When you stand up for someone else who cannot stand up for themselves, someone is going to stand up for you when you least expect it-Simon T Bailey.
When I read this statement by Simon, it really struck a chord with me.
When someone I believe in has become disheartened because of the way someone in our industry has been treating them, I take a stand for them. I can’t tell you how many peers will pretend to be your friend, only to just talk about you behind your back or make sure you aren’t invited to the next event. The good thing is I can see it from a mile away and I know how it feels. What I notice most is that vendors in our business are afraid to stand up for themselves. Even worse is, our colleagues don’t want to get black listed from the high school clique that they are lucky enough to be accepted in, so they wont do anything to ruffle feathers to make a stand for you. Guess what? I will. I am not afraid of the bully who tweets rude, passive aggressive comments hoping that they look like the “expert,” while someone out there who they know will read it, feels inferior. There are people out there who are going to cut others down, but we can do something about that. We can decide to stand up for people. We can choose to be a champion for those that don’t get the credit or the industry pat on the back that they deserve.
I remember when I was growing up, my mom was always rooting for the underdog, be it a sporting event, a spelling bee, or a grade school presidential election. It didn’t matter, she said the ones who need the most support are the ones who people don’t believe in. This really stuck with me and as an adult I strive to be the voice for the person who doesn’t have one. When we know someone is spreading rumors and alienating others it’s morally wrong to just stand by and let it happen. I believe that giving gives back and loyal, kind hearts are rewarded. You may be one of the most popular, highly regarded, and respected in the wedding business now, so what are you doing with that responsibility? I still believe that A little integrity is better than any career… don’t you?
Photo by Leo Patrone
