Today, I am proud to announce that Wendy Porter Events, LLC is officially celebrating our eighth anniversary. My entrepreneurial venture began after a corporate downsizing shook me to my core. I had worked tirelessly for my employer in the corporate world for well over a decade, and I struggled to accept the cold reality that someone who gave her all, produced excellent outcomes and continuously received positive feedback could be suddenly and abruptly “let go”.

Despite the initial shock, I saw my situation as an opportunity to pursue my passion. Within seconds of hearing my whole team was being eliminated, I decided I would start my own events business. Although this journey has been challenging, including navigating unprecedented hurdles caused by a global pandemic that brought a $1 trillion industry and its twelve million workers to a standstill, I never looked back. Now, I can confidently say that I am not chasing my dreams, I’m living them.

Through my entrepreneurial journey, I now understand that nurturing a small business is akin to tending a garden. If you know me at all, you know my other passion in life, along with events, is gardening. I have been meticulously cultivating my award-winning garden for 30 years. Thus, this analogy resonates deeply within me.

Allow me to tell a story that ties this all together. About two years into becoming an entrepreneur, business was slower than I was comfortable with. I felt defeated and stressed, close to my limit, and I wondered if I was ever going to make a living at this “small business thing.” That day I got an email from Theresa Rose - a friend and colleague in the industry. Theresa is a keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, author, leadership coach and a mentor. I told her about my struggles and asked how she kept her spirits up and the stress at bay when times were tough.

Without knowing my passion for gardening, she responded with a message about how growing a business is like growing a garden. Each day presents opportunities to plant seeds, nurture growth, and patiently await the harvest. In her wise words, “The surest antidote to stress is ACTION! Look forward! Every single outreach is a seed planted in the professional garden. Some seeds take longer than others. A few won’t bear fruit at all. The gardener’s job isn’t to rush the seed to fruition. Rather, her role is to cultivate the garden and encourage a bountiful harvest!”

I took her words and turned them into a piece of art that a friend of mine hand illustrated. I framed it and gave it to Theresa that year as a gift for sharing her wise counsel with me that day. I also put a copy of it in my office to remind me to help both my home garden AND my professional garden flourish.

I am happy to say that not only are we celebrating our eighth year in business, but also our most successful year. Revenues are thriving and we’ve added new clients and team members. I was nominated as one of the 100 Best Events Professionals in the industry, and one of WPE’s client events made BizBash’s “10 Most Innovative Events of 2023!” I am ecstatic that my professional garden is now also thriving.

So, in the spirit of Theresa’ message and our eighth anniversary, I would like to share eight key things I have learned in the last eight years about “Cultivating a Professional Garden” and turning my dreams into a reality.

1. Relationships are Key – Cultivating Meaningful Connections

Just like a garden thrives with care, businesses flourish through relationships. Every interaction is a seed, and with time and attention, it can bloom into a valuable partnership or opportunity. Respect, trust, and genuine engagement are the nutrients that foster these relationships.

2. Networking Matters – Sowing Seeds of Opportunity

Networking, in the context of our garden, is akin to scattering seeds. Being proactive and engaged in the professional community ensures a diverse array of opportunities and contacts. Remember, the more seeds you sow, the greater the chances of a fruitful harvest.

3. Go Big or Go Home – Invest in Your Business Soil

Investments are the nutrients that enrich the soil of your business. Whether it's upgrading technology, expanding your team, funding training, or exploring new markets, these investments provide the necessary foundation for growth. Just as a well-nourished plant yields vibrant blooms, a well-invested business reaps success.

4. Trust the Process – Allowing Seeds to Sprout

Patience is the gardener's virtue. Every outreach, every investment, and every endeavor is a seed planted. Some seeds might sprout quickly, while others take time. Trusting the process and allowing each seed the necessary time to grow is key to a successful harvest.

5. It Takes Time – Tending to Your Growing Garden

Like plants, businesses need time to mature. Nurturing your professional garden requires constant care and attention. Take the time to refine your skills, enhance your offerings, and adapt to the changing market. With dedication, your garden will flourish and yield abundant results.

6. Surround Yourself with Experts – Cultivating a Skilled Team

Recognize your strengths and delegate the rest. Hiring experts in areas where you lack proficiency is like inviting seasoned gardeners to tend to specific plants. Their expertise ensures every aspect of your business thrives, creating a diverse and vibrant garden.

7. Prioritize Life Balance – Harvesting the Fruits of Balance

Just as a garden needs a balanced ecosystem, so does your life. As the gardener of your professional journey, you have the power to decide when to plant, when to water, and when to rest. Balance allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor while ensuring the sustainability of your garden.

8. Hire a Business Coach – Seeking Guidance for a Flourishing Garden

A business coach serves as the experienced botanist, offering insights and guidance to ensure your garden thrives. With their support, you can navigate challenges, refine your strategies, and create a flourishing, bountiful garden of opportunities.

Remember, every action you take in your professional journey is a seed planted. By cultivating your professional garden with care, patience, and expertise, you pave the way for a bountiful and enduring harvest.

Happy gardening!

Wendy