I had a blast being interviewed by Canton Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Paden for the Chamber’s “Business Spotlight” show. The show aired at the beginning of September and is playing on Canton’s cable access TV channel throughout the month. Being in front of a camera is always challenging for me. After all, I spent most of my corporate communications career behind the camera writing messages, talking points and scripts for others to use! However, I remembered media training principles that I used when coaching others, and it all turned out fine. I’m actually very pleased with how I did — primarily because I think my passion for my new profession came through in the interview. If you haven’t had a chance to see the interview, you can find it here: World Class Detroit in “Business Spotlight.”
When I considered how World Class Detroit could “give back” to the community, Make-A-Wish® Michigan immediately sprung to my mind as a natural fit. I’m so happy they’ve allowed me to be part of the work they do supporting local children diagnosed with critical illnesses.
Each month, World Class Detroit donates one free luxury SUV round trip ride from Make-A-Wish Michigan families’ homes to the airport. In addition, WCD discounts already-low rates on additional rides they need.
I get to see the families on their way to what they expect will be their most memorable vacation. And the cool part is…they’re never disappointed! When I pick them up afterward, they excitedly tell me all about their trip, the things they did, the memories they made, and how well they were treated. I love that they get to have such a great experience, considering the challenges they face every day. The team at Make-A-Wish explained how these granted wishes give kids the hope and strength they need to keep fighting, and I am so proud to be a part of their journey.
My experience working with the wish coordinators has been wonderful. Their dedication and attention to detail makes it easy for me to support them and makes all the difference for these families. If you’re so inclined, I highly recommend you donate to support them in the work they do supporting local kids with critical illnesses: Make-A-Wish Michigan.
Connor, his dad, sister and brother at Flint Bishop Airport. Connor and his family were on their way to Orlando to visit Disneyworld and other theme parks, courtesy of Make-A-Wish Michigan.
Connor gives the thumbs up after returning home from their Make-A-Wish vacation to Orlando.
Last Tuesday, May 9, I celebrated six months in business with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Canton Chamber of Commerce at their office. Thanks to Chamber President Thomas Paden and Membership Director Pam Batcho for putting on a great event (photo credit: Kari Klavon). It was absolutely amazing to have my family and so many of my friends attend; and I was honored to have pillars of the community Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak and Tammy Haggerty, owner of Jacob Matthew Jewelers, in attendance, along with the Canton Chamber ambassadors. The weather cooperated and overall it was a fantastic day!
A client of mine founded and recently retired from a very successful local construction company. I asked him one time how he was able to be so successful. He said, “It was very simple. My success didn’t happen overnight, but I did what I told people I’d do and, when things didn’t go right, I spared no effort or expense to fix it.”
It’s a lesson I plan to lean on in my business. I want to exceed my clients’ expectations at all times. If a client isn’t satisfied with my service, I’ll do whatever I can to make it right.
When I started chauffering earlier this year, there were dozens of conversations and interactions that made me realize I love this line of work and wanted to start my own service. However, one stands out in my mind. Anna and Johnny are an early-30’s couple who had tried a car service for the first time and drew me as their driver. We hit it off right away and had a great conversation on the way to the airport. Not long after that, they requested me again for another ride to Detroit Metro. We had another fun conversation, the kind you don’t expect when you really don’t know people that well. When I dropped them off and gave them their bags, Johnny gave me a hug as thanks! Honestly, I was a bit startled, but when I got back in the car, I was happy and proud that he had such a good experience. I was glad I sent them away on their trip on a positive note. Little did they know that interaction got me thinking much more seriously about starting my own service!
I plan to do short posts here so current and prospective clients get to know a little bit more about me. After a long career in corporate communications and doing lots of writing/editing in various formats, writing is a passion of mine and probably the thing I miss most on a day-to-day basis. But I’m extremely excited about this new venture, as each day seems to present a new challenge and opportunity to consider how I can best be of service to my clients. Everything seems to be coming together nicely, and I’m looking forward to WCD’s launch in October, or November at the latest. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
