The Five C’s

Written by: WPIC Representative, Jaxx Swadi of One Sweet Day

As the WPIC Regional Representative for both Halton & Niagara, I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with four other Ontario Reps to create the first ever WPIC Kick-Off to see 2013 off to an inspiring start for the 128 wedding professionals in attendance.

The experience was fantastic.  We all had amazing strengths to offer this amazing event.  And what one didn’t do, another could without blinking.  This is what I love about this industry.  We all have something so unique to bring to the table, yet there is still room for each and every one of us.  What one couple sees in me, another couple may not.  Our strengths to one couple, may be weaknesses to another.

Photo Credit – Kim Choy

Collaboration:  Many of us are in this industry for the love of what we do, and for the most part are sole business owners.  There are some of us in partnerships, and it can be done successfully!  You just have to remember to check your ego at the door, because there is a certain art to collaboration, and it leads to the other C’s.

Challenge:  In any industry, you know that collaboration between creative “Type-A” personalities, with different offerings and ideas would be challenging – but no doubt has the potential to create something fantastic to accommodate everyone’s tastes.  You MUST go with the flow when things become challenging, because they will.  Everyone is trying to achieve the same thing – perfection!  And in the end, all that matters is that the guests and attendees see the efforts that were made for them to enjoy.

Compromise:  This is so very important.  There are tons of amazing ideas that we all have buzzing around in our brains on an individual level, let alone when there is a meeting of the minds!  I’m sure there are a good number of us, lying awake at night with our brains lit up!  Sometimes, we need to let a little bit of what we want go, in order to make room for an idea that comes together in a joint effort. There is nothing wrong with compromise.  It makes for a bit of everything wonderful, and everyone comes out looking good because they participated and their ideas were brought to fruition.

Compassion & Courtesy:  I personally would like to think that these go hand in hand.  Not just when you are collaborating, but when you are involved directly or indirectly with any industry colleagues or even your clients!  Everyone’s circumstances are different.   We are human BEFORE we are planners, and it’s important to treat everyone with a bit of compassion and courtesy.  You never know what people have going on in their lives.  The bridesmaid sobbing in the bathroom?  Maybe she just lost someone close to her.  The angry Father of the Bride?  Maybe he is afraid of losing his little girl.  What about the colleague that is off in a corner at an event, afraid to talk to anyone?  Perhaps she’s been snubbed or bullied before, and is now too afraid to approach anyone.  Or maybe they’re intimidated because they are new to the industry.  A little compassion goes a LONG way.  I know from a personal perspective, it is a trait that I truly appreciate in anyone I come across, and I am always thrilled to chat with people or help anyone in need.  (My husband says I want to save the world, but that’s a whole different blog…LOL!)

And what happens when you put the Five C’s into place?  A smashing good time, that’s what!

Photo Credit – Marcie Costello Photography

Sure, we are all trying to get ahead, and make a living, pay our bills, feed our families, I get it, believe me!  But it doesn’t cost us anything extra to have a bit of heart with everyone we meet, come across or work with.  After all, we are in the business of love!

On that note, I bid you all One Sweet Day

Jaxx