Zoe McKeown is an Academy tutor with our UK campus, as well as owner of her successful wedding planning business, Cherish Weddings. This week in our Tuesday Tutorial, Zoe discusses the importance of having sales confidence in your wedding or events business, and reveals some of her tips for getting it!
If you are working on your own then you will have to be all things for your company.
One of the most important is being a sales person.
This is how you will find and secure your work/income. In the beginning it can be difficult to feel confident enough if you have not had much experience. So before you start your business you need to be clear in your mind what you are selling and who you are selling it to. If you know exactly what you are offering a client and you believe that your service can help them then you will be able to promote your company well. If you have any doubts that you are charging too much, or doubt why people would want to employ you it will come across when you meet a potential new client.
Network meetings can help in the beginning and get you talking about your business with others who are not necessarily future clients but like minded people trying to spread the word about their company. This should help you to build your confidence and also identify what your natural pitch sounds like and if you are able to talk with passion and authority. It is usual to feel a little uncomfortable to begin with but if you can throw yourself into a few of these lunches or meetings you will feel proud of your self. Whilst you may not find work initially you will definitely learn about your strengths and then be able to reflect on how you present your business to others.
Another benefit from networking groups is that you get instant feedback and questioning about your business. If you reflect on these you will be able to understand more about the information you present and perhaps think about answers which will in turn direct your business plan/website information. “So what does a wedding planner actually do?” “ How much does it cost?” “ Do you go to the weddings?”
Remember that you will get better at selling your business and as your confidence grows so will your pitch. If you are chatting to a bride they think you are the expert. They have never planned a wedding before so you are in a position of more knowledge than them so believe in your self and your business ideals and go for it!
