What "business" are you in????

Recently I attended a Holiday Party for the Jacksonville Videographers Association (JVA) and the guest speaker, Steve, posed that very question. Some said, "I am in the video business", "I am in the event production business" or "I am in the wedding business."

Without hesitation I responded, " I am in the people business, the relationship business." Who was right? who was wrong? The truth is, to varying degrees we were all right. But for a moment I want to look deeper into my response...

Anyone in the "Event Industry" will hopefully agree that no matter if we are working with a wedding, mitzvah, anniversary, birthday party, company function or a class reunion (and just about every other event for that matter) they all have one thing in common. They are all a part the relationships that everyone involved shares.

Think about the levels of relationships present at a wedding; the blooming new relationship of a bride a groom, the bonds that have developed over time with their families, the friendships they have created with classmates, co-works and neighbors over the years. Don't forget the trusting relationships they have developed with the vendors working with them that day. This just scratches the surface of it.

In looking at these various relationships and how they "gel" together to form a strong foundation for a new chapter in two people's lives it reminds to me how important it is to be strong in my relationships. My relationship with my family, my friends, my colleagues and even with complete strangers. Everyone you come in contact with will have life experiences that, when shared, can help see the path of your future with more clarity. When I am working harder on strengthening my personal relationships I realize how much more I am "in the moment" with my wedding clients. I work harder to spotlight those special moments that may otherwise go overlooked.

As you go about your day to day life, take a moment and ask yourself, "How am I doing with my relationships?" Send an email, pick up the phone or if nothing else send a text message to someone you have not talked to in a while that is important to you.

Life is precious...your "dash" will be partially measured by your relationships and the impression you left on others' lives...