Networking is great but...

Networking among peers, competitors and industry onlookers is a MUST. I attended two great events last week out of the four that I wanted to [unfortunately I have not mastered the ability to be in two places at once... ].

One was the famed LHI networking event at Epic restaurant downtown. Ladies in the Hospitality Industry is organized by Jennifer Monti of Stefani Catering, who is truly a master of all things hospitable. She is a true rockstar in the events world throughout Chicago and beyond.

The other was AfWPi's monthly mixer, organized by Sharon Ringier. This month's mixer was at Onesti Italian Steakhouse in St. Charles. The venue was impeccable and Sharon brings together a crowd that is really looking to network as opposed to socially grab a bite to eat.

Both events had some really great faces, those that were notable and those that I am so pleased I could meet. Both was a great mix of people from all around Chicago. After the events were over and I walked away with a 1.5" thick stack of business cards (maybe 4-5 were still my own), I was so excited to jump on some of the opportunities that presented themselves throughout each evening.

BUT! I was hosting out-of-area company this past weekend. :-( Normally that would be a fun and exciting things, except I kept itchin' to followup with all of the great people I had met. What a dilema! If you know me, I am all about follow up, as any marketer should be. 70% of all sales don't happen because of the lack of follow-up. Needless to say, after all this anxiety, I successfully followed-up with everyone today (Monday) and I feel much better.

Follow up is an important part to any networking function or marketing campaign. After you meet with someone, colleague or client, you need to stay focused on following up with that person no matter what. If it takes you a week, or a few days, a simple followup message that is personalized can seal or save a relationship.

AfWPi's Chicago chapter is brand new, yet still has so much to offer the local industry. sharon@sharonringierevents.com

Ladies in the Hospitality Industry is a great social scene for our industry. jmonti@lhievents.com

Little Pieces of You

Every time you do something, you are representing your company.

In the bridal industry, your engaged prospects are just that... Engaged!! They are fully involved in the wedding process and in the marketplace. They have eyes and ears everywhere.

You must keep a consistent message to your audience at all times. The best way to do that is to have a brand that is self-sufficient. Its important for you as a business owner, a.k.a. brand

master, to make sure your communications are branded. That where miscommunication is limited and brand reinforcement is achieved.

Here are some questions to see if the little pieces of you are adding up:

• Do you have a logo?
• Is is unqiue and does it represent what you provide to customers?
• Do you have a colorscheme that you stick to?
• Does your storefront, printed collateral, and web presence look like they belong in the same room?
• Do all of your communications speak the same language?

If you have answered no to any of these questions, it's time to put your brand under the microscope. Remeber, your brand is the face of your company. In the hospitality industry, everyone who wants to do business needs a face and personality. Consistency builds trust!

Tip: It can be as simple as putting your logo on your proposals and contract. Be Consistent!

Blogger Beginnings

Well I have finally finished branding my blogger template, with some minor tweeks still to come.

I started with a template I liked. It is called Fashionholic, and I acquired it from this website: http://btemplates.com/2009/blogger-template-fashionholic/

BEFORE

After a couple of hours of brand magic, we have a new website that speaks SBM.

AFTER

Feel free to email me if you want to know more about branding your blog.

Crystal@StrategicBridalMarketing.com