First things First – The Client is ALWAYS Your ONLY Client
I hate to say it, but no one cares that you’re really busy. I’m sure it makes you feel all self-important to say it over and over, but the customer does not care. Your potential client is coming to you and looking to spend money on you and your time. If you give the impression that you have too many other people to take care of, or worse, more important people to take care of, you might as well kiss that client good-bye. No one wants to believe that they are last on your to-do list and it’s your job to suck it up and put on that smile and appear calm, cool & collected for your clients.

The Client is ALWAYS your priority
I went bridal shopping with a client (and friend, yay!) of mine last week. We went to David’s Bridal which has, in my opinion, some of the worst customer service ever. I made the appointment early and they asked the bride to go online, create an account and “favorite” the dresses she likes so they can pull them when she comes in the store. I loved the efficiency. However, when we arrived, they looked at her list and rather rudely began crossing them out. “We don’t have that one, we don’t have that one, no, no, no”. I was already angry, but I politely asked if they had anything similar to the dresses she chose. “Nope.” was the only answer I got. I went on to tell them that she already tried on a dress that she loved, described it to them, went on to tell how it went perfectly with her mom’s veil from 25 years ago and asked if they had anything similar. Again, “no” was the only response!

I don’t care if you don’t have anything that I’m looking for, but as a client coming in looking to spend money at your store, you better have options and you better have good reasons for me to try those options. There’s nothing that gets under my skin more than businesses not going out of their way to find what you want and need (or the closest thing to it, at least).

The client is always right
There’s a store in the NY/CT area called Stew Leonards. For those of you who haven’t been, it’s like a mix of Chuck-E-Cheese, a farm, and a grocery store. Okay, so that doesn’t do it justice, but it’s a cool place. I usually suffer from a slight amount of sensory overload when I visit, but it really is nice. What I like best about it is the sign that greets you as soon as you enter “Rule 1: The customer is always right. Rule 2: If the customer is ever wrong, re-read rule 1.” It’s the foundation of their business and something that should be modeled in all businesses. Whether you are right or not, it’s most important to listen to your client’s needs, identify where you can help and do everything in your power to make it right.

Let’s make a commitment to think of our customers first – to remember that they are the ones who keep us in business. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Let’s put aside our stress about the amount of work we have to do or the lack of funds coming in and get back to the basics – our clients. Let’s treat them well and serve all their needs. Then, I’m convinced our businesses will flourish and will be sustained even through the worst economic times! That’s it for my rant, I hope it was enlightening and called you to action. Enjoy your clients today!

The mission of the Center is to inspire appreciation and respect for the natural world, increase awareness of environmental issues, and to encourage individuals to sustain Earth’s eco system. Therefore, it is no surprise that local materials were used to build the state-of-the-art facility which employs a number of green features using U.S. Green Building Council LEED guidelines including a vegetated roof, waterless urinals, low flow fixtures, rain barrels and energy efficient lighting.

The Center also practices single stream recycling and composting and has a green standards checklist for their caterers. In fact, all suppliers who work with Irvine have to adhere to their environmental guidelines and the Center strives to always select local, independently owned vendors whenever possible.

Event Photos

The entire event was beautifully captured by Jack Hartzman Photography of Washington Talent. Check out the FULL ALBUM on the MES facebook page to see who was there and what you missed!

Event Sponsors

In addition to some great networking, guests received a number of additional surprises

Washington Talent's "Aura Photos" were a hit

• Event Planning by Bravo Events
• Music by DJ Lil’ E
• Aura Photos by Washington Talent
• Strolling Magic by Josh Norris
• Floral Arrangements by Exquisite
• Furniture by Capital Decor and Events
• Appetizers by Tuscana Catering
• Live Broadcast by Marry Me Live
• Sprocket Robot by Washington Talent
• Signage by Exhibit Imaging
• Valet Parking by Atlantic Valet

Perfect Venue. Perfect Attendance.

Follow on Twitter, add on Facebook, and link up on LinkedIn. But what happens when you want to connect with someone face to face?

Metro Events Specialists’ fourth networking event brought in more than 200 attendees ranging from event planners, photographers, and nonprofit professionals to emcees, DJs, and graphic designers, even a cheesecake chef. The event, hosted at the swank L2 Lounge in Georgetown, provided a forum for pros and amateurs alike to share their passion for events and make connections for future ventures. Music was provided by a DJ from Washington Talent, Photo and Video, gift bags were distributed by Premier Bride, and on-the-spot photos were snapped and printed by Poshbooth Custom Photobooths.

“I walked in a complete rookie to event planning and organization, but left a convert!” said Ashley Haugo, who works in communications for the League of Conservation Voters. “I met extremely motivated and multi-talented individuals who gave me excellent advice and resources to break into the field . . . not to mention the very cool new friends I made!”

Sponsors included Exhibit Imaging; L2 Lounge; Poshbooth; Premier Bride Magazine; Washingtion Talent, Photo, and Video; Sweet Dreams Studios, and Magician Josh Norris.

Event Photos

All the action was professionally captured by JB Yong from Sweet Dreams Studio.  See the full photo gallery: MES February Mixer by Sweet Dreams Studio