let's get this party started

OVERCOME YOUR FEAR

I think that the title is self explanatory.  It is a little unnerving to meet a client for the first time and discuss one of their most important days of their lives with them. 

We don't get too many "very" important days as it is so I definitely don't want to be a bad memory or poor experience for any client.  It takes a lot of confidence in yourself to be able to approach a bride-to-be, often her mother, as well as the groom-to-be to go over details.  That confidence does not come overnight.  It will come though.  Keep having successful moments, and happy clients, it will happen. 

LOOK THE PART
What does a "wedding planner" look like?  Any size, race, shape, gender can be a successful wedding planner.  Hair neat, nails clipped and manicured, clipboard in hand.  Be what they expect.  If you arrive sloppy and unorganized, it may be your last meeting with a missed client. 

TIPS
1) time - Give yourself at least 15-30 minutes to regroup your thoughts/ideas before meeting your client.  Rushing is no good, running late sends an awful message.  I try to get a parking space, take a few deep breaths, and read up on my notes. 

2) re-read it - Familiarize yourself with who you are about to meet (her color scheme, wedding style, number of guests, her vendor info, venue, names of her family members and fiance's name,  etc.) 

3)  care - Its not only about doing a good job, you should genuinely care about the client.  Invest some time in their likes and dislikes.  Also, being prepared with help dissipate fear.  You can always refer to your notes in front of the client if necessary, but try to keep eye contact and smile.

art credit:  clipartpanda.com

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