WeddingIQ Retrospective: Why Gender Neutrality Matters, Revisited

WeddingIQ Retrospective: Why Gender Neutrality Matters, Revisited

Guest Contributor
Marketing, Ethics

Editor's Note: As explained in Monday's post, throughout the month of April, as we prepare for an exciting announcement next month, we'll be looking back at some of the most popular, talked-about, or personally significant posts we've ever written, with a fresh perspective on our mindset today. Up first? Jen's May 2012 post, "Why Gender Neutrality Matters.")

I can't kick off this post without first saying how glad I am that so many wedding business owners have embraced gender-neutral language in their marketing since I first wrote about the topic almost four years ago. Back then, while I knew many wedding pros who privately supported marriage equality and warmly welcomed LGBTQ couples as clients, but were very hesitant to restrict the heteronormative language found throughout their marketing, let alone write marketing copy directly to non-straight couples (or feature images of them).

WeddingIQ: How Everything Has Changed, and What's Next

WeddingIQ: How Everything Has Changed, and What's Next

Guest Contributor
Announcements, Mindset

I remember when I first had the idea for what would become WeddingIQ. It was very early in 2012. I'd been running my DJ company for about 10 years, mainly overseeing the customer service and administrative side of things. My then-husband and business partner had stepped back from the day-to-day operations of the company to pursue other things, leaving me at the helm. Even with the added responsibility, I just felt like something was missing. Part of it was that I wasn't feeling particularly challenged anymore - I'm definitely someone who likes to take on new things - and part of it was that I knew I wasn't doing everything I was capable of doing in this industry, one that I'd been part of since I was 21 years old.

Plus, because I'd largely systematized the DJ business so that, with the help of a great assistant, it functioned pretty smoothly without my constant supervision, I had time on my hands and my wheels always seemed to be turning. (Basically, every rant you've ever read on WeddingIQ began as a monologue inside my very chaotic brain.)  And, increasingly, I wanted to give my thoughts a voice, a platform. I found myself feeling called to do two things: to help other business owners to become more effective and successful, and also to dissect some of the bullshit I observed in the wedding industry on a regular basis. If I'm being completely honest, I think I probably also believed I had it all figured out. At least most things. (Oh, if only I knew the humble pie I'd be eating later.)

Meeting Techniques for Making the Sale

Meeting Techniques for Making the Sale

Guest Contributor
Sales, Clients, Guest Posts

(Editor's Note: We're closing out the week with this great guest post from Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound Event Services. Read more about Kevin at the end of the post, and be sure to check back Monday for a special announcement regarding WeddingIQ!)

These days, the bottom line isn’t solely about having great products or services and making sure people know about them. Sales play an incredibly important role in the conversion of “I like you guys!” to “I want to book you!”
 
In fact, selling starts as soon as a potential client shows interest- from the ease of contacting you to the look of your office when they first walk in the door (that’s right- time to find a new home for all those mason jars peeking out from around the corner!).  It should be your top priority to make sure prospects look forward to your meeting.

Why Every Wedding Pro Should Care About Good Bookkeeping

Why Every Wedding Pro Should Care About Good Bookkeeping

Guest Contributor
Finances, Guest Posts

(Editor's note: Today we're excited to feature a post from guest contributor Stephanie Thacker of Steadfast Bookkeeping Co. Read more about Stephanie at the end of the post!)

Your wedding business is going great! You’re booking clients, collecting payments and making good profit margins, right? Or, wrong? Or, you don’t know? That’s okay - I’m here today to tell you why you should care about good bookkeeping and why it makes a difference in your business.
 
So why do I even use the term good bookkeeping? Well, because unfortunately bad bookkeeping exists. We’re not really here to talk about the bad bookkeeping but let’s just say it falls along the lines of inaccurate, not complete or pretty much non-existent. Good bookkeeping on the other hand provides accurate reports, it’s completed in a timely manner and it even plays a part in the success of your business.

Maintaining and Upgrading Your Equipment

Maintaining and Upgrading Your Equipment

Guest Contributor
Planning

For those of us in a technical industry, purchasing and maintaining equipment is a must. Whether you’re a photographer, DJ, caterer, hairstylist or chauffeur you rely on specialized equipment and tools to service your clients' events. These items need to be in great working order so you can relax and do what you do best. The slow season or a long stretch between events is the perfect time to check out your gear, make sure everything is in tip top shape and purchase any replacements or additions.

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