by: Nicole Konkin, WPICC, CWD of Sugar Plum Events
Sugar Plum Events is a wedding planning business based in Edmonton, Alberta. With over 12 years of experience, award-winner Nicole Konkin has produced events world-wide with her scope in weddings, immersive special events, reunions, galas, fundraisers, and more.
Okay Friends. Truth Bomb Time.
How was your 2020?
Was it tough? Was it exciting? Did it almost ruin you?
Did you accomplish 5 years’ worth of goals in one messy, dysfunctional year?
The truth is, your company culture became your immune system. If you didn’t like what you experienced, it’s likely time for a health check. Here’s the Rx to get you there.
Did I Test Positive For Company Culture?
These are your core values. These are the values that will never be compromised; no matter what is thrown your way. This is the piece of you that controls everything you think, say and do. And it’s the petri dish where your immune system grows.
Prepare Your Petri Dish.
Great News! You tested positive for Company Culture! Your immune system is well underway.
Here’s how to grow an immune system that finds respite in the face of adversity.
1. Ensure that every piece of collateral conveys your company culture.
This is written and in imagery woven throughout the experiences that you have with your couples, colleagues and vendor. This includes your website, welcome packages, proposals and marketing materials.
- Do they know what you stand for without you having to say it?
- Is it a subliminal experience?
- Are your images inclusive and diverse if you are an inclusive brand?
- Do you show images of llamas as props if you are against animal exploitation and cruelty?
- Do you display the LGBTQ flag if you welcome all love? Is it obvious that you welcome all love?
2. Plaster your social media with company culture.
Your social media images and highlights should be fluid with your company culture.
If you are inclusive, what does this mean to you? Do you have photos that show what inclusion means to you without anyone asking? If you don’t- jump on the Styled Shoot Train and start passively aggressively telling the world who you are and what you stand for.
Is there a world problem (or homegrown problem) that’s keeping you up at night? Post it! Share that! Always use mindful language that conveys your culture without sounding reactive. If you are really passionate about it, write it out then walk away. Come back and read your draft with the eyes of those who you want to attract. Not because you need to edit your content to fit a superficial culture but because we are humans and we are passionate! It’s a beautiful thing but we don’t always mean what we say in the heat of the moment or consider how someone else may read what we have written. It’s not about censoring yourself, it’s about creating a space of good communication.
What’s the point of speaking your truth if, in turn, you don’t represent who you truly are? Much like how we need to survey ourselves about whether the way our spouse chews their food is actually worth the divorce. We may want to at the moment, but that’s not what we truly want. Take a hot minute and let it simmer.
3. Talk the Talk
- Do you use inclusive language or default to “bride+groom”?
- When you post, is everything you write reflective of your company culture?
- With what you write, are you drawing in like-minded comments from engaged followers and attracting new followers?
- Are you authentic to your company culture whether people are watching or not?
At the end of the day, having a pretty site with carefully worded content does not mean a thing if the “every day you” isn’t an extension of this culture.
4. Herd Immunity
Surround yourself with colleagues, clients, friends and community that align with your core values. The more people in your herd, the more potent your company culture will become and you’ll begin to see the doors to the ideal world opening around you.
5. Mix Thoroughly
Company Culture, when authentically mixed with the world around you, will become your immune system. When the storms begin, you herd will be there to help steady the anchor. They will continue to help carry you though as you carry them. Your clients will stay with you, support you and cheer for you. This is your immune system.
Regardless of the storm, (personally or globally) love continues and weddings continue. If you are ready to welcome others onto your boat and have created an inclusive space for those who share your culture, affinity will prevail.
Rx | Refills: 365| Apply Company Culture Liberally.
Apply Company Culture 1000-5000 times per day.
When others stick to you like mosquitos to Vaseline- these are your people. Take them along with you. Safety in numbers.
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