THE FOUR MENTORS YOU NEED FOR YOUR PLANNING & DESIGN BUSINESS
One of the best things you can do for your business is to develop a team of mentors. People who’ve been where you are and associates who just get it. While a lot of people have one mentor they lean on, I actually am a strong proponent of creating more of a mentor “committee” when possible. While I don’t actually bring these people together to meet, I do call on them one by one when I’m in need of guidance. And while I don’t always take their advice, I love having a sounding board of business owners who understand my situation and industry and think every planner should do the same. That said, here are the four types of mentors I’d recommend getting on your team immediately:
A PLANNER/DESIGNER WHO’S AT YOUR SAME EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Creating a relationship with someone who’s at the same experience level and price point is valuable in that they are likely to understand the perspective of your existing clients. They know the challenges you face be it budgeting, pricing, client expectations and more and they’re perfect to talk through the current state of your business. This is also a relationship that will push you to the next level with a friend by your side. For example, this mentor has pushed me to change pricing structures and change my business model while I’ve encouraged her to grow the team who supports her. As we both evolve our businesses, we’ve been there every step of the way to cheer the other one on through the changes.
A PLANNER/DESIGNER AT THE LEVEL YOUR STRIVING FOR
Cultivating a mentorship with a planner/designer who’s five years or even thirty years beyond your experience level is beyond beneficial. They are the person to go to when discussing your big picture goals, new opportunities and ultimately how to get from the business you run today to the business you envision when it’s “finished”. I call on this mentor for big things like HR issues, accounting practices, PR opportunities/negotiations as well as how to handle increased client expectations as I grow my business and evolve my service standards.
A PLANNER/DESIGNER AT THE EXPERIENCE LEVEL YOU WERE A FEW YEARS AGO
Having a relationship with a planner/designer who isn’t as experienced as you is also extremely valuable. While it’s definitely a more balanced relationship overall as you have your fair share of guidance to offer, this relationship will help ground you and ensure you remain in touch with what every day couples are looking for. As your business grows and budgets increase you will benefit from having a planner friend who might be able to guide you on up and coming vendors should you need to call on them. He/she can also remind you of the fundamental purpose of your role as a wedding and event planner if you start to get a bit disconnected, which is easy to do if you only surround yourself with more established associates.
AN INDUSTRY LEADER WHO’S NOT A PLANNER/DESIGNER
Having someone you can turn to who isn’t blinded by the nitty gritty of our work or bogged down by the interpersonal relationships with clients, is invaluable. They offer clear, unbiased guidance and are usually able to understand what you truly need as a business owner. They may be more entrepreneurial minded, offer a much needed legal perspective or be purely a numbers person. No matter what the angle, they will cut through your emotional attachment to the day to day work and help you create a stronger, more sustainable business.
Some of my mentors have happened organically. Others I invested in financially as a business coach. Both arrangements have been invaluable to the growth of my business. Whatever approach you take, if you don’t have a team of people to call on when times get challenging, I recommend you get one now. And if you’re in the market for a mentor to guide you through your next phase of growth, I’d be honored to be considered.
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