Winning Tips On Being a Wedding Assistant
Its official! You’ve been chosen to shadow and assist a wedding planner in your area. You’re probably nervous, excited, apprehensive and confident all rolled up into one…am I right? No worries…its perfectly normal because you may not know what to expect or how to make the most of the experience. Today’s article, while not about the business end of running your planning business; it’s still relevant information.
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Crafting Your Elevator Speech
Networking doesn’t have to be a struggle. It can be very easy once you learn how. One of the most important things you’ll need for “networking success” is the ability to describe your services in a way that will make people remember you. This is where a 60 second commercial or “elevator speech” is beneficial.
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“Full Time” Attention While Building Your Business “Part Time”
Working at a 9 to 5 job while starting a wedding planning business on a part time basis can be successful if you plan it right. Having startup capital that covers your living expenses is a key ingredient anytime you start a business. You can’t let your home life suffer while you’re building your dream, right? Let’s face it…you may not book your first bride right away.
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Get Out There and Get to Know Your Wedding Community
When just starting out, getting to know who’s who in your wedding community, should be one of the top priorities on an aspiring planners to do list. After finding out who your ideal client is and then crafting a compelling story and signature speech about who you are and what you offer as a planner; it’s time to get out there and let the wedding community know you’re here!
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Are You Overwhelmed?
It’s been another 12 hour day of planning weddings. Your other half is upset that you missed dinner – again. Your kids can’t remember what you look like. You’re exhausted and after the umpteenth time of your friends telling you to hire some help, you are finally ready.
But now what? How do you even begin trying to figure out what someone should do? Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as you think. Below are 4 steps with specific actions to take to ensure you find the right person and get the most bang for your buck.
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Can You Describe What You Do?
Sure. You’re a wedding planner. But what is it that you DO for your clients? “I’m a Wedding Planner” is just a label. You are so much more than that!
You organize all the details of elaborate parties that, many times, happen every weekend for several months. These parties sometimes have hundreds of people in attendance. And the delicate dance between all the vendors involved in making this party happen will be choreographed by you.
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Working That Bridal Show Lead List
For some new planners, working a booth at a bridal show can seem like hitting the jackpot. Imagine…all those brides in one place! The excitement is contagious as you meet and greet all the vendors you will someday work with; looking at all the prettiness and the FOOD? Delish!
I worked my first bridal show a year after I started my business. It was so much fun decorating my booth and meeting the vendors that had worked the bridal show so many times before. The advice they gave me was both helpful and little scary. I learned that the only way to make the show successful, was what I did AFTER the show was over.
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Are You Prepared For Your Initial Consultations?
I remember my very first initial consultation with a bride. I was very nervous and wasn’t sure if I was ready to conduct the meeting like a pro.
I had a questionnaire I created to gather information as I spoke with the bride, a copy of my business brochure, business card along with a letter of introduction all placed nice and neat in a pocket folder for her. As an added touch, I presented her with a bouquet of six roses in my company’s signature colors. I was ready!
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Getting That First Paying Client
I remember my very first initial consultation with a bride. I was very nervous and wasn’t sure if I was ready to conduct the meeting like a pro.
I had a questionnaire I created to gather information as I spoke with the bride, a copy of my business brochure, business card along with a letter of introduction all placed nice and neat in a pocket folder for her. As an added touch, I presented her with a bouquet of six roses in my company’s signature colors. I was ready!
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Don’t Make These Mistakes
I was recently asked what I thought were the most common mistakes made by aspiring planners when they start their businesses. Read more to find out what I’ve seen in coaching aspiring planners.
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