Running your own wedding business is an exciting and work-dense adventure. However, what many small business owners don’t realize is just how easy it is to accidentally treat your business more like a hobby than a growing company. When you begin to treat your wedding business like a hobby, you lose the ability to grow a formidable reputation that will keep clients coming back and spread the word to future customers. 

To help you grow your wedding business, in this article, we are going to delve into the various efforts you can make to ensure that your business is being treated like such and not just a side hustle or hobby. We will take a look into consistency, productivity, and availability, as well as breaking through mental cages and staying true to what you are worth.  

Show Up Everyday

One of the most significant differences between a business and a hobby is the amount of time and energy you spend working on its growth.  With a hobby, you can pick and choose what days and how many days you work on the activity. You can even decide to take time off from your hobby projects every now and then without losing too much momentum. However, the opposite is true when you are running a business. 

If you want your wedding business to thrive and reach its optimal potential, you need to be consistent and show up for your clients and for yourself every day. Only working when you feel like it just is not going to cut it. Regardless of how you are feeling on that particular day, you need to do your best to put in the effort it takes to grow a wedding business. If you are lacking motivation, remind yourself of the WHY behind your business and then remember that the WHY can not happen without you following through on the HOW aspect too. 

Be Productive and Not just “Busy”

You showed up for yourself and for your growing business. That’s awesome! But now, we need to learn how to be productive instead of just “busy.” The difference between being busy and being productive lies in how much you have to show for your accomplishments at the end of the workday. 

Let’s set an example, say you get up and sit down at your desk at 9 am, but by the time lunch is over, you have only answered a few emails, done a bit of admin work, scrolled on your phone, and mindlessly swiveled back and forth in your chair. This is what we call participating in only busy work. You see, you may have shown up, which is an excellent first step, but you never really did anything productive, in turn lowering your business’s growth potential.

The best way to ensure that your days are productive is to create a to-do list, but the trick is that you have to actually complete the list. Give yourself 3-4 tasks each day that you can reasonably expect yourself to be able to finish. For example, if you are a wedding photographer, you can assign yourself replying to clients, editing X number of photos, and do preparation for your next shoot. If you feel that you don’t have any current clients to tend to, your list could include activities such as improving your portfolio, reaching out to potential connections, and building a solid business strategy.

Set Consistent Office Hours 

With any business, consistent hours are crucial to a steady client base. This is because consistency breeds trust. It demonstrates your professionalism and reliability. Make it clear to your clients when you’re available to assist them. Whether it’s through your website, social media, or automated email responses, communicate your office hours effectively. This not only sets expectations but also reinforces the image of a serious, dedicated business.

Imagine this: a couple has a sudden question about their wedding arrangements, and they reach out to you, their trusted wedding planner, during what they assume is your normal business hours. But it’s your off-hours instead, and they’re met with silence. They might start to doubt your commitment or, worse, consider looking elsewhere. 

By allocating specific times for client consultations, responding to inquiries, and handling administrative tasks, you manage your workload more efficiently. This, in turn, enhances your productivity and frees you from the stress of constant communication.

Stopping Comparing Yourself to Others

With the ability to instantly research competitors, it might be tempting to compare your wedding business to that of others. It’s easy to feel inadequate and insecure when you compare yourself to the successful people you see on LinkedIn and the lush Instagram feeds of your competition. But remember, every business has its unique journey and challenges. The success of your business and the success of others are two totally separate topics and should not be easily grouped together. 

Comparisons drain your energy and divert your focus from what truly matters: your own growth; instead of measuring your success against someone else’s, channel that energy into self-improvement. Learn from successful peers, not by comparing but by understanding their strategies and adapting them to suit your own path.

Streamline Your Processes for Success

Efficiency is the backbone of a successful wedding business. To move from hobbyist to industry leader, you must streamline your processes. Review your workflow from start to finish. Identify bottlenecks, repetitive tasks, and areas where time is lost.

Embrace technology to automate mundane tasks. Invest in a client management system that handles appointment scheduling, reminders, and follow-ups. Create templates for common emails and documents, saving you valuable time in crafting each one from scratch.

Streamlining not only frees up time but also minimizes errors. Delivering consistent, error-free service enhances your reputation, making clients more likely to recommend you to their friends.

Set Rates that Reflect Your Expertise & Stick to Them!

Pricing can be a delicate subject, especially in the wedding industry. It’s easy to undercut your worth to attract clients, but this devalues your skills and efforts. Set rates that reflect the quality of your work, your expertise, and the value you bring to your clients’ most cherished moments.

Sticking to your rates also prevents inconsistency. Fluctuating prices can confuse potential clients and erode trust. When setting your rates, consider factors such as your experience, location, market demand, and the level of service you provide.

Remember, clients who value quality are willing to pay for it. Don’t sell yourself short. Your rates are not just numbers; they represent the culmination of your hard work, expertise, and dedication.

Make Small Investments in Your Company

Growing a wedding business entails making investments in its future. This does not necessarily require a major financial expenditure; frequent small investments can have a big impact. Consider setting aside funds to upgrade your equipment, attend training, or improve your branding. These investments can help you stay competitive in the industry and attract more clients. 

When making these investments, it’s important to remember that putting a bit of your hard-earned money back into your business can help set you up for greater financial growth in the future. Don’t be afraid to bet on yourself; after all, you should always be your biggest supporter.

Stay Relevant

The wedding industry is ever-evolving, influenced by changing trends, technology, and client expectations. To thrive in a business, you must stay relevant. Keep your finger on the pulse of the industry by attending industry conventions, following relevant blogs, and engaging with your clients.

Adaptability is the hallmark of a successful business. Embrace new technologies that can enhance your services. Introduce fresh, creative ideas that resonate with today’s couples. By staying relevant, you position yourself as a forward-thinking professional who can cater to modern preferences.

Staying up to date also allows you to anticipate and adapt to changes in the market. As consumer tastes and preferences evolve, you can proactively adjust your offerings to meet their needs. This ability not only helps you retain existing clients but also attracts new ones who are seeking innovative and up-to-date solutions. 

The Main Take-Away

Transitioning your wedding business from a hobby to a thriving enterprise requires dedication, strategy, and continuous improvement. By setting consistent office hours, focusing on your growth instead of comparisons, streamlining processes, setting appropriate rates, making smart investments, and staying relevant, you create a strong foundation for success.

Remember, each step you take is a step towards building a formidable reputation that attracts clients and fosters long-term relationships. By treating your wedding business as the serious endeavor it is, you not only elevate your own career but also contribute to the joyous moments of countless couples’ lives. Your business is more than a hobby – it’s a journey of professional growth and lasting impact.

Ready to take your wedding business to the next level? Discover more about Boda Bliss and how we can help you turn your passion into a thriving enterprise. Together we can focus on a strategy that promotes financial growth and client stability in your wedding business.