People, Words, Love: What Inspires Me!

By Joyce Scardina Becker, CMP

You can go to any bookstore and find hundreds of books on how to achieve wealth and success, but the real secret of success lies within each and every one of us. We have the powerful tools inside ourselves to change the way we think.

Beginning in high school, I discovered that associating with people of “genius” sparked my mind in positive ways. You can recognize these individuals because they are problem-solvers, doers, enthusiastic and always loving and kind.

My high school counselor, Carol Frances Schneider, was brilliant — she always seemed to have the right answers for me. Her amazing wisdom was undoubtedly shaped by the twists and turns in her own life: A troubled alcoholic teen, she became a Catholic nun and emerged into public life to direct educational seminars for major corporations. She once said, “If our self-talk is positive and supportive, then our communications to others will be loving. Be alive and connected to everyone in your life, and you will experience success.”

Her counsel stayed with me many years later when I ventured into the “game” of business. I always strove to play hard and fair, and to appreciate everyone on the team for their contributions to our shared successes. Along the way, I met another “genius” — veteran event planner (and ISES founding member) Sharon Jansen of Special Event Business Advisors. She taught me that if you're going to climb a mountain, just put one foot in front of the other and start walking. Together with many others, Sharon helped me launch the first nonprofit association for wedding service providers, the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA). Sharon gave me the tools to set goals and the courage to go after them, and she always gave praise to everyone who helped make it happen.

I'm no genius, but I do have a few thoughts on how to awaken the magic “genie-in-us”:

1. Get to know yourself. No other person will ever know you better than you! Your personal definition of success counts, and don't let anyone undermine you achieving it. Believe in yourself.

2. Know what's important to your business, and what you can and cannot do. You might need allies, mentors and role models to help you along the way. Get help when you need it and be willing to pay for it. (For example, I must admit I was a late bloomer with social media, but I'm finally getting the help I need.)

3. Fake it until you make it. You seldom get a second chance in business, so project the image you want to be — soon you'll transform into it.

4. Never stop learning. I love to teach, but better yet, I love to learn. Go to ISES meetings and conferences, and share your ideas and experiences with others.

5. Never give up, no matter how many times you hear “no.” Press on — your persistence and determination will be rewarded in the long run.

The essence of what should inspire us is simply being available for each other, whether it's our clients or our ISES family. Genuine communication and always being respectful with one another are the most important keys to success.

A celebrated events expert with more than 25 years of event management experience, Joyce Scardina Becker superlatively leads Events of Distinction, an event design and planning company. She is the author of “Countdown to Your Perfect Wedding,” a week-by-week guide for couples and wedding professionals, which received an ISES Esprit Award for Best Industry Contribution. The founding president of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association, Joyce is the recipient of 12 Esprit and Gala Awards as well as 23 nominations.

Name: Joyce Scardina Becker, CMP

Company: Events of Distinction

Address: 41 Heather Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94118 USA

Phone: 415/751-0211

Email: joyce@eventsofdistinction.com

Website: www.eventsofdistinction.com

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