May 5, 2018

Aloha! I just spoke alongside two other experienced and successful Chicago wedding planners in a panel for Nace Chicago, so I thought this month’s value would be fitting. It’s time for you to learn about kakou.

 

Kakou is “The value of communication. We are in this together. Learn to speak the language of we”.

It’s pretty difficult preparing for a panel. Most questions are pulled from the audience or are developed based off of the previous discussion. So, although I researched some current trends to stay on top of it, there is very little to prepare other than feeling confident with the knowledge I already have about my company and this industry.

I sat with both Nicole from Urban Allure Events and Joyce from Joyce Pollakoff Events. All three of us are the same in certain ways, but different in others. When the hosts or guests would ask us questions, I was nervous every time I did not speak first. The reason why? I thought the other ladies would have the exact same answer as me and I would be left trying to muster up a new response to keep the conversation interesting.

I actually found it to be quite the opposite. Every one of us brought a new dimension to the conversation. We all run our businesses slightly different, and I love that. The best part of the panel experience was that I took some great insight away from Nicole and Joyce. It’s easy to get stuck in “our ways”. After years of planning, it’s easier to just do things the way you’re used to. Not only because you’re successful, but it’s easy.

After the panel, I realized…

talking with other professionals is by far the best way to better yourself and your business. Talking with others about new fresh ideas, interesting ways to look at clients, or how to handle vendors and partners is beneficial for all parties involved. If you don’t communicate with other businesses, most importantly “competitors”, you will not grow.

Looking back, the panel for Nace Chicago was unbelievably inspiring. It was the perfect experience for me to begin understanding how to live and work under kakou. I’ve already made great connections with the two ladies I spoke with, and I’m sure there is more of that to come in the future. I want to encourage others to reach out to myself or other vendors if you have questions about the industry or the best practices to follow. Businesses should be willing to help each other because as kakou says, “we are all in this together”. There are so many opportunities in Chicago to network, like the groups Tuesdays Together, Wedding Wednesdays, and Thursday Therapy. Even through busy season I’m going to try my best to attend these networking events to further my kakou!

Stay tuned for next month’s value!
-Danielle Kuhn, Ohana Events