I’m a problem-solving coach, right. That means I want to help you (and me) tackle the day to day stuff so we can really transcend and take our lives and wedding companies to the next level. Whatever that is. So when I came across this absolutely fab list of questions ( courtesy of Elizabeth PW’s newsletter), I HAD to pass it on.
Sharing the Good Stuff
The list is actually called ‘101+1 Small Business Marketing Questions for People who don’t Speak Marketing‘. (what a mouthful) Naomi Dunford, that sassy blogger who writes IttyBiz, generated a list of not-your-usual marketing questions. These witty questions actually make it fun to think about creating a marketing plan for your wedding business. Naomi covers the basics like what’s your niche, how are you different and what’s your value add, but in a more relaxed way.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I read these articles that ask me to ‘differentiate my business from competitors’ and think, really? I’m not a multi-national conglomerate that has a gazillion competitors and thinks in formulas. It just seems old and formal. Like your father’s marketing plan. Not my style.
On the other hand, I got an enormous kick out of considering how I was better than other bozos, one of the questions. (Answer: Since I’m not offended to think of myself as a bozo, my humility is in place and makes me a more compassionate teacher. I don’t lecture; I share because I don’t have all the answers. You have some, too.) It was irreverent, fun yet very practical. Something that feels more like me. I really think you’re going like this.
Makes Marketing Fun
Naomi’s questions are real yet playful. I love how she handles the sticky bit about getting testimonials. We all know we need them, but getting them consistently is another matter. Naomi simply asks you to consider:
What nice stuff might other people say about me if only I asked them to say it? (Hint: You’ll get more testimonials if you ask for them.)
What a GREAT question that is. Why? It’s an excellent example of how useful it can be to properly frame a question. You’ve read the question: how can I get more testimonials? a million times, right. Me, too. And, frankly, it’s a little intimidating. It feels like you gotta go out and hunt some down!
This question is quite the opposite. It invites you to remember something nice then puts those good feelings to work in a constructive way. You’re not cornering folks, instead you’re asking if they notice the same positive qualities others did. When I read that question I got an immediate ego boost thinking about the nice stuff you readers have said about Positively Wed. Very inspiring. Go on, read it to yourself. I bet you get a smile thinking about the nice compliment you got last week!
Learning how to properly ask questions, meaning to ask in a way that gets positive results, is a skill every wedding professional must know. Really, essential for giving your bride the very best wedding. (And, it makes getting a deal a snap!) We are definitely going to talk more about. In fact, the introduction call will be part of Season Two of Brideability, which is coming soon.
Anyway, take a look at this extraordinary list. Better yet- bookmark or print it out. I’m going to. And, if you’re not reading marketing blogs, do try IttyBiz
