As If It Matters

Stop and take a moment to observe where you are and what you are focusing on. Is what you’re doing right now, today, or this week something that will affect, inspire or influence others? Are you creating something new or developing a process that will lead to a new industry or a specialty niche in your current industry? What if what you are doing was the piece carved out for you to put in place? Chances are that you wouldn't know that, which is why whatever we're doing at any given moment must be done as if it matters.????

?

Had I known that the work I was doing, the people I was meeting, and the ideas that materialized were contributing to a new industry over 30 years ago, I probably would have stopped myself out of fear; that self-inflicted fear would most likely have paralyzed my actions, all because the focus would have been on me and what I would accomplish or personally gain; On a broader scale, this thought includes the group of people who became friends, colleagues, and contemporaries as we all worked together to create and develop the then-burgeoning meetings and events industry. We came together through all the new associations to get to know one another as we worked together for a common cause – a successful event. At the time, New York City was a candy store as we all embarked on our “firsts”, i.e. the first to have an event at FAO Schwarz, the first to have an event outside of a hotel ballroom, the first to use a new caterer, and so many other firsts that were explored and created.?

?

After the final curtain call of Phantom of the Opera in New York, I recalled one of my first event escapades, a New York story about the early days of events and the beginning of a burgeoning industry focusing on “Meet the Cast” events. When Phantom opened in 1988, I had the opportunity to buy out the house for a client. Wanting to do something special for the client, I worked my way to the stage door one night and waited for that old black-painted door to open so I could work my way in to find the stage manager. After I explained that I was an event producer and wanted to donate to the theater for a Broadway-related charity (Broadway Cares did not exist), I met the Wig Mistress, who helped recruit 20 actors, including principals and the ensemble for an after-theater event at Sardi’s in NYC. What a special moment that I'll cherish forever. At the time, I knew it was special, but I didn’t think of the impact it made on the guests – and the cast – until Phantom closed and I dug out a signed program, bottle of rosé, and a cast sign-up sheet.???????

?

In the early days of events and meetings, we didn’t think about what we were doing; we just did it. Many of my peers, like me, did ‘firsts’ without thinking about it. We were all working together for the success of the meeting and event as we learned to work with one another, leaned on each other’s strengths and talents, and shared our enthusiasm through the associations we helped to build. Looking back, I realize we were all living in faith. That’s right, living in faith. There was no road map and most of us came from industries or disciplines like theater, music, entertainment, and teaching but we all carved out a place for what is now an intrinsic part of business – meetings, and events.?

?

We may not realize the impact of our work at the time or understand where we fit into the big picture, but rest assured, you do. Whether you are in a leadership position or not, what we do contributes to the good of the whole. Yes, it is important to question your work and understand it, but many times just doing our jobs keeps the momentum going for our teams, companies, and clients.????

?

We all do things we don’t want to, and I remind you that experts say when you don’t want to do something, do it first thing in the morning, but do it as the anxiety is greater than the task itself. We often put off doing things because we don’t have confidence in ourselves. We overthink; we create our fears and lack confidence. Sometimes we fear success, knowing that we can do whatever we put our minds to, but sabotage ourselves with inner, deep beliefs that we don’t deserve success and abundance, and in the process, paralyze ourselves from taking action. When you start to feel anxious or doubt yourself, ask yourself why you are in the position you are in. Remind yourself that others see things in you that you may not…? that you’ve perhaps been too busy just doing and not thinking or overanalyzing your actions and that is good.?

?

When we do things, serve others, and create experiences that will benefit people, we are whole.? We are here to help one another and when we do it feels right. You know when things don’t feel right; you are uneasy, anxious, and doubtful. Use these signals to help you to stop and think. Question where you are, what you’re involved in, and if it is the right thing at any given time.?

?

Perhaps when we choose to do our jobs, to contribute our best, to focus on the good of the whole, it will make life easier and we will be more content. I am not saying that you shouldn’t grow and challenge yourself in whatever role you are in. I am reminding you to not overthink things, to give what you are working on and who you are working for all you can as if it matters.? ???

Because it does.?

Here’s to the cast and crew at the Majestic Theater in New York. Long live the Theater of Events?!