By Doug Baarman

Those that follow my posts know that I lead an incredible team of independent meeting planners based around the United States and Canada. Most of them made the move from employee of a corporation or organization, so this was their first experience in an independent work model. I recently asked them to respond to a simple question using only four words to answer: why did you become an independent meeting planner?

The following are a sample of the responses that I received:

• Servicing customers I love
• Family, freedom, unlimited success
• More time with family
• Get my life back
• To achieve a dream
• To design my future
• Do what I love
• Able to service others
• Potential for great lifestyle
• Autonomy and earning potential
• Freedom, experience, leadership, money
• The flexibility and lifestyle
• No more office politics
• Experience, opportunity and growth
• Control of my future

It was interesting to review the results as most were able to articulate in just four words ‘why they became an independent meeting planner’. It was also refreshing to see that their reasons took into account their overall dream and their greater focus which is more than purely financial.

Please try this simple exercise. Using just four words, why did you choose your current role in the hospitality industry?