Turning Mirrors into Windows

This post comes as a great time, as I wrap up this year's VHSMP's Annual Educational Conference, which is dedicated to the education and business development of hospitality leaders and meeting planners in our fair state.

While at the conference, I happen to fall into conversation with a Sales guru from Norfolk who noted that with budgets cutting everywhere, training tends to be the first thing to go.. which frankly, should be the last to go.

I couldn't agree more, which is why I'm excited to share this upcoming opportunity in the DC area on March 29-30 organized by the lovely ladies with Sage Wedding Pros. What I love about this company is that we share similar values- business sustainability in the wedding industry through education.

I often work with clients on their sales and marketing plans and I can't tell you how many times I see a look of relief on their faces when all their goals, objectives, and fabulous ideas are finally on paper. This workshop does just that and takes even a step further- by working with you from start to finish on how to create an overall, successful business plan for your wedding business:

The Simple Plan

A No-Sweat, No-Fuss, Piece-of-Cake, Easy-Peasy Approach to Writing Your Business Plan
March 29-30: 9am-4:30pm

Cafe Deluxe - Washington DC

In two days, we will help and teach you how to:

• Write a mission statement for your business

• Set short and long term goals

• Refine your target market and your niche

• Determine how many weddings you need to do to be profitable; write a sales plan

• Create a marketing plan, operational plan, and financial plan for your business.

• Expand your business mind and broaden your professional horizon.

• Get your questions answered by wedding pros who have years of experience in the industry.

• Network with other business savvy wedding professionals.

Find out more: http://thesimpleplan.biz/

Think Splendid is another noteworthy company and it keeps track of any and all business seminars geared towards the wedding professional. Be sure to bookmark it to stay up to date on the latest- http://www.thinksplendid.com/2008/02/educational-events-for-wedding.html

Minor OFD plug- if you aren't able to make it up to DC this round- or are looking for more business opportunities on a local (ie: Richmond) level, check out my workshop Illuminate- www.ofdconsulting.com/illuminate.html

We have a dozen tickets left before we sell out and I'd love to see a packed house!

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. ~Sydney J. Harris

Until next time,

Meghan

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.