Last week I hosted a party to formally launch Fee Only Planning NC. I would like to share some of what I learned and apply it to life. I love to cook and have people over to our house. I enjoy good food, music, and great conversations, so it seemed natural to bring all of these elements together in the launch of a company that represented me. The party seemed so easy on paper and in my mind. In reality it was very difficult. The level of stress that bringing all the different components together was incredible. Now each by themselves was not hard, but combined with the others and trying to run my business, well let’s say I did not handle it as well as I could. In the end the venue was great although difficult to find, the food excellent and plenty of it and music over the top. I thank all that were able to attend. I expected 30 to 40 people and 54 showed up. So by all measures it was successful.
The question is why do we stress about things that we love to do? I think the first is that I wanted the evening to be perfect and that it would represent me in a great light. This is pride and it can cause stress. What I found out is that it is about relationships. As I talked with the people they genuinely wanted to support me in my new effort and wished success for me. They wanted to learn about what the new company was all about and would have probably come for hot dogs and chips. So what I was concerned about was not what they expected for the evening. It was me that was magnifying the expectations not my guests and in the end it was me that was creating my own stress. The second area of stress was would they respond positively to me speaking about the differences of my financial planning company and others? I guess we all have experienced that feeling of sitting in a timeshare meeting and waiting for them to finish. But after I was done many came up to me and expressed thanks for explaining what I do and how it differs from what is currently available. So again it was me creating my own stress. Finally the big question in my mind was would it be worth it financially for me host such an event? Well we will have to see about this, but if the first few days are any indication the answer is yes.
Here is my take away from the event. First don’t be afraid to ask for help. Barbara with CCM was great in setting up the room and organizing the venue, Brian was awesome with the music and it could not have been any better. I love to cook and wanted the food to express one of my passions but having help with serving and cleanup was money well spent. Finally having my family there to support me even though I was difficult is priceless. Second don’t interpret your stress as something your guest will have. Lastly enjoy the moment. Once the event started it was an evening that I would do again, but will approach it with a completely different attitude.
What does this have to do with financial planning, nothing, but not everything in life is about financial planning, sometimes it is important to share what we learn.
Have a great New Year.
Steve