All too often I hear people complain that there are too many businesses in the wedding industry. That it is harder to gain clients. There are too many newbies or enthusiasts, even though they would have been a newbie once upon a time. I thrived as a wedding planner from 2002-2018 so how did I do it? I thrived when the industry was new, when social media didn’t exist and even when the recession hit.
How can you improve your longevity in business?
- Ensure your branding is strong and speaks to YOUR client. If you have been in business for a number of years, ask yourself “are you stuck in the past”? Have you slipped into โBut it always worked before?โ
- Ensure your website has been updated with newer images, review the text regularly and update if necessary. And ideally write some informative blog posts
- Think of what your client needs are. What are their questions? And how can you answer them? It should be about them not YOU. I believe strongly if you concentrate on serving your clients, this will ensure continual growth.
- Be a leader. Donโt follow the crowd. Too many just seem to be doing what has always been done. True successful entrepreneurs are those that are willing to take risks, to start something new. I’ve spoken to wedding planners about this recently. Clients are expecting individuality with suppliers they now hire. So don’t be the same as everyone else with your branding, services and identity. Be brave and be prepared to create something new.
- Donโt slip into comparing yourself to others. Be true to yourself and what you are offering clients. Read my blog post on mental health for further clarity and support.
- Improve as a business by continually increasing your knowledge. BUT only invest in what is necessary. Donโt get sucked into shiny course syndrome. In other words if you find yourself saying โI should hire this coach, do this course, attend this seminarโ then Iโd suggest youโre doing for the wrong reasons
- Trends come and go, so if you are offering something that is a passing trend you wont have longevity. Just bear that in mind
- Couples change all the time so it’s important you recognise this and adapt. Learn to swerve and adapt your business model as these changes happen.
- Donโt believe your own popularity. Again I have seen businesses gain incredible popularity, just like the popular kids in the playground. Everyone wants to be like them. These businesses will increase their prices, and at times become slightly arrogant. But time and time again Iโve seen the popularity fade as a new โkidโ comes on the block.
- Instead of thinking how great you are. Think about your clients. How best can you serve them? What do they need from you? Are you missing out on clients because you canโt fit a client into a box โ in other words because they donโt fit into a package you let the business go elsewhere?
- Review and reflect your business. Just because something worked in the past doesnโt mean it will continue to work. So at the end of each quarter take the time to review your marketing, what works and what doesnโt? Donโt continue to offer the same old same old.
What tips can you offer?
If you need support creating longevity in your business then get in touch, I have a range of services available, an online Mastermind coming up shortly. But likewise I can create a support service specifically for you.
