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| Greetings! | |
At Perfect Wedding Guide, we make an effort to update you bi-weekly on industry news and opportunities to grow your business revenue. If you would like to stay updated, please read on. And, feel free to forward these newsletters to other wedding professionals who you think may want updates as well. They can join our newsletter mailings at the bottom of this email. If there is ever anything we at Perfect Wedding Guide, can do for your business, please don't hesitate to contact us anytime.
The new Fall/Winter PWG has arrived! You can view the new issue online. We have delivered them to our 300+ distribution locations. If you would like magazines to give to your brides, contact Jaime@pwg.com.
Gail Galloway
Publisher
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94.7% of Couples Look For These Before Hiring
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Couples were asked if they have, or plan to, look at vendor reviews before hiring a wedding professional? An overwhelming 94.7% said yes.
 Couples were also asked if they trusted one site for vendor reviews over another, with the majority, 72.2% saying no. When asked why they felt that way, couples indicated among other reasons, that they felt all reviews are based on personal experience, so it doesn't matter which site they posted on. They also felt that all the review sites provide valuable reviews from real people, and that the more reviews they can read, the more information they have to make their decisions.
Couples were then asked what information they are looking for from a vendor review. Responses included couples looking for reviews that talk about their vendor being reliable, easy to communicate with, having good quality work, as well as someone they would use again or refer to someone to use. They wanted to hear more than just that the vendor was good, but why they were good; specific examples of other couples' actual experiences and recommendations about vendors they used, as well as specific names of those vendors with examples of what they did that was great. Couples are also looking for pricing information on particular vendors from review websites. Reviews that were too long winded, too vague, or those they found to whiney or irrational would be disregarded.
85.2% of couples felt that seeing a bad review is better than no review at all for a particular wedding vendor. When asked why or why not, couples indicated that any type of review at least lets you know that the particular vendor has been hired. Couples want to hear what a vendor could have done differently or improved upon. One response noted that seeing no review at all makes them think that the particular vendor has not been in business very long, while another response was that no review at all could mean a particular vendor did not leave a lasting impression on the couple - good or bad.
The bottom line is this...
94.7% of couples want to see Bride Reviews for your business.
85.2% of couples felt that a bad review was better than no review at all.
- Quoted by The Wedding Report. Study results from Jen Rosenthal, PhD in Trend Talk, Aug 16, 2011
Perfect Wedding Guide advertisers have the opportunity to have brides post reviews about them. Advertisers - are you taking the opportunity to do it? Couples think it's important, shouldn't you? Your brides are not required to register on our site to post a review. We only ask just enough information to verify that they are a real person, nothing more. All you have to do is contact your past or current brides and give her the link to your profile. The more reviews the better.
Let brides know that you are in business and that you are worth remembering.
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Spring Issue - Fashion Trends & Wedding Spotlights
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We are pleased to announce the Spring issue of Perfect Wedding Guide will be featuring Fashion Trends! Your full page feature will include 1 photo of your choice, company name, phone and website. The cost is $95 for a single page or $180 for a double. The issue will be on the streets for 4 months...that is only $23.75/monthfor the singe page! 11,000+ copies will be printed and distributed. All wedding fashion is welcome, such as male and female attire, jewelry, veils, shoes and alterations.
Click here for your Fashion Trends contract
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Showcase your best work featuring real brides and their favorite moments.
Our Wedding Spotlight feature will remain free for the Spring issue and is open to any wedding professionals to submit as long as there are at least three current PWG advertisers participating in the wedding (if you are not sure there were 3 participating PWG advertisers as part of the wedding, send the list to us and we'll figure it out).
Click here for your Wedding Spotlight contract
We look forward to placing your work in front of Triad & Triangle brides. Contact the office with any questions. Deadline for submission is Friday, November 18
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The 7 Deadly Business Sins
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There are 7 sins in the world of business. They may seem basic and futile, but I'm constantly amazed at how many times I see these things happen everyday, and I can only imagine how much business those companies who commit them stand to lose. You should always strive to bring your business up to the level of etiquette at which you should be functioning.
1) Do not be caught without business cards or marketing materials at all times. When someone asks for your card it's because they want to do business with you. When you don't have your information, you look unprepared and you may miss a great opportunity.
2) Never leave a voicemail for someone only to speed through your name and phone number. Your name should be articulated and your return number should be stated, not just once, but twice. Both should be said slowly, making it easy to understand. I know I'm not the only one that ends up writing a name: Bwtnay Snifeds. Or, a phone number with missing numbers such as: 407.x14.25x7. By stating it slowly and repeating your name and number, you'll better ensure a return call!
*Always return voicemails and emails within 24 hours. It's very easy to see who doesn't properly check their emails or voicemails at an event where they show up improperly because they didn't get the memo*
3) Do not allow your voicemail to speak for you. You are a professional business for goodness sake. Why would you allow your company or cell phone outgoing message sound like this (speaking in a computerized voice, "You've reached 407.555.5985. The person at this number is not available. Please leave a message." We've all gotten it. Please. Please. Please. Leave a voice message for potential clients that is well articulated, intelligent and professional. You should wear a smile in the message and let people know your worthy of leaving a message.
4) If you do 90% of the talking at networking events and/or while pitching clients, shut up already! Your business is not 90% about you. Every relationship you have, at worst, should be 50/50. Stop talking and learn from others. Those that you are talking at will be grateful for the chance to actually have a conversation with you
5) If you think you know it all, trust me, you don't. Whether you're the best high-end vendor in town or the guy trying to climb the rope while looking like he knows how to climb better than everyone else, stop acting like a know-it-all. It's not flattering and you will send people in the other direction. Your web site is never perfect. Your marketing materials are not the best they can be. Your word is not the one everyone is hanging on.
6) Try admitting your faults and apologizing when you make a mistake. Humility is ghastly underrated. People will value you more for being big enough to acknowledge your missteps. We all have them, but few can admit them. It says a lot about you and essentially your company.
7) Don't overpromise and under-deliver. The ultimate kiss of death is to get a sale by promising things you can't control or things that you never intend on delivering. By under promising to get the sale and over-delivering on the results, you'll earn referrals and testimonials that will sell you well into the future. Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he'll eat for years.
Running a successful business is about making good choices. Period. Think about the things you do every day and how your business comes across to others. You may be creating your company's reputation and ability to book business without even realizing it. In order to stay in the game, live your business life free of business sin!
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Giveaway
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Congratulations to Jennifer Ball of Pine Lake Pavilion.
She is the winner of the Susan Southerland Giveaway by sharing her memorable wedding moment on our Facebook page.
Jennifer will receive a copy of Susan Southerland's new book titled "The Susan Southerland Secret." Susan shares insightful tips and personal secrets to successfully market to today's bride.
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Your chance to tell us about YOU!
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This is a new section of our newsletter that will give you, our readers, a chance to tell everyone in the wedding industry a fun fact about yourself that no one else knows... were you a cheerleader in high school? Have you traveled to a foreign land? Did you play an instrument as a child or have you won any special awards or accolades? Let us know something about you that is unique to you and we will feature a wedding professional bi-weekly. So go ahead and send us a tidbit about yourself!
Did you know...?
...that Billy Ezzell (Complete Music & Video) still plays the saxophone and was quite a tap dance when he was young!
...that Josie Rankin (Clarion Hotel Greensboro) grew up on a farm in Western, PA with lots of animals and lived in a Poconos. She had 9 majors in college (including Biology, Nursing, Nutrition, English, etc) before finding Hospitality Management which she truly enjoys. She grew up planning events for her family and has always loved it!
Click here to email Jaime your tidbit!
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Bridal Shows
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Be a part of the PWG Triad & Triangle Bridal Shows!
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Jerry Dillard Photography
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Sunday, November 6
The Empire & Regency Ballrooms
1:00pm-4:30pm
Greensboro, NC
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Marriott Crabtree Valley
1:00pm-4:30pm
Raleigh, NC
Click below for more information and contracts
Fall Show Contract
Spring Show Contract
Thank you for the opportunity to be in your show! I liked the interaction with all the the brides. The vendor cards were a great way of encouraging brides to visit each booth. Perfect Wedding Guide is definitely my first choice for bridal shows. I received plenty leads and I hope to book brides really soon!
~ E. Russell, Elly's Photography This was my first bridal show and everyone was so friendly. It was a great opportunity to meet local vendors, especially the photo booth vendors, which were very fun! I will be sure to bring my fiance' to the next bridal show in November. ~ S. Mattern, Bride
I really enjoyed the bridal show, it was a lot of fun! I was able to find everthing I was looking for. Great job planning the show!
~ Y. Rodriquez, Bride
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| Wedding Industry News | |
To Whom It May Concern,
I was a successful, "by appointment only" wedding/event florist in upstate N.Y. for 15 plus years. I relocated to High Point 2 years ago with intentions of continuing my business. However, I have decided to retire from the flower industry, change career paths and move to Florida. I'm selling the contents of my business which include: SRC 54"x75" 115 volt flower cooler model-FS54SD (used for less than 2 years!), 35"x45" framed chalk board w/decorative easel, 72"x31" portable table, lots of inventory: assorted design bowls, baskets, tulle, fabric and satin ribbon, tape (floral wrap and oasis), glassware, decorative containers, hot glue, seashells, wire, wreath forms, topiary forms, Christmas, grapevine, permanent flowers and foliage, dried flowers, iron urns, picture frames (used for table numbers and signage), assorted wooden and metal picks, pick machine, garland machine, metal wall sconces and plant hangers, decorative french wire shelves, 10'x10' white tent canopy with attachable side panels and zip-up front and back panel openings, 20 gold candelabras w/optional design bowl attachments and gold metal lamp shades, as well as 24" fuel cell candles - total height with candles up to 60", and more. I PREFER to sell the entire contents together, but will consider other options. All supplies have been packed and stored in plastic tubs - tubs are also included! All in great condition! Value exceeds $10,000 - asking only $3,950 with hopes of a quick sale!
Please contact me if you are interested ASAP.
Sincerely,
Darcelle M. Hodsoll
dhodsoll@aol.com
After 5:00 PM - (336) 306-6155
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| Kind Words |
Thank you so much Jaime! It was seriously a wonderful experience [9/25 Raleigh Bridal Show]. You ladies do a wonderful job! Thanks for everything you do to make our lives easier.
Stephanie Tank, Honeymoon Winner
On behalf of Simply Lavish Weddings, we are ecstatic about this opportunity! As a new Wedding Planner it is hard getting your company's name out there in such a saturated area of wedding coordinators. Thank you Jaime and Gail.
Devonda James, Simply Lavish Weddings (Free Bridal Show Booth Winner) I always love these shows! The layout and flow of the event was nice and the turnout was outsanding. Thank you for offering the smaller table option. As a result of the bridal show I've already booked business!
Athena Delmontie,Tidy This
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Calendar
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October 26, 2011
Triangle Professional Wedding Guild Luncheon
Courtyard Raleigh-Durham Airport, Morrisville
11am-1:15pm
PWG Guild Luncheons
November 2, 2011
Triad Professional Wedding Guild Luncheon
The Millennium Center, Winston-Salem
11am-1:15pm
PWG Guild Luncheons
November 6, 2011
Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show
The Empire Ballrooms, Greensboro
1pm-4:30pm
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