Quick thinking, flexibility, agility, focused listening and the ability to interpret and bring client ideas to life: these are just some of the many skills required of an event planner. Staying on top of your game, is challenging. But, like the martial art of karate, it can be an extremely rewarding pursuit that will help you grow as a human being.
Event producer and blogger Tahira Endean captures the many ways that mastering this profession is akin to mastering a martial art in this inspiring blog post.
There are many lessons in martial arts that can apply to life and also to event planning, and having just watched it again with my own two “karate kids”, these are the ones that struck me.
- It takes discipline. To be good at anything, you must apply yourself and learn first the basics (wax on, wax off; hang up your jacket, pick up your jacket) before you can get better at what you do.
- It takes hard work. There is no easy way to produce a great event. You can get more efficient, but there are not short cuts. Goals, objectives, marketing, registration, logistics, production schedules, technology integration, engagement, interaction, each has to be done in its own time.
- There will always be someone out to get you. That is life, choose your friends well and be kind to your family, support those that support you.
- There are winners and losers. Nearly every piece of business is competitive – that is the nature of the beast. Put your own best foot forward, accept winning and losing graciously. But do your best to win.
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Take risks. Use your fear to your advantage. Use the adrenaline, use the fire and try new things. But make sure you are asking the right questions of the right people to ensure the risks are the right risks.
To read the rest of this post by Tahira, click here http://tahiralovesevents.blogspot.com/2012/01/karate-kid-lessons-for-event-planners.html
(Photo by simonglucas)
