Whether you want to be or not, everyone is price-conscious these days. Even if you’ve got money to spend, you’re most likely thinking harder before you do. Am I right? That includes brides, I’m afraid. The good news is having to be frugal has put the spotlight back on the true meaning of a wedding. Things feel more heartfelt now. More authentic and rooted in who the couple is and not what they can spend. Just my two cents.
Special Events offers New Strategies for Bargain-shopping Brides
The not so good news is that last year was a rough one in the wedding industry and this year the same. Thankfully, SpecialEvents.com offers tips from wedding business owners across the country. These wedding planners and professionals figured out new ways to deal with the sour economy and get bookings, maintain their brand and serve their brides well. Definitely take a look.
I totally loved the advice these wedding vendors shared. Especially Gwen Helbush of Where to Start Wedding and Event Management who said:
“I spend a lot more time discussing exactly what the bride really needs from me and create a service package that addresses just those needs and price it accordingly. In the past I had three levels of service each with its own price range; now, it is completely custom. If she just wants a blueprint for her wedding, I create that for her, she pays me and is on her way, and my involvement ends there. Or she may want me to coach her through the planning process; she does the work, I keep her on the right track, or I do everything for her. It is very difficult to limit what I do, but in order to be profitable I have to be very disciplined in laying out exactly what I can do for the amount she is willing and in many cases able to pay.”
Does it get any better than that? Honestly, my little collaboration-lovin’ heart beat wildly just reading that. Oh the joy that Gwen would want to talk more to her brides. Around a difficult subject like money. Really, I’m swooning.
Seriously though, that is exactly the kind of resilient, flexible thinking you need to get though this crappy time. Or to build a truly sustainable wedding business. And, I’m betting Gwen has the chops- the talking skills- to back it up. She’s probably an amazing listener who asks the best clarifying questions. (Gwen, feel free to chime in with your secrets)
Communication skills are Money
Being a good communicator is important for anyone. Being a great listener is essential for business people. When you can listen to what your market says, and just as importantly to what it won’t say, you can offer services and products that are highly relevant. Simply said they’ll want you and what you’ve got to share.
Best example of that for me is Steve Jobs and the folks who created the iPod. I never knew I wanted to carry several weeks of audiobooks in my pocket until they read my mind. I’m addicted to my iPhone! Wedding professionals who get really good at interacting- hearing what a bride wants or needs but won’t say and delivering on that- are going to be highly relevant and desirable.
So, ask yourself: what’s my strategy for communicating my services and fees? Do I have the chops?
PS Been so busy working on Brideability Summit- Season Two I forgot to mention this month’s call, Play Nice. We’re talking how to stay sane and not homicidal when working in groups. Should be fun. Register now & get a discount coupon on the bundle.
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Thank you Dina, It’s been a very long time since anyone swooned over me:) You are correct listening is a big part of it, as are clarifying questions however for me the secret is to be painlessley honest. The absolute truth is I want them to have the wedding of thier dreams and I want to pay my mortgae so no subject is off limits and there is nothing we can’t do if we work together. For the last 20 years it’s served me well.