20 March 2023
The Power of Collaboration
In my industry, collaboration is key and without it, I just wouldn’t have a business. As a solo business owner, there is only technically one employee at Lucy Claire Events, but I far from do things on my own.
Being collaborative in my business and on my business really has allowed it to grow and be where I am today. Over the years, I have nurtured some incredible relationships that have been imperative to my success.
Firstly, my list of suppliers and fellow event professionals. These are everything, and through many years of organising and hosting events, I have experienced working with numerous venues, caterers, entertainment suppliers, event staff and fellow event professionals. From experiencing them first-hand, I have gone on to work with them many times and therefore have a fabulous list of go-to people for specific events.
When I first start working with a client, and I get to understand their needs, I am already building the team in my head that is going to deliver their event as I have so many incredible people to draw from and know who would suit what type of request and event. For example, there is a big rise in demand for sustainable suppliers in anything from food and drink to overall venue, so if this is high on my clients’ wish list, I already have a tried-and-tested list of people I know and trust as well as numerous venues that could cater for their needs.
Alternatively, I also have clients wishing to go all out with their events – such as a special birthday or anniversary – and I have those go-to venues and suppliers who create that wow factor through venue, catering, entertainment and service.
It boils down to longevity and experience and understanding what clients want and what they don’t want, as well as managing what is realistic. It is my job to manage expectations and to ensure that what I am promising to a client I can deliver, and that each touch point they experience with my brand is at a premium standard throughout.
This, at times, can mean having honest conversations and setting realistic expectations for clients as well as laying out the watchouts. This is also the relationship I have with my suppliers. We are all very transparent and honest about what can be delivered and when as we all share that professional work ethic. I have deliberately been very choosy about who I work with as, at the end of the day, they are representing me, and my brand and they have to be thoroughly aligned with my vision and standards.
As well as collaboration in my business, I also collaborate on my business in terms of outsourcing where I need to. As all business owners will know, you just can’t do everything on your own, nor should you, so delegation is key. For me, it has been so crucial to my success as it has allowed the areas of my business that I don’t have the time or inclination to focus on keep ticking over while I focus on my main objectives of providing high quality events.