Photo by Avenue-Photo.com
By: Tracey Manailescu, Co-founder of WPIC Inc.
Network: Get out there and make some new relationships in the wedding industry. The next time that you are at an event such as an open house, an industry night, a conference or seminar just get up the nerve and introduce yourself to three people that you don’t know. Ask some interesting questions (instead of the usual expected ones) to get to know someone. Shake things up and make it more interesting for you and them. “What’s the best part about your job?” “What is the most interesting thing that happened to you today?” “If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?” “What can you do today that you were not capable of doing last year?” Tell them something interesting about you, too. The 50/50 conversation rule is so important. Bring your business cards, have a great handshake, and don’t linger too long. That’s just creepy.
Say “Thank You”: Send a heartfelt note, a text or a quick email to someone who has helped you in some way big or small. It takes minutes of your time, but can make someone’s entire day! It will be remembered. That super awesome Wedding Venue Coordinator, DJ, Florist, or Caterer who came to the rescue, or was so wonderful to work with, would really appreciate being acknowledged. Just do it! Our friend, and wedding industry expert Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting is such a pro at kindness (as well as all kinds of other things).
Try to Identify the Weaknesses and Blind Spots in Your Business. When you become more aware of your flaws, you can start to fix them! Think back to what you wish you had done better last year. If you know that you are not good with the Mothers of your couples, than hire an Assistant to work with you who excels at this. If organizational skills are not your thing, than there are apps for that. Aisle Planner and Timeline Genius are great places to start. Are you not so good at blogging or social media? Hire someone who is, or join a webinar to learn some tips and tricks. Update you questionnaires, welcome templates, programs and anything that will make your life easier for wedding season.
Like Attracts Like: Show and tell the universe what you are looking for. If you want more fun couples in your life, than start showing some photos of your cutest couple moments, share some behind the scenes photos of some light-hearted moments in your day. Show you, your couples and your team having fun! Do you want more trendy couples? Blog about your experience at a new trendy spa, or visit a hot new restaurant that happens to do weddings. If you want more destination weddings in your life than find a good travel agent to work with, take a course, attend a conference in another country, go on a FAM trip, find out who’s who in certain locations that you want to specialize in, make some business contacts, as well as getting to know your Tourism Board representatives. Then get out and explore those particular locations so that you are comfortable there, and actually know what you are talking about and can offer suggestions based off of real experiences.
Avoid “The Grass is Greener” Myth: The next time you think that the grass is greener somewhere else, think about how you can water the grass you are standing on.
Begin with planning , follow up by action and end with results! Thanks for the amazing tips Tracey!