Wedding Industry Insider Podcast

WII 098: Peggy Kelley Shares How to Create Work-Life Integration

Ever feel like your business owns you and not the other way around? 

If you want to flip it, tune in: today’s guest empowers you to first design your life and then adapt your business to fit it.

Peggy Kelley is the owner of Timeless Celebrations, a full-service design and production company. Based in South California, Peggy has over 34 years of industry experience in hospitality, production, non-profit development, and entrepreneurship. Her background includes restaurant management for the Hamburger Hamlet chain and catering management for both Walt Disney Studio and The Huntington. Additionally, she is a frequent speaker and educator for The Special Event and The David Tutera Experience. She is also the creator and host of Late Nite Bride.

In this episode, Peggy draws on her industry and entrepreneurial success to share what you can do to practice an abundance mindset, get clarity about your desires, and develop community over competition.

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Timeline Genius

3 Ways to Get the Most out of the Timeline Genius Collaboration Features

When it comes to timeline creation, you know that Timeline Genius lets you communicate in your timeline with clients, vendors and venues (and if you need a refresher, just click here). 

But you might not know these additional tips and tricks that the Collaboration Features offer. 

So here’s how you can use the options for downloadable rights, icon indicators, and bulk item access in your timelines.

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Timeline Genius

How to Use the Assign Feature to Create Tailored Timelines for Vendors, Venues, or Clients

Wish you could create tailored timelines for specific vendors, venues, clients, or even bridal party members? The great news is that with Timeline Genius you can!

So you can go from spending hours creating individual timelines for collaborators or clients (nobody has time for that!) to using the Assign Feature to easily produce tailored timelines.

Additionally, whenever you make edits, your timelines update in real-time. So, if you make an adjustment to your main timeline, it will similarly reflect any changes in all of your tailored timelines. 

As a result, you can make individualized timelines for anyone you wish! 

Just check out the way the Assign Feature supports timeline creation and how you can use it in your planning.

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Wedding Industry Biz

How to Level Up Your Networking Strategy in 2022

As we start to find our groove again in 2022, it’s time to put networking back on the forefront of our small businesses. While we may have gotten comfortable pairing nice jewelry with our finest pajama pants for the next Zoom event, it’s safe to say that most event professionals are ready and raring to get back to in-person opportunities.

So, if you’ve missed the social setting and are ready to get back to mixing and mingling, use these techniques to make networking a top priority in 2022.

Set Clear Goals

If you don’t view networking as a way to achieve your business goals, it will always feel like a backup plan to “more important” tasks. It’s true — there will always be another client deliverable to send, another lead magnet to write, and another email to answer.

Yet, by setting goals for your networking efforts, you are effectively saying: “This is important to me and my business.” Such a mindset will help you shut down your computer on time, get ready, and head off to build new relationships.

Consider what you hope to get out of networking and how it fits into your big picture. Are you looking for potential hires to bring into your business? Do you have a collaborative idea sitting on ice until you find the perfect partner? Are you trying to increase your referral business? Networking can accomplish all of these goals, but your intention will determine the type of event you attend and how you approach it.

Build Your Strategy

You know the “why” — now, you need to map out the “how.” Write your goal down and start brainstorming the steps you can take to reach it.

For example, if you’re looking to find new team members, you may need to bring a few copies of the job description with you. You’d also need to set your sights on networking events that attract younger folks who are still in the early stages of their careers.

Your strategy should define the types of networking events you need to attend, the icebreakers you bring to introduce yourself, and the elevator pitches you use to tell your story. How you approach a seasoned planner with three businesses would likely look different than the newly-hired catering manager of your favorite venue.

Revisit How You Present Who You Are

If it’s been a while since you’ve dusted off that side of your closet, take a moment to pull out our networking duds and give them a run-through. Do they still fit? Has your style changed? Do you need to repair your go-to shoes?

Effective networking is rooted in your confidence and it’s hard to be your best if your attire makes you feel otherwise. The last thing you want is to find out your favorite dress’ hem has frayed, just hours before you’re supposed to attend an event.

Discard (or store) anything that doesn’t make you feel like a rockstar — because that’s the type of energy you need to bring! If desired, treat yourself to a few new statement pieces to freshen up your wardrobe and step into your next networking event feeling like a million bucks.

Ease Back Into It

Feeling rusty when it comes to talking about your business? You’re not alone. Recognize that most of the people you see will be in a similar boat, wondering how they were able to float around a room with such ease before virtual events took over.

If networking is giving you stage fright, do what you need to do to ease into it. You don’t need to go back at 100 miles per hour (unless that’s your rhythm!). Start with small group settings with your local chamber or association chapter. Memorize a few opening lines. Practice in the mirror before you leave to mitigate the nerves.

Don’t worry — it won’t take long before your networking muscles are firm and toned again! Give yourself grace as you step out of your comfort zone and do what’s best for your business. You’ll be running the national conference circuit before you know it!

 

Jennifer Taylor is the principal of Jen Taylor Consulting, a consulting firm that works with creative businesses of all sizes to implement streamlined workflows and organized systems to find more time and space for business growth and personal development.

Wedding Industry Insider Podcast

WII 088: Lynne Reznick Brings the Heart of an Educator to Crafting the Client Experience

When we think of weddings, we often think first of the wedding planner. Yet we know that many other vendors likewise contribute to the smooth production of a wedding. In this respect, collaboration is not only key to overall success but also reveals insight from other industry professionals. For example, another person who plays a critical role in how a couple will experience their wedding is the photographer.

And the vantage point of an experienced photographer – regarding what helps planners succeed and best supports couples – is exactly what we’re exploring today.

So, be sure to tune in for this podcast episode!

Lynne Reznick is the owner of Lynne Reznick Photography, a wedding photography company serving couples across New England and Upstate New York. As a former high school history teacher, Lynne draws on her educator’s heart and love of photography as she captures each couple’s unique story.  In addition to launching an online course for wedding professionals, she is a featured speaker at Wedding MBA. Her work has also been showcased in numerous publications, including Rangefinder, The Knot, and Amber & Muse

In this episode, Lynne talks about the way that she uses education to serve couples and to cultivate better client experiences.

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Wedding Industry Biz

Gen Z: How to Connect with the Tech-Driven Generation

For some, the phrase ‘Gen Z’ may feel like uncharted territory, and maybe even a bit intimidating. It’s been reiterated over and over about their short attention span, their need for automation and ease of access, and how difficult it can be to connect with them.

It’s a common misconception that they’re worlds away from any similarities in regards to older generations – in fact, business owners and entrepreneurs alike have actively been making strides to be tech-driven for years in order to meet the needs of our evolving clients. In many ways, these have been natural progressions, whether that’s implementing new programs or expanding your social media reach by exploring new apps.

But the question remains: how can we consistently keep up with a generation that’s wildly intuitive and tech-driven?

 

How communication has changed with clients

Long gone are the days of handwritten contracts and in-person meetings (thanks, COVID). When you think about it, business owners have really been forced to grow up in a sense due to the restrictions of the pandemic. This alone has created shockwaves in the event industry, especially as we’re accustomed to planning face-to-face with our clients. Now, we’re suddenly relying on tech for things we wouldn’t necessarily have before. Whether you want to believe it or not, we’re now in the Generation Z mindset.

Emily Loxtercamp of The Renaissance says, “Being a part of Gen Z myself, even with everyday situations I find myself in, I will adapt the way I communicate with my peers depending on what generation they’re in, and I do it at my workplace as well. With younger clients, a lot of emojis and abbreviations (or texting lingo) are used, whereas with clients in generations before Gen Z, I’ll format my messages to them more of an email style.”

Jamie O’Neill of The Bridal Finery agrees, noting: “In previous years, communication with clients has always been very professional with only speaking during business hours and through telephone or email. Being a bridal boutique, we tend to chat with our brides whenever and however it’s easiest for them. This means chatting with our clients based on their preferred form of communication. For some clients, they prefer to reach out to us through DM on Instagram at midnight when they’re off work and laying in bed. For other clients, they prefer email over text, text over email, or third party messaging apps like WhatsApp.”

 

Apps that can help you connect with Gen Z

Zoom is a household name now, and there’s no question that it’s been a lifeline for many industry pros that need to continue with client meetings and developing one-on-one connections without skipping a beat. But there are a plethora of other apps that can not only help streamline communication and tasks – they’ll also keep you at the top of mind and never leave your Gen Z client second-guessing.

Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound Event Services says, “Evernote is an amazing tool when it comes to planning virtually with a client. Beyond anything that you could put in a text or an email, this app allows you to scribble notes, send voice memos, photos, and keep track of tasks and deadlines. Everything is housed in one place, so there’s no need for multiple programs.”

Shannon Tarrant of WeddingVenueMap.com suggests, “Google Voice has really helped us connect with Gen Z. Their primary preferred communication method is a text message and it was hard to track and save. Because we can use it both on desktop and mobile, it makes it easy for us to track responses by copying and pasting into our CRM. This way we have a record of our conversation!”

JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli lists a couple of her favorite apps: “Allseated is recommended when we are working on the floor plans for the venues, it gives the couple easy access to help with the stressful seating plan. And Paperless Post is what we use to invite guests to other events associated with the wedding. The best part of this platform is the tracking of emails, so you can see who received and opened it and those who did not. It gives them a minute-by-minute [head]count for their events.”

 

Successful social media strategies

For years, it’s been said that social media is the key to attracting the attention of Gen Z, and with so many people stuck at home, it’s never been more true. So, how can you step your game up and generate more traffic?

For Kylie Carlson of The Wedding Academy, Instagram Reels is the next big thing. “Unlike Instagram Stories, Reels don’t disappear after 24 hours. These videos can serve as mini commercials for your business and live on your profile. You can either educate, entertain, or inspire your audience, and it’s fairly user-friendly! My follower count has already gone up since I’ve started incorporating Reels into my feed.”

Loxtercamp adds that they’ve found success with, “Posting interactive Instagram stories such as polls, Q&A segments, etc. TikTok is also an extremely popular social media platform within Gen Z, and I’ve started to make videos that kind of mimic 60-second TikTok videos of different things going on around my workplace. The main thing I’ve been doing is creating ‘setting up’ montages where details and big picture shots of an event or wedding coming together are shown with some kind of catchy song playing with it.”

It goes without saying that we’re more in-tune with tech than we may have been in recent years, so don’t be afraid to use this to your advantage when connecting with your younger clients.

 

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.

Timeline Genius

[New Feature] Next-Level Collaboration — Full Edit Rights

 

As the COVID-19 challenge continues, please know that our Timeline Genius team is here for you. And we’re determined to keep bringing you a steady stream of enriching content and positive updates!

On that note, I’m excited to announce that Timeline Genius now gives you a whole new way to collaborate with your clients and creative partners by granting them full edit rights!

So let’s say you’ve got a Type-A client, and you want to let her add new items or text sections to the timeline… Or let’s say you want to impress your hair and makeup stylists by letting them auto-generate the hair and makeup schedule… No problem! Just go to your collaborate view, and give everybody the desired access rights.

With our new and improved collaboration features, you have even more control and flexibility. You’re efficient, professional, and responsive to everybody’s unique needs.

To see a preview of the new collaboration features, just check out the video below!

We hope these new features help you feel excited about the day when our amazing industry inevitably ramps back up!

We’ve said it before, the world will celebrate again! Events will resume in time. And when they do, Timeline Genius is gonna be better than ever to help you reach new professional heights 🙂

Stay strong, Timeline Geniuses!

Timeline Genius

Congratulations to Our Freshly Certified Timeline Geniuses!

Cheers and big congratulations to all of our amazing planners who became Certified Timeline Geniuses this week! We applaud you for putting in the work to continually build your skills and to elevate the standards for our industry.

We’re proud to show off your profiles and spotlight pages below. Keep up the great work!

Are you ready to become a Certified Timeline Genius? Get your own certification at https://weddingtimelinecertification.com/


Rachel Beer

Company Name: Birra Weddings & Events
Location: Houston, TX
Title/Position: Certified Wedding Planner
What Fuels You? The thing that keeps me going in this industry is the people. Specifically, when you get to bring together two people’s dream day, after many months of hard work and logistics, and make it a reality.”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 


Shanna Boger

Company Name: PRP Luxury Group
Location: Mesquite, TX
Title/Position: Owner & Chief Designer
What Fuels You? I believe in the institution of marriage and I believe everyone should have a memorable wedding day. The look of excitement and happiness on my client’s faces are priceless.”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 

 


Renee Coshin Coolbaugh

Company Name: RCC Weddings & Events
Location: Baltimore, MD
Title/Position: Owner
What Fuels You? “The look of amazement and happiness on my couples faces throughout their day!”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 

 


Melissa Diaz

Company Name: Verve Event Planning
Location: Houston, TX
Title/Position: Timeline Coordinator
What Fuels You? “Seeing the joy on a client’s face when their vision comes to life.”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 

 

 


Faythe Emens

Company Name: Your Big Day Weddings & Events
Location: Adrian, MI
Title/Position: Owner
What Fuels You? “The energy and emotion that surround weddings make me want to keep going.”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 

 


Christa Graham

Company Name: Christa Graham Weddings & Events
Location: Detroit, MI
Title/Position: Owner
What Fuels You? “I thrive on planning weddings that are a bit outside of the current trends. Weddings with unique twists and splashes of personality rock my world!”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 

 


Laurie Hartwell

Company Name: The Bridal Society
Location: Atlanta, GA
Title/Position: Founder & CEO
What Fuels You? “Technology is ever-changing, and I love that we get to learn new ways to use it so that we have better access to our clients and wedding professionals. I think we are all very lucky to be in an industry that keeps us all on our toes.”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 


Alayna Mines

Company Name: Roots to Stems Boutique Wedding Planning & Events
Location: Orlando, FL
Title/Position: Owner
What Fuels You? “I love meeting new couples who are passionate about their love and making sure their day reflects who they are as a couple.

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 

 


Rea Owens-Byerly

Company Name: Rea Danielle Wedding & Event Design
Location: Dallas, TX
Title/Position: Owner
What Fuels You? “The epitome of love is the union of one human with another. I’m a lover of love, so being able to be a part of these monumental moments keeps me passionate about weddings.”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 


Krisy Parker

Company Name: Southern Sparkle Wedding & Event Planning
Location: Nashville, TN
Title/Position: Owner
What Fuels You? “I truly will never take for granted the fact that people are asking us to be part of one of the most important days of their life.”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 

 


Kim Shartzer

Company Name: Events of Inspiration
Location: Indian Trail, NC
Title/Position: Owner & Certified Wedding Planner
What Fuels You? “I am blessed beyond words to be able to do what I am passionate about and that is having an opportunity to work with couples as they begin a new journey in life together!”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

 


Barbara Shorts

Company Name: Verve Event Planning
Location: Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, TX
Title/Position: Founder
What Fuels You? “When a bride, mom or dad looks at me and says, it was everything we wanted. That is the perfect moment!”

View Certified Timeline Genius Spotlight

Wedding Industry Biz

Creating Meaningful Client Relationships

By Lane’ Richards

It’s the middle of wedding season and you have a million things to do to. The last thing on your mind is wondering when you last checked in with your client. Whether that’s someone who may have just booked your services, or a client who’s wedding may not be for several months. You’re not thinking about how to continue nurturing your client relationships as you can’t even keep up with the emails piling up in your inbox.

 

Here are a few tips on how you can create and maintain a meaningful client relationship without compromising your time and workflow.

 

Over communicate

Once you’ve booked a client, what’s your follow-up game? How do you first thank them for them trusting you with the details of their wedding? Do you check in with them regularly? How do do you communicate important policies or details including reminders? How soon before a wedding do you confirm the details? What’s your game plan after the wedding?

The last thing you want your client to feel is that you’ve fallen off the face of the earth. Create an email sequence that’s scripted and in template form which will not only save you time, but create consistency in your messaging. To get started, create a timeline beginning with the time they sign the contract. End your timeline on either their wedding date or, better yet, their anniversary date. Why their anniversary date? Because it’s another opportunity to catch them by surprise and mail them an anniversary card. You never know when they’ll need your services again so stay at the top of their mind.

From there, start mapping out intervals of when you want to send your emails. Automate your process by utilizing a Client Relationship Manager (CRM). A good CRM allows you to send emails while you’re working, based on a timeline workflow.

 

Serve not sell

One really important thing to remember is that while you may have helped plan hundreds of weddings, this is likely your clients first. As the saying goes “you don’t know, what you don’t know” and couldn’t be more true for a bride or groom planning their big day. As a wedding professional, you’re not only solving a problem for your client, you’re educating them along the way. When you stop thinking about your client as a transaction and start looking at them as someone to serve, big shifts begin to happen in your business. You’ve not only taken the stress off of you, but your clients will truly start to feel heard and that you’re there for them, not a paycheck.

 

Don’t rely solely on email

We’re addicted to email, but that doesn’t mean your client is. In fact, they may not be receiving your emails and you’d never know! To help save time on quick questions, send a text or better yet, pick up the phone and call them. This can eliminate countless follow-ups and take the stress off your clients thinking you’ve disappeared.

 

Give your full attention

You’re on a call with your client but in the background you’re also checking email. You think you’re being productive, but did you know multitasking is a myth? That’s right, there’s no such thing. What you’re doing is called task shifting. This is where you’re shifting your attention back and forth from one thing to another. Studies have shown that it can take up to 17 minutes to shift your full attention back to what it was you’re doing. So when you’re in a client meeting, give them your undivided attention. If you don’t, you’re not only likely to miss out on them saying something important, but you’re giving away precious time. And besides, your client will know when you’re not truly present. You want a relationship that demonstrates professionalism and that their time is valued.

 

With these tips, you’ll have a system in place allowing you to be more productive all while creating raving clients.

 

Lane’ Richards is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur and creative behind Something Borrowed Portland, an award-winning event design and specialty rental company based in Portland, OR. Her newest venture, Wedding Pro Coaching, offers mastermind business coaching and educational programs to wedding industry professionals who need help building, running, and growing their businesses in the crowded wedding industry.