There’s a lot of talk about how today’s couples, the millennial generation, has a 
strong sense of entitlement. Rather than appreciating the opportunities, they often act as if it’s their right to have virtually unlimited choices. It makes sense since they’re the children of the baby boom, a time of unprecedented prosperity and hope in our country. It makes sense when you think that they can search on Google for free, interact on Facebook for free, and read/post reviews online for free.
What’s your first thought when you receive an inquiry?
The wedding industry is one that should be based upon gratitude. It costs very little to get married, just a license and someone to perform the ceremony. Yet, billions of dollars are spent on wedding celebrations each year, money they don’t have to spend if they just want to be married.That’s why I’ve said many times that your first thought when you get an inquiry for your business, even one that asks “How much does it cost?”, should be “Thank you.” Thank them for giving you the opportunity to connect with them about their wedding, not their marriage (unless you’re performing the ceremony, in which case thank them for not going to city hall to get married).
What is the difference between gratitude and entitlement?
The difference between feeling entitled and feeling gratitude takes no time, no money and little effort. It just takes being present. Looking behind you when going into a store, to see if there’s someone for whom you can hold the door, takes little time, or effort. Allowing a car to merge in front of you, instead of squeezing them out, takes little time (and won’t make you later than you already are). I think that entitlement causes more stress because of not getting that which you feel you’re entitled. Gratitude, on the other hand, reduces stress, because appreciating the opportunities you’re given and appreciating the trust that couples place with you, comes from paying attention in a different way.
Do you have “first world” problems?
Most of my problems are “first-world” problems: my cell phone battery running low too quickly, too long of a line at the airport, etc. My friend Andy Ebon once said that when you’re healthy, you have 100 problems. But when you’re not healthy, you have only 1. If you, or someone close to you has had health issues then you know that’s very true. The best definition of being healthy I’ve ever heard is “when the mind is unaware of the body”. The only problems I’ve had that weren’t “first-world” problems were health-related. I’ve been hungry, but I’ve never known real hunger. My faucets have never gone dry. I sleep with a solid roof over my head.
Appreciate what you have
I’ve had the privilege of speaking in 7 countries this year, 4 of them twice. It was my first time to India, and in Mumbai the juxtaposition of wealth and poverty is unlike anywhere else I’ve been. Just down the street from 5-star hotels are people living under plastic tarps on the street. Seeing this scene played out, over and over throughout the city, really makes you appreciate what you have. While I’ve earned my successes, I didn’t do it alone, it took lots of you making choices, putting your trust in me, and for that I’m grateful.
Thank you
So, thank you for taking the time to read my posts. Thank you for subscribing to my list, or following my posts. You have lots of other things to fill up your day, so thanks for honoring me with some of your attention today. Please let me know how I can help you.
Are you achieving the best you’re capable of? Are you getting paid appropriately for your efforts? Need help finding out or reaching higher, I can help. I’ve worked with businesses, just like yours, helping you to sell more, raise your average sale and enjoy it more. Want to see how I can help you with business consulting, private sales training or speaking for your group, company or association? Call or contact me: [email protected]; 732.422.6362; international enquiries 001 732 422 6362
Here’s what some of Alan’s clients have experienced:
“It’s been a while since we spoke but I just wanted to let you know that everything you suggested for my website worked wonderfully. My leads went up by 63% and my bookings 47%. Thank you again, I would suggest you to anyone.” CHRIS MARINO, LIMELIGHT ENTERTAINMENT, MANASQUAN, NJ
“We invited Alan to our wedding venue in Houston for a full day of his advice and wisdom. We not only discussed our website, but also our sales approach. Since then, we have increased our inquiry to tour ratio. Alan is informative, innovative and passionate about online marketing. Investing in his onsite training was the best decision we could have made. Thank you Alan!” MELISSA BIRCH, MOFFITT OAKS, TOMBALL, TX
“I certainly believe that without Alan’s help, I’d still be dealing with tire kickers all day long instead of creating magical experiences for couples that value what I have to offer. Thank you, Alan. I value our relationship more than you’ll ever know.” JASON SPENCER, SPENCER WEDDINGS, SACRAMENTO, CA
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