Table~Talk : You’re Fired!

Table~Talk: You’re Fired!
Last night I received a call from a vendor/cake designer from Atlanta asking me if I ever had to fire a client, If so, how did I handle it? Well since I never had to fire any of my vendors and definitely none of my clients because they all are the BOM.com, I could not give her the answer she was looking for. However I was able to share with her and with you – NEW pla…nners, vendors, designers, photographers, DJ’s etc.. in the industry the following:
1. Determine if the client/vendor is an asset or liability: If a client is unethical or lacks integrity there is no point in trying to work with them because the business will always loose in one way or the other.
2. New Business model: Our continued growth and success has necessitated a change in our business model. Unfortunately, we no longer accept every client or work with every vendor that knocks on our door. Our reputation is our life-line to success. In the long run a bad client/vendor can do you more harm than any amount of money you stand to make off the event. If your inner voice is screaming, maybe you should not be afraid to listen.
3. Your Price is too high, when you hear those words, do you really understand what they mean? Ask yourself seriously, objectively and curiously-just what exactly is it that they mean when they say your prices are too high. Stay there, don’t pass go, because until you know what they mean, you are simply having a discussion with yourself. Sometimes, a client is not up to date on the cost of what you have proposed or maybe have never bought this service (new bride), it’s your job as the professional to educate them on what it takes to provide the services they are requesting. But never, ever lower your price, It will diminish your value.
So allow me to try and sum up what you just read, keep in mind this is the opinion of Elite Events Management and it’s all based on experience.
When do you know it’s time to fire a client/vendor, for me, it is when I come to the realization that no matter what I do
It will never be right for this client/vendor. Often it has to do with communication and for me, it usually has a component of extreme micro-management. For others it is a clash of personalities. Whatever has caused it-it is in your best interest to remove yourself as soon as possible. A friend of mine always say (Rashanda Colvin-celebrity hair-stylist) and I quote, “all money is not good money, be careful who you do business with”.
And last but not least: Take this advice and analyze your clients/vendors, If one of them must be let go, do so in the most professional and tactful manner possible. Never look at this as a loss; rather consider it as opening up room for greater opportunities in the future.
Until my next Table~Talk Blog, we will continue to make dreams happen!