|
Greetings!
The hot Texas sun is upon us and summer is now in
full swing. We hope everyone is busy with weddings
and understand how hectic things can get during
these summer months. We are busy preparing for our
two bridal shows next month, the
Dallas Bridal Show on July 14-15 and the
Fort Worth Bridal Show on July 21-22.
Sometimes it is hard to see the need for marketing
when you are so busy you can hardly keep up. Many
companies make the mistake of skipping the summer
bridal shows due to hectic schedules and overbooked
weekends. Keep in mind that the marketing you do
now at
the bridal shows will help you get through the slow
autumn months. If there is any way you can hire extra
staff to keep you from missing out on the bridal shows
now, you will thank yourself
later!
| "Exhibiting 101" at the June PWG Meeting |
 |
|
Have you been thinking about attending a
Professional Wedding Guild Luncheon? Next
week would be a great time to learn more about this
fantastic association as well as learn tips on
successfully exhibiting in bridal shows from Bridal
Shows, Inc. president and CEO, Naomi Hulme!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
11:30am-1:30pm
YWCA
512 West 4th Street, FW, TX 76102
If you have heard Naomi speak on "Exhibiting 101"
before, you will still benefit from her new shorter
version that is now more interactive. The seminar
includes helpful information for first-time exhibitors
and "old-pros." Everyone can learn more about how to
gain better results from bridal shows.
RSVP
to attend today!
|
| Peter Merry at the Dallas Bridal Show! |
|
|
Bridal Shows, Inc. is pleased to announce that Peter
Merry, author of "The Best Wedding
Reception...EVER!" is coming to the Dallas Bridal
Show on July 14-15, 2007. Peter will be speaking to
brides and promoting his new book which offers
ideas and professional insight on how to plan a
memorable wedding reception.
"Peter's new book 'The Best Wedding
Reception...EVER!' has been capturing the
attention of
brides, grooms, and wedding professionals since it
was
first released in February. In his book, Peter covers
every facet of planning a reception that is fun and
entertaining - from choosing the time of year, to
choosing the right vendors, to choosing your style of
exit from the celebration." ~Tommy Evans, Specialty
Sound.
Peter Merry will be speaking at the Dallas Bridal Show
stage on Saturday, July 14 at 2:00pm and on Sunday,
July 15 at 3:00pm.
This is just another way that we hope to help educate
brides at the bridal show!
|
| "Merry Mixer" by: Tommy Evans, Specialty Sound |
|
|
On July 18th of this year, I am producing an event
entitled "The Merry Mixer". Hosted at the Old Red
Courthouse, this promises to be one of the biggest
events available to both wedding professionals, as
well as couples planning their wedding. The evening
will begin with a social hour of networking, followed by
a presentation by Peter Merry. The material is
designed to help those of us in the industry to better
serve our clients, and to help our clients have "The
Best Wedding Reception...EVER!"
Hors d'oeuvres and valet parking are included, as well
as two drinks
(compliments of The Perfect Wedding Guide). There
will also be door prize drawings and goodie bags.
For more information, and to register, please visit
www.merrymixer.com, or give me a call at 817-577-
3595. Feel free to pass this information on to any
associations that you belong to, as well as to your
clientele.
I hope to see you there!
~Tommy Evans, Specialty Sound
Bridal Shows, Inc. is one of the proud Platinum
Sponsors
supporting this event.
|
Naomi's Notes: Stress Can Be A Great Motivator
by:Naomi Hulme |
|
When managed properly, stress can create
positive results. We all experience various levels of
stress, and some handle those levels differently. In
committing yourself to running a business or working
for someone and doing your best, it creates a lot of
demand on a person's physical and mental drive.
How we deal with these demands is up to us. There
are natural responses to stress which are triggered by
reactions in the brain. Books on stress management
explain the phases that we go through when stress
happens. The heart pumps faster and blood is
increased.
According to Michael T. Murray, N.D.'s book
"Stress, Anxiety & Insomnia,"
"while the effects of adrenal cortex hormones are
quite necessary when the body is faced with danger,
prolongation of the resistance reaction due to
continued stress increases the risk of significant
disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and
cancer, and results in the final stage of the general
adaptation syndrome, exhaustion."
Be careful of too much of the wrong stress. This can
do some damage.
Prepare for stress. It is going to happen anyway,
so why not get ready for it and be prepared ahead of
time before it happens? Each stressful situation can
be another learning opportunity. We can get past
whatever stressed us by recognizing it and figuring out
a way to get through it as easily as possible. Practice
what you find works for you and add other stress
management principles each time so that you have
different ideas to use and help reduce those stressful
times. Hopefully by doing so, you will find it to be
easier each time.
Remain calm when you feel stressed about
anything. Try to think clearly and breathe deeply--a lot.
Many times it may not be as bad as we thought. We
want to take care of our mind and body so that we can
handle any situation that arises with a positive outlook
and a calm demeanor.
Being grateful helps reduce stress because it
makes us focus on our blessings instead of focusing
on the stress.
Celebrate any achievement, even if it is small.
Smile. Take a long walk with someone you love.
Watch a funny movie. Take a bubble bath.
Read a calming book. Listen to soft music.
Take breaks when you can. Sometimes you are
right on a deadline and cannot just stop, but
concentrate on finding time for relaxing your mind.
Breaks help rejuvenate your body and mind so that
you can feel refreshed and pumped again to get back
out there.
It is very helpful to take time away from work, even
if they are a few days here and there. Taking a real
vacation to get away from the norm at least once a
year is vital. Your mind and body will start adjusting to
knowing that is going to happen and relieves some of
the daily stress just knowing that this real vacation is
going to take place each year. During that vacation,
your whole being adjusts to "It's okay to take some
time for me." It really does help you to come back
refreshed with even more ideas.
If you are like me and your mind will not shut up,
even at night, you probably have a difficult time
sleeping. Doing without caffeine has helped
tremendously. Since Christmas time (Bonnie gave
me this idea), I have found that if I read something
totally different than a business book, like a novel or a
magazine, on some nights for about 20 to 30 minutes,
that it shifts my mind from business and puts it into
another non-thinking frame of mind. If I cannot sleep
all
night, I get up and write things down. Many ideas have
come to me during those short sleep nights over the
years. From many years of this, I have accumulated
so many ideas that we have used, which some have
turned into the workbook and seminars, and now I
have a book in progress. So you see, even though
this is a challenge, something very good has come
out of it.
Stress can motivate us to get things done quick,
on time, tasks completed, etc. Work at completing as
many useful tasks as you can each day and crossing
them off the list. Knowing your priorities daily and
going through that list will keep you on track better.
Focusing on each task until it is done will definitely
relieve some stress. Don't think about the whole pile,
just the task at hand. Some people have to move
the pile elsewhere so that it does not keep calling at
them while they are doing one task--Whatever works
for you.
Take a real break after a long period of consuming
stress.
Sometimes, stress is caused by a fear that we
have at that moment. Take your fears by the horns
and find the purpose in overcoming whatever fear it
is. You will feel much better and healthier.
If change is to happen to relieve any stress,
change what you can and accept what you cannot
change. Remember the Serenity Prayer?
"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I
cannot change, the courage to change the things I
can, and the wisdom to know the
difference."
Other Books on Stress:
"Stress Free for Good," by Dr. Fred Luskin and
Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier.
"Stress Reduction for Busy People," by Dawn
Groves
"Stress Management for Busy People,"by Carol
Turkington
|
| Lady Elizabeth Candles: Vendor Profile |
|
|
Lady Elizabeth candles are quickly gaining
attention for their scents that infuse a room with
luxurious fragrance. Lady Elizabeth candles truly
are "Luxurious Home Fragrances that Come
Beautifully Wrapped"! Indeed, each candle is hand
wrapped in an organza type fabric and finished off with
an organza/satin ribbon. These candles come so
beautifully packaged they are instantly a delight to
anyone who has been the recipient or giver of one of
these beautiful candles.
Lady Elizabeth candles are now being introduced to
the wedding industry as gifts for the wedding party,
hostess gifts, and any other opportunity the bride sees
fit. Wedding Companies can also use the candles as
appreciation gifts for their clients and business
contacts.
Each candle is hand-poured using only the finest
grade candle oils and paraffin wax. This Keller, Texas
based manufacturer is quickly gaining a loyal
following of both customers and retailers. For
information, photos, or product samples, please
contact us.
You will be able to see Lady Elizabeth Candles at the
Dallas Bridal Show on July 14-15 and the Fort Worth
Bridal Show on July 21-22!
Sharelle Alaimo
(682) 551-2125
info@ladyelizabethcandles.com
|
|
Constant Contact Email Marketing |
|
|
|
As email marketing is becoming more and more
popular many people are turning to companies that
assist in the email campaign process. You will find
that there are many options to choose from when
using a mass email service. Bridal Shows, Inc. has
been a customer of Constant Contact for over a year
and a half and we have found an increase in success
and efficiency as a result of it. Many other companies
in our industry have begun using this service as well
and occasionally they will ask for advice concerning
the company.
Just a Few Benefits of Constant Contact:
- Create professional looking emails that include
your company logo, photos, and links to various
websites.
- For me, the highest benefit is how quickly you
are able to stay in touch with thousands of
contacts.
- Offer Coupons or discounts via email
- Convert mailing lists easily to Constant Contact
Groups
- Allow your contacts to "unsubscribe" if no longer
interested in receiving emails
Constant Contact Tips:
- Use colorful images and photos to attract
attention
- Keep your message as brief as possible for
highest readability
- Track the activity from your email campaign
through the "Reports" provided by Constant
Contact
- If mailing to a large list, include a disclaimer at the
top of your email reminding recipients about how you
received their information. (This helps reduce spam
reports which I will touch on more in a minute)
- Use the campaign to draw activity to your website.
Always encourage traffic with a link!
- Use the Spell Check tool and have someone
double check your work before sending
- Include a link on your website to "Add to Mailing
List"
Another benefit of Constant Contact is that they are
a highly reputable company that protects against
spam mail. Because of this they will track any spam
alerts that are raised by your recipients. We have
learned that when you are sending to a high volume of
brides you must always remember the following three
rules:
- Include a Disclaimer. Give the brides the
opportunity to unsubscribe and remind them of how
you got their information
- Keep lists current. Delete old lists unless they are
clients you wish to continue doing business with.
Brides from one to two years ago may see your email
as
spam because they are already married.
- Check your Email Reports to keep track of Spam
Alarms. Constant Contact allows for 1 spam alarm for
every 1,000 recipients. If you are over this number, call
their help line for further advice.
Overall I have been impressed by Constant
Contact's User-Friendly site and great customer
service. If you have any questions regarding Bridal
Shows, Inc.'s use of Constant Contact please feel free
to call me at 972-713-9920 ext. 105
Bonnie Crumpton
Newsletter Editor
Limited Space Remaining!
There is still time to reserve your booth at one of our
upcoming shows this summer. The Dallas Bridal
Show on July 14-15, the Fort Worth Bridal Show on
July 21-22, and the Plano Bridal Show on September
16 are closing categories quickly so make the call
today to find out if there is still an opportunity available
for your company! 972-713-9920
Bridal Show Schedule
Dallas Bridal Show
July 14-15, 2007
Dallas Market Hall
Fort Worth Bridal Show
July 21-22, 2007
Amon Carter Exhibit Hall
Plano Bridal Show
September 16, 2007
Plano Centre
Dallas Bridal Show
January 26-27, 2008
Dallas Market Hall
Fort Worth Bridal Show
February 23-24, 2008
Amon Carter Exhibit Hall
Plano Bridal Show
March 9, 2008
Plano Centre
Dallas Bridal Show
July 12-13, 2008
Dallas Market Hall
Fort Worth Bridal Show
July 19-20, 2008
Amon Carter Exhibit Hall
Plano Bridal Show
September 14, 2008
Plano Centre
New Posters are in!
If you would like to display
our 2007-2008 Schedule Poster, email
info@bridalshowsinc.com with the
following information:
Your Name:
Company Name:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
How Many Posters Needed:
A picture of the poster is below.
Motivational Message
"I am not drowning in a sea of opportunity, but I
am
swimming very hard.."
~Frances Hesselbein
"Small opportunities are often the beginning of
great enterprises."
~Demosthenes
"Undertake to do something that is difficult; it will
do you good. Unless you try to do something beyond
what you have already mastered, you will never
grow."
~Ronald E. Osborng
Tips for your Brides!
As you invite your brides to come visit the
upcoming bridal shows, direct them to our website
to view a short video containing tips for what to do at a
bridal show!
|
|
