The wedding industry is struggling. Venues are closing down. Suppliers are working with bookings, having to get part-time jobs or are giving up entirely. But not me. I'm doing totally fine. I am fully booked for 2024, as I have been fully booked for every single year I've been in business (COVID excepted!), and my pipeline for 2025 onwards is very healthy, as is 2026.

But apparently talking about being successful isn't the done thing. Is this because it's just not "British"? Is it because of jealousy? Me being Aarrogant? Me being Narcissistic? A mix of those? Who knows. What I do know, however, is that I will continue to celebrate my success because I work bloody damned hard for it.

Celebrating Success: The Power of Sharing Your Business Triumphs

Introduction

Business success is a journey of challenges, hard work, and perseverance. While some entrepreneurs prefer to keep their achievements low-key, there is a compelling case to be made for sharing and celebrating success openly. This is why successful business owners should not shy away from acknowledging and communicating their triumphs and how doing so can positively affect both their brand and the broader business landscape.

From 2016 - 2021 20% of business in the UK failed in the first year, and 60% failed in the first three years. I've been self-employed for 20+ years. So to me it's right and proper that I give myself a pat on the back and brag I'm still in business.

Here is another post on the subject, with similar stats, from Shopify.

1. Inspiration for Others

Successful business owners' stories of hard work and achievement inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. Real-life success stories prove that dedication, resilience, and strategic thinking can lead to triumph. Aspiring business leaders can learn valuable lessons from the challenges and triumphs of those who have walked the path before them - all they need to do is ask. It's rare when someone successful is approached for help by someone who isn't as successful and turned away. It is equally rare, especially for men, to ask for help. Most people I coach and mentor for the Welsh Government are women.

It's not all a bed of roses. Not one year have I been able to sit back and do nothing. I've hustled all the way, every day, every week, every month and every year to be successful.

I'm more than happy to help anyone that asks. Indeed, I give an awful lot of my time doing just that in the form of coaching and support, whether it's meeting face-to-face for a chat or ad-hoc via social media messenger. Specifically for wedding photographers, it's me allowing them to shadow me at weddings, then coaching afterwards, running workshops (business & photography), and editing photos they potentially messed up on. It's designing and hosting websites for new photographers or struggling with finances at the start of the business.

And, significantly, I don't charge for that. It's my time being given away freely.

Reference: Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.

2. Building a Stronger Personal Brand

Publicly celebrating success is an effective way for business owners to build and strengthen their personal brand. A positive public image can attract opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations, as stakeholders are more likely to engage with individuals they perceive as successful and credible. Sharing success stories creates a narrative that adds depth and authenticity to a business leader's personal brand.

Why do you think I talk so much about being authentic, honest, and open? It's developing that personal brand. I love Jaffa Cakes. I love Bon Jovi. I love decaf Yorkshire Tea. I have long hair, usually in braids. My whole marketing is based around those things. I even name my wedding photography collections after them!

That goes against what many people see as being "professional". But the thing here is I'm a lone, a self-employed person, not some global corporation. I can set the rules I want to work under and who I want to work with (and I'm fussy - part of that personal brand).

Who wants to hire someone who isn't busy or isn't successful?

Reference: Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.

3. Boosting Employee Morale

Before you all start on me not having employees...I am an employer AND employee. I have no option but to motivate myself. And I do that in the same as if IO had employees - I set myself goals, targets and stretch targets. I check in regularly to ensure I'm on track; if not, I change my approach.

Acknowledging and celebrating success within the workplace can significantly boost employee morale. Recognition of hard work and achievements fosters a positive work culture and motivates teams to strive for excellence. Employees who see their contributions being recognized and celebrated feel a sense of pride and ownership, leading to increased engagement and productivity. And in plain simple English, that means that if I reach my targets, I reward myself with a bonus. It could be a new camera, a new set of alloy wheels for my campervan - it could be anything. But unless I reach those targets, there is no reward.

I know that when my order book is complete for the next year before that year, in fact, starts, I get a real kick out of it. It boosts MY morale. But I don't sit back - I'm still out there, hustling, marketing, advertising, attending wedding fayres etc.

Reference: Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead Books.

4. Enhancing Networking Opportunities

Sharing success stories can open doors to new networking opportunities. Networking is a crucial aspect of business growth, and celebrating success provides business owners with a platform to connect with like-minded individuals, potential partners, and investors.

Networking can lead to valuable collaborations, strategic alliances, and insights contributing to sustained success.

Reference: Ferrazzi, K. (2014). Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time. Crown Business.

5. Fostering a Positive Industry Image

Publicly sharing success contributes to the overall positive image of an industry. When successful business owners highlight their achievements, it reflects positively on not only their enterprises but also on the industry as a whole. This positive perception can increase trust from consumers, investors, and other stakeholders, creating a ripple effect of prosperity.

Reference: Godin, S. (2005). All Marketers Are Liars: The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low-Trust World. Portfolio.

So, going back to one of the original paragraphs above - business failure rates. This screenshot is from an anonymous post on a UK-wide wedding photographer group.

Based on the stats I linked above, only 3% of those who answered will look at what went wrong, why it went wrong, how it went wrong and do something about it. 68% will accept it but get another job, throw money at the problem or take a reduced income.

Conclusion

Celebrating success is not just about personal gratification; it's a strategic move that can positively impact various aspects of a business leader's professional life. By openly sharing stories of hard work, challenges, and ultimate triumphs, successful business owners contribute to a culture of inspiration, motivation, and collaboration that benefits both themselves and the broader business community. In an era where authenticity is highly valued, celebrating success transparently can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.