Kat Williams

Think WE not ME. Yesterday, I published some advice over on @rocknrollbridemagazine to help alleviate the panic that some of my followers may be feeling about their upcoming weddings. And I was SHOCKED to receive multiple DMs from wedding businesses telling me I was sharing "damaging information" by encouraging people to postpone or downsize their weddings because, and I quote, “If people don’t have big weddings my business – and yours - will suffer”. I understand this is a terrifying time, especially for us small business owners. We don’t know what’s going to happen and we all have bills to pay and families to feed, but in a time like this, its important to not just think about how this pandemic may affect us as individuals. Things are undoubtedly going to change in many industries – particularly the wedding industry. There will be a huge knock on effect if people cancel or postpone their weddings but, as business owners, WE NEED TO BE ADAPTABLE. Things that worked for you last week won’t necessarily work for you next week but it’s important to not freak ourselves out about it. We must not go into a crisis/ hoarding/ every-man-for-himself-mode. It’s all very easy to say you’re a wedding supplier who really cares about their clients when the times are good and the bookings are rolling in, but what are you doing to help when things aren’t so rosy? The fact of the matter is, if things continue to get worse people simply will no longer be spending money on luxury items. And I hate to break it to ya, but a big wedding is absolutely a luxury item. Instead, ask yourself: What do people really need from me right now? What can I do to help? What skills or tools do I have that I can contribute? What am I doing to alleviate my current clients’ concerns and anxiety? How am I supporting my fellow small business owners? Do I want to make changes from what I’m currently doing or offering? The truth is, when we help other people, we help ourselves. When we strive to alleviate other people’s suffering, we also alleviate our own. This is a terrifying time and things ARE going to change, but we all have to rally together to get through this, now more than ever