This one is for the business owners, aspiring business owners, Brides and Grooms, and dreamers who aren’t sure where to get started. Here are 4 things I’ve learned in my first year of having a business.
The importance of knowing your ideal client
This is something that is commonly spoken about on every business-startup-podcast (including the Bluebird Collective podcast which is a personal favourite!), conversation with other suppliers and Instagram posts advising new business owners. While it’s crucial to know and understand your ideal client, in the first year (and probably a few years!) of business, you are continually working this out through trial and error. There are a number of ways to identify your ideal client, but for me, there have been two things to look out for.
Firstly, if I want to hang out with you over coffee (or a mimosa?) I’m likely to want to plan your wedding. This is not every planner’s style, but it is mine, and I’ve loved experiencing that this year.
Secondly, go where the peace is. If an enquiry seems off, it probably is. Gut instinct is there for a reason, and sometimes we know someone isn’t our client at the point of enquiry, and that’s okay. There are plenty of suppliers in the sea.
Personalise your goals
For some, the goal is breaking into the luxury market, extravagant holidays or retiring at 40. For me, this is not the case. My ideal clients cannot be found in the luxury market, but can be found in local coffee shops and out walking their dogs. My goal is not to spend my summers on yachts but to spend more time with loved ones. Retiring from a job I love as soon as possible does not excite me. Instead, I have discovered goals that are exciting, ambitious and a little scary at times. Taking time to personalise your goals will keep you moving forward in the long-term.
The importance of charging the correct fee (for you and your client)
It’s so easy to feel guilt for charging a higher fee for your work. I raised my fees back in September after a year of being in business, and it was simultaneously a scary and confidence boosting moment. While my fees could be higher, they are appropriate for my ideal client, reflective of the time that I love to put into each event, and sustainable for the future of my business.
The importance of relationships within the industry
This is crucial for every role, but especially Planners. My job is to link my clients with the best suppliers for them. This means that I do not have a list of ‘recommended suppliers’ given to each client, but instead, will do personalised introductions based on who I think will click, and how each supplier fits my clients’ budget and needs.
Similarly to my couples, I love to connect with suppliers that feel like friends. This cannot be true for every circumstance, but as a Planner, I create the team around my couple that exist to support and serve them. I want this team to be full of joy-filled, encouraging and creative people that I’d love to take for coffee. Relationships are crucial and I’m so thankful to have made some excellent industry friends!
As a Wedding Planner, it is my job to connect you with suppliers who can meet your needs in your wedding planning. I absolutely love building you a team of excellent suppliers who fit your style and budget. For more information on Full Planning, Partial Planning and Wedding Coordination, click here.
