Wedding Network USA Vol1, No3 by Cherie Ronning

Business Expertise Education Networking Has your business BEEN growing? We can help!

Business

The Simple Plan Workshop 18 Networking: Motivate yourself and help your business grow! 22 Top 10 Wedding Search Terms 24

Members In Motion

Congratulations! Excellent achievements! Michelle Stevens Artistique Photography 14

Board Member and Member Spotlight Brian Dale 4 | Eric Wright 12 | Stuart Butler 13

Wedding Network USA emagazine | Volume 1, Number 3 | March 2010

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chérie Ronning Founder, Executive Director Owner, Uncommon Invites

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Jennifer Taylor President National Member Benefits Chair Owner, Taylor’d Events By Jennifer

Brian Dale Vice President National Ethics Chair Owner, Wave Link Music, Inc.

Cindy Rosen Secretary Owner, Encore Events

Linda Barclay Treasurer National Finance Chair Owner, Barclay Event Rentals

Peter Barnett Board Member National Membership Chair Owner/Chef, Premiere Catering

Molli Barss Board Member National P/R & Marketing Co-Chair Owner, Soiree Special Event Planning

Don Boshears Board Member National P/R & Marketing Co-Chair Private Events Director, Columbia Tower Club

Donna Hoff Board Member National Web Marketing Chair Owner, The Wedding Genies

Eric Newland Board Member National Education Chair Owner, Hybrid Moon Videography

Gayle O’Donnell Board Member National Communications Chair Owner, All About Weddings and Celebrations

Musings

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Brian Dale, Wave Link Music, Inc.

HAPPENINGS Seattle Washington Meeting Portland, Oregon Meeting Southwest Washington Meeting

6 8 10

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Eric Wright, All Wright Music Stuart Butler, Butler Valet and Transportation

12 13

MEMBERS IN MOTION Bride Choice Awards

14 15

INDUSTRY INSIGHT Hiring a Professional Calligrapher Sixth Annual Emerald City Applause Awards Seventh Annual CONVENTION

16 17 17

BUSINESS

18-27

MEMBER BENEFITS

WEDDING NETWORK USA NEWS Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities Calendar of Events Weddings Portland Style Office/Meeting Space available to sublease! Kirkland, WA Code of Ethics Founding Members

28 29 30 31 33 BC

SUGGESTED READING

CONTACT: Wedding Network USA | 1-888-509-6872 Info@WeddingNetworkUSA.com | www.WeddingNetworkUSA.com

MUSINGS

Chérie Ronning Founder and Executive Director

Like most of you the aftermath of being in so many Bridal Shows has taken its toll on me. We are tired, have a mess in our office and hope that we can find our way through the boxes, samples and left over handouts. However, on the bright side, we have leads! The phone is ringing again, and Brides are looking to us to help them fulfill their dream of a perfect wedding. Too often we focus on the negative, the bad weather, the lack of business and the work to do these shows. But we need to shake off that gloom and look outside to what Mother Nature is doing. The trees are budding out, daffodils and crocus are blooming and the birds are singing. Think of your business in this same way. Shake off the gloom of winter and focus on the positive of spring. Put a smile on your face every time you answer the telephone or respond to an email. It makes a difference in how you talk and how you write.

Take an extra minute to think of something new you might offer this potential client. Listen to what they are asking for and then respond accordingly. It is too easy to get into the mindset of offering a 10% discount, or a free 8 x 10 or toss bouquet. Maybe they want something that is so simple you wish you would have thought of it yourself. Hire a high school student to input the names you receive into your database and send out a Thank You note to all of them for stopping by your booth. Offer them that new promotional idea for booking a consultation with you and follow through with everything you offer. Most of all, respond to every inquiry you receive. It makes me sad when I respond to someone and they thank me, as they have sent out several inquiries and no one else responded. If you can’t follow up on every lead, then you shouldn’t be doing the shows, it is a waste of your time and money. Both are too precious to waste.

Chérie Ronning

Wishing you all a bountiful spring!

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Brian Dale Wave Link Music, Inc.

WNUSA Founding Vice President Brian Dale is the Principal DJ (aka President) of Wave Link Music, Inc. He has now been a DJ for 23 and a half years and his company Wave Link Music, Inc. is turning 21 this June. Brian always had a passion for music, but could not carry a tune and never learned how to play an instrument. So after several years of going out dancing at under age clubs; he had a DJ (also named Brian) take him under his wing shortly after graduating high school. He taught Brian how to DJ and when he changed clubs, he convinced the manager to also hire Brian to do the opening and ending parts of the night. About a year after that Brian ended up taking over complete nights for him. After the club closed; Brian, another DJ, a couple of Bartenders, a Bouncer, a friend and a Consultant of the Club decided to take the show on the road; which became the start of Wave Link Music, Inc.. Originally they only did schools and youth events and it would take all six of them to do an event. After a short amount of time they split to two systems with two or three guys at each. Twenty years ago people were getting married at 18/19 all of the time, so they started doing weddings for the same people they just did a prom for. Since, they were not all that busy and did not know what they were doing the guys decided to sub-contract to other companies to get events. Through this they learned how they did not want to run their business since things were always a mess; but, Brian and his partners decided there had to be a better way. So they started opening up a line of dialogue with their clients through a multi-page written planner and later in-person consultations to bring more of a personal approach to their client’s events. Thus the motto “Your Music, Your Way!” was born. 4

After only 5 years Brian ended up with one partner and they started turning away work; so, they hired their first Staff DJ (Chris Cline), who is still a part of Wave Link Music, Inc. today. Nowadays Wave Link Music, Inc. utilizes an on-line planning system along with the personal consultations with the DJ assigned to make sure they are doing what the client wants. Through this Wave Link Music, Inc. has won several awards in recent years: • Best Party DJ – Best of City Search 2007 • Best Wedding DJ – Best of Seattle Bride 2007 & 2008 (runner-up in 2009) • Best of the Knot Picks – 2008, 2009 & 2010 • Business of the Year 2009 – Greater Seattle Business Association • Best Wedding DJ Top 5 – Best of King 5 2008 & 2009 Brian Dale and Wave Link Music, Inc. is a member of and on the board of many professional organizations: • WNUSA (Wedding Network USA), Brian is the Founding Vice President and National Ethics Chair • NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) Seattle, Tacoma and Portland chapters, Brian is the 2nd Vice President and

has chaired the Fundraising Committee for the Seattle chapter.

• ISES (International Society of Event Specialists) Seattle Chapter and Brian is the Vice President of Communications for the Seattle Chapter • ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) Brian is a former Board Member of the now defunct Puget Sound Chapter • GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association), Brian is a former Board Member and Committee Chair • Snohomish Wedding Guild, Tour Committee member • BBB (Better Business Bureau) • ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) Brian has a passion of being a consummate professional which is why he chooses to be a part of the WNUSA.

Brian Dale Wave Link Music, Inc.

HAPPENINGS

SEATTLE January, 2010

Seattle, Washington

The Seattle January meeting was held at Canlis Glass Studio. This beautiful gallery, tucked away off a busy street, was quite a grand setting for our first monthly meeting in Seattle. 55 members and guests enjoyed the beautiful glass creations on the walls and in the display cases.

WNUSA President, Jennifer Taylor welcomed everyone to the event, talked about her committee requests and introduced Chérie Ronning, the Executive Director. General information was shared about the organization and the plans for expansion in the Seattle area. Catering for the evening was provided by Lisa Dupar Catering. The menu was amazing, delicious food served in a creative manner, encouraging the guests to come back for seconds! The catering staff offered impeccable service and a great décor feel to the presentation. They wheeled out their “late night nosh” cart with their take on a breakfast biscuit sandwich and fresh squeezed blood orange juice. No one would ever mistake it for “fast food”, and it is such a wonderful idea for weddings that last long into the evening.

event. WNUSA Board Member, Eric Newland of Hybrid Moon Video was the Speaker Sponsor for the evening. He gave a short presentation about his company to the group, and asked those with questions to see him after the meeting. Our guest speaker was Tshombe Brown, who had spoken in Portland and SW Washington as well, sharing his tips on attaining goals. He passed out cards for each person to write a goal, and feelings on, and then encouraged everyone to talk about their goals and how to realize them. He had a great handout for us to take and generally inspired people to set some goals, and then work on getting them accomplished. He also encouraged folks to ask for help from their business friends to stay accountable and to move forward. Jennifer announced that the February meeting would be jointly held with ISES. ISES is sponsoring a multi city tour for Sasha to talk about her business and her new book. The event will be held at The Ruins.

HAPPENINGS

PORTLAND February 9, 2010

Portland, Oregon

On February 9, 2010, our first networking only meeting of WNUSA took place at the beautifully remodeled Brasserie Montmartre Restaurant in their new event space on the 2nd floor. We were hosted by the new owners, Sara and Matt Maletis, who are also Founding Members of WNUSA. The purpose of the evening was to give a quick refresher on how to network effectively with tips provided by UltraViolet Events. The room was decked out in the Old Hollywood Glam style with linens and props provided by Barclay Event Rentals and stunning floral designs by Flowers Tommy Luke. These 2 businesses were considered In-Kind sponsors and given a couple of minutes to talk about their business. The room size and design was perfectly suited to the 87 guests who enjoyed a non-stop, stomach-filling evening! We also had In-Kind sponsorship by Araxa Studios, with Octavia and Krishna taking the photographs for the evening. Thanks too to Mike Moore of Big Screen Productions, for the old movies running on the big screen which added to the ambience of the evening. Both Hybrid Moon Videography and Premiere Catering took advantage of the “Spotlight Sponsor” opportunity. Eric Newland from

Hybrid Moon Videography talking about the new and updated Weddings Portland Style television show, now being broadcast on KOIN Channel 6 at 9:00 am on Saturdays. Peter Barnett of Premiere Catering discussed the power of “Collaborative Marketing”, and with the help of Christina Safford he shared all the things that had been put together in their collaborative marketing coffee mug. Thanks to Alesia Zorn Calligraphy, AJ’s Studio, August Veils, Holland Studios, Hybrid Moon Videography, Jake’s Catering, Lan Su Garden, Le Cookie Monkey, MUSE, UltraViolet Events and Uncommon Invites for participating. Thank you also to Ambient Sky Couture Wedding Films who took advantage of the very affordable Marketing Table opportunity that is available to all members at each networking meeting! Also, I could not leave out the wonderful ladies of August Veils and Hali’a Event Planning who once again helped out at the registration table. Andrea and Lei- you are the best! Overall, I thought it was a wonderful evening. Sara and her team at the Brasserie Montmartre were incredible. I was so glad to be there to visit with old friends and meet so many new members. Thank you all for your support and see you next time! Susan Duyck, UltraViolet Events

HAPPENINGS

SW WASHINGTON February 16, 2010

Vancouver, Washington On Tuesday, February 16, 2010, the Southwest Washington chapter of WNUSA met for their 2nd meeting at the Historic Pickled Heron Ballroom in downtown Ridgefield. Built in 1928 the craftsman style church has been fully restored by artist and local businesswoman Kay Stringfellow.

strategies, sales forecasts, and emerging trends analyses. Penny Wise Food and Gifts prepared a wonderful breakfast of blueberry blintzes, baked oatmeal apple crisps, fresh fruit, and assorted, made-from- scratch muffins. Taking the opportunity to showcase some of her newest hand made Belgian chocolates, Penny created a tastThe Pickled Heron, named for ing table of confections that it’s proximity to the Ridgefield proved irresistible, even at wildlife sanctuary, can host 150 9:00 in the morning! comfortably for dinner, and has a delightful outside patio. While Chérie Ronning, founder of Penny Wise Food and Gifts WNUSA, and owner of Unprovide most catering services, common Invites, opened the Pickled Heron creates a unique meeting and led an interactive market niche by offering clients presentation on 10 tips for getwho wish to honor specific ting the most from networking. cultural or religious traditions to use their own licensed caterer. April Williams, of April Williams Photography, who phoStill energized from last tographed the event, gave an month’s launch of their own update to the goals she had chapter, 24 local industry set at last months meeting. She professionals gathered to informed the group that she exchange new marketing was halfway toward her an-

nual revenue goal, and this is only February! April stated she was able to track where the leads where coming from, and the majority of it is a result of her diligent networking with the Wedding Network USA members. Others in the group fueled the conversation by sharing both their advances and stumbling blocks met in reaching the next step in their unique business goals. Don Richardson of Digital Popcorn, provided invaluable insights addressing concerns of image management on the web, keeping control of ones website, and what components allow for the highest visibility of your site on the net. Becky Klotz from Designcorr Inc. spoke about increasing profits by managing costs. She explained how small business owners often miss little things that can add up to significant tax credits at the end of the

year. Mileage credit is one such area, so she gave all the members IRS approved log books for recording mileage. Gabrielle Dowding of Black Swan Events closed the meeting by announcing March’s meeting for the WNUSA’s Southwest Washington chapter will be held on Tuesday, March 16th, at the Camas Meadows Golf Course in Camas, WA from 9:00 AM to 10:30AM. Shiela Strubel of Strubel Studios will speak on effective marketing, and creating your company’s unique and identifiable image.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Portland, Oregon

Eric Wright All Wright Music

Eric Wright of All Wright Music is a highly sought after mobile Disc Jockey who has created over 1500 spectacular wedding events. Eric’s experience encompasses nightclubs, radio and TV announcing , TV commercials and now is the voice of Weddings Portland Style on KOIN 6. Eric has been voted Oregon DJ of the Year from Oregon Bride and national Modern Bride magazines for 3 consecutive years and also yearns for an Oscar. “I joined Wedding Network USA to work with the best event professionals that the Northwest has to offer. I love creating events that will last a lifetime of great memories. The joy working with and referring vendors who are passionate about their craft, service or product is a big reason for being a part of Wedding Network USA.”

Eric Wright Best Regards,

Owner, All Wright Music

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Seattle, Washington

Stuart Butler Butler Valet and Transportation

Stuart Butler is president of Butler Valet and Transportation. Stuart and his brother, Jeremy, created Butler Valet 15 years ago with the commitment to superior customer service. They recently expanded into transportation and offer luxurious wine tours, city tours and shuttle services. He believes the key to any successful business is fostering business relationships through networking. Stuart holds board positions for the organizations In Woodinville and ISES and is a founding member of Wedding Network USA and is an active member of Seattle’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Stuart Butler

Butler Valet and Transportation

MEMBERS IN MOTION Congratulations! Excellent achievements! Michelle Stevens Artistique Photography I was a winner at the Professional Photographers of Oregon at the Annual Awards Banquet. I entered 6 items into competition at the Annual Convention in February and they are judged by a panel of 5 judges. Each entry is judged on it’s own merit and the maker of the print or album is unknown to the judges so everything is fair. The judges consisted of both local and national photographers who have earned certain degrees within the Professional Photographers of America association and are certified as competition judges. After all the entries have been scored, the judges then select the winners of the trophies and awards. 2010 Photographer of the Year Wedding Album of the Year Best Portrait of a Woman Best Fashion President’s Trophy for Best of Show Edris Morrison Trophy for Best Overall Wedding michelle@artistiquephotographie.com www.artistiquephotographie.com Facebook | Twitter

503.310.9083 7002 SW Nyberg Rd, Tualatin OR 97062 2009 Wedding Photographer of the Year Professional Photographers of Oregon 14

Two Judges Choice awards (wedding album and commercial image) Claude Palmer Trophy for Best Overall Commercial Two Kodak Gallery Awards for Wedding Album and Commercial Robert S Ball Sweepstakes Trophy (highest total of all entries)

Wedding Wire Winners Holland Studios Moore Creative Weddings Pink Blossom Events Elements in Bloom New and Blue NW Mobile DJ Service Taylorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Events by Jennifer Notes of Celebration Uncommon Invites Did your Company win this award as well? If so - please contact us at info@weddingnetworkusa.com, so that we can list all of the winners in our next newsletter.

Industry Insight

Hiring a Professional Calligrapher by Alesia Zorn, Alesia Zorn Calligraphy “When you’re hiring a calligrapher, as with any vendor, ask for references and a sample of one or two of your favorite styles of their offerings. Ask what organizations they belong to. Calligraphy is a bit out of the every day experience for most people so here’s the scoop on the secret life of calligraphers. There are many calligraphy guilds, both local, national and international as well as internet listservs. The guilds usually offer workshops locally and as do the international calligraphy conferences and conventions. Ask what the artist does to continue with their professional development. That’s a difference between the amateur who’s taken one 4-week class or picked up a book and then hung out their shingle and someone who spends years perfecting their craft. Other organizations you

should ask them about are the wedding and event planning groups. Many professional groups have vendor member status and being an active member in those groups means your calligrapher very well may have attended a meeting at your wedding and/or reception venue, where they could have met - and possibly subsequently worked - with your consultant and the other vendors you’ve hired. Then everyone already has the experience of working on the same team - YOUR team!”

Alesia Zorn Alesia Zorn Calligraphy

Sixth Annual Emerald City Applause Awards Wednesday, October 20, 2010 SODO PARK Categories Include

Off-Premise Catered Event On Premise Catered Event Videography/Photography Achievement in Technical Production Use of Lighting Event Marketing Campaign Design/Décor Event Support Services Event Production Event Entertainment Concept & Execution Achievement in Logistics Fair/Festival Floral Design New Innovative Environmental Product/Technology Event Produced for a Corporation Event Produced for a Nonprofit Organization or Association Event Produced for a Social Event Best Wedding

Seventh Annual

CONVENTION September 21-23, 2010 Las Vegas Convention Center

Seminars & Exhibits Wedding Job Fair

SAVE THE DATE

Open to members of abc, ises, mpi, nace, and Wedding Network USA Entries due September 12, 2010 Visit www.isesseattle.com for more information!

BUSINESS The Simple Plan Workshop by Michelle Loretta, Sage Wedding Pros Sage Wedding Pros is a consultancy with a mission to create sustainable business in the wedding industry. This July they will be in the Northwest with their business planning workshop, The Simple Plan. It is an all-encompassing business strategy session where business owners will: 4 Write a mission statement and define a company vision 4 Set short and long term goals 4 Refine their target market and niche 4 Find the pricing sweet-spot 4 Determine how many weddings is needed to be profitable; write a sales plan 4 Examine branding and determine whether their branding projects their vision and values 4 Create a marketing plan, operational plan, and financial plan

Sage Wedding Pros is dedicated to creating sustainable businesses in the wedding industry. Committed to education, information, and inspiration. Devoted to building camaraderie and cohesion within the wedding profession. Find more business education, visit www.sageweddingpros.com

It is open to all professionals who do business in the wedding industry: new and experienced, in all segments (photo, video, flowers, planners, etc.) YOU WILL WALK OUT WITH A BUSINESS PLAN IN HAND, WRITTEN BY YOU. Michelle Loretta & Kelly Simants, owners of Sage Wedding Pros, strongly believe that a business plan is at the core of business sustainability. It is the one competitive advantage that successful businesses have over others in their industry. Reprinted with permission from Sage Wedding Pros © 2010 Michelle Loretta & Kelly Simants

BUSINESS Top 10 Helpful Tips for when Networking at a Meeting by Susan Duyck, UltraViolet Events Walk in and smile! People will be drawn to you. Who are you interested in meeting? Probably people who are cheerful, hard-working, well put together and well thought of, right? Well, then you need to work on being that kind of person yourself. You have to demonstrate that you are worth meeting you as well. 1 Have certain topics of conversation “preplanned” or have certain questions preplanned to help engage in conversation. 2 Be a good listener. You will get your turn to talk as well. 3 Notice people standing by themselves or looking around. They might be new and may be a little uncomfortable at a networking meeting. 4 If you’re meeting someone for the first time, let them do most of the talking. People love to talk about themselves. Ask them about their interests, profession … whatever. First, 20

you’ll learn pretty quickly if this person is someone you want to keep in touch with. Second, if you do ask them for their business card or contact information, they will gladly give it to you because they now look upon you very favorably as being “a good listener.” 5 Make sure you ask for permission to contact them in the future. Don’t assume that you can. Just say something like “I’m glad we met. May I keep in touch with you?” 6 Please remember your manners. Thank you’s never go out of style. Maybe end the conversation with “If there is anything I can do to help you, please feel free to call.” 7 Feel free to ask people you know to introduce you to people you have not met. 8 Be completely professional and upbeat in your networking activities. Networking is

not a vehicle for you to whine, complain, or badmouth. It’s an opportunity for you to learn from others and to help them out as well. 9 Don’t go to the meeting just to hang out with people you already know. It is wonderful to solidify those relationships, but if it is a dinner/lunch meeting, sit next to someone you do not know. 10 What do you do after a networking meeting? Follow up with the new people you met. Don’t just send an email, take a minute to hand write a note and mail it out to them. It is a great way to make an impression on someone you would like to work with in the future. Remember - we are all here for the same purpose - it is expected that you meet new people! ***Volunteering is a great way to network!!*** Courtesy of UltraViolet Events – Do as I say and not as I do … Better yet, keep reminding me to do it too!!

Affiliate Marketing by Extraordinary Events, LLC www.WellPlannedWeddings.com | 866-670-6916 Do It Yourself Doesn’t Mean Do it Alone

Affiliate marketing is an internet based marketing strategy designed to direct traffic from one website to another. The process involves three key players, the retailer, the affiliate and the consumer. The retailer offers a product or service the affiliate may use or need. The affiliate may offer this product or service by advertising the benefits associated with it on their website offering a link to the retailer’s site. Often an affiliate agency will be used to store statistical information used to monitor the effectiveness of the affiliate and provide the appropriate information regarding the leads directed to the retailer. The affiliate is usually compensated by a percentage of the sales received as a result of the referral. There can be some overlap between different types of marketing and affiliate marketing. An example of this may be found in a link exchange program. A merchant may offer links on their site to direct traffic to other related websites containing products and services valuable to their customer base. A customer may visit the website and click on a link to access another company’s information. This could be considered a form of affiliate marketing however there is not usually any compensation other than a reciprocal link.

arrive with all the necessary supplies to have an enjoyable experience. The sporting goods store has found a new client interested in acquiring his specialty products. The consumer has easy access to products and services need to complete vacation plans. An affiliate program can include a small fee paid to the affiliate for any online referrals generated from the link on the website whether they result in a sale or not. The fee is typically small based on the effectiveness of the program, the potential average sale, and the reciprocity of the arrangement. Another appropriate term used is revenue sharing. The consumer usually pays the fair market price while the retailer shares some of the revenue with the affiliate rather than spending a portion of the revenue on other forms of advertising. A client acquired in this manner is usually well qualified and the advertising is considered to be in their target market.

One of the ethical questions involved are would you otherwise recommend this product or service or are you recommending the product or service based solely on the ability to earn additional income? Marketing in this way can have The items offered are usually related in some some serious repercussions if the products and way. For example, an owner of a camp ground services recommended fall short of your climay have an affiliate program with a local sport- ent’s expectations. The client may contact you ing goods store. Consumers landing on the camp regarding a poor consumer experience and you grounds home page may be directed to shop may lose repeat business or client referrals if online at the sporting goods store for the equipyour client feels mislead in any way. It is in the ment needed to set up camp at the camp ground. best interests of all involved to maintain affiliate All parties benefit. The campground owner will relationships with companies with comparable receive a small commission and his client will quality, business ethics, and acumen. ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BUSINESS

Deanna also offers these great suggestions, check them out!!

Networking: Motivate yourself and help your business grow! by Deanna Maio, Savvy Gals

My Live Signature http://www.mylivesignature.com/ What It Is: A free service for creating a personalized, customized graphic of your signature. Why You Need it: Adds a great personal touch to emails, newsletters, webpages, and blog posts.

Letter Me Later http://www.lettermelater.com/ What It Is: A free service that allows you to send emails to anyone you wish, with the ability to have them sent at any future date and time you choose. Why You Need It: With this service, you can write emails with your existing email address, and they will get sent at the exact date, or dates that you specify - down to the minute.

DimDim http://www.dimdim.com What It Is: Lets anyone host and attend live meetings, demos and webinars using just a web browser. Why You Need It: Save money, time and travel by instantly sharing documents, web pages, whiteboards, audio, video, even record your events, with no software to install.

As an entrepreneur you may hear a lot about networking and wonder what all the hubbub is about. Networking, both online and off, is a wonderful way to build connections in your industry. It’s a terrific way to increase awareness, build your customer base and ultimately boost your profits. However, you probably know that already. What you may not know is that networking is also a wonderful way to motivate yourself. Impress Them Networking pushes you to be at your absolute best. If you’re putting forth the effort to network, you’ll want to stand out. So when you communicate with the public, strive to make your first impression peerless, by being ready, willing and able to give them an informative and inspirational pitch about your business. Connections Count You never know where you’ll meet your next business partner, a superior customer or one of those coveted ‘Paul Revere type’ of individu-

als who spreads news faster than CNN. If you meet a ‘Paul Revere’ and can get them excited about your business, you’ve just launched your business into a whole new arena. Moves You Forward Because networking is usually a scheduled event, it accomplishes two things. It drives you to prepare before you head to the website or event. And it pushes you too put some serious thought into how you present yourself both online and off. Networking forces you to think about your business, where it’s going, what your future plans are, and how you want to be perceived. Ideas Ignited For most people, networking with other successful people sparks their competitive spirit. We see other successful people and think, “If they can do that, so can I.” We hear great ideas, product launches, marketing tactics and business strategies and we think, “How can I do this too? Hearing the stories of others is very motivating! Mindset Shifts Finally, networking both online and off (though online networking can be done in your pajamas with unruly hair and un-brushed teeth) makes us feel and act more professionally. For the most part, the simple act of being a professional makes us feel more professional. We start to feel less like a person who works at home in their pajamas and more like a business person, a CEO, and most importantly, a successful entrepreneur.

Deanna Maio

Business Coach & Consultant

Deanna Maio, Business Coach & Consultant, teaches women business owners how to attract more clients, make more sales, stop wasting time, and create a business that acts as a vehicle for living the life they desire and deserve. For FREE tips on how to increase your income and client base in your business, visit http://www.savvygals.com/ Although Deanna specializes in working with Women Business Owners, I thought her article about networking was terrific, and offered another view as to the importance of networking. So guys, please don’t be offended.

BUSINESS

Top 10 Wedding Search Terms It Starts with a Word – “YES!” by Don S Richardson, Digital Popcorn Marriage Proposals When someone proposes marriage, the short version is something like: “Will You Marry Me?” If the answer is “Yes”, it sets off a chain reaction of emotions, thoughts, wants, desires and absolute excitement. After calling all of the appropriate people, to share the good news, brides to be may slip away for a little quite time with their computer to find some answers to all of the questions zooming through their minds. • What am I going to wear? • What kind of flowers can I have? • Where can I get really cool invitations which match my theme? Friends of the bride to be may also participate in this search fest to find the perfect dress, hair style, accessories, favors, décor and planner for the special day. The mother of the bride gets in to the mix looking for you guessed it, “mother of the bride dresses.”

Search Terms This table shows the top 10 search

terms containing the word “wedding” according to Google sources. 24

Popularity

Search Term

wedding dresses

wedding invitations

wedding rings

wedding favors

wedding gowns

wedding flowers

wedding planner

wedding bands

wedding planning

wedding gifts

A Closer Look Looking at the search terms some assumptions can be made. Searches for “wedding dresses” and “wedding gowns” are likely companions and could both be used to mean what the bride would wear. A search for “wedding rings” and “wedding bands” can be grouped into the same category, but not necessarily because wedding bands could refer to jewelry or entertainment. Searches for “wedding flowers” is very broad can include flowers for the bridal party, ceremony decorations and the reception decorations.

Cycle of Events Wedding searches in general

increase in intensity the last week of December through the third week in January. There is a flurry from February 13th to the end of the month. Then again in late June and early July it peaks for the year.

Mileage Reimbursements Miles that add up! by Becky Klotz, EA, LTC | Designcorr, Inc. Promotions and Marketing

When planning your marketing calendar for wedding related goods and services, consider having promotions in place especially during these peak search times. During non-peak times, have special features or mini promotions as well. Some providers offer special discounts for services provided mid-week or when the calendar has big gaps. Be sure to offer promotions at various times for your most profitable goods or services. They can be offered as an “add on” or a “stand alone item.”

Measure Results Keeping track

of the promotions offered during the year and the actual amount of sales generated from each promotion may prove helpful in deciding to run a specific promotion again or not. DigitalPopcorn.net specialized search engine optimization internet marketing strategies © 2010 Don S Richardson Reprinted by permission www.digitalpopcorn.net Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/dpnews

Typically as business owners you have all become accustomed to tracking receipts for business expenses you have throughout the year. But did you know getting in the habit of writing your mileage down when going anywhere for business trips (even if it is up the street to an office supply store!) can prove to be a lucrative payout in deductions for your business by the end of the year? The 2010 mileage reimbursements are now $.50/mile. You can pick up your mileage book from a local office supply store or simply use a plain notebook, but remember to include the following information: 1) Start/Finish time. Keep track by using the “trip” button on your odometer, you will be able to clear the totals and start over each trip. 2) The Date 3) What is it for? Keeping track of this information daily will make it easier to remember to write it down so you don’t miss out on it. (Also, most smart phones have applications for mileage, as well as Excel spreadsheets on your computer.) Local and federal tax agencies are looking for increased revenues. They have increased staffing and audits, so protect yourself by maintaining this mileage log correctly. Tracking these miles is a good reminder as a business owner to “Work smarter, not harder.”

Becky Klotz, EA, LTC Designcorr, Inc. PO Box 1885, Clackamas, OR 97015-1885 503-655-4775 | designcorr@comcast.net

Member Benefits What types of Member Benefits would you and your company like to see offered by your association? Do you need suggested resources for insurance, accounting etc. or a new company to purchase promotional marketing pieces from? Do you have some great resources to share? Please email us with your thoughts, resources, requests and let us see what we can do to make them a reality.

BUSINESS iDo Wedding and Event Professional Software Member Benefits come in many categories. One we are proud to offer here is the discounted price for iDO Wedding and Event Professional Software. Our WNUSA President, Jennifer Taylor of Taylor’d Events by Jennifer uses this program in her business. While this was created for Brides and for Planners, there are many features that might be of value to other parts of the industry. Please take a few minutes to look at their website and see if this is something that might be of value to you for your business. To take advantage of the discounted software, please take a look at the information on your right. You can save up to 20%. http://www.elmsoftware.com/idowpe/ 1-888-ELM-SOFT

Wedding Network USA info@weddingnetworkusa.com

iDo Wedding and Event Professional Edition iDo Wedding and Event Professional Edition is wedding planning software for weddingconsultants and event planners. It comes with the power of iDo Wedding Couple Edition on an infinite scale. Plan as many weddings and events as necessary while keeping track of your company’s finances.

Wedding Network USA Members’ Save WNIDO is 10% off

iDo Wedding and Event Professional Edition

WNTR is 10% off

Tabula Rasa Professional Edition

WNBOTH is 20% off

iDo Wedding and Event Professional Edition and Tabula Rasa Professional Edition

Questions Please Contact:

John Lueders, President of Elm Software http://www.elmsoftware.com/idowpe/ 1-888-ELM-SOFT Email Us Click Here

WN USA NEWS

Monthly Meeting Sponsorship Opportunities If you would like to be featured and/or speak about your company at a monthly WNUSA dinner meeting, we have sponsorship opportunities available that allow every member an opportunity to participate.

Speaker Sponsor:

Cost: $200 – 1 per meeting Available to all members, 6 meetings/year January, March, May, July, September, November Benefits include: 8’ display table; 5 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; introduce the guest speaker; an annual listing as a Speaker Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

Spotlight Sponsor:

Cost: $75 – 2 per meeting Available to all members, 6 meetings/year February, April, June, August, October, December Benefits include: 4’ display table; 3 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; an annual listing as a Spotlight Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

Meeting Host: 1 per meeting

Available to meeting planners, 12 meetings/year Cost: Time / Works closely with the Regional 28

Director to execute the meeting Benefits include: 1 bistro display table at the meeting, 2 minutes of speaking time, an annual listing as a Meeting Host on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

In-Kind Sponsor: # limited by needs

Available to all members, 12 meetings/year Cost: Trade donation of floral, rentals, music, printed materials, photography etc. Benefits: 2 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; a Marketing Table as described below; an annual listing as an In-Kind Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

Marketing Table: Cost: $25

Available to all members, 6 meetings/year February, April, June, August, October, December Benefit: 1 bistro, 4’ or ½ of a 6-8’ display table (depending on availability at the Venue), introduced at the meeting; an annual listing as a Table Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.

Monthly Meeting Venue/Catering Sponsorship Opportunities For Venus and Catering Companies we offer 4 tiers of participation to allow you choose which is the best marketing opportunity for your company, when you choose to host a WNUSA dinner meeting at your facility.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 2010 Note: All prices are inclusive. Tier 1:

Cost – provide venue and food for free Benefit: 1 Bistro table for display, 5 minutes of speaking time + tours of the facility during the cocktail hour; receive a full page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.

Tier 2:

Cost – provide venue and food for $10.00pp Benefit: 1 Bistro table for display, 3 minutes of speaking time + tours of the facility during the cocktail hour; receive a 1/2 page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.

March 9, 2010 Portland Monthly Meeting Widmer Brothers Brewery Speaker Sponsor: Ambient Sky

March 16, 2010 SW WA Monthly Meeting Camas Meadows Golf Club

March 20, 2010 Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show The Heathman - Downtown Portland

Tier 3:

Cost – provide venue and food for $17.50pp Benefit: 1 bistro table for display; 2 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; receive a ¼ page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.

Tier 4:

Cost – provide venue and food for $25pp – our maximum amount that we can pay Benefit: Introduced at the meeting; listed on the website and in the emagazine newsletter as the meeting location for the month.

March 28, 2010 Voila - Kirkland, WA Pink Blossom Events

March 31, 2010 Seattle Monthly Meeting Novelty Hill - Januik Winery

Do something that your competitors are not doing.

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

Contact us today to join this cooperative marketing offer. Brand an image for your business with Television combined with Online Advertisement. Advertising regularly in the KOIN Local Showcase and on Weddings Portland Style: H Sets you apart from all other vendors in your category. H Allows you to appropriately communicate what is unique about your business. H Puts a face behind the name adding credibility and trust to your business. H Pre-qualifies your clientele. H Reaches your target demographic without your physical presence. H Promotes your service or product to over 100,900 households every week! H Promotes your service or product to over 250,000 unique visitors ONLINE every month! “Weddings Portland Style” is a weekly television show on KOIN Local 6 Broadcast channel 6 that informs future brides about the latest trends and hottest venues for weddings in the Portland Metropolitan area. As Portland’s only television show focused on wedding planning for the discerning Brides-to-be. “Weddings Portland Style” allows brides to hear advice and tips from local wedding experts in the comfort of their own home! The show has been broadcasting in the Portland Metro area since 2001. “Weddings Portland Style” airs Saturdays at 9am on KOIN Local 6 and on KOINLocal6.com. Look at what current sponsors say about the show… “We know your show is the best tool to reach out to our market.” AniA Collection “Outside of referrals, TV is our main lead generator.” Best Car In Town “I get recognized as that lady from the wedding show that does invitations!” Uncommon Invites Contact Tyler Bel at 505.464.0677 or Eric Newland at 503.502.1991

Office/Meeting Space available to sublease! Kirkland, WA This is Bob Gassen of Humanature Photography in Kirkland, WA, a Wedding Network USA Founding Member. I have a fabulous loft style studio at 730 Market St. that has 2,200 sq.ft. of space on two floors. The space features high ceilings, red brick walls, hardwood or tile floors, skylights and lots of charm. We also have high speed wired and wireless internet, air conditioning, a covered outdoor deck, security alarms, and easy street parking available. With the economic downturn, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use all of the space, so I am looking to sublease portions of the space to wedding related companies. I already have 3 companies sharing the space, including EventSource NW, Brown Sugar Design, and Woodland Flowers. We all get along great, and there is room for one or two more companies! If you are looking for a dedicated work area, or to share meeting areas to meet your customers in a great location, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to show you my studio and see if it will work for your needs. Your portion of the rent could range from $150-$500 per month depending on your needs. I am looking for a one year commitment, starting no later than May 1st. Please call me at 425-822-3868 or email bob@humanaturephoto.com

Suggested Reading Many of our Members have suggested books that they feel will be beneficial to all of us. As you think about authors who have inspired you, please take the time to send us the Author’s Name and Book Titles. If you would also care to write a short Book Review we will post that information on the website for all Members to share. Look for this section under Suggested Reading on the left tab of the website or go to: www.weddingnetworkusa.com/reading

Books To Add ”Elements of Style” by E.B. White and William Strunk Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style deals only with style in the narrow sense. It gives advice on grammar, word choice, appropriate use of different syntactical constructions and similar topics. It is liberally illustrated with examples, with correct and incorrect usage in parallel, and has a whole section on common mistakes.

WEDDING NETWORK USA Code Of Ethics I Agree To:

Return inquiries to current as well as potential clients and vendors in a timely manner. Show consideration for other professionals by extending the utmost level of kindness, regard and cooperation. Observe all laws and obtain all pertinent licenses and permits required by law. Provide written contracts to clients to establish an understanding of all charges, services, products and performance expectations. Honor all agreements made with clients and vendors. Use the Wedding Network USA logo for advertising and promotional purposes for my company in compliance with Wedding Network USA rules for using the logo. Add a link from my website to the Association website. Be a credit to the industry by implementing good business principles, which will protect the public against fraud and unfair practices. Safeguard all privileged information about clients in a confidential manner.

Maintain adequate and appropriate insurance coverage for all business activities to assure my company’s ability to continue to do business and honor contracts. Abide by all government regulations and laws so as to favorably represent Wedding Network USA. Strive for excellence in my field by continually improving my knowledge base and be willing to share that proficiency with other Wedding Network USA Members. Give credit where credit is due and will not plagiarize another’s work. Recognize individual boundaries of competence and be forthcoming and truthful about professional experience and qualifications. Put the client’s interest first if engaging in affiliate activities, accepting commissions or referral fees. Treat employees with esteem and fairness, advocating conditions of employment that will safeguard their rights and welfare. Note from the Executive Director: We read dozens of Code of Ethics policies from industry groups and used the best of what we felt expressed the concerns of Wedding Network USA.

FOUNDING MEMBERS 2009

Monica Newby A Grand Affaire Catering Kay Stringfellow A Pickled Heron Gallery Denise Novak AA Party Rentals Donna Hays Pauline Muccahy Abacus Event Rentals Christina Lyons Elizabeth Fowler Rachelle Webster Abernethy Center Adam Tiegs Adam’s DJ Service Greg Lowder Affairs to Remember Amy Prutch AJ’s Studio Loren Callahan Alante Photography Julie Noice Alderbrook Resort & Spa Alesia Zorn Alesia Zorn Calligraphy Gayle & Jim O’Donnell All About Weddings & Celebrations Chesney Schmidt All The Flutter Eric Wright All Wright Music Scott & Amanda Shama Ambient Sky Amy Vallejo Anticipate Wedding & Event Planning April Williams April Williams Photography Octavia Hunter Krishna Muirhead Araxa Studios John Liles Audient Events/ThinkAV Andrea Hoyt August Veils Tania Shepard Azzura Photography

Gabrielle Lennartz Black Swan Events

Don Richardson Digital Popcorn

Amy Nuttman Blush Bridal Consultation Group

Shirley Easton Dippity DooDads Chocolate Fountains

Sara Maletis Brasserie Montmartre Denise Hall Jennifer Maust Bravo! Publications Inc Nora Sheils Bridal Bliss Craig Slater Bugsie Productions, LLC Stuart Butler Butler Transportation Meghan Scheels Cakes by Design Stephanie Weishaar Camas Meadows Golf Club Katie Arnold Catering by Bo Robin VanDerveer Cedarbrook Lodge Krysta McLaughlin Charlotte’s Weddings & More Liza Ragan Choice Linens Mindy Woodard Class Act Events

BreeAnn Gale Pink Blossom Events

Heather Halstead Sorella Events

Callie Meyer Lisa Dupar Catering

Susan Crow Portland Bride & Groom Magazine

Shiela Strubel Strubel Studios Snapshot eMagazine

Monica Mayer Divine Designs

Max Mikhaylenko MAXM STUDIO

Michele Starry Lan Su Chinese Garden

Tanya Stone Elements in Bloom

Melody Davis MG Davis Events

Amy Ipina Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront

Marcy Richards Taste Chocolate/The Doll House Tea Room

Emma Smith Emma Jane Photography

Mindy Milton Mindy Milton Events

Cindy Rosen Encore Events

Craig Mitchelldyer Mitchelldyer Photography, Inc

Katherine Sealy Event Cosmetics Cheri Baber Event Floral Jacqueline Mandell Exquisite Weddings Patricia Norris Fireworks! Selena Ross Peggy Hartman Floral Dreams Kay Dietl Flowers For You Louella Scott Flowers Tommy Luke Sara Perrin Folio Photo and Design

Wendy Hosford Lindsi Leahy LillyPilly Floral Artistry

Heidi Moon Moon Mansion

Marilyn Storch Portland Wedding Planner, Inc. Amy Miller Premier Bride of OR & SW WA

Georgia Rafati Rafati’s Elegance In Catering

Heather Courtney The Manor

Alice Nafziger Dorcas Popp Glenn Howard Sue Koshiyama Multnomah Athletic Club

Eli Darland Rare Form Limousine

Candice Szarzec The Petal and the Stem

Rebecca Ellison Rebecca Ellison Photography

Petrel Chapman The Wedding Cottage

Christina Safford Muse Tatum Dwyre-Seitz Kelly Cooper Jacquelyn Renalds New and Blue Jenny Harding New Chapter Weddings

Carole Lombardi Red Star Tavern Hotel Monaco Emma & Will Darden Reversed Lens Photography

Dwayne Thomas GreenLight Creative, LLC

Nancy Tice Northwest Artist Management

Michelle DeRouen Seattle Bride Magazine

Connie Crane Crane Manor

Leialoha Kaula Hali’a Event Planning

Linda Smith Notes of Celebration

Dixie Duncan Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom

Mark Lopez Crave Catering

Eric Holen Roberta Cloutier Holland Studios

Emily Pollock Amanda Fischer Novelty Hill - Januik Winery

Olivia Olson Hotel Lucia

Kevin Venables NW Mobile DJ Service

Robert Gassen Humanature Photography

Stacy Lynn Crawford NY Institute of Photography

Chris Holzgraf Huntington Images

Heather Matheny Oregon Bride Magazine

Eric & Heather Newland Hybrid Moon

Robin & Erik Pierce Paparazzi Tonight

Erin Hight Jake’s Catering

Paul Rich Paul Rich Studio

Jodell Hinojosa Jo Foody Catering

Judy McManus Perfect Wedding Guide

Dani Weiss Dani Weiss Photography

Melia Soldati The Heathman Lodge

Matthew Ferris MPF Events

Linda Conklin Columbia Winery

Trisha Dirks Stephanie Simmons Crowne Plaza Hotel

Kehaulani Petersen Sean Osaki The Heathman Hotel & Bar

Roger Moore Moore Creative Weddings

Eddie Redman Robby Sortore Grand Event Rentals

Steve Cox Kevin Tallmadge Creative Ice

Lauren Barnes Garr The Grand Papery Invitations

Peter Barnett Mike Peters Matt Foreman Premiere Catering

Don Boshears Columbia Tower Club

Michelle Davenport Creative Childcare Solutions, Inc.

Jennifer Taylor Taylor’d Events by Jennifer

Linda Barclay Barclay Event Rentals

David Barss David A. Barss, Photographer

Indelisa Montoro Belle Jour Floral Design

Pam Wolle Daybreak Carriages

Kevan Inouye Kevan Inouye Private Florist

Penny Jones Penny Wise Meals & Gifts

Christine Richards Black Belt Business Solutions

Becky Klotz Design Correspondence

Amber Darrington Le Cookie Monkey

Mistie Beaudoin Peter Corvallis Productions

Lora Heil-Frone Rose City Bridal Showcase

Sean & Candice Hoyt Sean Hoyt Photo Documentary Leslie Wheatley Seattle Parties Kerry Garrow Signature Weddings & Events Kirstie Warren Simply Wed Danyelle Tinker Skamania Lodge Nelliena Moetului Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club Molli Barss Soiree Sol Neelman Sol Neelman Photo Journalist

Sheena Kalso The Invisible Hostess

Donna Hoff The Wedding Genies Amy Richardson Tom Douglas Catering Susan Duyck UltraViolet Events Chérie & Pat Ronning Kevin Ronning Melissa Pogue Uncommon Invites Kurt Beadell Auriana Albree David Robinson Emily Crumpacker Page Winograd Eric Sandstrom Meg Goldman Chris Barrie Karen Rich Emily Michel Faith Adams Vibrant Table Catering & Events Brian Dale Jillian Cook Wave Link Music, Inc. Maureen Haley Wedding Officiant Kelly Hagerman Widmer Brothers Brewery Tshombe Brown Your Signature Coaching