By Tracey Manailescu, WPIC co-founder
It is hard to stand out in the wedding industry whether you are a wedding planner, photographer, designer, cake decorator, venue, wedding salon, tuxedo store, makeup artist, DJ, band, etc.
No matter what field you are in, there is always going to be competition. There will always be someone who knows more, has more experience, and has more talent. Stop worrying about what your competitors are doing all of the time, and do what feels right for you.
When you invest in yourself and your company, you can’t help but grow as a person, and as a business owner. Networking, attending conferences, taking courses, attending open houses to see what new products or services vendors have to offer, spending money on targeted ads (print or online), having a professionally made website, upgraded business cards, killing it on social media, sponsoring your services, better SEO presence, etc. can all help get you on the right track. However, if you did all of the above you would run out of time, funds and your sanity very quickly. You just can’t do it all!
What to do?
Pick a few things that resonate with you. It needs to be things that are key to making you feel better about yourself, your image, your passion and what your message to the wedding world is clearly all about.
- Be open to change
- Keep it real. Always be true to yourself and your clients. Authenticity matters
- Share glimpses into your real life with personal stories and anecdotes
- Show glimpses into your workday at the office and at weddings. Behind the scenes are always welcomed
- Go the extra mile
- Work smarter, not harder
- Update and upgrade your skills, systems and equipment
- Be clear and concise with your branding
- Target the market that you fit into. Adapt as you see fit as it might be different than you thought
- Stop feeling guilty
- Keep educated and informed
- Spend your money wisely
- Keep track of your expenses
- Attend industry events & conferences that actually relate to what you are in need of learning or reaffirming
- Take a step back, and take a deep look into your business from an outside perspective
- Survey your couples, industry friends, WPIC alumni, and family. Ask for feedback about what you could have done better, find out what they think that you did (or do well) and make the appropriate changes where you see fit
- Keep your personal life and home happy. Stay healthy, join a gym, get walking, eat better. Go shopping for new clothes or shoes, get a new and fresh haircut/colour, play with your kids, go on a weekly or monthly date night with your better half
Everyone has their own ideas of what makes a person relevant and successful. Keep true to you, and always be willing to learn and grow.
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