Thursday, January 20, 2011

Got ETHICS?

I'm not even sure how this post will "evolve", so I'm just going to put my "thoughts" out there......

I've been in the wedding planning industry since 1993.  That's 18 years worth of blood, sweat and tears that have been devoted to discovering, learning and honing my "craft."  And yes - the road has been amazing as well as rough.  I came into the business at a time when wedding planners were just starting to "catch on" and the public could see what a real asset we are.  During these years, I've watched people come and go - almost revolving-door like in it's intensity, but that is the nature of the beast.  Someone told them that being a wedding planning was "super fun", "glamourous" and the best one of all - "you can get rich"!  Once they got on the job, they discovered real quick that while indeed, the industry is wonderful..the work of the planner is exceedingly HARD.

In observing the "revolving door" phenomenon, I've noticed that there are a lot of people, spinning through, who have absolutely not one iota of ethical behavior.  NONE.  These are the folks who will do anything to "get a sale" {including slitting your throat if they have to}, these are the folks for whom the term "my word is my bond" does not exist in their limited world view, these are the folks that play the "copycat" game to the hilt, because they have not once ounce of originality {which is KEY to being a success in this business} residing in their core, these are the people who just don't GET IT.

Perhaps you've met one of them in your travels...you know who they are when you meet them.  They talk a great game but regrettably, can't back it up.  They want to suck you dry like a vampire - inhaling all of the knowledge you have, so they can greedily transfuse it into themselves. They will do anything, say anything, become anything...just to get over.  That is so damn sad.  Really.

The wedding business is not a shell game where you can rapidly move the "nuts", thereby forcing your "mark" to guess where the prize is.  We are talking about an event, a milestone occasion that for many people, really does only occur once in their lifetimes.  Our job as purveyors and producers is to ensure that all is flawless and well executed, so that our client's memories are wonderful and everlasting.  Nobody has time for foolishness or for people who cannot be trusted as far as you can throw them.

So I'm saying {because it doesn't appear that any one else will!} - STOP THE MADNESS!  Be about your business..be honest in your dealing with others, stop trying to "con" people, cease the lying about what you've done {the truth will come out eventually}, stop name-dropping {because no one cares - only you do}, in short..commit to being the BEST you can be, within your scope.  Get some ETHICS, will ya?  Grow a backbone and be an ASSET to the industry...not a fungus that grows between it's toes.......

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well you said it! And as a newbie to the industry I've asked lots of veterans questions, including you!

For example, at the I DO Brunch last year, you had the grits bar and said to us, to use it, so I did. But to the event planner, I said, I got this idea from the Wedding Diva herself at the I Do Brunch, giving credit where it was due. I never take an idea that wasn't mine as though it was.

I did a marketing presentation last night and I shared that our area is flooded with wedding and event planner and the ONLY way to make your mark in the Delmarva area is to be YOURSELF! Baltimore already has a Wedding Diva, a Marcy Crump, and a DMD...what it needs is a T Lynne (shameless plug). I only take on events I know I can produce, if I can't do it I refer folks to capable people who can. I want repeat customers...my momma didn't raise no fool!

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree more. It can be very cut throat in this business of trying to make some one's dreams come true. You have unethical wedding and event planners but you also have unethical potential clients who will waste your time,energy, and efforts and then get your ideas and never give you credit nor pay for them. I am in this business because I love it. But it can also be very draining.

Editor said...

I've only got two words for you..... Well said!

Unknown said...

Lynnette, you are a true inspiration and I admire you because you seem to be yourself (I don't know you personally) and you are real. I have been head on for only 5 years and it is hard work but I strive to make myself better with every step I take. It may be baby steps, but I know this is where my heart lies. I will be here with years and years to come. Thank you for always telling the truth.

Unknown said...

Love It. When industry friends are facing tough decisions, I always give them similar advice. Always take the high road, and do what is best not only for yourself and your client, but for the industry as a whole! Doing the right thing will get you the respect you deserve as a professional, and it always pays off in the end.