As a wedding business owner, I know how easy it is to want to say yes to everything and implement the constant stream of new ideas. This often results in many unfinished tasks and an overfilled plate. You might be constantly working yet still miss out on those high-paying clients. Repeat after me, “Less is definitely more.”
Today I am sharing 5 ways you can simplify your wedding business and start making more money! Let’s get started.
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1. Niche Down
As someone who has been in the event industry for over 10 years it’s fun to think about all the different types of events I’d like to plan and design. I did non profit events, yoga festivals, corporate meetings, galas and eventually weddings. I didn’t start making 6-figures until I niched down into weddings and specifically the adventurous style weddings. If you’re a wedding pro that is looking to grow your income significantly, it’s time to think about going back to your core offering and really focusing all your efforts on that. Be the expert at that particular type of event so that you can charge more!
After reading this post, check out exactly how to find your niche as a wedding pro next.
2. Be Strategic with your Networking
When you first start your wedding business, you’re going to want to be everywhere all the time and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, at some point you’re going to need to start saying no to certain networking events or even collaboration opportunities that don’t match your vision plan. The more things you sign yourself up for, the more time it takes away from growing your core service. Every year, I review the networking groups I’m part of and the virtual summits I am invited to ask myself: “was the outcome worth the time I invested in it?”. If the answer is no, you may want to reconsider for next year.
3. Simplify your tools
Raise your hand if you have shiny object syndrome! *hand raised* I am notorious for trying to sign up for new and better systems and tools for my business. The problem is, I don’t always take the time to set them up because I’m too busy working with real paying clients and getting my job done! Recently, I decided to un-complicate my business and go back to basics with my contract and invoicing system. I got rid of my “high tech CRM” and signed up for Rock Paper Coin instead. They specialize in SIMPLICITY and I have never sent contracts so fast and so easily in my life. Oh and, their credit card fees are less expensive so I expect to save on average $2500 per year on those. YES PLEASE! The other cool thing about Rock Paper Coin is that they will set up your whole account for you for free. I now have 2 businesses with them and I just email my rep the basic info she needs and within the day it’s set up and ready to use!
If you want to give Rock Paper Coin a try for ONE YEAR FREE use code GABBY at check out and we’ll hook you up. You’ll also get a free white glove account set up and access to a ton of free resources from the wedding community.
4. Know when it’s time to outsource
Simplifying your wedding business doesn’t always mean getting rid of all your tasks. Some things like social media, blogging, payroll, bookkeeping, etc still need to get done. You can choose to either bring on a part-time virtual assistant or look into a few helpful apps or tools that can take this task off your plate. My first virtual assistant was hired for 5 hours per week and took the tedious task of following up with vendors off my plate and it immediately allowed me to focus on more sales, my current clients and taking a break from time to time. What project is weighing you down the most right now? If you could delegate that to someone for $25-$40/hour would you do it? Think of all the things you could focus on if you knew it was being handled. To me, that’s priceless!
5. Put an auto-responder on your email
What does an OOO message have to do with simplifying your business? It’s about setting your boundaries and making sure you can take time to disconnect from your work life. If you work non-stop, things tend to get…well…complicated. I speak from experience when I say this. When I am moving at million miles per hour without some time off, my brain just can’t keep up and I start overcomplicating things or get frustrated with myself and others. A nice day or two (or more) off from anything work related will help you think more simply and more strategically. It’s as simple as that! And you know what, I often get inspiration for my business when I’m out doing non-wedding related stuff. I find inspiration in nature, during girl’s nights or even at a yoga class. Try it out for yourself!
If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to watch the YouTube video below for more details about this topic next!