Investing in your own education might be the most important thing you can do for your business. I think all of us small business owners know this but seriously, when do we have the time. Miraculously the time, the money and the perfect workshop aligned. And you know I jumped on this as quickly as possible.
So off I was to Seattle to visit one of my all time favorite designers, Steve Moore of Sinclair and Moore. He was hosting an Event Design workshop at a time where I was about to launch this service for my clients, and thought this has to be a sign. Chris, my fiance, was itching to see his friend that happened to live in Seattle so we booked it and don't regret it.
As I anticipated what the week would bring, I never imagined what would actually occur. I think we all believe that others have an answer that we are longing to hear and know all about. That someone else's path is easier because they found the secret sauce. Wouldn't that be nice? In reality I discovered that he works is ass off and he deserves all the success he has and will continue to have... I could stop there because honestly that's 90% of it. But I broke down the top 5 things I learned at The Sinclair and Moore Workshop for fun, but also to look back and have a place to remember these moments.
1) Kill them with kindness. I am a firm believer in kindness leading the path to success. It was so relieving to see that he is determined to do the same. He and his wife and the kindest souls.
2) Pay attention to the details. He runs a small boutique service that is dominated by the attention to detail. When I get a little lazy and think someone won't notice I think of Steve. Because from what we all love about his aesthetic... it truly is all in the details.
3) Your team matters. Steve surrounds himself with likeminded ambitious people. That are driven, kind, pay attention to detail and have his vision at the forefront of all things they do. It's so obvious and addicting.
4) Stay driven. Even if it makes his vendor uncomfortable, he demands excellency. He humbly discusses requesting tasks done over, and over again to nauseam, to make sure the vision is accomplished. I have to imagine it drives people crazy, but I know why... the perfection matters. And let's all admit that it makes a difference.
5) Mistakes happen. Let's get super real, everyone loves seeing someone else deal with difficult times. Not because you want to watch the train wreck, but because it allows someone to be relatable. Be flexible and allow option B to run as smoothly as option A.
Thanks Steve, for your humility, honesty and drive. You have taught me so much and giving me many things to ponder, discuss and continue to learn.