Tips for Professionals

Here are some ideas for improving your business and statistics to put it all in perspective.

Naming Your Business

Try to think of a name that combines a logo and slogan and puts your name to work for you. Also try to use a name that can indicate to the consumer what service you provide.

Examples:

  • On Time Limousines
  • Dynamic DJ's
  • Unique Bridals

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Tips on designing a business card that acts a marketing tool

1) Make it double size and fold in half to get more complete information about your company
2) Make a special offer on the back of your card (Bring this in for ______)
3) Build credibility and perceived level of professionalism by including professional affiliations like an association logo (Member of Association ____)
4) Include a guarantee (Guaranteed delivery within one week)
5) List your menu of services as benefits (custom invitations without the customary wait)
6) Accentuate what your competitors are overlooking
7) Have unique artwork of logo and carry it forward on your sales material
8) Add something useful to the card. Example: two year calendar, important phone numbers for them to fill in by category of service, phone numbers of airlines

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When advertising, address these challenges for increased response:

1) Define your customer
2) Tell a story in your ad about your customer
3) Use words that will resound in their mind
4) Express how you can benefit them
5) Get to the point
6) Think about the words you choose

Looking for a store?

When looking for a storefront location, find a location that has visibility near a business that is the preceding rung on the planning ladder. A photo studio, or entertainment company would benefit by locating near a caterer and being seen as the prospects leave the facility. A florist or invitation business would benefit being located near a busy bridal shop.

Wedding Networking Tips:

Think of any business that sells to the bride (not just for her wedding) and network with them. They include:

  • furniture stores
  • travel agents
  • make-up artists and hair stylists
  • jewelers
  • realtors
  • insurance agents

Develop relationships with a reputable individual in each category and refer your customers to them. They will refer customers to you and it won't cost you any advertising or commissions.

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Indications your price is too low:

  • You're making the same or lower net profit on higher sales volume.
  • No one complains about your price and customers purchase without haggling.
  • A customer asks if an old quote is still good

Indications your prices are too high:

  • Low closing ratio
  • You receive complaints about what is not included in your price
  • You get calls from clients who want to cancel because they found someone else.
  • You have a tough time explaining your prices

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Wedding Business Strategies

  • Define your niche
  • Fight for the best customers, not all customers
  • Develop great relationships with your suppliers
  • Emphasize service, knowledge and expertise
  • Find out why people didn't buy from you
  • Differentiate from your competition. Look for exclusivity
  • Band together with other non-competing wedding professionals and exchange referrals, leads and joint promotions
  • Think about up-sells and cross sells
  • Look for quality employees and make it worth while for them to stay with you
  • Remember your customer's names
  • Keep in touch with your customers after the wedding and encourage them to refer you
  • Show that you care and have outstanding customer service
  • Accept credit cards
  • Use an integrated marketing approach: Network, mail, telemarket and participate at bridal shows

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Things Any Business Can Sell The Bride

  • Invitations and Announcements
  • Marriage Certificates
  • Bridal Memory Books
  • Guest Books and Pens
  • Photo Albums
  • Ringbearer Pillows
  • Flowergirl Baskets
  • Cake Tops
  • Toasting Glasses
  • Unity Candles
  • Gloves
  • Garters
  • Wedding CDs and Tapes
  • Dyeable shoes and purses
  • Bridesmaids and Ushers Gifts
  • Reference Books and Planners
  • Wedding Bubbles and Bells
  • Single Use Cameras
  • Favors
  • Jewelry for bride and attendants


Get To The Point At Bridal Shows

You have very little time to get the bride's attention. Here are some powerless language habits to do away with at shows

1) Words that weaken impact such as somewhat, maybe and perhaps.
2) Hesitation sounds such as mm, uhm, but, you know, and uh.
3) Needless words that are meant to emphasize but do not such as really, very, probably, and kind of.
4) Rhetorical questions such as: This is beautiful isn't it?
5) No phrases that breed lack of confidence such as "I am not sure" and "I don't think".

Get the bride excited and get her into your place of business by being on your best foot.

Domains for Sale

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