Are You "Networking!!" or "Netwatching??"

Photo taken by: Photographer Unknown

 Me at ABC's Southern New Jersey networking event taken place at DFX Sound Vision!

(I'm wearing the big yellow bag and orange skirt :-D)

I love networking! I love to network! But for those that don't and maybe those that do you may or may not know what it actually is. Networking in my book can be defined as stepping out of your comfort zone to get to know another person with the goal of doing business in the future. Again this is just my definition...if you would like a more defined one, Please Click Here! This post is related to networking events vs one-on-one networking meetings.

Now when attending a networking event for the first time it can be scary! (I know from experience) It is recommend that you bring someone with you (well my recommendation) so that you are more comfortable maneuvering around the room. (if you don't know how to "maneuver the room" I will provide some tips on a later post!) Whether in a pair or alone it is crucially important that you attempt to say hello to everyone. This hello can be a simple wave & big smile from across the room, it can be a hand shake & big smile making it more personal, or it can mean sitting down at a table and passing out a business card after a few minutes of conversation all while wearing a big smile! As you can see, smiling is important...why?? "Well because you look more charming when you smile and people remember and rather engage with a smiling person who looks friendly then a serious person"

If you are completing this task solo it may take you a little longer, like attending 2 or 3 more networking events longer, but that's okay! Bravery comes in steps so take baby steps if need be. Once you've attended you a few you begin to make friends and that's where the fun begins!! 

Photo taken by: Mogul Photography

My wedding planner colleagues enjoying some cocktails at the I Do Brunch, a relaxing networking event for Wedding Planners! (Amani, Deidre, Sharnell, Me, Stephanie & LaTonya.)

(I had a virgin cocktail..the bartender said I looked like a baby..lol)

Networking is powerful and can lead to many open doors later down the road. However, some people attend networking events and "netwatch". Well what is "netwatching" you ask?? Netwatching is when you watch others network! (it's that simple) Like said before attending these type of events can be scary but you will get nowhere if you come in: go to the bar to grab a drink, find a table and hope that someone will come say hi (which some"one" more than likely will) as you watch the others attending laugh and putting on their brave faces while walking around the room. As a netwatcher you've handed out 0-3 business cards when there is a room full of people and you leave more scared of networking then when you arrived! 

When netwatching you are not stepping out of your comfort zone, instead your more than likely hoping noone comes over to the big empty table (seated for 8 ppl, but it's just you and a large centerpiece) to say hello. Netwatching means that you probably haven't practiced what you would say if someone came over and I am probably sure many networkers don't do this either. None the less, practice makes perfect and makes you more confident! So practice what you want others to know about you and it will make you 100% more confident as you walk into a room full of newbies & professionals who are coming together to network. Mustard up the courage to go from table to table and simply start by introducing yourself and then smile! Smiling makes everyone more relaxed, so always remember to smile and give out your business card!

"As a netwatcher, your watching others get ahead. Don't be a netwatcher..be a networker!"

So I don't overwhelm you this will be broken down into a three part series of "Netwatching", "Networking", & "Tips on being a confident networker". This three part series will give you more insight on how to network and not netwatch.

This series starts Friday!! So make sure you check back in so you don't miss anything!! 

Until then ask yourself this question... 

"Am I Networking or Netwatching"??
Share your story below, it just may help someone!

Sincerely,

Intern Kelsi Share's: Pros & Cons of Having A Planner!

Definite Pros

Planning an event can easily become a full-time job when you’re doing it by yourself. It takes someone who is highly organized and has an arsenal full of plans A-Z and 1 through infinity for when things go wrong because any experienced planner knows that anything that can go wrong will. Helping their clients avoid disasters and the stresses of them is an event planner’s specialty.

• Most planners have great personalities, which is why they are able to connect well with their clients and actualize their clients’ visions. They can become friends and confidants for the duration of the planning process as well as during and after the event.

• When it comes to budget most planners are very meticulous when it comes to staying within the range of a desired budget.  A planner can also help to save their clients money because often times they know vendors that do great work and are reasonably-priced and they are usually good negotiators and can receive discounts. 

• Hiring a planner can be more affordable than most people believe that it is. Most planners will even tailor their prices to their clients’ budgets as not to go over their clients’ budget. Without a planner you can drive yourself crazy as an event approaches but planners help alleviate the stress on their clients. The results are: a stress free day, a successful event, and memories that will last a very long time. The benefits of having a planner are well worth the cost of hiring one. 

 Do your research and make sure that the planner you choose is a good fit for you and your event!

 .............................................................................................................

Possible Cons

There are a few possible negatives potential clients can run into when dealing with some event planners. 

•  The most obvious would be working with a planner who is very hard to reach. The success of any event depends highly on how readily available an event organizer can make themselves to: the needs of their clients, conflict resolution, touching base with vendors regularly, and being proactive. Without these things the success of an event can suffer irreparably.

• Design and style differences can also cause a rift in the client planner relationship. Planning events is already stressful enough but added tension like opposing concepts between the client and the planner can make it worse. Most planners will just go with the age old saying, “The customer is always right.” Making sure client suggestions can be met and will be aesthetically and logistically favorable to the event as a whole. Some headstrong planners may, with or without realizing what they’re doing; ignore a client’s desires completely. Regardless of whether the event turns flawless if a client comes out of it feeling like their expectations for the event were not met, then ultimately the event was not successful.

• When a planner receives benefits for using specific vendors it is called a kick back or an incentive. Receiving an incentive from a vendor is not a crime but may be a disservice to the planner’s clients. In any situation the planner should choose the vendor that best fits the client’s needs.

Great job Kelsi on sharing the Pros & Cons! Readers, share your experience with a planner! What were the pros & cons of having one? Do Tell!! 

Sincerely,

Intern Aimee Share's: What Do Planner's Do?

"What Do Planners Do" PowerPoint is a presentation that portrays the basic idea behind the responsibilities an event planner takes part in.   

The first slide, above, is a simple look at the goal of a wedding planner.  The goal of a wedding planner always is the same; the planner’s job is to help the client, host or hostess with the planning process.  Even though the goal of a wedding planner is always the same, the planner’s job is ever changing from event to event, wedding to wedding!!  This is what makes planning exciting and rewarding. :-)

  

The second slide that is shown above gives a sneak peak at a few of the key components to planning.  Budget is the most important component to the planning process.  A sounding board is a close second behind budget!  If the planner is not going to be supportive and listen to the clients wants and needs, than forget it, find another planner!!  Organization is third as one of the most important key components and knowing the trends as a planner is the fourth most important component.  The following slide goes into more detail with each key component that is listed above.  

• The first and foremost important key component is the budget. Without a budget the client, as well as the planner, will not know which vendors to choose or what options the client will have.  

• The second most important key component is the sounding board.  The planner needs to listen to the client’s budget, wants, needs, vision and ideas of their special day.  This is such an important component and goes hand in hand with the budget.  Knowing and listening to the budget is the first step to begin planning this special occasion.  

• The third key component is organization.  Organization goes a long way in the planning industry.  The planner must know and coordinate multiple schedules and appointments with themselves, clients and vendors.  This will assure a smooth process in decision making as well as the day of the event. 

•  The fourth crucial key components are trends.  Knowing trends within the industry will help the planner and client create a tasteful, up to date, color coordinated event.  It always helps if the planner is up to date with the most current trends in the wedding and event industry.  This can assist the client with a vision and/or ideas!

All four key components are so crucial throughout the entire planning process.  They go hand in hand with one another through each step and help all the ends meet to create a beautiful event and memories!  

Great job Aimee, very well said. Readers what else do Planner's do? Give your input as well!! :-D 

Sincerely,

The Girl Effect Blogging Campaign!

Join the movement, be apart of the blogging campaign for The Girl Effect! 

Girls effected by The Girl Effect have a chance for life!

• She gets educated.
• She stays healthy and HIV negative.
• Marries when she chooses.
• Raises a healthy family.

Girls effected by The Girl Effect are NOT:

• Illiterate.
• Married off.
• Isolated.
• Pregnant by force.
• Vulnerable to HIV.

Help make a difference in the life of a young girl like the one below. Spread the word and become apart of The Girl Effect Blogging Campaign! 

How can you help make a difference? 

It's easy visit: {http://www.taramohr.com/girleffectposts/} to create your own blog post! 

 

Don't wait, join the movement today!

 

Sincerely,

Inspiration Comes to Life: Wedding Planning!

Getting married is a great part of life! It includes two people who are truly in love bringing two families together to share in their special occasion. Inspiration comes in all forms. It can transpire from just seeing a color, shape, design etc or it can evolve based off an initial vision.

On October 3, 2010 a year ago today Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC had the luxury of planning a fall wedding! Inspiration was flowing throughout the whole process. As I was going through pictures I found the Inspiration cake photo and wanted to give you a before and after of the cake this couple used for their wedding.

Jennifer & Mike wanted a fall wedding and loved the clean white look of a cake but wanted the deep fall colors to be displayed in their cake. We viewed many pictures of different styles and shapes of cakes.

This is what they fell in love with...

The cake Mike & Jennifer selected was done by DiBartolo Bakery in Collingswood, NJ located on Haddon Ave. The flowers were purchased from Michael's Craft Store. It was smaller since their wedding was being shared with 75 of their closest friends & family members. The cake brought a nice finish to all the detail that went into the reception decor! 

Happy 1 Year Anniversary Mr & Mrs Michael & Jennifer Robinson! So happy to have been able to share in your special day..wishing you many many more years of love and happiness! :-D

~Brittany Allen, Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC

What has inspired you during the planning process?? How did you incorporate it into your wedding day?? Do Share!! :-)