| Author | Sharon Hill |
| Title | Become a Top Wedding Planner – Networking Do’s and Don’ts |
| Category | Offline Marketing |
| Article |
You’ve started your wedding planning business, now you need to go out and let people know about it. You can do much online with Facebook, Twitter, other social media sites, and your blogs but you still need to go out and meet other people. Here are some DO’s and DON’Ts of networking: DO’s DO have a 30 second “elevator speech” prepared that outlines your niche, services and the benefits of using your services. Business referral and leads groups often ask members to stand and talk about their business. However you should also be able to talk confidently about your business and be able to briefly give examples of what you have done in a normal conversation. DO join social organizations and groups that are not business referral groups, many referrals happen in a social situation. DO follow up with the people with whom you felt might you might be able to establish a business relationship. Arrange to have coffee to learn more about them and their business. DO dress professionally when you attend business networking events. When you attend social events, dress appropriately for the event and remember that now that you are a business owner, you always need to look your best. DO be prepared by carrying your business card at all times so you can give them to people whom you meet. However, don't just walk around the room handing out cards, give them people with whom you actually have a conversation who want your card. DON’Ts DON’T attend every networking event or group that you hear about. You need to take the time to establish mutually beneficial relationships not just collect a pile of business cards from people you won’t remember later. DON’T go around the room making sales pitches. Have conversations, ask people to talk about themselves and their businesses and they will ask you to share your information with them. DON’T allow people to abuse your time. Unfortunately you will meet people who try to get free information and services from you. Be polite but firm in your commitment to your own business and your time. DON’T overindulge in alcohol. Many business and social events serve some alcoholic beverages. Remember people are watching you, act responsibly and stay sober so you don’t do something you’ll regret later. DON’T use this as your only means of marketing. Wedding planners usually have good people skills and often really enjoy going out talking with others. That’s great, but don’t put all of your eggs in one basket, use a variety of marketing tools. If you are uncomfortable in situations in which you must walk into a room of strangers and strike up conversations, realize that it gets easier with time. If you want to jumpstart your skills, consider taking classes in public speaking and or joining organizations that allow you to develop your skills as your practice. And if you would like to learn more about becoming a top wedding planner, I invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to my Special Report “7 Steps to Becoming a Top Wedding Planner” when you visit http://www.HowToBecomeaTopWeddingPlanner.com. |
| About the Author | Sharon Hill is a wedding and event planner, event consultant and author. She has been planning events professionally since 1991 and now she also helps people realize their dreams of becoming top wedding planners. |
