Results for Frequently Asked Questions Tag

how to get clients and get paid in the wedding and event planning industry

HOW TO GET NEW CLIENTS AND GET PAID

(Image via pshegubj) I’ve always been more than a bit uncomfortable asking my clients for money. In the past, this has led to a great deal of financial burden. Once, I worked with a client for over three months before she paid me even a dollar. Eventually, I learned how to set up very specific [...]

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recommendations for the wedding and event planning industry

MORE ON RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNING INDUSTRY

(Image via sarae) This morning I introduced the topic of recommendations and how, unfortunately, some recommendation tactics in the wedding and event planning industry aren’t always fair or reliable. We’ve already discussed those dreaded preferred vendor lists from venues. Now, I’d like to tackle commissions and nasty gossip. If you recommend me for a job, [...]

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dear preston

I’VE GOT SOME EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE

(Image via the00rig) Happy Friday, everyone! Not only is the weekend only hours away but the sun is shining AND I have some exciting news to share. One of the things I love most about this blog is the community that has grown out of it. I love learning what you think and watching discussions [...]

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talking on the phone to clients

HOW TO SIGN CLIENTS OVER THE PHONE

(Image via Sean Davis) In my blog post yesterday, I wrote that it’s absolutely possible to secure a new client after just one phone call. But you must make a great impression and you must know what questions to ask. It took me many long years to learn the art of talking on the phone [...]

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silence

Faqs: You’re A Designer Not A Planner, So When Should You Keep Your Big Mouth Shut?

(Image via AraGuim ) I must admit that I don’t always do a great job of keeping my opinions to myself. When I’m designing, my enthusiasm for the job and my many years of experience make me want to contribute to every single aspect of the wedding. Unfortunately, I often end up infringing on the [...]

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Balance, control

FAQS: How Do You Deal with a Client Who Only Wants to Buy a Piece of the Pie?

(Image via internets_dairy ) My partner, singer-performer Theo Bleckmann, gave me a great analogy: He said that it’s like saying to a singer, “You sing only the high notes. I’ll take care of the rest.” In other words, it’s as though your client were saying, “I want to get it as cheap as possible, and [...]

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Questionmark

FAQs: REQUEST FOR QUESTIONS

(Image via ePi.longo ) Last week, many of you posted some great questions. This week, I’ll start answering them. First up is, Lia, who is planning her own wedding. Congratulations, Lia! She wants to know the best way to cut down on flower costs, particularly the gorgeous calla lily. Dear Lia, Thanks for your question! [...]

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FAQs:Request for Questions

FAQs: Request for Questions

(Image via planetofsuccess) Hi dear friends. In today’s FAQ, I want to hear YOUR questions. You’ve sent several of your questions to me before, and hopefully I’ve answered most of them. Today, I want to hear about the newest batch of issues on your mind. It can be related to anything–a new client, a design problem, [...]

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Say No to a Client

FAQs: How do I say “no” to a client that’s not right for me?

(Image via Daniel Lobo) That’s a great question. It’s funny because when we meet new clients, it’s always about trying to get them to say, “yes” but sometimes we meet someone that just isn’t right for us. Before you say no, I want you to ask yourself the following questions: Do I really understand what [...]

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Give me pop-up, Networking

FAQs: How important is networking?

To answer this question, I think I need to give you both the good and not so good sides. The Good I have discovered a lot of very talented vendors by networking. A few years back I discovered a fantastic lighting designer in New York, Mr. Ira Levy. He was just getting started and was [...]

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brand, event design, designer, wedding industry

FAQs: How do clients perceive your brand?

I’d like to elaborate further on one of yesterday’s questions: Do clients think they can get a bargain from you or do they think you’re too expensive? First, let me set the record straight about my brand. Yes, clients hesitate to call me because they think I am too expensive. But, no when I first [...]

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Business Soul, 10 Questions

FAQs: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Business Soul

(Image via D.Sharon Pruitt) The conflict we must all confront is how we can become (or stay) that loving, giving, soulful person and still make a living. I think the very heart and soul of your business is: you. Everything else is secondary. I’d love to help you define what is at the core of [...]

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Your Competitors' Prices

FAQs: Do you know or even care what your competitors are charging?

This might be what your competition is saying.(Image via via Christopher Sessums) I have gotten so many anonymous requests from vendors trying to find out our prices. In fact, I even had a fake couple come into my office with a make-believe wedding just so we would give them our proposal (I found this out [...]

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number three, green background, client,types

FAQs: What is the best way to follow up on a proposal?

(Image via Carbon NYC) I have turned off so many clients by sending out a proposal without the proper follow-up. Most of the time, they usually faint after receiving one of my proposals. However, whenever possible, I like to follow up with a phone call or email then have them come in for a face [...]

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teenager, yellow shirt, purple writing, I'm here to help logo

FAQs: Does giving good service come naturally to you?

(Image via Andres Valenzuela) I was fortunate to be a guest this past weekend at the Palm Beach home of one of the kindest and loveliest clients I have ever worked for. The wife is known for being a great hostess with a very kind nature, and I think her husband is one of the [...]

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open hand, small star, star lights

FAQs: What do you really want for your business?

(Image via Jason Rogers) What do you truly want, and I mean really want, for your business? I asked this question at a speech, and these are the top 10 top answers I received: To be # 1 in the industry. Make a comfortable living. Have a profitable business that keeps increasing every year. Be [...]

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Champagne-Taste-on-a-Pepsi-Budget

FAQs: How do you re-educate potential clients who have Champagne tastes on a Pepsi budget?

In today’s FAQ (Image via Splinter) I’d like to answer Mr. Mark Moore from yesterday’s Venting post. He asked how we can re-educate potential clients with “Champagne” tastes on a “Pepsi” budget (love this example Mark). Before I answer this question, I’d like to state a few very obvious points: Entertaining is a luxury. If [...]

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taper candles, decorations

FAQs: How do I use candles without getting wax everywhere? (Best of 2010)

The short answer: I don’t use real candles. For the long answer, keep reading… The one thing almost 100% of my clients love is candlelight. A beautifully candlelit room can immediately evoke the feeling of romance. I think it reminds us of looking up into the magic and mystery of the skies. Also, the biggest [...]

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Chair covers, floral centerpieces,orchids, pink,purple, shiny fabric, table setting, celebration, napkins holders, name cards

FAQs: Should I go with my chairs & tables covered or naked? (Best of 2010)

I still wonder, even today, why it is that most venues have the worst tablecloths and the ugliest chairs. At times, the tablecloths do not even go all the way to the floor. They’re usually in the most basic colors (think white), and the chairs are soiled or just plain ugly. When I first started, [...]

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holiday, payment, please pay sign, paper,paper clips

FAQs: Holiday Tipping

(Image via Steven Depolo) For today’s FAQ, I’d like to ask you a question: What is the right amount to tip for the holidays? If you live in New York or maybe any place in America, you’re probably familiar with the old service tradition of giving some kind of gift to all the folks who [...]

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