The wedding industry is a unique animal indeed.? A pretty, lacy, fluffy and fabulous animal but certainly unique. You absolutely have to be a people person. As a wedding planner, you know that you will need to interact with brides, but what about networking with vendors? When you attend Backstage Bridal Pro Academy, you will have ample opportunity to build key relationships. Doing so plays a huge part in the success of your business and?helps you develop a support system of people who can encourage and?inspire you along your journey of sustaining a successful wedding planning business.
If you are like most people, you may feel a little self-conscious when attending a networking event. It is not easy to push yourself to approach potential business associates and make connections. Don't panic. Like anything else, networking is a skill that develops over time. Here are a few tips that will help you maximize your networking efforts at the Academy.
Preparation - preparing for a networking event means finding out who is going to be there, who you want to meet, and what you hope to achieve. Join our Backstage Bridal Pro Facebook Group where you can virtually meet who will be there beforehand.?Build your confidence by writing down some things you want to share about yourself. Use your camera phone or bring a digital camera so that you can document who you met. Take snapshots of the business cards you collect just in case you misplace them. And don't forget to bring plenty of your own business cards.
Warm Approach - Do you attend functions and timidly hang out against the wall or sit at table waiting for someone to come and talk to you? STOP THAT! Show your confidence by always approaching first. Scary? Sure! But super easy once you get the hang of it! A great tip is to pretend you are hosting the event and you want to make sure everyone is having a good time. Ask things the host would ask - "Are you enjoying yourself?" "Have you made any good connections?" "Have you tried the signature drink?"? Don't be afraid to engage in small talk. This approach always makes people feel comfortable.
Have a Giving Spirit - Many times people network to see what they can get out of it, not what they can give to help others.?You might think, "But at?Backstage Bridal Pro Academy, we are all planners. What can anyone possibly give me? What can I possibly give them?"?? We all have something to give. Talents that you have, I may not have and vice versa. Networking is a two-way street. Listen intently and determine if there is something you can give to the person you are speaking to. One of the things I am really good at when I network is by learning what someone does or needs?and introducing them to other people I think they should connect with. Do I get anything out of it? Sure I do! I gain the respect and gratefulness of the people I connected and that is a major part of relationship building. You never know when that relationship may be key to your future endeavors.
After the Event - Follow up on conversations quickly. A warm interaction gets cold as time passes. Jot down notes on the back of the business cards you collect. "Loves pink just like I do!" "Went to UCLA" "Super cute haircut" "Also does stationery"?? These notes help you remember people more easily and will assist you when you draft an email to reconnect with the people you met. When you meet hundreds or even dozens of people, it's easy to forget the little tidbits that made your conversation with that person unique.?Even if nothing fruitful comes of the relationship immediately, it is important to stay in touch and be friendly. You never know where the relationship can take you both.
If you follow these tips you will have a greater chance at walking away from Backstage Bridal Pro Academy with some great connections and some new friendships. Do you have any tips for ways that you network?
Source: http://www.backstagebridalblog.com/2012/08/how-to-network-effectively.html
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