Seeing the truth of what's happening, by finding out what's really going on can serve as a warning for you to know what to watch out for.
Here are some of my "old school" rules.
- My Rule #One: Get the one committed to helping you.
The catering or event planning company that you hire shouldn't be one that opts for seeking self-gratification; attempting to sway you into to things that benefit their needs. Find people that are willing to be transparent. Don't do business with people that "do" phony. True consumer-focused and concerned business people aren't phony people - that just makes sense, doesn't it? If they're consumer-concerned, first, they'll want to build a solid foundation within the relationships that they're fortunate enough to acquire.
- My Rule #Two: Hire the one who will work to create great relationships.
It's wise to consider the industry that fuels the revenue in your city and state - and timing is key. Here's what I mean. Unexpected economic timing can explain the "attention span" of people that we meet. They've said for years that "everything that glitters isn't gold". Which tells you, don't take it personal if a party professional tells you that they will do things to help you and not live up to their offers.
Don't let them fool you.
Just because a caterer or event planner hands you a brochure doesn't constitute that they truly care about you. Don't think about what you're going to get... even if someone leads you hook, line and sinker to believe that they're going to help you. Accept what you're given and move on to find the right professional. Then go back to My Rule #One and continue to be committed to getting your party or reception produced whether anyone else is or not.
- My Rule#Three: If they don't give, give, give... Then never mind!
You want to hear these questions: "What can I do for you?", "What can I give to you?", "How can I help you?".
I'm a giver, believing that it is better to give than receive. The right caterer or event planner will put you first. They should genuinely want to and like to help people. A "giving" professional will offer to make an introduction or offer a good resource to help you, even if they're not hired.
Everyone would agree that there is no better asset - personally or professionally, than someone that keeps their word because that is something honorable that you can count on.
BONUS RULE: Ask for one to three free services or gifts. This will help you to determine whether or not there is a good fit for doing business together. It's good to lookout for yourself by being a "Cater-Hater".
As far as I'm concerned, some business owners aren't telling you the truth. So you know that has to be true about some of the caterers and event planners out there. What you don't know is that some of them talk, albeit privately, about the importance of being money driven and unfortunately not a heck of a lot about being consumer concern driven. Especially now, because of the downward turn of the economy.
It's become so commonplace that I'm not sure anyone really understands what it means to really care about you guys, the consumers, anymore. Granted, everyone isn't like that. But, those that are like that certainly aren't going to be obvious about it - especially in front of you.
Every man for himself. Dog eat dog.
Call me old fashioned, but that's not what I think of when I think of caring about people in the purest sense. That's what got us into this mess in the first place - greed, selfishness and egos. Peter Guber, currently the chairman of Mandalay Entertainment and former chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, once did a television interview and said something that I never forgot. "You know what ego means (or stands for), don't you? Edging God Out.", he said. That was a new one that caused me to pause. Coming from a man of his stature, I found it pretty interesting.
This may sound old fashioned... but "we" need to care.
Yes, we. As in, "we" in the party industry. There has never been a good time to "get over" on people, and certainly not during our current state of economic uncertainty. Honest, true caring and concern isn't some phony act, enacted in front of a client for show. And, it's not idle promises of help, followed by infinite excuses of being busy. Caring begins vendor to vendor, business to business, and person to person.
Caring about people - caring about you as a consumer, shouldn't be a race to see how many clients a caterer or event planner can rack up by adding you to their data base. Real consumer concern is about real people and real relationships. Some business owners out there need to get back to the basics and best manner of true consumer help and concern.
Nice begets nice. Or, it should work that way, anyway.
What happened to good manners, treating people right and really caring about people? It's amazing that there are caterers and event planners - in the "hospitality industry", especially - that are self-serving, greedy and unprofessional. It's sort of like your expectations when you go out to dinner. No bad food. No bad service.
Feel free to share some of your tips and suggestions with me. I would love to hear them.
Image source: Wikipedia
Image source: Wikipedia
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