About the Episode
This episode of “Corralling the Chaos”, focuses on the importance of relationships in the events industry. The discussion revolved around how relationships can make or break a company’s reputation. The conversation also highlighted the importance of treating every interaction as an opportunity to leave a positive impression.
Meet Your Speakers
– Angela Alea: President & CRO of LASSO, Host of Corralling the Chaos
– Nicholas Van Dyke, Labor Manager at WEBB
Overview
– The importance of freelancer relationships in the industry
– Unlocking better business to business relationships
– Closing thoughts and hopes for the industry
Listen
Watch
Takeaways
Takeaway 1: Importance of maintaining positive relationships in the event industry
“Whether we like it or not, all of us have a reputation…,” said Angela. “And a lot of people haven’t really caught that link between the relationships and your reputation.” Nicholas added that he believes building relationships is all about consistency. Nicholas explained that the more often they interact with freelancers, the stronger their relationships become.
Consistency in communication and interest in the lives of the freelancers, such as knowing about their vacation plans, helps build stronger relationships. As Nicholas pointed out, “Even though they’re freelancers. I care. I care enough.”
Takeaway 2: The role of core values in managing business relationships
The speakers also explored the role of core values in managing relationships, especially with freelancers. They noted that aligning people with the company’s mission and values is crucial in maintaining good relationships.
Nicholas emphasized the importance of adhering to core values in managing challenges. “We face challenges with optimism. Yeah. Now, I can’t say that we don’t have challenges. We do. Right. But they’re the same old challenges that everybody else has.” He also highlighted that freelancers must choose to adhere to those principles in every interaction, and if they don’t, then it’s not worth their time.
Nicholas also shared how they handle potential conflicts. Instead of going head to head with a freelancer or another business, they try to realign people’s visions with Webb’s vision. “And now with two people working for a common goal, we can accomplish it easier, faster, better, and we just realign that.”
Takeaway 3: The power of human decency in business relationships
The speakers outlined the power of human decency in business relationships, noting that genuine curiosity about the other party can strengthen relationships. They also highlighted the need for businesses to be aware of their surroundings and considerate of the feelings of others in their interactions.
Angela noted that being interested in other people’s lives and experiences is key to building strong relationships. “Make your friends before you need them. Be friends with people, even your competitors. Be friendly. Be kind. Be the person and the company that other people want to be around and work with.”
In a similar vein, Nicholas highlighted the importance of treating individuals with kindness and respect, suggesting that there should be more forgiveness in interactions with individuals compared to businesses. He concluded, “We do our best to find those local guys that really care about their people the same way that we care about our people and our shows.”
Insights surfaced
– Relationships can make or break a company’s reputation in the events industry.
– A company’s approach to relationships defines its reputation.
– Consistency is key in building and maintaining relationships.
– Genuine personal interest and curiosity about others can foster strong relationships.
– The events industry needs a stronger network of professionals working together to tackle creative and production challenges.
