Mastering the 3 Steps to Stand Out and Thrive in the Creative Events & Wedding Industry

In the competitive wedding planning industry, success requires standing out and providing value to clients. The recent influx of newbies to the industry often leaves seasoned professionals questioning their strategies and contemplating drastic measures like lowering prices to stay competitive. However, as a seasoned event professional myself, there are alternative and more effective ways to set yourself apart, attract your ideal clients, and thrive in a competitive market. Let me explain.

When I was about 5 years into my business, I experienced what would become a pivotal moment in my business trajectory. I was at a lunch with fellow wedding planners. A few years prior, there were 12 of us at this lunch, and now there were well over 40. I began to panic. The realization that the industry had grown exponentially, I immediately thought that there wasn’t enough work to go around, that I was done for, and my imposter syndrome really set in.

So what did I do? I threw myself entirely into my business. For the next two years, I said yes to everything, I was constantly working while also casting my thoughts ahead to future events. Rarely was I ever present in the day-to-day. Was my life balanced? Forget about it. Yes, I created a name for myself and was doing well financially, but I lost my identity completely. This wasn’t working either.

Then came the a-ha moment. It was time to reevaluate my business models and strategies. (And if you’re a seasoned wedding or event entrepreneur, you’ve probably experienced this timeframe too. I call this the “five to seven-year itch.”)

Reinventing the Business Model

Rather than succumbing to the fear of increased competition and thus overworking myself to no end, I decided to reinvent my business model. This decision marked the beginning of a shift towards a more balanced and intentional approach to my business. It started with me identifying the problems.

The problems: I was tired of the constant hustle of peak seasons, and the struggle to maintain a consistent digital presence during these times. I also realized that while my inbox was full of inquiries, they weren’t exactly the clients or projects that I was excited about. 

With these problems in mind, I identified three crucial areas within my business model that I could change that would propel my business to new heights, attracting not only the desired clients but also significantly boosting monthly revenue. Here’s how.

The Three Steps to Success:

#1 Set Yourself Apart

Contrary to the instinct to lower prices to compete with newcomers in our industry, the true importance lies in setting oneself apart. This involves strategically using authentic messaging across all platforms to showcase expertise, experience, and unique offerings. By avoiding the trap of competing solely on price, I learned that I could position myself as valuable and distinct within the market.

Ask yourself now: What is your secret sauce? What do you offer that makes you unique? And is your messaging communicating this effectively across all platforms?

#2 Ask the Right Questions

The inquiry process is a critical juncture where professionals often lose potential clients. Instead of resorting to generic responses, I learned that the key is to ask the right questions and establish a strong rapport. This not only positions you as an expert but also allows for personalized interactions, demonstrating a commitment to understanding the client’s needs beyond just the budget.

Ask yourself now: How can I tailor my inquiry forms and processes to be more personalized to MY needs AND client needs?

#3 Automate with Personalization

Our industry processes can be cyclical, I get it. Recognizing the challenges of the industry’s cyclical nature, I saw the importance of creating an automated but personalized system. This not only ensures consistent communication and response times but also allows for a more streamlined and efficient workflow for me. By freeing up time and maintaining a personal touch, creative event and wedding professionals can focus on providing exceptional service and building meaningful client relationships.

Ask yourself now: What repetitive processes within my business can I make easier for myself?

Navigating the competitive landscape of the creative event and wedding industry requires a strategic and intentional approach. By embracing these three steps — setting yourself apart, asking the right questions, and automating with personalization — event professionals can not only survive but thrive in the face of increasing competition. The key is to focus on value, expertise, and creating a memorable client experience. As the industry continues to evolve, those who adapt and differentiate themselves will find success and fulfillment in their creative endeavors. If you need help answering any of these questions or putting new systems and processes into place, I can help. Schedule your free complimentary call today and we’ll dive into your business together.