ABC WOW Annual Conference Speaker – Tracey M. Fricke

 Follow us every Wednesday as we connect with this years Conference Speakers.

 Today, we hear from Tracey M. Fricke of Occasion Designed:

1. What are 2 key words (phrases) to describe what attendees will take away from attending your Keynote Presentation?

• Encouragement and helpful strategies for dealing with difficult situations.

2. What would you say was the most important lesson (good or bad) that has impacted the way you evolved your business at these different stages:

• At the start of my career:  I tried to learn everything that I could, with all of the resources that were out there. I sought out different certifications and levels of accreditation, I just wanted to absorb and learn as much as I could.  I was also very observant of others and tried to learn through osmosis from those around me, regardless of their profession or of the situation. I worked 80+ hours per week, which did ultimately take it's toll on my health, but I would do it all again because it was worth it!

• Midway my career: I took time to really reassess my business, my personal goals, my strategy and just my general approach to life. I discovered that I wanted to live my life with intention and wanted to make a difference. I rebranded my business and upgraded all of my social media accounts (because I started my business before all of those social media forums even existed!). This is the point where I realized I could not continue at the pace I had been going and I needed to do something about it.

• Presently: I still consider myself to be a life-long learner and I seek out new and exciting forums for learning all of the time. I try to learn from everyone I encounter, whether young or old, and I try to take away a little mini lesson regardless of the situation or circumstance. My pursuit has allowed me to be incredibly humble, which I find at my age (but I guess really at any age) is much more effective in how I live my life and run my business.

3. What motivates you to continue being a part of this industry?

•  Well, in all honesty, I am just a big old romantic at heart. But I also love to meet new people and to learn their personalities and to discover their stories and then to join them in the journey they are on. And ultimately, I am deeply passionate about being of service to others. It is so rewarding to get to be helpful to others. Plus I get to be a part of creating and then witnessing the best day in my couples' lives!

4. If you were starting your business today, what is one tip you would share with new planners/designers?

• I can't share just one tip! Be humble and be kind-always-especially when you don't want to be. Always take the high road, especially when it is most difficult to do so. Learn how to listen well. Be thoughtful in your responses. Don't make excuses. Be deeply in tune with your own emotional intelligence, it will help you in dealing with the emotions of others.  Be open to learning from anyone. Take time to continually feed your creativity. Exercise, drink lots of water, get plenty of sleep, meditate and take the time to choose to live with intention. This will all make a difference in your personal life and your business too!