It's okay to dream and what is even better ? Dreaming big, You see your vision clear as day and you are fully committed to being the rockstar wedding planner or creative that you know you are destined to be . You are super charged with passion and drive and not even your day job will stand in your way, except for maybe one thing......that's right the F WORD, you guessed it family.

Why does it seem that of all people family are the last ones to support you on this journey that you are so madly in love with. Do they not see the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifices you are making day end and day out to pursue a life and career that you absolutley love????

I am going to be real with you here, that transparent moment that I am known for giving. Lovie they don't get it and for you to hope they will get it and understand is not fair. I know how you feel , if I had a dime for everytime in 2011,in 2012 that I hear Jay say, " you still over there playing on the computer" when I was researching getting a business license or looking into local classes at my small business bureau or working tirelessly doing my own website design because I didn't have the money to invest for a professional to do it for me, I tell you , if I collected only a dime for each time I would still be rich. We are raised in a world where you go to school, pay attention do well academically , continue to higher education, get in debt possibly trying to pay for it , get a good job with benefits and stability and if you do all those things well then you have made it ! Thats right made it big working for someone else for the rest of your life. This is rocket science this is American culture 101.

Wait a minute, what about us dreamers , us doers, us belivers, the faith seekers, the risk takers, what about us. Here we are, but guess what, while our world is trending towards a economy that is fueled by small businesses we are still the minority so how do you combat family that don't get it ? YOU DON'T. You don't argue, you don't cry ( at least not to them about it, cry in private) you ACT, you simply stay the path and show them , don't give up, you pursue your dreams , you hustle your butt off and you make it happen, not for the moment that you can say " I told you so " being filled with animosity towards your family but to watch them be so proud and to watch them become your biggest cheerleader, to watch them become your partner, guiding you on business decisions , looking out for your best decisions. You know what allows this shift to happen, seeing your determination helps but do not you know what helps more than that INCOME, just being honest here, when you are able to stop volunteering your time, doing probono work and really start to generate income that can pay for a family vacation , or the kids sporting uniforms oh honey get ready for your pat on the back encouragement.

GRACE give it for lack of understanding, give it for your sanity and share it when you come through to the otherside . Stay the course, dream and show GRACE, OUR JOURNEY IS NOT THE MOST COMMON ONE.

It's totally awesome if you find an amazing group of people that you can network with off the bat , but keep in mind the sole purpose of networking, it is to connect with other people to grow your network and ultimately generate new business so if you attend one networking event and its not your cup of tea, cool, make the most of it and then on to the next but don't just say I tried that networking thing it didn't work and be done. 

You do realize that all the networking events you attend don't have to be with other wedding professional don't you ? There are so many local networking groups that have great ongoing events, educational workshops and networking opportunities that have nothing to do with weddings. Be sure you aren't missing out on great networking opportunities by thinking to narrow. The beauty of what we do as planner  is that people have all kinds of special events in the lives to celebrate so if you can simply connect with people you win. Check out some of these networks to see if there is one in your area: 

Association of Bridal Consultants
Tuesday's Together
National Association of Profesional Women 
​National Association of Catering and Events
​International Live Events Association 

Search networking events on Eventbrite and Meetup.com
Search Facebook online for local networking groups unique to your area.

If the type of networking event that you aspire to be apart of does not exist , then create it. There are people just like you that are craving a rodckstar network to be a part of and thrive in. Networking doesn't have to be this big super organized overly thought event but if done right it is how solid and strong that network is that matters. Reserve a table at a restaurant or favorite bistro post your event on www.meetup.com or www.eventbrite.com and sale free tickets and everyone be responsible for their own food and beverage. It can be that simple. Taking the initiative to start your own networking event also positions you as a leader among your peers. 

Shaun Cox of  www.TheShaunCox.com. Shaun Cox  is a Wedding Planner , Wedding Industry Mentor based in
 offering  training, consulting and education of Wedding Planners and wedding creatives nationwide. Shaun Cox is the owner of Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design  Chattanooga and Cleveland Tennessee Premier
Wedding Planning and Event Studio Owned by Coordinator and  Senior Wedding and Event Planner Shaun Cox.
Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design offers Wedding Day Event Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, Elopement Planning and Event Design Services for all your Social and Corporate Events.
Cue The Champagne Event Planning + Design caters to Weddings and Events
in Cleveland Tennessee, Chattanooga Tennessee, and surrounding Tennessee, North Georgia  Wedding locations and Worldwide. 
​

when things get rough they really seem to get rough . Know that is is completely okay and normal to have a breaking point . You could completely have it all together , a solid plan , every t crossed and every i dotted and guess what , something will still go wrong. Don't count yourself out. You are human . Get up dust your wedding planner hat off and get back at it !

Someone said Rome wasn't built in a day , well that was before my time. This planner is certainly familiar with Beyonce and where she started with Destiny's Child. I remember the pleather dresses and corn row braids, but wasn't the journey so amazing to watch and look at her now, rocking sold out tours with the be-hive behind her all the way . We too have a breakout moment , relish in the here and now so that you can celebrate the journey later. 

We live in a day of technology where we are always connected. Connected to the noise at any moments notice someone can reach out to you through social media and instantly we jump into action mode...........STOP. Take time to unplug and enjoy the silence. Silence gives you the opportunity to clear your thoughts, gain perspective, and connect on a more authentic and purposeful level to assess the next step on your journey. 

I hope you have enjoyed my ultimate guide on managing the struggle of setting boundaries in your own life both personal and professional . Until next week. 

Shaun Cox of  www.TheShaunCox.com. Shaun Cox  is a Wedding Planner , Wedding Industry Mentor based in
 offering  training, consulting and education of Wedding Planners and wedding creatives nationwide. Shaun Cox is the owner of Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design  Chattanooga and Cleveland Tennessee Premier
Wedding Planning and Event Studio Owned by Coordinator and  Senior Wedding and Event Planner Shaun Cox.
Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design offers Wedding Day Event Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, Elopement Planning and Event Design Services for all your Social and Corporate Events.
Cue The Champagne Event Planning + Design caters to Weddings and Events
in Cleveland Tennessee, Chattanooga Tennessee, and surrounding Tennessee, North Georgia  Wedding locations and Worldwide.