"Shadowing" a Professional Bridal Consultants - On the job training One of the parts that distinguishes ABC from other organizations, is the fact that they want you to be an active part of this organization and not just pay your dues and never show up to any event.   The 2nd part is the fact that as a Novice "In-training" member you are encouraged to join with our "Professional"  members and work at their events. This is actually required for your advancement.  If you are a Novice member and would like to assist any of our "Professional Bridal Consultants" at their events please contact any of the professional members and let them know this.  Although there is NO requirement that they pay you for your time, since this is an invaluable experience; there are a few that at least will give you a small fee for the event,  but don't expect it!   Dottie's Rules for Assisting: 1. You must be on time to any appointment or event that you are "shadowing".  I would prefer you arrive 10 minutes before your expected time.  2.  You must be in the attire that the consultant expects you to be wearing, and bring an extra pair of "professional looking" comfortable shoes.        Remember:  you are there that day as part of their "staff"  and other people around you don't know that you are not really part of their staff.  The consultant that you are "shadowing" that day has worked very hard to make this event a success.  If you mess up - she / he looks bad to their client.   3.  You do the task that you are asked to do by your "mentor".  They will not ask you to do anything that is not appropriate or that they feel you cannot handle.  Do each task as if it was your own client you are serving.  Also do the assignment in the expected time they want it done.    4.  Do not answer any question at the event that you are not to answer.  You do not know the history of the event, you have not been at all the appointments the consultant has had with the client, and your reputation is not on the line here - You have 2 options if you are asked a question by a guest or other staff member.        a.  Smile, then say to the guest that you'd be happy to find the answer to whatever she/he is asking of you.  Then do it and get back to them ASAP.      b.  Smile, and say, you don't know that answer, but refer them to the "mentor" you are "shadowing" as the key person that makes the final decisions on all things. 5.  This is not the time to ask your "mentor" "why are you doing it this way"  or how....   Time is of the essence when it comes to setting up or working at an event.  I strongly advise you to set up an appointment with your mentor, after the event you worked to get their feedback on your performance.  This is also a good time to have them answer your questions about the event.   Remember they are giving of their time and talents to help you advance in your new career, so please be respectful.   Ask them for a referral or feedback letter for you to add to your portfolio.  This is also needed for you to graduate to the next level. 6.  DO NOT drink any alcohol or smoke during any event you are "shadowing".  You are there to work, not party.  Your "mentor" does not want to have to take the time to tract you down outside smoking and visiting with the guests.   7.  Up hold the ethics and values of the Association of Bridal Consultants.     I want you to be the best consultant you can be.  I want us together, to raise the bar on the standard of excellence and expectation of wedding and event planners.   At each event we are all there as a"TEAM" to put on the best event possible.  There is not one person that is any better or more important than the next.  There is no "I" in TEAM!