Elevating Professionalism

by Tracey Manailescu, WPIC Co-founder and Vice President

A Call to Action for Wedding Professionals

As seasoned wedding professionals, we understand the importance of maintaining a high standard of professionalism in all aspects of our work. Recently, I joined Threads and was taken aback by the amount of negativity and bashing directed towards clients and fellow wedding professionals on the platform. It’s disheartening and frankly, shocking, to witness such behaviour in a community that thrives on collaboration and mutual respect.

The Impact of Negativity

Social media platforms like Threads can be valuable tools for networking, sharing ideas, and building relationships within the industry. However, they can also become toxic environments if not used responsibly. The tendency to criticize others for charging different rates, editing styles, client base size, or years of experience is not only unprofessional but borders on bullying.

This negativity doesn’t just affect those being targeted; it reflects poorly on the person posting as well. Remember, your account can be viewed by clients and other vendors. What message are you sending to potential clients if they see you engaging in online drama? It can erode trust and damage your reputation, making it harder to build the positive relationships that are essential in our industry.

A Better Approach

Here are a few strategies to help elevate professionalism within our community:

1. Positive Engagement: Use your platform to uplift and support your peers. Share your successes, offer constructive advice, and celebrate the achievements of others. By fostering a positive environment, you contribute to a culture of mutual respect and growth.
2. Private Venting: Everyone needs to let off steam sometimes, but public forums are not the place for it. Save your frustrations for private conversations with a trusted friend, family member, or significant other. This keeps the negativity out of the public eye and maintains your professional image.
3. Constructive Criticism: If you feel compelled to offer criticism, ensure it is constructive and delivered privately. Publicly shaming or criticizing others helps no one and only serves to create division and resentment.
4. Focus on Your Path: Concentrate on your own journey and what you can do to improve and grow. Comparing yourself to others can be detrimental and is often based on incomplete information. Celebrate your unique strengths and the path that brought you here.

The Professionalism Standard

As wedding professionals, we set the tone for the events we create and the relationships we build. By maintaining a high standard of professionalism, we not only enhance our own businesses but also contribute to a healthier, more supportive industry overall.

It’s tempting to watch the train wreck of online drama, perhaps even with a glass of wine in hand. However, we have a responsibility to rise above and set an example for others to follow. Let’s focus on building each other up, offering support and guidance, and maintaining the professionalism that our clients and peers expect from us.

Let’s make a conscious effort to be the change we want to see in the industry. Together, we can create a community that thrives on respect, positivity, and mutual success.

For more insights and expert tips on navigating the wedding industry with professionalism and grace, visit our blog regularly or reach out to us directly. We’re here to support you in your journey to excellence.

Thank you for your commitment to professionalism and for being a part of a community that values respect and integrity. Together, we can elevate the standard of our industry and continue to create beautiful, memorable events for our clients.