Friday Find: Your iPhone as Cash Register

Whew, it’s great to take a break from all the ‘migration’ work from PC to Mac.  I bought an iMac this week.  Honestly, if I’d known how annoying this would be, I’d probably never have switched.  I’m just frustrated.  Which got me thinking about other stuff that ticks me off.Like all those times technology does NOT ride to the rescue.  Like when the bridge line won’t let you access your own call (true story!)  Or, your banking site won’t accept your password (name your first child) even when you know you’re right.  Arrrggghhh! Things that don’t work- BAD.  Surprising new technology that works for your wedding business- GOOD!  That’s why I was so happy to fall across a pretty cool tech tool.  iSwipe for iPhone.

Spreading the Word about PositivelyWed

My goal this year is to take Brideability on the road and talk to hoards of wedding professionals.  So far, so good.  I’ll be speaking on May 12th at the local (that’s New England) ABC meeting on social media.  And, again on April 20th Wendy Robinson of Aspire to Plan and I will chat about conflict resolution.  The big showwwww (as Ed Sullivan used to say) will be on July 18th at the NY regional ABC meeting.  (If your organization or group wants a conflict expert to speak, shoot me an email at Dina (at)PositivelyWed.com

Of course, I’d love to share my materials from my store at these event.  But how to do that without a fuss?  You’ve had this conference experience I’m sure.  You want to buy the materials but it’s a hassle with hand-writing  your credit card number, then you might not get a written receipt.  Well, that leaves me cold.  I didn’t want to do that to you.  I want to be able to easily accept credit cards so you can start learning right away.

Wedding Pros-Take Credit Card Payments by Phone!

Ever resourceful, I searched for solutions and found iSwipe.  It’s a credit card processor that works via your iPhone.  I downloaded the app,  although I haven’t used it yet.  Looks pretty easy to use.  And,  hey there’s even a YouTube video on how to link it with your Paypal account.  Pretty sweet.

I also heard about another bit of hardware that will let you actually swipe the card (you have to type in the numbers in iSwipe).  It’s called the Square.  You can read more about it here.  It connects to your iPhone so you can swipe like at a regular store.  Has payer verification ….by picture.  Accepts payment immediately and then sends an email receipt!  Sounds great.  I see myself at the end of each speaking event swiping away!

I see you, my dear wedding planner, swiping, too.  Hit it off with your couple?  Seal the deal and get your deposit in 5 minutes flat.  Want to boost your favors revenue- why not have a sample pack for sale so brides can show others?  My friend Victoria Joanne, who makes custom garters, could absolutely use this product at bridal shows to sell her beautiful embroidered name tags for gowns and tuxes on the spot.

Now, if you’re saying, but I don’t have a product.  Well, we’re gonna talk about creating multiple income streams soon.  Short answer- you have skills, expertise and knowledge that  couples could use even if they can’t afford your rates.  Figure out what that is and offer it!

PS  Totally off topic-

What do you think of this title: Play Nice: Work Well in Groups without killing Others or Yourself! ? On March 25 I’m doing a call explaining how you can participate in a group and get great results without frustration, excess talking and getting stuck.   But I stink at titles.  Would this title compel you to sign up?  What would you suggest instead?