It all comes down to "Yes, I do."
To succeed in the wedding industry, you need solid strategies for breaking the barriers that keep brides from saying YES to your products and services.
So what gets in your way?
- Your competition?
- Yourself?
- Are you your own worst enemy?
- Do you lack confidence and/or experience? Are you afraid to promote yourself?
- Do you cut your prices to get the sale?
- Are you intimidated by networking and social marketing?
- Do you create face-to-face opportunities such as attending bridal shows?
Here are some of the ways you can break business barriers.
Network and Find Leads
First, who do you already know in the wedding industry? Friends? Relatives? Wedding business owners you have collaborated with in the past? Strike up a conversation. See how the both of you can help each other. Next, join local and national wedding associations if you have not already. If there are no associations in your city or state, consider starting one! Be proactive in your association(s) by attending events and contribute any way you can. Lastly, bridal shows are the quintessential wedding networking events—another (major) great reason to participate.
Create Face-to-Face Sales Opportunities
An important motto to remember: sell smarter, not harder. You can overcome roadblocks with face-to-face opportunities. Again, a great way to create these opportunities is exhibiting at bridal shows, bridal expos, wedding events, etc. You’re going to meet many potential clients and nothing succeeds better than eyeball to eyeball.
Turn Your Pitch into a Story
What inspired your wedding business? What makes you continue your wedding business day after day? Why do you love working with brides and grooms? Create a lasting impression by using your pitch as a story to motivate your prospective clients. Then use your story through all of your social media marketing. Don’t expect negative results or reactions, but be ready for them. Ultimately, you want to build relationships, not just customers.
Write Contracts That Put You in Control
Write your contracts so that you are in control in your business relationships. First, define the relationships between you/your company and the wedding couple. This clarity of definition controls the relationship and removes speculation about what was agreed upon. For more guidance and support, consult an attorney in your area.
Provide excellent service 100% of the time
Be dedicated to service before, during, and AFTER the sale. In this economy the consumer expects a fair price and great service. Your past and current clients will refer your business to their friends, relatives, and coworkers because you provided outstanding service. Word gets around quickly through social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and more. Every social media you are using to promote your business, your clients will use to endorse or criticize your services.
Have a Plan
Plan for next month. Plan for the next six months. Plan for the next wedding season even. Long-term planning gives you and your team a schedule to work with. Incorporate your wedding association events, local bridal shows, and bookings all together. Be constantly on the lookout for more clients but give yourself some breathing space to meet all these future clients.
Grow Your Team and Your Business
When is it time to hire more employees? When do you need to handle the jobs yourself? Take these questions into consideration as you plan the future of your business. When managing your staff, keep everyone on the same page because you cannot break business barriers alone.
You need to do these things to break business barriers.
Great Bridal Expo® ; Great Bridal Expo Group, Inc. Copyright 2012 All Rights Reserved.
