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Wedding business listings are available on a variety of online wedding planning resource websites. To clarify, you can list your business on websites where brides and grooms are searching for wedding vendors. These resources vary greatly in services provided, listing options and in the ways you will connect with the engaged couples. Regardless of the sites you choose to participate with, it is imperative that you keep your listings up to date.
As much as we don’t like to admit it, what the internet says about your company speaks volumes to how the viewer will perceive you. Subsequently determining their choice to contact you, or not. That comment is not just for your personal website, certainly that is a conversation for another blog post. As a wedding business owner, you must also keep your listings on other websites up to date.
Your target audience is visually driven to take action. Regularly update the photos on your wedding business listings. That is to say, represent yourself as current, modern and relatable to today’s bride and groom. If last year’s trend was boho chic, but this year that is so not a thing. Then remove those photos from your listings and add photos of a more current trend. Don’t just add more photos, remove those that are no longer relevant to your current client. Styles change year to year, stay up to date on these trends and showcase your very best product and service as they represent your ability to connect to today’s client.
Also remember to look at the photos from the front-end. Be sure they are clear, properly oriented and represent who you are and what you do.
Broken links are bad for everyone involved. Most importantly it means when a potential client clicks on a link in your listing, they aren’t going to find you. Unfortunately this will reflect on your company, not the wedding planning resource site. If you get a new website URL, then immediately go update that information on all the vendor listings you have. Now that you have added an Instagram account, go add that account to your wedding business listings. In short, be sure engaged couples can find you everywhere and that when they click, they find you.
Question of the day, how can a potential client contact you if you don’t list your email address and phone number? I wish that I could say this never happens, but it happens far too often. Generally speaking, a bride or groom is searching for wedding vendors because they are getting married. Subsequently, if they have decided they want to speak with you, they need to be able to contact you. First list your phone number and include that texting is acceptable. Second, include an actual email address. Preferably with a URL instead of a Gmail or Yahoo. Next the handles for all of your social media platforms. As a result, your next client can choose to connect with you in the way they are most comfortable. If they want to email you, they need to have an email address. On the other hand, if they want to text you, they need a phone number.
I can’t end this section with out also saying set up a professional voicemail. Due to the fact that some wedding professionals use their personal phone numbers for their business conversation it is important to remind you that your voicemail also represents your company. Likewise always answer your phone professionally. Your client believes they are calling a business, show them you are their next perfect wedding professional by putting your most professional foot forward at all times. That includes your voicemail and the way you answer your phone.
That is to say, click on the contact us buttons and send yourself a test message and/or call. First make sure you receive the test. Second, review what it looks like to your clients. Third, design your future responses or your automated response around the look and information found in that contact us message. Further, click on any hot buttons or links to be sure they work properly.
Always request reviews. Reviews build consumer trust in your product and service. They also appeal to algorithms. For this reason, your listing on www.isaidyesfl.com has a “Review Us” hot button right on your listing. You can also send an email to your past client with a link to your wedding business listing requesting a review. In fact, email our team to get tips on how to get reviews and use your I Said Yes! FL listing to your best advantage.
Keep your wedding website listings consistent with your company branding. If you update a logo, update it on your web listings as well. Likewise use the same branding images, colors, slogans, tag lines. Keeping it consistent across all platforms will make you more recognizable.
Share you online listings on social media so couples know you are a reputable business. More important, add your badges to your site.
Now the question becomes, how do I keep up with all of these wedding business listings? I suggest setting a calendar reminder for the first Monday of each calendar quarter. Keep a list of each website on which you have a wedding business listing. Even better, keep a list with the links to your listings, so all you have to do is click each link. Now take this one day a quarter and review and update all of your listings. Add new services and remove services or products you no longer offer. Upload those new amazing photos and remove outdated ones. Next check all of the links to be sure they are working properly. Don’t forget to add your badge to your website and make sure the backlink works. Finally, share your badges on social. You should be adding new followers all the time. Remind them where they can find you and where they can review you by consistently sharing.
Cover photo provided by Press Play Entertainment
Staying motivated is the topic of today’s blog. Cyndi Shifrel of The Gingerpreneur recently spoke at an I Said Yes! to Networking event and she had some great tips for getting and staying motivated. She found a quote a few months back that really resonated with her. That is to say, “Don’t wait for things to get better. Life will always be complicated. Learn to be happy right now, otherwise you’ll run out of time.” Cyndi’s comment on this quote is, “we will all experience some kind of setback, roadblock or disappointment this year, but we all have the ability to choose how we will respond to it! Don’t sit around waiting for things to get better, be happy where you are right now and make the most of your time!” Cyndi shared her speaker notes with us and we are pleased to share them with you. Read her 12 best practices to focus on staying motivated.
First, take care of yourself. We all know the importance of taking care of ourselves and our health. But many of us neglect to do so. However, we owe it to ourselves to take care of ourselves. Consider this, as business owners and leaders in our industry, how are you going to run your business or lead others effectively if you aren’t taking care of yourself first? When we take the time to take care of ourselves each day, we are going to be more successful. For example, by eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep. Therefore we guarantee ourselves to be in a much better position to stay focused and have the most energy possible. Then we can tackle each day with tenacity.
Next, if you don’t already have a daily routine I highly encourage you to sit down and make one for yourself. One that you follow consistently each day. There are so many benefits to having a set daily routine. For instance, a daily routine has proven to make you more productive throughout the day. Further, it gives your life structure. In addition, it allows your day to flow better and it gives you laser like focus for when you start your day.
We all get to choose exactly how we will use the 24 hours that we are given each day. But we must intentionally take control of our time so we can own It, instead of our time owning us. If you have never taken the time to write down what you do in a day, I highly recommend. It is super helpful and insightful. This exercise is beneficial to see how you spend your time during the workday. Moreover you can see where you might be wasting time. Once you know where you are spending your time. Then you can assess where things can and need to change. After you do this exercise, you will be able to look back at that day and see some ways that you can get more time back on your schedule. Consequently you can be more productive moving forward and benefit from allowing you more time for yourself and for your family and friends.
Now, what goals do you want for yourself personally and for your career? Clearly defining what your goals are and visualizing those goals is a vital step in the successful achievement of any goal. But simply visualizing and creating those goals in your head isn’t enough. Once you have defined within yourself what those goals are, write your goals down somewhere. In addition, be very specific with what those goals are. Next include any action steps you need to reach that goal. Most importantly, make sure you include a date by which you will achieve each goal. After that, list the way you will reward yourself when you accomplish it. Studies show over and over again that people who write out their goals are much more likely to achieve them. Always keep the end in mind. Therefore the activities you take part in and the actions you take will be consistent with the outcomes you want. In short, you will align align with the goals you set for yourself.
That is to say, celebrate even the smallest accomplishments! When you write down your goals, also write down a reward you will give yourself when you reach that particular goal. Doing this will give you the motivation you need to keep taking action steps towards that goal. For example, maybe it’s a day at the spa, a vacation, a concert or a new outfit. To sum up, treat yourself and celebrate your accomplishments. In return you will be motivated to reach bigger and better goals.
There is so much content available. That is to say, books, podcasts, blogs and motivational speakers. Take some time to learn from others. Similarly, get motivated. Make the most of your time by listening to them while you are working out or driving in the car.
Being held accountable personally and in your business/career has proven time and time again to lead you to a successful outcome. Whether it’s losing weight, quitting a bad habit or reaching a goal in your business, having someone hold you accountable works. In short, find an accountability partner that you trust to keep you focused and push you to reach you goals. Consider your spouse, friend or coworker.
We all work so hard and need time away from our work. Taking a break from our work to enjoy quality time with family and friends is not only important for our mental and physical health but it will also help reduce stress. So treat yourself to a date night once a week.
When we look at what we are doing and where we are going in a negative way, with a negative attitude, all we is the negative. In short, you will attract more negative. It’s ok to allow yourself to feel the pain of the situation but don’t stay there very long. Science shows us that positive thinking stimulates the growth of nerve connections, improves attentiveness, increases mental productivity and helps you think more efficiently. Further, the best thing it does is helps you get through it better!
Visualize once again what the outcome looks like if you were to achieve your goals. If it is moving to a new facility, envision what and how that will feel once you are able to accomplish it.
Don’t stay fixated on the temporary setback or problem that you are facing. Accept the fact that it is normal to go through challenging times. Then resolve that you are going to keep going no matter what. Sometimes the best thing to do is to take a break. For instance go for a walk or call and hang out with a friend.
This goes hand in hand with your accountability partner. Share your challenges and issues with people that you know will support you and help you. Don’t close yourself off to others and hold it all inside. That is to say, reach out to your close friends, family, peer group or mentor when you need help and encouragement.
In conclusion, get started today on clearly defining your goals. Both personally and professionally. Then start taking daily action steps toward reaching those goals. In short, it’s up to you, and only you, to make the most of your time and reach your goals. Moreover, resolve to make the most of your time so you can look back and be proud of all you accomplished.
Read more motivational and inspiration posts on The Gingerpreneur Blog and The I Said Yes! Wedding Pros Blog.
As a wedding expo exhibitor, you have to work your booth to make your booth work for you. That is to say, you have to work your booth with a purpose. You have to plan for success. To sum up, you have to show up ready to win.
I recently had the opportunity to join Brandee Gaar on her morning Clubhouse “The Morning Show for Wedding Pros” room. The topic was How to Win with Bridal Shows. During this conversation we discussed the Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Expo Exhibitors. If you weren’t able to join us in the Clubhouse room, I have compiled this easy list to help you get a win at your next bridal show.
Read more about winning at wedding expos with our Easy Wedding Lead Follow-up blog. Become a wedding expo exhibitor at the next I Said Yes! Wedding Show and I DOs and BREWS event.
Photos by Dreamscape Photography
Shopping for a DJ for your wedding can be a bit overwhelming. We completely understand. Therefore, we partnered up with Our DJ Rocks – Orlando’s premier all-female DJ team. They are one of the I DOs and BREWS DJ sponsors on February 3rd at Paradise Cove. Therefore we are sharing some important wedding DJ tips. (P.S. scroll to the bottom of the page to get your tickets).
When it comes to songs and the crowd’s reaction, timing is everything. For instance, we can drop “Friends in Low Places” right after dinner. However, it will not get near as good of a reaction as it would at 10:45pm. That’s when we can dedicate it to all of your friends. This is called timing. A great wedding DJ doesn’t just play the right songs, they play them at the perfect time. As a result, your jam will get the reaction it deserves.
Looking for that perfect song? But you’re struggling to find just the right one. Maybe the intro drags on a little too long. Or the first verse talks about a break-up. No worries, your DJ has got this. She can cue it up at just the right moment in the song. And then you can have your first married kiss right when the music swells. Most importantly, at your favorite moment in the song.
Your wedding is your special day. It belongs to the two of you, as a couple. But you’re also inviting all of your favorite people to share it with you. Create moments to share with them for years to come. For example, play your favorite High School song or all 80’s. Whatever it is, make it special to you and your guests.
Speak with your DJ about doing an anniversary dance. Firstly, bring a special couple who has been married for many years to the dance floor. For instance; parents, grandparents, or godparents. Secondly, play their wedding song as a special dedication to them. Similarly, play a special anniversary song for all couples, but change it up. Start with all of the married couples on the dance floor. Next, gradually “excuse” the ones who have only been married for one year. Then five years, and so on. By the end of the song you have one married couple left. Sometimes we even like to ask this last couple to give you a little advice. It’s a guaranteed special moment for everyone.
Here is another important wedding DJ tip. Ask your DJ what other services they provide. For instance, a photo booth. You can always create moments in a photo booth at your wedding. There is a variety of photo booth options available. No matter what you choose, your guests will create lasting memories.
The average song length is about 3-4 minutes long. When you are on the dance floor with all of your guests watching, it can feel like forever! Therefore, ask your DJ if they can fade the song out after the 1st chorus. As a result, you get your special moment but it doesn’t feel like it’s going on forever.
Your music should start before you walk down the aisle. To clarify, it can be a little awkward if the first song that is played is your walk down the aisle. So make sure you book your DJ or ceremony musicians start time at least 15-30 minutes prior to that. As a result, this will give your guests music to enjoy as they make their way into the ceremony.
While you should definitely have a say in your wedding playlist, you shouldn’t be expected to do all of the work. “At Our DJ Rocks we believe that the client/DJ experience works best when we work together. For example, we will ask you about the styles and genre of music you like (and don’t like). Then you will fill out your “Must Play” list. In fact, you can make music selections for just about any point in your wedding day. From the family processional to the cocktail hour.
But sometimes, the most magical moments are the ones that nobody planned for. That’s why we ask for a little leeway to read the room. In other words, allow us to switch things up when needed to keep the dance floor full.”
We know you are all about that dance floor. But we also know that you want to mingle with the friends and family who are sharing your special day. A good wedding DJ should keep the music low during the cocktail hour and dinner so everyone can talk. And when the celebration begins, crank it up and take you on a journey. From slow jams, to high energy, and everything in between.
“At Our DJ Rocks we are like a thermometer – we feel the temperature of the room. We’ll take it up when needed and bring it back down for sweet moments like your cake cutting.”
Music plays such a huge role in your wedding day. Subsequently, it is so much more than pushing “Play” to create these moments. Make sure your DJ is creating the right atmosphere, right from the start. Above all, your DJ is keeping that vibe going all night.
“At Our DJ Rocks we believe the best weddings are the ones that reflect you, not us! That’s why we do our best to get to know you. As a result, we can craft an evening that exceeds everyone’s expectations.”
Come see Our DJ Rocks LIVE at I DOs and BREWS February 3rd, 2021 at Paradise Cove, Orlando, FL
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