Monthly Archives: September 2010

Common Mistakes: Skimping

September 30, 2010

At what point does one say, “No I cannot do this job without skimping on everything”? I have been in this position many times, and every time I have taken the job the clients have not been happy and neither have I.

I completely understand that these are challenging economic times. However, if a client cannot afford to invest money to “have it all,” she is going to have to make choices on what is most important. At times, unfortunately, decor is what goes first. (As for me, who needs to eat? If it looks magical…but then maybe that’s just me.)

(Empty wallet image via Katerha)

Here’s what I think is important for any event (from most important to least). After reading my list feel free to change the order, depending on what you think is most important, and post your list in the comments. Here I go:

1. Decor. Of course I’d say decor. Yes, one can live on beauty alone in my book.
2. Food. One can have a lot of flexibility when it comes to food options and pricing.
3. Location. One can also have a lot of flexibility with location.
4. Choosing a planner. I know I am going to get into a lot of trouble with all my planner friends who would have put this as #1.
5. Music. This is what brings a party to life…
6. Photographer. One can make all the memories by giving a great party, but if it’s not properly recorded, what’s the point?

Of course, ALL of these are necessary for almost any event, however, if you were a client and had to skimp on any of the above, what would go first? (Please don’t say decor!)

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When Clients Cannot See Into Your Head…

September 29, 2010

Years ago, I used to have a lot of unhappy brides…until I finally figured out why. They could not see into my head. I saw one thing, and most of the time they were seeing another. I was constantly hearing, “Preston, that was not what I had in mind,” until I finally figured out my way around this.

You see, you do not want a bride or client stressing out on the day of the event about what they are not getting. The only way around this is to give them as much information as possible before the special day.

This information needs to be both visual and written. (I prefer mostly visual. Even when many clients read about something, it can still be different from what they or you are “seeing” in their head.)

In my web video today, I am showing a very important part of any job: presentations. In other words, simply showing our clients what they will actually be getting for their event.

If you want to avoid three things:

1. Ruining the day of your bride.
2. Feeling frustrated, because you thought you TOLD them what to expect
3. Not getting paid

I suggest you start by watching this video. Do you normally do a table set-up for your clients to show what they are getting? If you show your client a presentation, do you think you should pay for it or should it come out of the clients’ budget? Would you show a client a presentation before getting the job?

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FAQs: Is it appropriate to use your client’s name and event images to promote yourself?

September 28, 2010
(No name image via Natalie Maynor)

This is a good question. It’s important to be very careful about how we use our client’s name to promote our work. Make sure you don’t sound like you are just name dropping.

Believe me, I catch myself when I am nervous and trying to impress a new client by mentioning my celebrity clients. Many times I sense that that this completely turns them off.

You see, most clients like to think (and rightfully so), that their event should be THE ultimate event–not your other clients’ events.

With that said, it is very important to use images of what you have done in the past to promote yourself and get new work.

This is what I suggest:

  • Make sure your client contracts contain a line item stating that you have the right to use these images for self-promotion. Usually this includes the stipulation that it doesn’t show any pictures of the client, client’s family and guests (only the decor).
  • If you are planning to use pictures of your clients or their guests make sure you get their written consent before using.
  • It is extremely important that you photograph every single job you do. (I cannot stress this enough). Aside from using these photos for self-promotion, it is a wonderful way to see your progress as a artist. (I look at work I did 10 years ago and think, “What was I thinking?”)

Though mentioning other clients can be a great way to gain credibility, I suggest showing new clients images of the work. Let your work and service speak for itself.

How do you feel about name dropping other clients names with a new client? Has the practice ever worked to your advantage? Do you photograph or record all of your new work? If not, why?

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Venting

September 27, 2010

In replacement of our To Do series, I’d like to start a new one called: Venting. Folks, let’s get it off our chests. What has been bothering you to the point that you can’t stop thinking about it, and it might even be affecting your work?

Here I go…How do you tell your family, “Don’t hold the date”? For the past few years I started a tradition for celebrating Thanksgiving and having my whole family over. In fact, part of that tradition was to also give everyone their first holiday present (the pictures in this post are those presents from years past).

This year, however, because of a prior business contract I need to fulfill, I had to make that dreaded call to tell them this year my Thanksgiving is not happening.

To say the least, they were not happy. I suggested that instead of Thanksgiving, I’d like to give a banquet for New Year’s Eve. However, more than a few of them already had plans.

It got me thinking about our business and the long hours and late nights required to be in our business. How do you folks with kids do it? How do you go about not disappointing your family and close friends? What would you have done in my position? HELPPPP.

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Good Ideas Don’t Grow on Trees

September 24, 2010
(Magnolia Tree Image via Jody McNary Photography)

I have had so many ideas that I thought were brilliant only to find out that I was the only one who actually thought so. So, this week, I’d like to continue sharing a few ideas that actually worked. I’d also like to encourage you to share any great ideas you’ve had or seen that we could learn from.

Here are some Good Ideas that worked:

  • I’ve come across this idea while traveling through a few different countries and I absolutely love it. Have a beautifully presented tray, with a selection of many chocolates, for your guests when they arrive at the entrance of your event or home (they could even just be Hershey Kisses if you want to be cost effective). I have tried this many times, and the guests are always surprised and delighted.
  • For all you designers and florists, here’s a fantastic way to promote yourself after an event is over if you have some extra flowers at your disposal. Make a list of three new clients you are romancing, or three old clients that you loved, and send them some flowers. This gift does not cost much, and it’s a great way for them to see your work and keep you in mind.
  • Human table numbers. This idea is definitely a bit more costly, but when I did it, it was a great hit. Instead of having those ugly metal table numbers telling your guests what table they belong to, I suggest printing the number on a server’s apron and have them stand close to the table, welcoming your guests.

There is no such thing as a small Good Idea. Please share your own Good Ideas, no matter how small or large they are.

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