The Clever Un-Bride

Last week, as a class mandatory event, I went to The Clever Bride trade show. Now, I know that wedding planning is the least of my interests (mine and otherwise), however since it was a mandatory event I went with bells on.

The event itself was... well... very wedding oriented. Walking past a "Just Married" limo, looking at beautiful pink and white centre pieces, being served pink popcorn amidst the cupcakes, cakes and bonbons, and of course, looking through photography portfolios full of happy couples and their mom's aunt's nieces' sister's little flower girl. How cute.

If you couldn't already tell, I am being sarcastic. Not only was the wedding music as I walked down the imaginary, non-existent aisle ringing in my eardrums, but it only made me realize how little I want to even think about wedding planning. This is also a good thing, I suppose, because it did re-affirm my interest in corporate and non-personal events - I like to be a little more intense and a little less ... puffy. Not to say that for my colleagues in wedding planning do not inspire me - in fact I think that they have the hardest job of all: dealing with personal preferences, personal money and that one big day!

Although the event was not my cup of tea (or cake for that matter), there were some good things that I took away from the event:

1) People are much more accepting of a single gal heading to a wedding event if you tell them that you are helping a friend (vs the one line that is like nails on a chalkboard to them : "NO, I'm not getting married"... leading to an awkward silence followed by their soft mumble "I'm so sorry") - sorrry for the tangent - but yes, definitely just say that you are helping a friend with their wedding.

2) Ambience makes the event - so no matter what the event, make sure the ambience matches it. Like I mentioned, I felt like I was walking into a wedding. And for the purpose of the show, it was amazing. Not once during the event did I feel like it was a trade show or that people were actually trying to sell something.

3) The importance of the relationship - The people/vendors I remember were the nicest people to me. The ones who still spoke to me regardless of being engaged (or not). Those individuals are definitely top of my mind looking back on the event; I would be able to tell you their booth location, their service offered and the conversation we had. I am going to take this fact and apply it to my business - remembering that everyone I interact with my not be my client right now, but if I leave a positive taste in their mouth, they will remember my name an my story when they need to.

4) There are a lot of photographers. And when I say alot, I mean ALOT (on a business note, how do they differentiate themselves? What value do they add amongst each other? Just a thought...) This being the case, I know that if I ever require a photographer I can definitely use this fact to leverage my negotiations and aim for a better package.

5) It's a small world: Okay so considering that I know all of 10 vendors in the city and they were all there is good and bad for me. Good because I can build excellent relationships and work on a volume basis with these suppliers. Bad because of the word of mouth that must happen within the industry. Also, if one relationship goes sour - what other options does one have? I think I'm going to start thinking about a backup plan for a situation like this which may come up - believe me, I know what it is like to work in an industry full of women (ie: D-R-A-M-A!!!!)

These are just some of the lessons I learned from attending the Clever Bride event. Can't wait for the Elegant Wedding in November.

Becoming Social.

Have you seen the new Twitter? I sure have. Know why? Because I've been watching this thing like a hawk.

For the last 6 months of being on Twitter, I didn't really know the purpose of it. Who cares what I'm thinking? No one cared before this... why would they care now? What does it matter to others which coffee shop I am at, which book I am reading, or what I am currently lusting after? (boys, clothes and boots included)

So this week, I committed myself to learning all about Twitter - a little birdie (no pun intended) told me that Twitter is powerful. Really? 140 characters which make me feel like a mime in a real box, and I'm supposed to feel empowered.

Oh how my thoughts have changed. Committed to learning about protocol, hashtags and etiquette, I have realized that not only is Twitter a brilliant way for people to find common ground, but it also allows people to connect. And when I say connect, I mean to say that "Spanish Pick Up Lines" is now following me on Twitter and I have never felt better (who wouldn't need spanish pick up lines at some point in their life? Flattery at it's finest!)

In learning more about hashtags, developing my custom background (which provides, by the way, a great form of expression meets productivity meets procrastination), I not only developed a page that was truly me, but also found other people like me. Like Huffington Post (my new source of daily candy) and online marketing experts (hello Mashable.. I heart you and we've never met!)

It got me thinking, what is it about Twitter that works for businesses? Then it dawned on me.. it allows for people to be a witness to other people's corporate lives. It's like a spouse I never had. I can connect with anyone in the world who follow the same trends, same people or just browse my page. People whose lives I can affect. People whose beings are impacted by mine. And if they unfollow me, I just might go through the same stages as someone enduring a difficult break-up would. I hope I will have enough remaining supporters to ... well.. support me through it.

Did you know Judy Shapiro is my new bff?

(oh i should totally tweet that)

www.twitter.com/prikaliandasani

Atlas Shrugged?

Imagine a world where rational thoughts and purposeful lives dominate. Now come back to our world of emotion, insecurity, lack of motivation and conflicting politicial views. If you ask me, Ayn Rand had it right over 50 years ago.

Reccommended to me by at least 4 trusted people in my network (of which, 1 even made a bet with me that this book would become my favorite), I had to read "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. And it was probably the best decision I have made this year. Applicable to every, and I mean every, aspect of life (relationships? yup. business? yup. philosophy? LOVE it!!) this book has altered my fundamental way of thinking. No longer am I in it to be nice and make others happy; now I'm just in it to win it.

If I don't... well then... Who is John Galt?

"Aloud she said, 'I want you to know this. I started my life with a single absolute: that the world was mine to shape in the image of my highest values and never to be given up to a lesser standard, no matter how long or hard the struggle.'" - Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Kissers Wanted!

¿Habla Español? If not, you might feel inspired by this Spanish company to learn some! Desigual is a fashion forward, trend-setting and innovative company that combines vibrant colours, geometric prints, and edgy styles together for men, women and children's wear. To add to the appeal, Desigual stores are located in some of the trendiest and lovely areas on major cosmopolitan cities, such that you can add it to your latte on a Saturday shopping trip.

Desigual recently caught my eye not only because I love their styles (suiting my harem meets bohemian chic style), but also for their interactive events being held recently. Public Displays of Affection ain't seen nothing yet! This year, Desigual has launched Kisstour '10.

Mission:

"The Kisstour will work it's way around Europe inviting everyone to kiss whoever they want, for whatever reasons they fancy."

In my opinion, this idea is brilliant. Coming complete with a mini-site, a Kisstour soundtrack and Facebook group, Paris, Berlin, London and Madrid have been given a forum to kiss whomever they want in a documented, wild block party held in each city. Who wouldn't want to go to this event? With nothing to lose, and the logistics of a concert, it's innovative, it's fresh, it's modern, and beyond intimate; while boasting and driving visits to Desigual's site and stores.

Would I go to a Kisstour event? Aboslutely. After all, we all need a little lovin' ...

xx

(image taken from Desigual Homepage: www.desigual.com)

Commonwealth Eve

After months of family members asking me if I was going to come to Delhi to watch the Commonwealth Games, I must say, I was starting to really consider making the trip to take part in the vibe, celebrate the victories and feel the energy flowing through my blood.

However, in recent weeks there has been growing concern about India's capability to host the games. Why? Because logistically, the structures to house the events were constructed quickly and arguably questionable with regards to safety.

Of course, the Commonwealth committee, and the BBC for that matter, have known this fact for some time now; using the reasoning that Indians just do things differently and work at a different pace... Which is true. But which begs the question, at what point in the delegation process do the head honchos step in? When is it their duty to insist upon work hours, work plans and standards. Is this not part of the approval process when a company proposes a plan to host the event?

Logistically, Delhi has the resources and know how to do this task. We were all rooting for it. I guess the security that is required for safety and terrorist threats should be matched in construction crews. How disappointing.

I still do believe that Delhi will pull through. I have faith. I also believe that the athletes that are pulling out of the games are missing out on an incredible experience in an incredible country... A once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Indian culture and hospitality. I would still have LOVED the opportunity to be there for the opening ceremonies taking place on Oct 3. Can't wait to YouTube it.

For me, I can identify with this challenge of delegation and follow-up, as I believe it is something that the perfectionist in me struggles with every time I hand a task to the hands of someone I have not worked with before ... It's like leaving your child at a new babysitter for the first time. Will the babysitter treat the child as its own? Or will it neglect it, forget to feed it, and you will receive your child with crayon and chocolate in equal proportions on their face?

Funny enough, the Commonwealth committee has stated that for the next games in Glasgow, they will work closely with the local planning committee to ensure a timely set-up of logistics so that this issue is averted. I guess there is a fine balance between delegation in micro-managing versus macro-managing.

Please pull through Delhi! Read the BBC article here...

(image taken from www.bbc.co.uk homepage)