In times of crisis, diversification can be essential to your business's survival. From new marketing techniques to add-on services, learn how you can diversify your business and keep moving forward during these struggling times.
Marketing Is Key
Hopefully it goes without saying that marketing is more important than ever. You'll need to keep your business name out there to let people know your business is hanging in there and will be there after the world settles down. You want to stay positive and upbeat, post on social media, share colleagues' posts, and tag and connect with wedding pros you work with regularly. In addition to keeping in contact with all of your current clients, keeping in touch with former clients who are raving fans will also be able to help you get back on your feet.
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Beyond Keeping Visible
Keeping in front of current and potential clients is a massive piece of moving forward. Continue to do your best to capture new business and enhance the experience of current clients. Are you offering packages that clients connect with and can afford? Are you providing add-on services to make planning in one location easier for current clients? What are colleagues in other markets offering that can help move your business forward? Are you using all the tools at your disposal to keep you fresh, accessible, and relevant?
Technology Is Your Friend
In this time of social distancing and with nearly everyone working from home, are you using technology to its full advantage? Posting on social media and using email services not only lets people know you're here, but it can also help you promote new services and special pricing. If you're a planner, you can use technology to let your existing couples know that you also plan bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners. Couples might be looking to streamline the process and it can be a great add-on to your existing contract. Caterers who are now offering meal plans and small quantities of staples can keep that front of everyone's mind using the same technology. Take advantage of these tools and share fun "how-to" videos, educate clients, and build some sales.
Videographers and audio-visual companies are primed for enhanced technology. Live streaming may be one of the most lucrative add-on services as the economy begins to recover. There may be smaller weddings and events due to people's financial situations or fear of travel, and sharing the festivities online is now an essential service. The use of video conferencing not only allows you to stay connected with clients and your team but also to hold virtual meetings and interviews with potential clients. It's also an excellent way to connect with some new professionals that you never seemed to have the time to meet with in the past. Keep in mind that Aisle Planner is right at your fingertips, and offers you a wealth of technology to market your business, connect with other professionals, and streamline your work.
Time to Re-Evaluate Your Business
This downtime may be the perfect opportunity to take a good look at your business and move it in a more positive direction. You might consider sending out online surveys to past customers to look at pricing, the services you offer, and anything you might have provided that would've made their experience more enjoyable. You might find that you need to add in a mid-level service to capture a slightly different clientele. This could be offering late-night snacks or a late-night breakfast buffet for a caterer, or invitations or linen rentals for a planner.
Diversifying the way you use social media and technology, the sharing you do, the services you offer clients, and the team you align your business with all work together to help move your business forward as the wedding and events industry re-emerges.
Hero photo courtesy Evelyn Francesca Events and Amira Gray Photography
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