I’m really happy to announce 3 new partners that we have with Thursday Therapy, our national networking mixers. These are 3 outstanding wedding pros who have joined forces with our hosts in DC, Dallas, and Calgary to bring even more cheer to these markets. We are so privileged to partner with you fabulous folks!
Make your way to a Thursday Therapy event in your market for fun, casual networking!
Daniel Nakamura, owner of Booth-o-Rama
Thursday Therapy DC/VA/MD
Daniel shares his advice for networking in our industry…
Networking can be challenging. It’s often nice to bring along a friend who’s also in the industry. This way, you or your friend might know someone already and they can be the one who helps to make that first introduction. Also, always do your best to follow up with the new professionals you’ve just met! Whether it’s via Linkedin or Facebook or a just a quick e-mail, you should really take a few minutes to help solidify that connection as it’s the first step in building a mutually beneficial relationship.
Daniel’s goal for networking events…
My goal is to always try to make at least two or three new connections. I also love to catch up with industry friends that I may not have seen in a while and also introduce and connect others to one another who otherwise might not have met. If I can do all three I go home at the end of the night happy.
Daniel shares how networking has impacted his business…
Networking can be really powerful stuff. We get a good percentage of our overall referrals directly from fellow vendors recommending Booth-o-Rama to someone searching for a photo booth for their event. By getting out and networking, it helps new businesses grow more quickly and helps established businesses stay relevant and visible to industry peers, which can be tremendously powerful.
Kristin Mullen, owner of Events by Kristin
Thursday Therapy Dallas
Kristin shares with us what it’s like in Dallas…
The wedding industry in Dallas is huge! There are so many talented pros, but my favorite thing about it, is that it’s really a tight knit group of people. We love meeting one another and making new friends. One of the cool things about it is that even though a lot of us share the same occupations, everyone is always looking to collaborate with one another inspiring new ideas.
Kristin loves Thursday Therapy because…
Thursday Therapy is different from most networking groups because of how relaxed it is. No membership, no dues, no obligation. You come when you want and stay as long as you’d like! It’s the perfect networking event to meet other pros in the industry and it might even result in some referrals for your business.
Kristin shares her goals for networking…
I think the goals for attending networking events can vary and mainly depend on where you are in your business. Pros can network to learn more about the industry, to find specific vendors, or simply to make new friends. I think my main goal is to make sincere connections with peers working towards the same goal, which usually results in making new friends as well.
The majority of my business comes from referrals, a lot of which are from other pros in the industry. Networking is a cheap and easy way to get your name out there, and I encourage you to do so!
Image Credit: Abigal Taylor with http://www.abbyplusdaveblog.com
Christy shares her experience with Thursday Therapy…
Networking at Thursday Therapy has allowed me be around like minded, creative individuals who leave their egos at the door and just meet, mingle and share every month with no expectations. It’s the best kind of positive therapy a wedding professional could have and the best relationships are formed in such a way.
Christy shares how networking is her secret weapon…
Networking for me has been the single method of all my new business and current client base. If I didn’t network, I would never meet my next client, less appreciate my existing clients, and not stay current in Calgary’s the wedding industry. I network everywhere I go and naturally tend to find people who just need to connect with each other daily. It’s just who I am.
Christy shares her advice for making the most out of networking…
Try it on for size. I find I am most effective because I am open to new people. Most importantly, have business cards with you at all times!!!!! Even if you don’t network a ton, or if you feel uncomfortable talking to someone you don’t know very well… just get out there and have those cards in your wallet, pocket, or car.
Thanks Daniel, Kristin, and Christy! CHEERS!
.png)
.png)
by Michelle Loretta
Latrice - Great post, I can always count on you to keep it 100! (Keep it Real)
Michelle Loretta - Thanks Latrice!
Courtney - Thanks Michelle. I struggle with this a lot actually. it’s always good to hear another perspective!
Raquel - Such a great and relevant post, Michelle. There have been a lot of rumblings lately of business owners feeling defeated and constantly comparing themselves to others. It can be very distracting, but focusing inward (as you point out) and using your energy on what you can control is truly the only way to take your business (and personal life, for that matter) in the direction you choose.
Holly Rutt - Amen! Love this post
Makes me feel better about sometimes lacking luster 
Kara Buntin - I just wrote about this same thing on my blog this week! I do wedding cakes, and I’ve seen so many decorators post things that are super happy and upbeat when I know for a fact they’re about to go bankrupt. It’s too easy for someone to buy a website, logo and start posting on social media to make their business look huge when it’s scrambling for clients. People need to set their own goals and not compare themselves to the fake success that people project online. http://www.acaketorememberva.blogspot.com/2013/05/cake-envy-or-whos-doing-interesting.html
Hazel Bourget - This post couldn’t have come at a better time for myself and most other businesses.
It is so easy to get caught up with all the hype on social media – it can become debilitating and harmful to your own business when you are so worried (and will admit – a bit jealous) of what other people are doing. Once I begin to feel this way, I turn social media off and refocus my energies on doing something productive for myself and my business – in addition to being grateful for what I have because you really never know what is happening below the surface. People will only post the fab things that are happening where on the other side of the spectrum, those who are constantly complaining are downers and are perceived to be negative. People will position their businesses on how they want to be perceived – and unfortunately might not be the reality.
Thanks for this post Michelle! A good reminder before the season kicks into full affect.
btw – I hope to meet you in person one day! I think you are remarkably talented and smart!
Michelle Loretta - Ahhhhh… I hope to meet you soon too Hazel! I think you’re an incredible business lady! Thanks for the sweet (and very insightful) comment.
Michelle Loretta - Great minds think alike Kara!
Michelle Loretta - YES! Like Hazel mentioned above… people are only going to post the good pictures… NOT the crazy disaster photos… or photos of their bank statements.