You’re just starting your wedding planning business and you need brides! A Facebook page and Pinterest site can’t do it all for you. The best clients are those who are referred to you by people you know.
So, if you’re having trouble getting your first clients, here are 3 steps to take to get referrals:
Step 1 – Make it a point to tell two people every day, in person, about your wedding planning business.
Go out and tell people what you do. This means telling your hair stylist, manicurist, housekeeper, dentist, aunts, uncles, cousins and others. They may not be getting married but they may know or hear of someone who is and may be happy to give you a referral.
Also, join business and social groups and start widening your circle of potential business partners and contacts. The more people you know, the more likely you are to get referrals to the brides you want.
Step 2 – Be prepared with a 30 second speech about what you do
Don’t just “wing-it” when you talk about your wedding business, prepare in advance for these conversations. Consider mentioning a few of the benefits of your services, an example of how you helped a bride, and how you are different from other wedding planners. (Read my post “3 Things to Tell People About What You Do” for more ideas on what to say.)
Step 3 – Ask for referrals
People don’t always think about giving referrals so let them know that you welcome new brides and tell them the type of bride you want as a client. And, always be ready to hand them a few business cards to pass along, if they ask.
And you can learn more about starting and running your wedding planning business in my Free Special Report “7 Steps to Becoming a Top Wedding Planner.” You can get it here.