“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” Frank A. Clark
This quote is perfect for those of us who choose to be entrepreneurs in the meetings and events industry. We are traveling a path with lots of obstacles…and we love overcoming them. There are many variations of this message that I have heard over the years. To me this message means if you stay in a safe and comfortable place, that presents no obstacles or challenges, you will never reach your full potential. But if you are willing to break out and take some risks, taking the path with challenges and overcoming them, you will reach your true potential and be rewarded with a fulfilling life.
One option is to be an independent meeting planner which, by nature, is taking yourself out of a safe and comfortable environment. By accepting responsibility for planning meetings and events, you must have above average communication and organizational skills. You must be able to multitask, think on your feet and quickly troubleshoot problems. You must prepare for every detail…but know that the unexpected can still happen (hurricane, snowstorm, keynote speaker cancels). It is our experience, knowledge and ability to lead during these challenges that sets us apart from our counterparts in the industry.
For those of us that chose this path, we are rising to the challenge every day. We continue to reach our true potential, which enables us to get up every day and be proud of what we are accomplishing on our journey. We hope more will choose to be entrepreneurs in the meetings and events industry.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like “100 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Next Meeting or Event.”