Success in Events: It's Not Just What You Know... It's Who Knows, Likes, and TRUSTS You

Photo Credit: Christina MacMeeken of The MacMeekens | www.themacmeekens.com | @themacmeekens on Facebook and Instagram

We've all heard it before: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." But in the events industry, we need to take that a step further – it's not just who you know, it's who LIKES and TRUSTS you. You might be the most talented bartender, the most organized planner, or the most innovative designer, but without strong relationships, your skills might never get the recognition they deserve.

1. The Trust Triangle: Like, Trust, Hire
   In our industry, success follows a specific pattern: first, people need to like you. Once they like you, they might begin to trust you. Only then will they consider working with you. You could be the most skilled professional in your field, but if people don't like you or trust you, those skills won't matter. It's a harsh truth, but it's reality in the people business.

2. Show Up Where They Show Up
   Here's a hard truth: if you're not willing to show up where your potential clients and partners gather, why should they hire you? Wedding venues and event planners invest their time in industry organizations like ILEA and NACE, local wedding groups, and networking events. They show up because they value these connections – and if you want to be part of their trusted network, you need to be there too.

Think about it: Would you trust someone who never shows up to important industry events to show up perfectly for your client's wedding day?

3. From Connection to Trust
   But just showing up isn't enough. You need to contribute meaningfully to the community. This means:

• Joining committees that matter to your potential clients

• Volunteering at industry events

• Contributing your services to charitable functions

• Actively participating in group discussions and activities

Remember: people trust those who give before they take. Skills and talent are important, but generosity and reliability build trust faster than any portfolio.

4. The Power of Authentic Contribution
   Want to know the fastest way to gain trust? Donate your time and services. When you volunteer or contribute to industry events, you're not just being generous – you're providing a risk-free preview of what it's like to work with you. Every charitable event you support, every committee you serve on, and every hour you volunteer shows both your skills AND your character.

5. Building Your Industry Family
   The beauty of this approach is that it creates genuine, lasting relationships. When you consistently show up, contribute, and support your industry community, you become more than just another vendor – you become a trusted colleague and friend. And in the events industry, those relationships are worth their weight in gold.

Pro Tips for Building Real Relationships:

• Master your craft, but focus equally on building connections

• Attend events regularly, not just when you need business

• Listen more than you talk

• Look for ways to help others without expecting immediate returns

• Share your expertise generously

Remember: Your skills might get you in the door, but it's relationships that will keep you there. In the events industry, being good at what you do is just the baseline – it's the connections you build, the trust you earn, and the community you support that will truly set you apart.

The most successful professionals in our industry aren't just the most skilled – they're the most trusted, the most liked, and the most connected. Start building those relationships today, and watch as your business grows through the power of genuine connections.