Engage10: Recap Part Two
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 3:23AM For those of you who know me, you know I can talk – too much. This two part series might be my blogging version of that, but it will be over soon, I promise!
More of what Engage taught me…
#5 Practical Info - on twitter, only type what I can fit into 140 characters without abbreviating in text speak (i.e. gr8 instead of great). Not rocket science but the super smart Liene Stevens of Splendid Communications finally got me to pay attention (studies show businesses who avoid this make more revenue than others). I’m lucky that Liene has taught me the basics, the big concepts, and the little details of the web world since meeting her at the very first Engage in Celebration, FL. She’s the Engage gift that keeps on giving! Keep an eye on her gang, she’s about to become a business household name.
Photo on left by Rebecca Davidson Photography.
#6 Have no fear. My friend Randy Fenoli reminded me of this again this trip. And thanks to his support, I think our cast of characters were able to impart some of that same support on a few unbelievably talented pros who year after year, walk a straight line because they fear what crossing the street might look like. Take the step. As Randy reminded me, what’s the worst that can happen? This is from a man giving autographs left and right to little girls, elderly women and everyone in-between on the island thanks to his hit show, Say Yes to the Dress but more so, because he crossed that street and took that leap. And yes, he’s as wonderful off camera as he is on.
#7 Never stop learning. I learned SO much this week – and tangible stuff, not just the mushy stuff. Like facebook can work for the wedding bsuiness (for photographers who tag their subjects and create a following from everyone at the wedding). Find ways to be everywhere your customers want to be. Dorthy.com is one to watch. The list goes on and on, but to get the goods, you gotta go to Engage10: The Breakers in October this year.
Photos by Jasmine Star.
#8 Find places you feel supported. This year I got to chat at length with two industry icons that I have looked up to since I was a kid (sorry guys, I’m a tad younger). But that's what engage does, and it starts at the top. Rebecca Grinnals built a business on supporting and building the successes of others and at Engage, there's definetely a trickle down effect from her way of life. Surround yourself with likeminded people who want to see you succeed. It’s amazing how we lack this so often in our daily worlds. Seek out your supporters and not just those who are your equals. Like in sports, you perform better and improve your game when you play against a team who is better than you. Find those people, stay, and enjoy the weather.
Photos: Top Left - DVB Photo. Bottom Left - Lara Casey. Right Photo - Jasmine Star.
#9 Success is in the details. Time and time again we heard this message from speakers – many the most successful in our business. Whether that means immediate email responses back to your clients or an Hermes scarf in the color of your brand to arrive the exact day the couple gets home from their honeymoon, make everything count. Engage the event is all about those fantastic details! But so are the attendees and speakers. Todd Avery Lenahan's book is a perfect example. The brilliant interior designer numbers and signs the inner page of each one of his ready-to-be-gifted perfectly wrapped book called Places. The packaging alone stopped me in my tracks, needless to say the content backed it up. Be specific and be intentional about everything you do and the big picture will shine through.
Photos by Rebecca Davidson Photography.
#10 Be grateful. I’m grateful for the amazing and talented pros on this trip that make my life a little sweeter. I could list every single person in that attendee book. All of you have made my business better and my life brighter. But I can't thank everyone so I want to cover a few whom I learned from this week: Rebecca Grinnals, Kathryn Arce, Trisha Hay, Beka Rendell, Siri Eklund, Susan Moynihan, Jennifer Stein, Michelle Rago, Marcy Blum, Darcy Miller, Anthony Lucia, Liene Stevens, Millie Bratten, Carley Roney, Colin Cowie, Sean Low, Todd Fiscus, Todd-Avery Lenahan, Christy Weber, Maria Cooke, Ali Phillips, Bernadette Coveney Smith, Catherine Bachelier Smith, Paige Levy, Tara Bradley, Ami Price, Rosalind Bordo, Xochitl Gonzalez, Laura Hopper, Simon T. Bailey, Cindy Novotny, Sylvia Weinstock, Angela Desveaux, Tatiana Bryon, Jo-Anne Brown, Lara Casey, Jasmine Star, Desiree Patterson, Donna Von Bruening, Joann Delgin, Jules Bianchi, Katie Martin, Kimberly Fink, Shri Lidharrie, Tessa Wolfe and so, so, so many more wonderful and talented people that I can't possibly name everyone (or I'm just too tired to).
If there's one takeaway from this to remember most, it's that if you're in the wedding business or thinking about getting into it - Engage10: The Breakers in October this year is the only place to be. I will see you there (again)!
Okay, J* what’s the verdict? Maybe I overshot it a bit?
Engage 10, Randy Fenoli, Think Splendid in events
Reader Comments (2)
The article is very wonderful. You analyse in the round. I will go on to attention your other wonderful posts. Thank you.
Fab recap #2. You make such great points! I can't wait for October!