Struggling

[Keisha]

I am new to this business and I have been reading through the different discussions and learning a lot. I have also, started to ask myself is this really the time to be in the business. I have not done any weddings as yet outside of family memebers. I have done a few parties. I am having a hard time finding business. I have put myself on free websites and got certified through US Event Guide and I am now in the process of completing the ABC program to become a professional bridal consultant. The biggest problem I have is getting my name out and and trying to find a way to get potential clients that I could mail to. I considered buying a mailing list but was not sure how to go about doing so. I have noticed in my area there are a lot of new planners coming out which I found interesting. What I would like to do is build a network of local vendors as well as vendors in other places starting out locally. It seems that established businesses are not really interested and of course other planners don't want to talk to you. If I could find local small vendors that are good in order to build my team that would be great it is just how to do that. I am feeling very discouraged.

[Margaret]

I'm new to the business as well and I understand your frustration. I found the same thing here in the Bay Area.

Don't leave the industry before you get started. Are there any industry networking events in your area that you can attend? I think its a good idea to get those newbies together and start referring business together and maybe co-op some advertising together.

[Tressa Bean]

I have been in the industry for about 10 years now. I like yourself have done weddings for friends, and a few clients. I am working on getting "established", but need a little help. What I have considered was the bridal shows, however they are costly but I think worth it because they give you a list of brides who are interested in your services. Also, you can leave your business cards/flyers with different businesses such as Borders, our location has a cork board that you can leave business cards on. Hope this helps!

[Jean Neuhart]

"Getting established" is a lot of things.

Although the first thing most think of is getting your name in front of brides. However, before you do that you have to determine what brides you really want your name in front of. Who is your "ideal bride"?

Also, along with your name, you have to have the image and credentials to go along with it. Now this doesn't mean that since you're new to the business and haven't done weddings other than for family that you don't have credentials. Get photos from those weddings you have done. You're working on your PBC -- do you have any other training? (Even a cake decorating class or flower arranging class offered at someplace like Hobby Lobby counts). What makes you different than other consultants in your area? What do you (or can you) offer that they don't. There's a lot out there, so "nothing" is not the right answer. :)

Attend ABC (or other wedding related) networking meetings. Aren't any in your area? Host one!

Most of all -- keep at it! It takes time, and it takes effort. If you have the passion and desire, it will eventually come.

[Keisha]

Thanks. I am a CEP certified event professional and I am currently enrolled in the training program for ABC. I received my certification from US Event Guide.

[Rachel Snyder-WeddinCalligrapher]

Though I have done calligraphy for years, I started to try REALLY HARD several years ago. I worked sometimes until I would fall asleep w/pen in hand sitting in a chair. I felt like giving up but I did NOT and I am glad that I didn't. I talked to EVERYONE I could. Even my Dr.'s, and anybody else sitting near by and actually this really worked FOR ME. I realize that what I do is not planning but getting my name out there was a worry but then it just happened. It did take time and a lot of hard work but it is paying off. If it is something you have a passion for don't give up.

[Telli Griffin]

Hi Kesha,

I am having the same issue. I started my business about a year ago and got discouraged and put it aside. Until I had someone call me for a party and then I got on fire again. I am in the process of developing my vendors and I like to go for the little guys. What I did was I got an intern from the local college that works for me for class credit. I had her to contact local vendors that I looked up online to develop my team. Then I drop in and give them some business cards. I also went to the Chamber of Comers and joined some local groups, Junior League.. etc and they have networking events once a month. Go and keep going, let people see your face. After a while they will get to know you and start sending things your way. It is a process much like anything in life and if this is your dream then you have to keep pushing. It will work out...Since we are in the same boat let's stay in touch, put our heads together and make it happen!

[By Invitation Only]

Hi Keisha:

Believe it or not I think we've all been in the same boat as you when it first came to starting our businesses. I've been discouraged and thought of giving up and closing down my website so many times I've lost count. And then suddenly a job will come along and I remember all over again why I love what I do. I find, at least in my business, word of mouth is my best advertising. I'd say about 90% of the work I do is from either repeat clients or new clients who were told about my work from an existing client or who received one of my invitations in the mail and remembered me for their own events. I work just as hard maintaining contact with "old" clients as I do at finding new ones. I offer referral incentives and advertising discounts, plus send out "What's New" mailers every couple of months to keep my name fresh in their minds.

Your idea of working with local vendors is good, too. We small businesses need to stick together. When I send out initial samples or the completed jobs to any of my clients, I like to stick in coupons or samples from related vendors. If anyone is interested in sending me anything..PM me.

Keep plugging away at it, though. It takes time to establish a business...

[Rachel Snyder-WeddinCalligrapher]

I agree, when I send samples I send pretty little packages and sometimes small favors with an extra card. I like working with my local vendors and at the same time I have a little more freedom on the work that I do because I am not an "event" planner,etc. It has been great networking for me. I like to get to know people the best that I can, so when people refer me(you), you can honestly say that you know something or have seen the work of another. It seems easier for Client's to use my calligraphy services if I actually "talk" to them like they are more than just a "Client" and actually they are...I want my work to be the best it can be and talking with clients and knowing exactly what they want and expect has really helped me. I don't know if this helped anyone but don't give up.

[Cheryll Wilson]

Hi Keisha,
I'm new in the business as myself. I feel and understand the struggles you and everyone is or has gone through it. I'm tryin to keep from getting discouraged especially after finally getting my first client, then loosing my first client last month. But i know there's a better greater client somewhere out there for me. Finding vendors though haven't been a struggle for me. At first it was slow and hard and was scared, cause some of them gave me attitude or already had inhouse planners. But through facebook and other network sites as such as this i found a lot of vendors who are willing to work with me, which is SUCH A BLESSING. just got another vendor from this site 50 mins ago. but through other vendors are keeping me encouraged and more from reading everyones responses to your post. a lot of my vendors also came through facebook. i made a business page and a group page, and met sooooooo many people across the world and within state to network with and work together. also look on craigslist.com a friend showed me there. go under events, and people post that thier lookign for weddign or events planner. but realize that wedding season has come to a close.....so get ready for it to start up again soon, and have all your things ready and together.

[Keisha]

Cheryll I was thinking of getting of facebook so it has really worked for you? I am enrolled in a program with ABC and it included a six month membership. But I will look into facebook and the craiglist because I have read in other postings on the site that people use that.

[Danusia Rajska]

Keisha you have gotten some great responses, and lots of good advice on here already...

The only thing I can really add, and this is just emphasizing an earlier point really - realize that you are not alone in the way that you are feeling. Everyone in this business (or any business really) who has made it has gone through what you're going through, and there are lots of us who are new or newish who are experiencing the same doubts and questions that you are. Speaking from my own experience, seeking support from others who are in the same boat has been a tremendous blessing for me. It made me realize that the doom-and-gloom thoughts that sometimes flash through my head are just fears, and everyone has them.

Like Rachel said - making it is about getting out there, meeting people, telling them what you do, and then doing it again and again and again. And then some more. It takes a lot of work and a lot of patience - but it does pay off in the end.

And I second my good friend Cheryll in recommending Facebook - it's a great way to get your name out, meet people, and build your netwrok of vendors as well as supports.

Good luck and hang in there!

[Keisha]

Can someone give me more info about facebook and how it works?