What Did You Say? (I guess I wasn't listening...)
Posted: Friday, May 08, 2009
by Natalie Bradley
Natalie Bradley Events
It's a delicate balancing act trying to be agreat listener and also informing new clients of your fabulous services. You may find yourself REALLY excited to get this new client and want to make SURE that you "sell" them all the "right" services and products that you offer. Am I right?
Create a client questionnaire to streamline and organize your consultations. This will keep you focused, on-task, and open to what your client has to say. Note which questions you ask each time (or most often) you meet with clients and make this into a form to use from now on.
Ask questions that get your clients to give you the answers they want and need to know. Help them help you know how to relate to them, how to solve their problems, and how to show them that you're the perfect planner for them!
This is not your wedding.
I know that it's easy to project your own taste, desires, and personality onto your clients, but be careful. Remember that this is NOT your wedding day. It's hers. And it's his. You are there to complement their wishes and create the dream wedding THEY'VE always wanted.
If you're not clear, repeat it back.
When in doubt, rephrase what your client just told you. Say something like, "What I'm hearing you say is that you want blah, blah, blah". It works like a charm and will definitely clear up any confusion for you.
I use all of these methods every single day...and it works fabulously.
Your Fab Planner Assignment:
Think about what your weaknesses might be when it comes to listening to your clients' needs. If you could use a system with forms and procedures, do just that. If you're not asking the right questions, change them. And, make sure to check your own desires at the door when it comes to planning for your clients!
2008 Soire! Ltd./Natalie Bradley Events
Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement:
Event Planning entrepreneur Natalie Bradley publishes the "Fabulous Planner" weekly e-zine. Get your F*REE report: "Top 20 mistakes keeping you from being a fabulous, successful event planner" at www.FabulousEventPlanners.com.
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