Image: Creative Commons

By identifying your marketing strengths and weaknesses, you should have been able to identify opportunities for growth.  What are some of the changes you’d like to see in the next year?  Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Can you better hone on a target market than you did in the past?  Who is the ideal client you will aim to work with in 2012?  Where do they go for research and decision-making?
• Can you better define your niche?  How will you communicate your specialty in 2012?
• What changes/updates would you like to make in your branding identity?  How will you make these changes?  Will you work with a graphic designer or are you able to make the updates yourself?
• Will you be introducing new services and/or products in 2012?  What are they?  How will you communicate these to potential clients?
• How will you price your goods and services?
• What are your sales targets for 2012?  Have you updated your sales plan?
• What will you do to promote your business?  (See below.)

Goal-setting for Marketing

All of these questions can draw up a gazillion to-dos.  Let’s not get overwhelmed.  Pick 3 things you want to happen next year and make them your marketing goals.  They can be big or small, short-term or long-term.  But pick the ones that are “top of mind”… the ones that you are most passionate about.  Use our SMART goal-setting sheet to help.

How will you promote your business in 2012?

Once I set my sales targets, I find it really important to tie my promotional strategies to those sales targets.  For example, if I have a sales target of doing 23 weddings in 2012, I want to identify the promotional activities that will get me those 30 weddings.  My promotional plan may look something like this:

Ad on XYZ website –> 3 weddings
Podunk Bridal Show –> 6 weddings
4 networking events each month –> 6 weddings (from colleague referrals)
Feature on 3 bridal blogs (will target Lovely Shmovely, Weddings Galore, & Dress Me Fancy) –> 4 weddings
Past client referrals –> 4 weddings

TOTAL = 23 weddings

So how do I come up with those numbers?  I look at my history of success with those that I’ve done before.  I put in a feel for what I “WANT” to do.  And, really… just guesstimate to the best of my ability.  But, by tying my promotional activities to my sales quota, I’m more likely to put in the effort and get the results.

I break this promotional plan into a month-by-month plan and I also budget any cost to my business in $, or the time it will take for me to devote if there is no cost involved (networking and seeking editorial).

Here is my Promotional Goal Sheet spreadsheet that I use to plan how I will promote my business on an annual basis:

Sage Wedding Pros – Promotional Goal Sheet – $10

What are some of the new ways you’ll promote your business in 2012?  Share your fun tips with us!

Join us tomorrow as we make a plan for our business’ operations.

A holiday deal for you…

Throughout these 3 weeks, we’ll be offering $100 off The Simple Plan Exclusive which is our one-to-one partnership with small business owners to help build a business plan.  Simply visit The Simple Plan website to learn more about The Exclusive and enter the discount code “2012” when you enroll.  This offer is only good through December 30^th and space is limited to first-come-first-served.

It’s the person that is the most visible.  (This person’s generosity and kindness also play a role in getting referrals.)

This is the person that is at the networking events, that is meeting people for coffee, that is involved in the industry.  It’s the person that first comes to mind when that client is looking for XYZ service.  Why?  Because you saw them last night at the such-n-such event and 2 days before they sent you a nice note.

These people are EVERYWHERE.  It’s hard to forget about them.

If you’re feeling invisible, people will think of you that way.  They’ll wonder how many jobs you’re taking or if you are so slammed that you can’t attend any events.  They may not pass business along to you.

It’s hard to keep up with everything… so pick a few important networking events or meetings.

Don’t disappear… BE VISIBLE.

For more wedding business insights… read our sage declarations.

Kate Miller

Our hosts for Thursday Therapy in Sacramento are a force to be reckoned with!  The trio consists of Kate Miller, owner of Kate Miller Events, Sarah Maren, owner of Sarah Maren Photographers, and Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas, owner of Flourish.  These ladies are fun and lively… we know they’re going to bring a lot of great energy to the wedding industry.  We’re excited to have them head up networking events in the Sacramento area!  Here, Kate and Sarah share their thoughts with me on the wedding industry…

Kate Miller, Kate Miller Events
Sarah Maren, Sarah Maren Photographers
Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas, Flourish
www.sacramento.net/sacramento
RSVP here for the first event on November 17th

Why did you start your business?

Kate: After many years working in the event-planning world prior to becoming engaged, I knew I needed a planner – and unfortunately, the one I hired was not a good fit for me. The wedding bug bit me during my own planning process and two-months after my own wedding, I took on my first event with the intent of providing the service and experience that I had wanted as a Bride.

Sarah: I shot my first wedding when I was 18 just starting college.  I had one
camera, one lens, and one flash.  I just didn’t know any better.  Ten years
later and hundreds of weddings later I went full time with the support of my
super awesome husband and we haven’t looked back!  I started my photography
business because this is the one thing I’ve been great at my whole life, so
making it my living seemed a pretty cool thing.  And so far it’s been
fantastic!

Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas

Tell us about the wedding industry in Sacramento…

Kate: Sacramento wedding vendors are pretty spread out – so there are many of us in the Sacramento metro area, but also in Roseville, Rocklin, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Carmichael, El Dorado Hills, Folsom and beyond! We are the Captiol City of California and while we may be perceived as a Cow-town, there are many up and coming vendors in our area that are absolutely Trendsetters in the Wedding Industry.

Sarah: Sacramento is my home town!  I LOVE this place and love the wedding industry we’re building here.  Because we are a smaller town, you at least hear about most people at some point.  But because we are also kind of spread out all
over it can be difficult to meet each other.  There is A LOT of talent here,
and I love watching my hometown become a really cool place to get hitched.

Why did you want to become hosts for Thursday Therapy in your market?

Kate: With everyone so spread out, I wanted a way to bring everyone together, in a non-exclusive manner, to allow open communication and inexpensive networking.

Sarah: I love meeting people, and getting to know them.  I am fascinated by what
draws people to the wedding world.  I think the best way to help my clients
is to give them great referrals for vendors.  At the end of the day, the
people I work a wedding with are my team – even though we all own separate
businesses we are co-workers.  Owning your own business can be a lonely job,
so Thursday Therapy seemed like the perfect way to help everyone build a
network of co-workers so we have great referrals for our brides and someone
to call when we need to chat.

Sarah Maren

Kate: We are a referral-based industry and so much of what we do depends on working within a team of the best professionals we can find to get the job done – this type of networking administrates that and allows us to stay in touch and in front of our colleagues.

Sarah: I’m hilarious for one thing. so you’re almost guaranteed a laugh or two. And because let’s be honest – you need to get out of your office and meet some people IN REAL LIFE!  We’re probably Facebook friends, it’s time to be my real life friend.

What one piece of advice do you have for other wedding pros who may be new to networking?

Kate: We’ve purposefully started Thursday Therapy with the intent of keeping it non-exclusive so that we can meet new professionals, scope out new talent and make new friendships in our area. Bring yourself, be ready to get to know new friends and bring business cards so that we can keep in touch!

Sarah:  Be you and be interested in the people you’re meeting.  I think the best way to network is to really get to know people. not just their business but THEM.  Networking isn’t about telling everyone about the wedding you just booked in Greece or what have you – it’s about connecting with people.  Networking is about giving – because the more you give, the more room you have to receive.

Thanks ladies!

Colleen Kestel-Raidmae, owner of Bellissimo Weddings & Events, is our Thursday Therapy host for the Albany, New York area.  Colleen is ready to meet, mingle, share with wedding pros in this area!  One of the cool things we’ve seen happen is that not only is business exchanged at Thursday Therapy, but also friendships are made.  We think Colleen will be a great partner to help create this in the Albany area.

Colleen Kestel-Raidmae, Bellissimo Weddings & Events
Thursday Therapy Albany
www.thursdaytherapy.net/albany
RSVP here for the first event on October 27th

Why did you start your business?

After working for a large resort in Las Vegas I realized that weddings and events are my passion. I wanted to be able to produce weddings and events on my own and be more hands on with the event. I enjoy creating a more personable experience for my couples and their families through my company, by being able to provide more services and creative ideas.

Tell us about the wedding industry in Albany…

Upstate New York has some of the most beautiful venues I have ever seen; old Victorian buildings, lakes, mountains and historical churches. I love that there are so many local resources for handmade items like favors, stationery etc. The Capitol Region definitely has a community that is proud of its heritage and I feel a lot of couples display that through their weddings and receptions.

Why did you want to become a host for Thursday Therapy in your market?

Having recently relocated from Las Vegas I was looking for a way to get to know all of the vendors in this area as well as connect vendors that may not know each other. Thursday Therapy is a wonderful way to connect with so many professionals on a regular basis in a relaxed non-stuffy environment.

Why should people come to Thursday Therapy?

It is important for pros in the wedding industry to know one another and be comfortable with each other. We are all working as a team with the same common goals… to orchestrate a flawless event. You never know when you will need to rely on another pro before or during an event, I know that I have assisted in carrying camera bags, cakes etc. and other pros have helped me set linens and arrange floral. I like knowing the people I am working with and getting to know them outside of work.

What one piece of advice do you have for other wedding pros who may be new to networking?

Networking at times can be intimidating, whether you are new to the business or have many years of experience. Make sure you are always friendly and really take the time to get to know the pros in your area. Remember that even the best of the best were once new to the business and new to networking.

Thanks Colleen!

We are thrilled!  Thursday Therapy is launching in Calgary this month!  Hosts Mary Swaffield, owner of Lavish Wedding Planning and Design, and Dustin Westling, owner of OneWest Evets, Inc. are great leaders in this region.  They are extremely involved and embrace the values of Thursday Therapy.  We’re excited to partner with them.

Mary Swaffield, Lavish Wedding Planning and Design
Dustin Westling, OneWest Events, Inc.
Thursday Therapy Calgary
www.thursdaytherapy.net/calgary
RSVP for the first Calgary event on October 27 here

Here, Mary shares a little about the wedding industry in Calgary…

Why did you start your business?

I started my business in February 2009 while I was on maternity leave. Although I had a terrific position as a Program Coordinator, I knew it wasn’t what I was destined to do. I was good at it but not passionate about it. In December I attended my husband’s company Christmas party. It was a disaster – “dinner” consisted of pizza boxes on uncovered banquet tables. “Dessert” was a box of Oreos for each table. There was no decor, no music, and the atmosphere was just sad! I complained throughout the evening, and as we were driving away my husband turned to me and said “You know what? Next year, YOU plan the party then!”. It sparked something in me right away. I started thinking about becoming a “party planner”. That weekend I went out with my girlfriends for our bi-weekly girls night and suddenly, we were brainstorming business names. A few weeks later I found the Event Management program at the University and enrolled right away. My first class was in January, I reigstered my business in February, and booked my first wedding client a week later. I soon discovered my passion for being around couples in love, and my knack for design. I have since focused all of my energy on weddings! Lavish planned 14 weddings in the first 12 months and it’s been growing nonstop ever since.

Tell us about the wedding industry in Calgary…

The wedding industry in Calgary is absolutely amazing. It’s an honour to be part of it, truly. I came from an industry (music) where your competition would chew you up and spit you out if they could. The wedding industry here is extremely competative, but in a great way – we are always pushing eachother to be more creative and to work harder. There is also a firm belief that sharing – whether it’s sharing referals, ideas, suppliers, etc – will only serve to help the industry as a whole. I think that thanks in large part to the presense of ISES here in Calgary, most wedding professionals are not only focused on their careers, they are also focused on moving the industry forward and bringing to it the credibility and respect that it deserves. In the last few years I have met some of the most hard-working, creative, kind-hearted people and I’m honoured that they welcomed me into the fold so easily. I’ve experienced some big ups and downs in my business recently and I’ve been astonished at the support and kindess that has come my way… that’s just the way that the industry here is though – always supportive.

Why did you want to become a host for Thursday Therapy in your market?

Becoming Thursday Therapy Hosts was an idea that stemmed from the fact that I was already hosting monthly networking meetings for the industry. With the growth of my business, however, I loved the idea of having a partner business to share the experience with. I’m passionate about bringing people together, and I always have been. I have loved watching the connections that form during our monthly industry nights, and now we will be able to open that experience up to a larger number of industry pros in our city with the help of Thursday Therapy. Additionally, I love the idea of being part of a larger network of like-minded industry professionals, and I hope that all of the hosts will have the opportunity to meet and share their experiences one day!

Why should people come to Thursday Therapy?

People should come because relationships are the backbone of this industry. In order to have those relationships, you have to connect with people. Thursday Therapy is a fantastic way to make those connections in a casual, easygoing atmosphere. I also think that we are an industry that works insanely hard – Thursday Therapy is an opportunity to get away from our desks, share our experiences, talk about how our businesses are growing and changing, and offer support to one another. It can be hard to find people outside the industry who can appreciate the unique challenges and demands that we face – this way, we are able to seek out that support from people who will understand the context.

What one piece of advice do you have for other wedding pros who may be new to networking?

This is a good question! Truthfully, I am actually a bit of a wallflower and at first it took me a great deal of internal pep-talk to even attend any networking events myself. To gain confidence, initially I would always bring a guest with me or attend events with another colleague or friend. That gave me the courage to at least get in the door! It took me a little while but soon I learned that even those professionals that were my ‘idols’ were experiencing the same challenges as I, and that made it easier to approach them. I would say – come prepared with 2-3 questions that you can ask anyone that you meet, and try and think of it as an opportunity to provide a better service to your clients. I ask everyone “what can you offer my clients that is different from anyone else” and that usually gets the conversation flowing.

Thanks Mary!

Image: Creative Commons

On Monday, I reflected on posts from one year ago about competition.  I like to think of my competition as my coop-etition.  My competitors are my colleagues and often my friends.  And, there is plenty of business to go around.  That being said, it’s good to know what makes me different from someone else who does something similar to what I do.  And, it’s good to be noticed.  Networking helps me get noticed.

There’s something I’ve noticed after having been in business a few years.  The person that seems to get the most referrals from colleagues is the one that is most visible.  The person that is the master-networker is often on everyone’s minds.

Here’s a scenario for you to think about…

I attended a networking event a couple weeks ago.  I talked with many wedding pros, but spent some time chatting with a newer photographer.  The next day in my client consult the bride happens to mention that she’s having trouble finding a photographer.  The person that is at the top of mind is the photographer I met just the night before.  I pass the name along.

This happens A LOT.  If you’re top of mind, you will be referred by your colleagues.  This happens when you attend networking functions, educational events, and coffee dates with other wedding pros. But, you can also be ‘top of mind’ just by being friendly on social media outlets… and sending a friendly email from time to time to your colleagues.

I like what Trisha Von Lanken of Von Wedding Films and Andrea Scatuccio of The Dessert Fairy both do.  These ladies are each, individually, masterful at keeping an eye out for their wedding industry colleagues.  Any time they see an article that might interest a colleague, they pass it along.  Not only is it helpful for someone else to have the information, it let’s them know that Trisha or Andrea is looking out for them.  And, as result, Von Wedding Films or The Dessert Fairy becomes ‘top of mind’.  I know every time I get a little insightful news blurb from Andrea that it makes me feel like she’s always thinking of me.  And, it makes me think “I wonder how Andrea’s doing.”  There she is – top of mind.  I’m going to think of her first because I just had a recent interaction with her.

What else can you be doing to be top of mind with your wedding industry colleagues?  Share a comment below.

Stefanie Miles

I’m thrilled to introduce you to our hosts for Thursday Therapy in Fort Worth!  Thursday Therapy is a fun networking event for wedding pros to meet, mingle, share. (You can read about it here.)

Stefanie Miles is the owner of Lavender Joy Weddings.  Co-host Kate Foley is the owner of Kate Foley Designs.  These two ladies are kind and welcoming.  I’m excited to watch them in action as they gather wedding pros in the Fort Worth area.  They’ll be hosting the first event later this month, so make sure to check it out and sign up for future events.

Stefanie Miles, Lavender Joy Weddings
Kate Foley, Kate Foley Designs
Thursday Therapy Fort Worth
www.thursdaytherapy.net/fortworth
RSVP for the first Fort Worth event on September 29th here

Now, for a little bit about these ladies…

Kate Foley

Why did you start your business?

Stefanie: I started Lavender Joy Weddings because I love everything about the process that goes into working with a couple planning their wedding. Every step – from developing the big picture vision that captures what’s most important to them, to creating and crafting beautiful event design, to planning and preparing in such a way that everyone involved experiences joy instead of stress, to helping the family show warm hospitality to their guests, to encouraging new friends as they begin their new life together as a married couple. I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as I can remember, and this work brings together my skills and passions in a really exciting way! It’s a blessing for me to do what I love and what makes sense to me, and to get to call it work!

Kate: After studying Interior Design, floral design was a natural extension for my creative side & when my friends began to get married I was asked to design their wedding flowers. I then discovered I loved not only working with fresh flowers & using my creativity but I also loved the interaction with brides and the joy on their faces as they saw their flowers! It has been 12 years since I designed my first wedding and I am continually amazed at how each one brings new joys & challenges ~ I am blessed to love my job!

Tell us about the wedding industry in Fort Worth…

Stefanie: Fort Worth is a laid-back and welcoming city, and often thought of as a great place for rehearsal dinners, but there’s much more to the industry here than that! We feel like the wedding industry itself is a bit disconnected as a whole, and we want to help give wedding pros an opportunity to see spaces and meet vendors they might not normally have time to get to know. Our hope in starting Thursday Therapy is creating that space each month with Thursday Therapy for any and all wedding pros – no matter if they’re seasoned or new to the industry – to be able to connect with each other in a no-pressure, relaxed way.

Kate: Friendly, loyal & warm is how I would describe wedding market in Ft Worth. Others may view our town as the place for getting married in boots or but there is plenty of glam & sparkle as well! The number of weddings seems to be growing at a fast pace embracing all styles. I am proud to be a part of the wedding community!

Why did you want to become hosts for Thursday Therapy in your market?

Stefanie: Thursday Therapy in Dallas has created an environment for camaraderie, support, and encouragement in the wedding industry. This kind of approach to vendor relationships elevates the entire industry! Bringing this across the metroplex into the Fort Worth market just makes sense, and I’m excited to bring like-minded wedding pros together in a fun way. {We’re looking forward to partnering with Dallas TT to have some fun together too!}

Kate: After attending Thursday Therapy Dallas, I saw how TT meets the need for “relaxed” networking in a fun environment. I want to be a part of providing the same in my city & to encourage all wedding pros to build good, working relationships with other like-minded vendors.

Why should people come to Thursday Therapy?

Stefanie: I truly believe that providing couples with everything that goes into an amazing wedding day is a team effort – it takes all kinds of pros working together to accomplish this! Getting to know each other on a professional and personal level creates industry-wide unity and business is better when we have real relationships – simple as that! Collaboration sparks innovation and creativity, and positions us to give the best service possible to the couples that trust us with their wedding day!

Kate: Because a referral is the best advertising, & networking is the best way to get a referral! It’s fun, relaxed, & good for business, and it’s a great time to “talk shop” with those who know what you are dealing with day in & day out – it really is therapy!

What one piece of advice do you have for other wedding pros who may be new to networking?

Stefanie: It’s easy to be focused on yourself – your nerves, your insecurities, or even your business. My best advice is to focus on others instead – get to know them as a person, not just the face of a business. Ask about what they’re working on, who they are, what they like to do for fun…listen well and make the conversation about them. This helps put them at ease, and in turn, you’ll feel more at ease too!

Kate: If you love what you do then express that to others, be proud of your business! Invite an industry friend to come with you; it’s nice to have a wingman. Bring plenty of business cards!!! And come introduce yourself, I can’t wait to meet you!

Thanks ladies!

Image by Chelsea Nicole

Juliet Douglas is owner of Green Orchid Events and our host for Thursday Therapy Las Vegas.  Juliet has always stood out to me.  She is exceptional at building relationships: on Twitter and Facebook, by commenting on industry blogs, and posting outstanding content on her own business blog.  I’ve thought, ‘she really knows how to network!’  When we launched Thursday Therapy we already knew that Juliet embraces the fundamentals of networking: building relationships, sharing valuable content, and simply being friendly.  We’re glad to have this partnership with Juliet!

Juliet Douglas, Green Orchid Events
Thursday Therapy Las Vegas
www.thursdaytherapy.net/vegas
Learn about the first event: August 4th at Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge

Why did you start your business?

I actually never planned on being a business owner. I wanted to be a singer but soon realized I need to get a “real job” because I don’t do “starving musician” very well. I jumped around from job to job in hotels and restaurants and never felt happy anywhere. I couldn’t break into any catering manager positions so my entrepreneurial minded husband told me that I needed to just start my own thing. I decided I would only provide “wedding day coordination” services on the side while working full time in hotels but I guess I got a little obsessive with wanting to be successful.

Tell us about the wedding industry in Las Vegas…

With the exception of the many wedding chapels here, I feel that it’s still a relatively small industry here. I would say that we’re pretty close knit. We’re a welcoming group and most of the people I’ve met over the years have been open to collaborating with each other and referring business to one another.

Why did you want to become a host for Thursday Therapy in your market?

I love the concept of a casual networking event where there is no annual membership fee. I love that even new wedding professionals wouldn’t feel intimidated in this environment. It’s a casual, relaxed atmosphere that Thursday Therapy promotes and I loved the idea the instant I heard about it!

Why should people come to Thursday Therapy?

Because it will be fun! It’s a chance to get to know other wedding professionals in a casual setting.

What one piece of advice do you have for other wedding pros who may be new to networking?

Just remember that networking is scary for everyone in the beginning and we have all been there. You have so much to gain by stepping out of your comfort zone and reaching out to meet new people.

Thanks Juliet!

Stacie Shea, stacie shea events
Thursday Therapy New York City
www.thursdaytherapy.net/nyc
Learn about the first event: July 21st at Smyth Tribeca

Why did you start your business?

Unlike most people in the wedding industry I come from a previous career path in the finance and trading world. I always found myself fascinated with planning parties and events starting in high school. I volunteered for everything imaginable when it came to planning prom in school to helping St. Jude’s Children’s Research bring the Up ‘Til Dawn program to my college campus. After college I worked for the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis as their intern for the annual block party and decided events was for me. I found the job market in the event world hard to break into at the time especially since most positions were unpaid. Unpaid just wasn’t an option for a kid with student loans and a car payment.

Fast forward ten years now after spending time working for a few of the largest finance shops. Planning numerous girlfriends weddings, organizing family events, getting married myself and planning my own 70 person destination wedding I decided it was time. So I took a leap of faith and started stacie shea events shortly after.

Tell us about the wedding industry in New York and surrounding areas…

The wedding industry in New York City and Connecticut is such a breath of fresh air. It really doesn’t make it hard to love your job! I find that vendors welcome you with open arms and there is most definitely a sense of camaraderie. Everyone truly works together and referrals are such a large part of the NYC market. Being in one of the largest wedding and fashion markets of the world there really is room for all of us as long as we work together!

Why did you want to become hosts for Thursday Therapy in your market?

I wanted a consistent outlet for wedding pros in the new york city market. Being that it is New York City everyone assumes there are hundreds of networking events, which there are but they are not always consistently held every month. What I have encountered is there are lots of groups of industry friends but I wanted NYC to have the opportunity to be able to extend beyond our comfort zones. As everyone knows this industry is always pulling you in so many directions when you own a small or large business. No one understands that more than our friends and colleagues…so why not meet with each other once a month to have some Thursday Therapy!

Why should people come to Thursday Therapy?

What drew me to the concept of Thursday Therapy was its laid back and relaxed approach to networking. Its tagline really says it all, “ Meet. Mingle. Share”. Share is such an important word with Thursday Therapy as we are truly all there to share a common goal and that is to provide a memorable and amazing experience for our clients. Thursday Therapy really rids of the pressure that is sometimes put on you by the idea of a formal networking event. I want wedding pros in the New York City area to attend TT because they can be themselves, have a great time, and benefit their business all at once. My goal is to make networking fun and not another to-do on our monthly checklist.

What one piece of advice do you have for other wedding pros who may be new to networking?

Be open, true to yourself, and proud of your business! You work in one of the happiest industries out there. Push yourself to meet as many people as you can while still having a good time. I will be the first to admit that I am consistent with the vendors that I use but always be open to meeting others that can improve your business and challenge your thoughts. Challenges are a healthy part of life and so necessary for your growth both individually and as a business owner. Sometimes the best friendships start from a business relationship!

Thanks Stacie!

I have a friend (also a business major) who had college roommates in the sciences and liberal arts.  They referred to it as “sneaky networking”.  They thought it was so sneaky that the business majors were always getting together to “network”.  Of course, they were being silly.  But, there is some truth to what they called it.  Networking can seem like something clique-y, involving secret societies, and good ol’ boy meetings.  It sounds so “CORPORATE”.  But, it’s not.

Networking is simply the meeting of other people to lay a foundation for business to be exchanged.

Reuters recently reported on a study done by LinkedIn which found that women tend to see networking as risky because women tend to take rejection more personally.  This fear of rejection limits the networking that some women do.

If you find networking intimidating, here are 5 ways to get started:

1. Start with 1-to-1 meetings

Attending a networking event with 100s of people you don’t know can be a little intimidating.  (This is one of the reasons we started Thursday Therapy as a casual approach to networking.)  So, start out with a 1-to-1 coffee date with another wedding pro so that you start getting to know people in an easy setting.

2. Attend a workshop or seminar

Workshops are a FANTASTIC way to meet people in the industry.  People are generally there to learn and meet people.  Generally, workshops draw people who are open to learning and meeting other people.  And, because there is a speaker leading the workshop, there is less pressure on you to do the talking.  (Though, there will be time for everyone to participate.)  People tend to build strong relationships with people at workshops and seminars because they are sharing a common experience.

3. Get a networking buddy

If you are a little intimidated to attend a networking event, bring someone with you.  This could be the person you’ve met on the coffee date.  This ensures that you have one “known face” in the sea of strangers.  You can lean on each other while meeting others.

4. Read “Never Eat Alone”

The book Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is fantastic at showing how to network and build relationships.  Ferrazzi is a genius at doing this.  And, he values the more intimate group dinners as a way to build lasting relationships.

5. Feel the fear

Feeling the fear builds confidence.  Easier said than done.  But, if you give it a try, you’ll know what I mean.  This tends to have a chain reaction throughout every level of your business.  Doing something that scares you builds confidence.  This confidence makes you stronger at presenting yourself and making sales.

What do you think?  What would you recommend to someone new to networking?