fabulous; we also have to know how to do it while meeting the budget.
Personal event consultants differ from corporate event planners and meeting planners in that our events tend to be tied to the personal lives of our clients and the communities in which we live. Seeing the need for those in our profession to have regular access to each other, several close colleagues and I have formed an association dedicated to the establishment and promotion of standards, ethics and continuing education among personal event consultants.
Sounds very lofty....but what does it really mean? Personal event consulting is a relatively new profession that is growing out of the lack of time the average person has to research, plan and execute the kind of social entertaining he or she would like to do. The most well-known of the projects personal event consultants undertake are weddings, but many of us plan and coordinate other social events as well.
Why would someone need a consultant? Time, or rather lack of it, is the most obvious answer. However, the complete answer is more complicated. The ideal event makes guests feel very special via the environment, food and beverage, and details; but, the guests should also feel relaxed and "at-home" enough to have fun--not an easy thing for many people to pull off. Add to that the ideal of having the event reflect the hosts' vision...oh, and make sure they thoroughly enjoy their own event...and you have the goals of, and the challenges to, the personal event consultant.
Not having the time or energy to explain what "personal event consultant" means at every turn, my colleagues and I decided on "professional event designer," with "designer" taking on the meaning of "architect"--literally, one who plans, organizes, and structures. The name indicates that we do all three, but we may also do one or two and not the other(s).
The most effective way for consultants to continue learn the ins and outs of the profession, as well as to forge peer relationships is through an association dedicated to their niche in the industry. That is the what, why, and wherefore behind the Association of Professional Event Designers. Look for us in the future as a measure of the commitment of the professional you're considering. APED will become the standard in our region.
If you'd like any information, please leave a comment or email me. We'd love to hear from you as to your needs, perceptions, and perspectives.
Regards,
Pat
Who are recognizable personal event planners? Colin Cowie and David Tutera. Look at their work and you'll get an idea of what we do. We are among the most creative of professions...because we not only have to know how to do fabulous; we also have to know how to do it while meeting the budget.
Personal event consultants differ from corporate event planners and meeting planners in that our events tend to be tied to the personal lives of our clients and the communities in which we live. Seeing the need for those in our profession to have regular access to each other, several close colleagues and I have formed an association dedicated to the establishment and promotion of standards, ethics and continuing education among personal event consultants.
Sounds very lofty....but what does it really mean? Personal event consulting is a relatively new profession that is growing out of the lack of time the average person has to research, plan and execute the kind of social entertaining he or she would like to do. The most well-known of the projects personal event consultants undertake are weddings, but many of us plan and coordinate other social events as well.
Why would someone need a consultant? Time, or rather lack of it, is the most obvious answer. However, the complete answer is more complicated. The ideal event makes guests feel very special via the environment, food and beverage, and details; but, the guests should also feel relaxed and "at-home" enough to have fun--not an easy thing for many people to pull off. Add to that the ideal of having the event reflect the hosts' vision...oh, and make sure they thoroughly enjoy their own event...and you have the goals of, and the challenges to, the personal event consultant.
Not having the time or energy to explain what "personal event consultant" means at every turn, my colleagues and I decided on "professional event designer," with "designer" taking on the meaning of "architect"--literally, one who plans, organizes, and structures. The name indicates that we do all three, but we may also do one or two and not the other(s).
The most effective way for consultants to continue learn the ins and outs of the profession, as well as to forge peer relationships is through an association dedicated to their niche in the industry. That is the what, why, and wherefore behind the Association of Professional Event Designers. Look for us in the future as a measure of the commitment of the professional you're considering. APED will become the standard in our region.
If you'd like any information, please leave a comment or email me. We'd love to hear from you as to your needs, perceptions, and perspectives.
Regards,
Pat
Friday, June 29, 2007
A New View
You might notice that there has been a slight gap in posts on the blog. During the nine-plus months since my last post, I've envisioned, developed, written...then re-envisioned, re-developed, and re-written a new image for my company that more accurately reflects me. During half this time the good ladies at 4 Tails Design Group LLC were charged with taking what was in my head and designing and bringing about my new image--logo, website and collateral material. It's what they do. What they did not know when they started was that they were dealing with an obsessive event consultant who was determined to have her company image accurately reflect her. Doesn't really sound that hard, does it?Well I have to say that after this experience I have much more sympathy for the brides who don't know exactly how they want their weddings to reflect them. I went full circle from telling the designers that I would do a lot of color, but probably never blue (!?) to a very safe, neutral palette to brilliant shades of Caribbean blues. It was a search for what clicked for me at every turn. Applying this to my work, I have to say that from this point on, I will totally understand the bride who tells me she's just not sure about what she wants, or changes her mind midstream.
As as for the talented ladies at 4 Tails, I can only say that they did a wonderful job with the patience of saints through all my craziness. I'm serious when I say that this has been like giving birth--without the physical pain, but with all the expectation, fear, obsessive preparation, and relief that labor and childbirth bring. Thank you very much Nancy and Joyce for all your help, understanding and patience. "When you speak of this...and you will...please be kind."
Warm regards,
Pat
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