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I recently wrote about the 80 20 Rule. That was Part 1, and this is Part 2.
The 80 20 Rule (or the 20% Rule) suggests that a small number of influences often produces most of the consequences.
Put simply, some efforts count more than others.
With this in mind, I think we’re smart to be on the lookout to control those crucial influences which will have the greatest impact on any project we work on.
Let me get more specific, with a few personal examples. I make a living helping people plan the music for their weddings and parties. For example, here I am with the trio, entertaining at a casual dinner party. Thanks to Stacie Tamaki, of The Flirty Guide, for the wonderful photo.
Occasionally, I’m helping someone who’s never been married before, or who never planned an office party before. Not knowing where or how to begin planning her music, she might start by naming her favorite tunes or favorite musicians.
In which case, I usually suggest that while this information is surely important, we’ll get to it in due course, but a more effective plan would begin with asking “What king of mood do I want my guests to enjoy?”
See what I mean? Answering that question about “mood” leads naturally to a unified, coordinated vision of the plan. Soon enough, she’ll be selecting suitable songs she’d like, as well as considering the location, decor, food, beverages, party favors, and other items, all of which would be too distracting as a starting point.
Of all the questions the planner could begin with, maybe 20% or fewer are productive starting points. Obviously the exact number hardly matters.
What’s important is realizing that most of the questions the planner could ask would be ineffective starting points, so she needs to find one or two that will provide lots of leverage. This is what makes the 80 20 Rule such a useful “Rule of Thumb”.
Let’s consider another familiar example. Many of my colleagues either plan or collaborate on weddings and parties, and the best of them understand how the 80 20 Rule applies to their events, as well.
Now, every party has a planner, whether a full-time professional specializing in more complex events like wedding receptions, or a first-timer arranging her baby daughter’s birthday party.
No matter how many or how few colleagues are involved, their teamwork is essential. The planner creates a schedule or timeline to coordinate everyone’s efforts, and the event goes smoothly to the extent that everyone stays on the same schedule.
There may be a dozen different opinions as to how things ought to proceed, but a roomful of “loose cannons” is a sure recipe for disaster. In other words, the planner’s “20%” is ultimately responsible for “80%” of the event’s success. That tricky 80 20 Rule again.
So here’s a tip: Experienced professionals understand that following the planner’s vision is the best guarantee for everyone’s success. I see it working in every field, not just for planning music at a wedding or a party.
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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 [email protected]. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
