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WEDC GradPermalink Reply by Elizabeth de Almeida on August 29, 2012 at 4:19pm

I think that person would sure do well if she would realize how damaging that is. Being courteous and respectful of your clients and other business owners, even if you disagree with the way they run their business, (which isn't her "business") is just the way to go. That's too bad on her part. Maybe she will learn in the end.

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Permalink Reply by Robin Lynch on August 29, 2012 at 4:44pm

There is a link but I am not going to post it.  If you want I will email it to you privately.  I don't believe her profanity laced blog has any business being on a "professional website". In my industry, some people think that aerialists should only work at a certain price.  I don't believe that because we operate in a free market economy and price fixing is essentially illegal.  As business owners we have to work with people. Everybody has a different budget.  Aerial entertainment is a service that people want but are not necessarily willing to pay a lot of money for. With business related parties, the IRS does take entertainment into account.  If a business writes off entertainment and they spent "an arm and a leg" on entertainment, that will be questioned.  The aerial entertainment company should have an EIN number.  Have them sign a W9 form Get a price in writing before hiring an aerialist.  If the aerialist deems you difficult, they will charge you extra or what some aerialists call the "idiot surcharge".  I don't do that.  I think that is so reprehensible.  Everyone has to deal with difficult people.  It is just a matter of working together and getting along.  If you keep a positive attitude that situation might yield positive results and future work opportunities.  Not everybody is willing to pay $600 for a 5 minute aerial routine.  I work with the event planners and get their feedback as to what a client wants to pay.  There are other factors to consider when planning a party.  Entertainment is just one of those factors.  You don't need to bad mouth others to build yourself up.  I know her.  She was one of my trainers.  She is very talented.  Unfortunately, her ego has taken over.  She prides herself on not having a filter.  I don't respond to her directly and basically ignore her. 

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WEDC GradPermalink Reply by Elizabeth de Almeida on September 5, 2012 at 2:33pm

It is so true, that when you do keep a positive attitude, showing that your business is customer friendly, that your business focuses on customer satisfaction, customers appreciate this a great deal; and as a result customers will come back to you, time after time.

And once your business reflects this healthy glow, I believe people will be more inclined to pay a little more, just because they know, that not only will they receive good service, but that they know they are in good hands. Honesty and integrity go a long way. That is so important to me as a business person. And it's a real joy when customers have gratitude toward my work, and the service of how they receive it. We want our customers to know how we appreciate their business and that they are happy with what we do.

But I have to say, that is pretty sad that there are those who actually use this "idiot surcharge", in handling customers who seem to be more than challenging than most. They are still customers.  That is so unfair and so uncalled for.

I gather this lady will continue on, but I gather she may hit rock bottom before she even knows the consequences of her behavior.  But I applaud you! Integrity comes first. Responsible and good ethics for business people is a high priority.

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