I watch the news. So, I'm cued in and Twitter-ed up. I've had my "light bulb" moment.They tell us all day long what you want, so as far as I'm concerned there's no excuse for some of us not giving it to you.
You say you want actionable information to help you solve problems. And yes, as consumers, you have the right to information that can get your problems solved. The uncertainty in today's economy calls for efficient resources coming from entrepreneurs that have good insight, who will share practical tips to help you survive and thrive during these crazy, turbulent times.
At Cater-Hater, you can turn here for catering and event planning commentary, industry expert tips and advice for surviving the downturn. I'll share my professional experience (and some personal experiences); about how to manage entertaining, teaching you how-to present a budget conscious party in luxury event style during this downturn. And there will be polls for you to tell me what the state of the economy means to you regarding your everyday life and the party industry.
This moment in our economic cycle is a great opportunity for you to speak out about your consumer concerns and be heard.
Talk back. Even Google is listening. And, they might tell Twitter! Because not saying what you want to say about wasting money on old school, over-priced services is silly! Just as an industry-wide gas standard would have helped the Motor City (or affectionately known as, the un-Motor City) twenty years ago, a party industry-wide price restructuring would actually help most caterers, large and small.
The party industry would be forced to really examine themselves and today's consumer, and the "want " versus "need" reality of parties in general that plays a large part in the consumer buying pattern (I'd rather work at making consumers happy... than worrying about being "liked" by people who are working it, and not "working at it " by trying to make consumers feel a bit better financially. It's just not cool to pay a lot as a result of "party engineering").
Talk back. Even Google is listening. And, they might tell Twitter! Because not saying what you want to say about wasting money on old school, over-priced services is silly! Just as an industry-wide gas standard would have helped the Motor City (or affectionately known as, the un-Motor City) twenty years ago, a party industry-wide price restructuring would actually help most caterers, large and small.
The party industry would be forced to really examine themselves and today's consumer, and the "want " versus "need" reality of parties in general that plays a large part in the consumer buying pattern (I'd rather work at making consumers happy... than worrying about being "liked" by people who are working it, and not "working at it " by trying to make consumers feel a bit better financially. It's just not cool to pay a lot as a result of "party engineering").
Performance pay is okay, but risk should be rewarded. It's a rarity finding anyone these days willing to go to bat for someone outside of themselves.
I also think that it's fine for risk-takers that are skilled pros to expect consumers to "get" what they stand for. Why be such a skeptic? Why not believe it? Why not get the deal? You appear to believe in (and not questioning) paying higher prices. If nothing else, respect "risks". I'm mostly talking about a caterer or event planner with special deals and offers that are the real deal after all, and not just a bribe to get you signed up and on board, in hopes of capturing your business and getting your money in the future.
I also think that it's fine for risk-takers that are skilled pros to expect consumers to "get" what they stand for. Why be such a skeptic? Why not believe it? Why not get the deal? You appear to believe in (and not questioning) paying higher prices. If nothing else, respect "risks". I'm mostly talking about a caterer or event planner with special deals and offers that are the real deal after all, and not just a bribe to get you signed up and on board, in hopes of capturing your business and getting your money in the future.
As a party writer and professional caterer and event planner, I've sometimes gotten stuck because there has been a disconnect between what something costs and what you (the consumer) get. This might not make sense to you, at first... but, it costs the individual nothing to pay more, because they often like the bragging rights of dealing with a caterer or event planner who appears super successful and is focused on money (mainly their own and not so much yours).
That concept works until the economy tanks, like it has. Now everyone struggles - consumers, caterers and event planners. The consumers themselves should be in an uproar to end the practice of being expected to pay such exorbitant prices. Especially since couples are waiting out the recession because they can't afford their wedding costs. Couples are pushing their reception dates back as a result. I don't get it, but somehow the very same consumers aren't in an uproar because... guess what... they're tricked into believing this is just the way it is. So, everyone is stuck.
That concept works until the economy tanks, like it has. Now everyone struggles - consumers, caterers and event planners. The consumers themselves should be in an uproar to end the practice of being expected to pay such exorbitant prices. Especially since couples are waiting out the recession because they can't afford their wedding costs. Couples are pushing their reception dates back as a result. I don't get it, but somehow the very same consumers aren't in an uproar because... guess what... they're tricked into believing this is just the way it is. So, everyone is stuck.
If you are a reckless, "the-more-I-spend-the-better-it-is" believer, more power to you. If you oppose that way of thinking, then come join the Cater-Hater bandwagon. We need more people who will speak out about consumer injustice.
But if you're standing in the middle about the high costs of just about everything because you're not willing to do or say anything about it, because you don't have the guts to speak up, that's just plain silly.
But if you're standing in the middle about the high costs of just about everything because you're not willing to do or say anything about it, because you don't have the guts to speak up, that's just plain silly.
Hell, there are more of you than there are of us.
Other related posts:
Cater-Hater?
Using Twitter to Find a Caterer or Event Planner
Good Catering and Event Planning Party Deals
Get Cheap and Shameless Catering Deals
A Truth about Hiring Party Professionals
Are You a Party Visionary?
Parties at Home... Better & Back In Style!
Cater-Hater?
Using Twitter to Find a Caterer or Event Planner
Good Catering and Event Planning Party Deals
Get Cheap and Shameless Catering Deals
A Truth about Hiring Party Professionals
Are You a Party Visionary?
Parties at Home... Better & Back In Style!
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Written by Carlo of Carlo At Your Service Productions
