For all the newbies out there (myself included), it would be great to know what kind of advice the seasoned members of the business have! Thanks in advance.
Patience! Patience! and Patience! It takes time and perseverance to make it in this business. There is so much competition and you have to be on your toes. The more you can learn about the many facets of planning weddings, the more valuable you make yourself. Never leave a wedding without having learned something. And, pay attention to your clients. It is their day and they are the focus. Good Luck!
This is a referral business. Get out there with your business cards and become acquainted with local vendors. Build relationships with venues, florists, even hair salons. The more people that know about you the better. Start a blog. Stay in touch with the pulse of the industry and build a readership of brides and vendors. As for your advertising dollars- be careful where you put them. Start out with a free listing and see how much traffic you get before you invest. Bridal shows net very little for planners. You don't really have a tangible product and when I have done one, with photos of my weddings, brides think I am a photographer. Talk yourself up and get to know people. That is the best advice.
