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Friends help friends all the time.
Especially when it comes to planning a special event — say, a wedding or a party — a friend’s advice can be a life-saver.
So here’s a tip: Whenever you need advice planning anything, check with the pros, of course. Check with people who’ve “been there, done that”. Particularly, ask your friends. It’s what we do: friends help friends.
What about this photo? Here we are recently, taking a break from creating a romantic background for the wedding fair at Palo Alto’s Crowne Plaza Cabana.
This was an outstanding afternoon — a ballroom full of friends helping each other and prospective clients. You could meet over two dozen top wedding professionals, plus hear a panel discussion about “Do-It-Yourself” weddings.
Meanwhile, back in the lobby, we were fascinated by Screenbooth — the new digital guestbook that recorded every guest’s photos and videos. Check them out — it’s a “fun way to create lasting memories at once-in-a-lifetime events”. Thanks to Felisha Kinsella (co-owner Linda’s daughter), of Screenbooth, for posing us in this lively picture.
One look at the photo tells you we were having a great time. No surprise there. I believe that we should all be so fortunate as to spend our lives among friends, doing what we love.
Still, no matter how enthusiastic we are, we all occasionally find ourselves saying “Same old, same old” more often than we like. I’ll bet that everyone who’s been in any line of work for a while will occasionally feel “down” — tired, overwhelmed, and frustrated.
I’ve been there, and you’ve been there, too, I’m sure. I’m told this feeling is unavoidable, and it’s a temporary part of every job.
Well, whenever it hits you again, just bear down and work through it. Here’s one strategy I like to use. I tally up how remarkable my friends are.
Really. I recommend you occasionally pause in your busy life and notice the same thing about the people around you. When you realize that these people are friends and admire you, too, your feelings are bound to improve.
Well, enough amateur psychology. Let me tell you a quick story about friends.
Since the early 1990s, I’ve been a very active member of the Silicon Valley chapter of NACE (National Association of Catering and Events). It’s a networking group of top local caterers, event planners, and their associates.
I once participated in one of their Leadership Conferences, where “movers & shakers” on the boards of directors from all the chapters nationwide met to exchange ideas and receive training to be better leaders.
We were an amazing group of people — clever, energetic, resourceful, generous, and dedicated to our profession. Since I returned from that heady excitement, I realize that most of my friends here fit that description, too.
As my grandfather used to say, “People are more interesting than anybody.” Maybe it’s the kind of people who live around Silicon Valley. Once I took the time to pay attention, I found that nearly all my friends have unique hobbies, attitudes, and accomplishments. This makes for great conversations, successful collaborations, and rich relationships, and I’m always glad each time we meet.
Sure, I know a few dull people, too, but even they say or do something interesting from time to time. However, they’re the exception, and every day I’m appreciating my talented friends more and more. As Martha Stewart would say, “That’s a good thing.”
After working in the “hospitality” business since 1975, I count hundreds of fascinating people among my friends — family, musicians, hospitality and event professionals, and clients. It’s a long list. Think about who YOU’D mention in your own list.
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use Robbie@MagnoliaJazz.com. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
