Dinner Dates: The Importance of a Mentor

A few weeks ago I did a follow-up mentor session with Natalie via Skype. Friends. It was INCREDIBLE. I contacted her about doing a follow-up session since I had a few questions I wanted to bounce off of her, and I wanted to chat “in person” rather than via email. I ended the session with SO MANY fabulous ideas and BIG dreams being set in motion!!!!:) It got me thinking about the importance of a mentor in this industry… so I wanted to blog about it:)

I think a huge reason I’ve been able to see tangible growth in my first year of business comes from the fact that I’m not afraid to learn. I’m not afraid to ask questions (and ask A LOT of questions!!!) and I truly LOVE having conversations with other creatives!! Just yesterday I had lunch with Hannah and it was amazing!! I loved being able to talk one-on-one with another planner because we both GET IT!! We were able to swap stories, share advice & just hang out together!!

If you ever get to point where you feel like you CAN’T learn or you don’t have anything else TO learn… you’re in a bad place! We can ALWAYS learn and grow and better our craft… and that’s why I think having a mentor in this industry is VITAL!! Now, I’m not saying you should run out and pay for a one-on-one mentoring or coaching session today (but I DO know some amazing ladies who offer them!!), but I AM saying it’s something you should consider!! I KNOW they are expensive… but I do think the investment is worth it, and you will see the return tenfold.

I did a mentor session with Natalie in March, attending a workshop with Amanda in April and attended a small business workshop with Katelyn in June. I think it’s safe to say I LOVE soaking up knowledge from leaders in our industry!!! I want soak up as much as I possibly can & then pour it into DSE!!!

I talk with Natalie A LOT … I really look up to her & I know she will give me blunt & encouraging advice. Amanda gets panicked texts & emails from me ALL THE TIME about flowers!!! haha!! Poor thing!!! I ask SO MANY QUESTIONS because I’m still so new to floral design & I want to make sure I do it right!!! And Katelyn always, always makes time to answer my emails or give me bits of advice when I see her in person. All three of these ladies have given me the practical knowledge & encouragement I have needed to keep pursuing my dreams… and none of them are wedding planners:) While my next goal IS to sit down one-on-one (or attend a conference!) with an established planner, I want to encourage you to reach out to WHOEVER you want to!!! When I emailed Natalie, I simply asked if she was even interesting in mentoring someone who wasn’t a photographer. If she had said “no”, I would have respected that & moved on to ask someone else. But she said YES… and I’ve grown leaps & bounds!!! Don’t be afraid to just ASK!!! The WORST thing they can do is say “no”… and it’s okay if they do!!!! You have to put yourself out there… ask questions, reach out to industry leaders… you will NOT regret it!!!

I personally LOVE getting emails from other planners!!! While I’m not a place to offer mentor sessions (and sometimes it takes me a little longer to respond to your emails than I like – so sorry!!), I DO enjoy getting to know you and helping any way I can:) Business owners learn A LOT through trial & error… and while that isn’t always a bad thing, it’s nice to avoid it when we can:) So reach out!! Ask questions!! Find a mentor and LEARN, LEARN, LEARN!!!!! It will be the best thing you can do for your little company:)

xo!! kat

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