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Wedding Network USA Newsletter April Issue
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Business Expertise Education NetworkingHas your business BEEN growing?
We can help!
Wedding Network USA emagazine | Volume 1, Number 3 | March 2010
BusinessWhy Write a Business Plan? 24
The PR of 2010 is Social Media 26AdWords | AdSense 28
Suggested Reading”How to Be a Fierce Competitor:
What Winning Companies and Great Managers Do in Tough Times” by Jeffrey J. Fox 40
Board Member and Member SpotlightAmy Prutch 4 | Roger Moore 16 | Sheena Kalso 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Musings 3
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHTAmy Prutch, AJ’s Studio 4
MEMBER BENEFITS 5
HAPPENINGSSeattle Washington Meeting 6Portland, Oregon Meeting 10Southwest Washington Meeting 14
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTRoger Moore, Moore Creative Weddings 16Sheena Kalso, Totally Tabletop and The Invisible Hostess 17
Weddings Portland Style 18Bride Choice Awards 19
NEARLYWED RADIO 20
“The One” Wedding and Events Showcase 21
INDUSTRY INSIGHTChoosing A Wedding Officiant 22Sixth Annual Emerald City Applause Awards 23Seventh Annual CONVENTION 23
BUSINESS 24-37
WEDDING NETWORK USA NEWSCorporate Sponsorship Opportunities 38Calendar of Events 39Suggested Reading 40Code of Ethics 41Founding Members BC
CONTACT: Wedding Network USA | [email protected] | www.WeddingNetworkUSA.com
Chérie RonningPresidentOwner, Uncommon Invites
Jennifer TaylorAdvisory Board MemberNational Chapter DirectorNational Member Benefits ChairOwner, Taylor’d Events By Jennifer
Brian DaleAdvisory Board MemberNational Ethics ChairOwner, Wave Link Music, Inc.
Amy PrutchAdvisory Board MemberOwner, AJ’s Studio
Linda BarclayAdvisory Board MemberNational Finance ChairOwner, Barclay Event Rentals
Peter BarnettAdvisory Board MemberNational Membership ChairOwner/Chef, Premiere Catering
Molli BarssAdvisory Board MemberNational P/R & Marketing Co-ChairOwner, Soiree Special Event Planning
Don BoshearsAdvisory Board MemberNational P/R & Marketing Co-ChairPrivate Events Director, Columbia Tower Club
Donna HoffAdvisory Board MemberNational Web Marketing ChairOwner, The Wedding Genies
Eric NewlandAdvisory Board MemberNational Education ChairOwner, Hybrid Moon Videography
Gayle O’DonnellAdvisory Board MemberNational Communications ChairOwner, All About Weddings and Celebrations
ADVISORY BOARD
This publication is published and designed by Shiela Strubel, Strubel Studios, Snapshot eMagazine. © 2009-2010
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
In February we were fortunate to have Sasha Souza come to Portland and Seattle to talk about her business and promote her new book. Her tour was sponsored by ISES around the US . In Seattle , WNUSA jointly sponsored the meeting.
I met with Sasha at the Columbia Tower Club in the afternoon. Jennifer Taylor, our WNUSA Found-ing President and Greg Lowder, Founding Member had lunch with Sasha and then Greg interviewed her for the “Nearlywed Radio”. After the interview we all had a chance to visit and talk about the industry as a whole and where it is headed.
That night Sasha shared her ideas and dreams for her business. Some of her comments were so on target to me and my way of thinking and I wanted to share them with you if you were not able to attend, and remind you of them even if you were there at one of the meetings.
Treat your Vendors with respect! Sasha stated very clearly that without fabulous Vendors none of our weddings would take place. No matter what the circumstances, she always makes sure her Vendors are paid, fed at the event and kept totally in the loop as to their part of the event. You can’t build a perfect team if everyone does not feel part of the team!
You are your only competition! For the past 6 years I have been harping on the fact that we are all peers in the industry. I hollered out a big THANK YOU when she made this comment. Look at your own work and make it better every time you put it out there in the world. It will come back to you. Quit comparing yourself to others, challenge your-
self to learn something new and interesting about your part of the industry as well as what the other team players are doing.
Be a Team Player! You will be a better team player if you know what it takes for each team member to do their job. Locally we have discussed at length creating the “one clock” timeline, so that we are all serving the client’s needs, not our own personal needs. This idea was inspired by Andy Ebon, last year at Wedding MBA.
Finally, take credit for your own work – not some-one else’s! This is already in the WNUSA Code of Ethics. Of course we all use ideas we have seen elsewhere, and sharing of ideas is perfect. But don’t tell your client or the team players that it came to you out of the blue. Tell them “I saw something like this idea on a TV show, in a Bridal magazine article or at a local wedding show.” Then change it up to suit your client and make it your own idea.
It is easy to look at people in the national limelight who you would like to emulate and think - oh, I can never be “Sasha Souza” or “Preston Bailey”, but you can be “Yourself”. Create your niche in the wedding industry, share your ideas with others, take care of your Vendors, be a team player and surely success will follow.
Take time to look in the mirror and tell your “boss” how terrific you are, after all – you are your only competition!
Best, Chérie
MUSINGSChérie RonningPresident
4 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Amy Prutch Owner, AJ’s StudioPlayer, The Wedding Lounge
Member Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers of Oregon, Digital Wedding Forum
My Vision - To promote responsible and respectful business practices of all members of the wedding industry for their clients and towards each other. To elevate the wedding industry in customer service, and promote respect between vendors.
My goal - My goal is to enable all vendors of a wedding to understand that our ultimate goal is to serve the client, and to do so, it takes respect for each other jobs and a team effort.
The Wedding Lounge - I’m thrilled to be part of a collaboration of professionals with a common purpose in mind - to provide the couple with a relaxing and fun alternative to researching vendors and options for their weddings. The Lounge Players are a group of experienced professionals with the best interests of the client in mind, which completely coincides with my goals for Wedding Network USA.
I received my formal photography training while pursuing a Journalism/Mass Communications major at the University of Utah. I subsequently earned a second degree in Special Education and again never considered a career in photography or the wedding industry until she literally married into the wedding photography business.
BOARD MEMBERSPOTLIGHT
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 5
BOARD MEMBERSPOTLIGHT
My husband JP and I have owned and oper-ated AJ’s Studio for 17 years, during which time the have conducted workshops on studio workflow throughout the Northwest, spoken at the Professional Photographers of Oregon Convention, and participated in international Mentoring programs through the Digital Wedding Forum. In 2006, after 14 years, I said goodbye to the teaching profession and joined the studio full time. When not in the studio I happily live the crazy life of a suburban wife and mother of two boys.
Amy PrutchOwner, AJ’s StudioPlayer, The Wedding Lounge
What types of Member Benefits would you and your
company like to see offered by your association?
Do you need suggested re-sources for insurance, ac-
counting etc. or a new com-pany to purchase promotional
marketing pieces from?
Do you have some great re-sources to share? Please email
us with your thoughts, re-sources, requests and let us see what we can do to make
them a reality.
Wedding Network [email protected]
MEMBERBENEFITS
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 7
Seattle, WashingtonThe Seattle WNUSA February meeting was a joint venture with the Seattle Chapter of I.S.E.S. (International Special Event Society), held at the The Ruins. We were honored to have award-winning wedding planner, Sasha Souza, as the evening’s speaker.
Sasha discussed “Emerging Trends in Wedding and Event Décor.” She is currently touring ISES chapters throughout the country promoting her new book, “Signature Sasha: Magnificent Weddings by Design” and speaking about the trends she shared with us that evening. Prior to and following her presentation she graciously spent time chatting with attendees, as well as signing copies of her wonderful photo-filled book.
Sasha is a huge proponent of making and working with inspiration boards when be-ginning work with her clients. They are extremely helpful tools in getting couples to focus and make their wedding something that reflects their likes and style.
HAPPENINGSSEATTLE February, 2010
Some sources she has found useful in the creation of inspiration boards:
Pre-made boards:Snippet & InkProject WeddingWedding by ColorPerfect PaletteStyle Me Pretty
DIY boards:Two Bright LightsMosaic MakerPolyvoreFlickrGoogle ImagesMicrosoft Publisher Software
Sasha’s tips for wedding professionals:
Define who you are: What do you want to be known for? Fun weddings, colorful wed-dings, over the top weddings, DIY weddings? Create a niche that sets you apart.
Give it up: Don’t hoard your secrets, Share!
Vendors: Choose wisely and trust them implicitly. Work only with vendors you trust. Avoid hiring any vendors you have to “babysit.” Your job is to create a perfect team for every couple you work for.
Huge thank yous go out to Eli Darland of Rare Form Limousine for the transportation provided for Ms. Souza during her time in Seat-tle, The Ruins for hosting this event at their beautiful venue and the food we all enjoyed during the event, and to Dani Weiss of Dani Weiss Photography for photographing the evening’s festivities.
Sasha Souza will return to Seattle for an all day intensive Masterclass called Souzapalooza at Pravda Studios June 29, 2010. Click HERE for details.
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 11
On Tuesday March 9, 2010, the members of WNUSA were treated to a one of a kind meet-ing at Widmer Brothers Brewery. It was a fun-packed evening full of food, education, enter-tainment, and, of course, beer!
As guests arrived at the banquet space, they were checked-in by Eric Holen from Holland Studios, Eric Newland from Hybrid Moon, and Eric Wright from All Wright Music, all wearing coordinating red ties. During cocktail hour, Widmer’s staff passed trays of Widmer Hefe-weizen paired with Mango Salsa Crustade, Shrimp Canapés, and Roasted Tomato Bruschetta. In the background guests enjoyed video from Ambient Sky Couture Wedding Films.
Around 7:00pm, members were asked to be seated then were introduced to Rob Widmer, one of the famous Widmer brothers. Rob spoke to the group about what a great city Portland is and why it is such a perfect place for breweries and beer lovers alike. When he was finished, Rob turned the floor over to Kelly Hagerman, Widmer’s event coordinator. Kelly talked to us about the banquet space and all of the great things it has to offer. She then introduced our speaker for the evening, Doug Rehberg, one of the brew masters at Widmer.
HAPPENINGSPORTLAND March 9, 2010
Throughout the evening, members enjoyed an amazing four-course meal that Widmer refers to as their “brewer’s dinner.” Each course was paired with one of Widmer’s fabulous beer selec-tions and each pairing was explained in detail by Doug. As dessert was being served, guests enjoyed wonderful presentations by Ambient Sky Couture Wedding Films and AJ’s Studios.
To close the evening, Cindy Rosen, our re-gional director, spoke to the group about future WNUSA meetings and their exciting locations. As guests were getting ready to leave they were asked to remove the bottle tops from their menu cards (which were provided by Uncom-mon Invites) to reveal a number. The guest with the winning number won a “growler” full of beer from Widmer Brothers Brewery. Indelisa Montoro from Belle Jour Floral was the lucky winner - congratulations!
Overall, the evening was amazing! Kelly Hagerman and her team were incredible; I could not have asked for a better person to work with. Thanks again to our outstanding vendors: Widmer Brothers Brewing, Ambi-ent Sky Couture Wedding Films, AJ Studios, Uncommon Invites, Hybrid Moon, Holland Studios, and All Wright Music. It was defi-nitely an evening to remember!
Heather Halstead, Sorella Events
Portland, Oregon
14 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
On Tuesday, March 16, 2010, the Southwest Washington chapter of WNUSA where welcomed by the vibrant hospitality of Jenny Duce , Christina Kuntz, and Stacy Dawden of Camas Meadows Golf Course in Camas WA. As members gathered, the view and warm weather drew everyone outdoors. Standing on the large terrace that overlooks Camas Meadows, guests took in the facilities newest addition, a magnificent ceremony gazebo nestled on a lush emerald lawn that can accommodate 250 guests. Adjacent to the ceremony site and up a slight knoll, stands a sparkling white three-season reception tent. Memorable photographic op-portunities abound as the meadows feature a beautiful array of Camas Lillies, as well as the largest know patch of Bradshaw’s Lomatium, a rare flower found in only three locations in North America. Attractively priced and staffed by an experienced sales team, the expanded Camas Meadow affords a venue unlike any other in SWWA.
HAPPENINGSSW WASHINGTON March 16, 2010
With each meeting the SWWA chapter contin-ues to build on the foundation of individual goal achievement established in the January meeting. To this end Shiela Strubel of Strubel Studios and WeBuildYourSocialMedia.com spoke on branding and identity. She also spoke about the importance of Social Media and displayed visual images of consistency in branding such as the Vitamin Water campaign. She then worked with individual mem-bers to evaluate what their branding was saying to potential clients. The discussion became a lively and humorous forum as members shared the dif-ferent mediums in which their own message was being communicated. Business cards became the focus as members utilized the group to asses the actual message, or lack there of, their cards com-municated. Cherie Ronning of Uncommon In-vites displayed one of her most effective marketing tools, a memorable, informative, business card.
What does your business card really say about your company?
Don Richardson of Digital Popcorn (our chapter’s “All Things Internet Guru”), expanded the talk into the area of blogging. He focused on why businesses choose to blog. He also answered the question “How, with so many blogs out there do I get people interested in my business’ blog?”
Vancouver, Washington
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 15
If you are a SWWA business focused in the wedding industry and are interested in learning more about emerging trends and resources, we invite you to join us at our next meeting Tuesday, April 19th from 9:00am – 10:30am. The meeting will be hosted by Black Swan Events at The Hamilton Hall on Officer’s Row in Van-couver WA. A delightful breakfast will be catered by the The Grant House. This is a networking meeting, bring your business cards and be prepared to talk about your business to the group. WNUSA would like to thank April Williams of April William’s Photography who photo-graphed this months meeting.
16 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Roger MooreMoore Creative Weddings
I have been married to the same person for forty years. Judy has always been very supportive of my wedding business. We have two married daughters, two great son-in-laws and we have four wonderful grandchildren.
I am a wedding officiant who has been performing weddings as a business since 1980, so I do have a lot of experience. I enjoy working with couples to develop a ceremony that reflects their ideas. I also am willing to make the bride and groom the focus of the ceremony by encouraging the couples to semi face the audience. Also, I like to work as a team member of all the ven-dors who are making the day of the bride and groom special.
I have worked with Chérie Ronning for many years and really appreciate her leadership and when she formed the Wedding Network USA, I was eager to join the group because of the focus on the entire wedding business rather than just one segment of the industry. The networking has been extremely rewarding. The training sessions have been very helpful.
Roger Moore,Wedding Officiant , Moore Creative WeddingWinner Bridal’s Choice Award 2010 Wedding Wire
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTPortland, Oregon
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 17
Sheena KalsoTotally Tabletops &The Invisble Hostess
Sheena Kalso founded two niche event businesses in Seattle, The Invisible Hostess in 2006 and Totally Tabletops Party Rentals in 2007. She got her start in the event industry working for Seattle Magazine’s Lifestyle and Entertaining ex-pert, Kelley Moore, assisting in event planning under her then company, Red Letter Day. She then coordinated mem-ber events for the Washington Athletic Club, facing the chal-lenge of entertaining the same crowd, in the same space while trying to make each event feel fresh and unique.
Learning the demands of special events and business ownership from Kelley and the WAC, Sheena was inspired to create a business that met a unique need of Seattle’s party throwing experts. Starting with the home entertainer, The Invis-ible Hostess was created to provide party assistance for the client, allowing him or her to
enjoy his or her guests and not be burdened with the actual work of the party. By 2008, business had tripled and expanded from home party throwers to the bridal market where she offers Day of Wedding coordination Services as well as reception/party staff-ing for those larger events. All the while Sheena managed to also launch Totally Tabletops Party Rentals which offers high style, boutique quality dinner-ware for rent.
The 2010 wedding season is proving to be her busiest year yet, with many brides using non-conventional catering methods and unique venues that require some party maintenance and assistance. Bartending service is the newest addition to the Host-ess team, allowing her clients to truly experience one stop shop-ping when looking for party and wedding staff.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTSeattle, Washington
WNUSA is the first industry organization I joined, and for a number of reasons. While my industry friends know me because of Totally Tabletops, I wanted a wedding focused platform to educate my peers about The Invisible Hostess and how this business’ services can be a huge asset for their clients. Second, as a young business owner, I really crave the edu-cational opportunities WNUSA has to offer. I wasn’t a business major in college, so I appreci-ate information on marketing, goal setting and ways to in-crease my profits. Lastly, WNUSA membership rates are affordable which is ap-pealing when other groups are priced out of my comfort zone. Oh, and let’s not forget the great people! This is a fantastic membership and I’m happy to be a founding member!
Do something that your competitors are not doing.
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLEContact us today to join this cooperative marketing offer.
Brand an image for your business with Television combined with Online Advertisement.
Advertising regularly in the KOIN Local Showcase and on Weddings Portland Style:H Sets you apart from all other vendors in your category.H Allows you to appropriately communicate what is unique about your business.H Puts a face behind the name adding credibility and trust to your business.H Pre-qualifies your clientele.H Reaches your target demographic without your physical presence.H Promotes your service or product to over 100,900 households every week!H Promotes your service or product to over 250,000 unique visitors ONLINE every month!
“Weddings Portland Style” is a weekly television show on KOIN Local 6 Broadcast channel 6that informs future brides about the latest trends and hottest venues for weddings in the PortlandMetropolitan area. As Portland’s only television show focused on wedding planning for thediscerning Brides-to-be.
“Weddings Portland Style” allows brides to hear advice and tips from local wedding experts inthe comfort of their own home!
The show has been broadcasting in the Portland Metro area since 2001.“Weddings Portland Style” airs Saturdays at 9am on KOIN Local 6 and on KOINLocal6.com.
Look at what current sponsors say about the show…
“We know your show is the best tool to reach out to our market.” AniA Collection“Outside of referrals, TV is our main lead generator.” Best Car In Town“I get recognized as that lady from the wedding show that does invitations!” Uncommon Invites
Contact Tyler Bel at 505.464.0677 or Eric Newland at 503.502.1991
Did your Company win this award as well? If so - please contact us at [email protected], so that we can list all of the winners in our next newsletter.
Wedding Wire Winners
Holland Studios
Moore Creative Weddings
Pink Blossom Events
Elements in Bloom
New and Blue
NW Mobile DJ Service
Taylor’d Events by Jennifer
Notes of Celebration
Uncommon Invites
Abernethy Center
Dani Weiss Photography
20 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
NEARLYWED RADIO
“Don’t forget to catch Nearlywed Radio each week on Saturday, 11-12 on KKNW 1150 AM, or download the Podcast at www.nearlywedradio.com. Your co-hosts are WNUSA members Gayle O’Donnell and Greg Lowder. You can fan the show by searching for Nearlywed Radio’s page on Facebook.”
Two of WNUSA’s founding members, Gayle O’Donnell and Greg Lowder, have launched an ambitious new project – a weekly radio program in Seattle, Saturdays from 11 am to Noon on KKNW 1150 AM, called “Nearlywed Radio”. It’s being billed as a show created so brides can enjoy their big day in a stress-free way.
Nearlywed Radio, which had its initial broadcast on February 13, 2010, features interviews with two to three local and national wedding experts each week, along with discussions of upcom-ing bridal events, and also the answers to brides’ advice questions. Also featured will be contests with prizes being products and services donated by various wedding and hospitality companies.
Greg, owner of Affairs to Remember DJ Enter-tainment, had the idea to do a radio show and contacted Gayle, owner of All About Weddings & Celebrations, last year asking if she’d be up for co-hosting with him. After Greg found the station to carry the show they were off and running.
As of this writing they have completed 8 shows, and have featured an interesting and varied
array of guests. Local guests have come from many different parts of the in-dustry, including photographers, rental compa-nies, bridal fitness experts, officiants, wedding venues, jewelers, wedding consultants, the new Seattle Bride Magazine editor-in-chief, and a limo company.
National experts interviewed on the show so far have included Preston Bailey, Sasha Souza, and the vice-president of sales and marketing for invi-tation company Encore Studios, Brian Lawrence.
Be sure to check out past weeks of the show by downloading podcasts at www.NearlywedRadio.com, or tune in to future shows either by listen-ing Saturday mornings during the aforementioned broadcast time, or by downloading the podcasts.
For more information about being a guest onNearlywed Radio contact [email protected]. Opportunities are available for show and contest sponsorships. For sponsorship information please contact Greg at [email protected].
© Scott Eklund of Red Box Pictures
When you know … you just know … it’s “the one!”
You know the feeling … finding the one. There are no words for it. Joy indescribable. The search is over.
It is the decision; the satisfying relief in knowing that it’s finally been narrowed down to one … the one! The one date on the calendar, the one dress, the one photographer, the one venue, the one style, the one DJ, the one ring, and of course, the most important one … “your one.” Two will become ONE in your relationship and you will begin a life together built on one foundation.
Whether you are planning for a wedding, planning a party, or just looking for ideas this showcase is for you. Over 25 of the best vendors in the in-dustry are going to be under one roof ready to help you make decisions to find that ONE!
Come sip, savor, mingle and meet at the urban loft space, The Sole Repair Shop. Allow a variety of vendors to treat you to complimentary services and offer special automatic discounts on packages booked that day!
Don’t miss this opportunity to finally find the one and have fun while doing it!
SUNDAY ~ APRIL 18, 2010COME JOIN US ANYTIME BETWEEN 3:00-6:00 PMDON’T FORGET TO RSVP ON THE GUEST LIST!
“the one” WEDDING & EVENTS
SHOWCASE
Amy Vallejo, OwnerAnticipate Wedding & Event [email protected]
Find me on Facebook, Wedding Wire.com and Martha Stewart Weddings!
Chesney Schmidt, OwnerAll The Flutter Wedding & Event [email protected]
YOUR HOSTS OF THE PARTY …
22 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Choosing a Wedding Officiant takes careful thinking along with in-formed intuition. Love is the foundation of a wedding ceremony. Commitments exchanged are ‘the way’ of the marriage.
The first criterion in choos-ing an officiant is: ‘personal resonance’. Is there a feeling of confidence in the person who will preside over the ceremony? Is s/he in har-mony with your spirituality and ethics?
Choosing A Wedding Officiantby Jacqueline Mandell, Exquisite Weddings
The second criterion is: who can ‘give voice’ to the spirit and meaning of the marriage commitments spoken before family and friends? Ceremonial words shared by an officiant have the power to magnify the vibrancy of the couple’s new life together. Resonant words have the power to ignite a ricochet of love, sending waves of joy from the bride and groom to all in attendance. A ceremony has the power to ignite the spirit of the wedding day and to inspire lives for years to come. The third criterion is: to choose an officiant who is sincere yet passionate about communicating in a meaningful way. Does the
officiant have a command of language that speaks to the heart of the wedding?
Choosing the officiant that best represents the values of the bride and groom provides friends and family with a feeling of comfort. Although an officiant chosen may be previously unknown to those attending the cer-emony, there is an uncanny feeling of familiarity when the officiant is in sync with the authenticity of the bride and groom.
Jacqueline MandellExquisite Weddings
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 23
Seventh Annual
CONVENTION
September 21-23, 2010Las Vegas
Convention Center
SAVE THE DATERegister Now
Seminars & ExhibitsWedding Job Fair
Sixth AnnuAl EmErAld City ApplAuSE AwArdS
Wednesday, OctOber 20, 2010sOdO ParK
CAtEgoriES inCludE
Off-Premise Catered EventOn Premise Catered EventVideography/Photography
Achievement in Technical ProductionUse of Lighting
Event Marketing CampaignDesign/Décor
Event Support ServicesEvent Production
Event Entertainment Concept & ExecutionAchievement in Logistics
Fair/FestivalFloral Design
New Innovative EnvironmentalProduct/Technology
Event Produced for a CorporationEvent Produced for a Nonprofit
Organization or AssociationEvent Produced for a Social Event
Best Wedding
Open to members of ABC, ISES, MPI, NACE, and Wedding Network USA
Entries due September 12, 2010
Visit www.isesseattle.com for more information!
Wedding Network USA deadlineand Early Bird Registration
Click to Download
24 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
We all know the urban legend of that business that has been around for 20+ years and has never written a business plan. Well, I’m here to tell you that anyone who says they’ve been around for that long and never wrote a business plan is either an anomaly or is not being completely honest. A business plan is the one true competitive advantage of the businesses that “make it” over the ones that don’t. Unfortunately, many people think that they can get by as an “anomaly” – the one business that succeeds without a plan. Anyone great in this industry has a plan. Vera Wang? Check. Preston Bailey? Check. Martha Stewart? Check.
Ever make a recipe and leave out an ingredient?Being a business owner can be challenging. We are managing 29,049 ingredients which all go into making our perfect busi-ness pie. The problem is that we often leave some important ingredients behind. These are the items that we don’t always have in stock or may be items that we aren’t good at producing. We leave out some really important things. And, our pie doesn’t quite hold up.
If we are designers, we are good at visual aspects, so we put all of our energy into our website design. Our logo is top-notch. But, we might not be good at sales forecasting, so we just don’t do it. That’s akin to leaving apples out of your apple pie. BLEH.
I’m not a very good cook so it’s a bit ironic that I’m using cooking as an analogy. But, part of the reason I’m a bad cook is because I’m generally not following the directions, getting impatient, and leaving something out. There are no shortcuts in business. Write a business plan, reexamine it every year for how you can improve upon the plan, and use it as your recipe.
Why write a business plan?by Michelle Loretta, Sage Wedding Pros
BUSINESS
Sage Wedding Pros is dedicated to creating sustainable businesses in the wedding industry. Committed to education, information, and inspiration. Devoted to building camaraderie and cohesion within the wedding profession.
Find more business education, visit www.sageweddingpros.com
A business plan is a recipe for success …A business plan covers every aspect of busi-ness. It asks you to make a plan for how you are going to market and promote yourself. It requires that you set sales targets and expense budgets. It makes you look at your operations and define your systems. It is an all-encom-passing examination of your business.
Many people think that writing a plan is a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. Spend 1 hour a week on it. Find a partner to meet you
Sage Wedding Pros is …… dedicated to creating sustainable businesses in the wedding industry.… committed to education, information, and inspiration.… devoted to building camaraderie and cohesion within the wedding profession.
Please join Sage Wedding Pros for The Simple Plan, an easy-peasy approach to business plan-ning: July 12-13 in Seattle and July 19-20 in Portland. Click Here for more information.
for coffee and individually hash out your plans. Take a class. Read a book. Write it in 2 pages or 50 pages. Do what works for you. But, make sure you create a recipe for success.
With a plan, a recipe for your business, you’ll have one prize-winning pie… errrrr… one prize-winning business!
Reprinted with permission from Sage Wedding Pros
© 2010 Michelle Loretta & Kelly Simants
26 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
We are in a people-driven economy; people do business with people, not companies. When you’re more open, transparent, and available to your public, then your prospects become custom-ers, repeat customers, and raving fans. You see it every day in your business: people are choosing to work with people they are “con-nected” to. So, how well are you serving your market niche?
Social media represents a HUGE economic shift in our culture and in how we do business. Why do any of us NEED Social Media?
Why it’s Business 101: Direct contact with customers (and prospects) who were previously unreachable. This means greater exposure, improved customer satisfaction, and in-creased sales – all without costly advertisements. The stripped-down definition of Marketing is Advertising and PR. I’ve al-ways defined “advertising” as you selling yourself and “PR” as others selling you via testimonials. The online “social” world, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube, is all about PR. And, isn’t the BEST customer a referred customer? When you say, “I’m the best,” rarely are you believed. When others say, “S(he) is the best,” that’s when me-and-every-potential-customer want your business.
Social media is THE best marketing tool for your business, es-pecially because the wedding industry thrives on visual, audio,
The PR of 2010 isSocial Media by Shiela Strubel, WeBuildYourSocialMedia.com
BUSINESS
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 27
and testimonies. Over 101 million Americans over age 18 spend at least 45 minutes a day on this #1 social network called Facebook. LinkedIn is the #1 business social network with 58 million active global users.
Just think: Since half of all small businesses say the best perk of social media is new prospects, then you need to build a powerful presence on social networks.
You’re probably thinking: I want more business, but how do I “do” social media and where do I start? Our Social Media Agency positions your business to dominate – period. As the Creative Art Director, I know first-hand that we create custom graphics to position you as the trust worthy Expert of your field and teach you HOW to grow your business with skills-based coaching. Go to www.WeBuildYourSocial-Media.com and sign up for our complimentary, 30-minute consultation (referred by Shiela Strubel). Social media is easy, you can do it, and it can be your best tool to keep and generate business.
Shiela Strubel, Creative Art DirectorWeBuildYourSocialMedia.com503-830-2511Find me: FacebookBecome a Fan
Reprinted with permission from WeBuildYourSocialMedia.com
© 2010 Shiela Strubel and Donna Newman
Want to rule your industry within your community?
Follow a few steps on Facebook:
Look professional by creating a 1. custom photo sidebar.
Go VIRAL by bringing your web 2. site inside Facebook with a custom welcome tab/page with video and a second custom tab/page to showcase your product or service.
Update your “status” daily with valuable 3. industry tips and connect daily with your fans, friends, and public for lead gener-ation. Now, you’re the Expert of your industry and your ideal prospects seek you out and want to be helped.
Create a contest (e.g., a prize for the 4. 50th fan or give away a service to the best amateur photograph or the funniest wedding story)
Four steps to a great Facebook marketing plan:
Know your target market 1.
Craft the right message2.
Have a professional image3.
And, always give a strong call-to-action4.
28 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Businesses can advertise their products, goods and services online through Google AdWords. It is an online advertising method of promoting your busi-ness through the use of text or image based adver-tisements. You can determine where you would like the ads to appear. They can be made available throughout the Google Search Network, on other websites with related content or in Gmail.
PPCCommonly referred to as PPC or a pay per click type of advertising method. This is where you place an ad and pay if someone “clicks” on your ad tak-ing them through to your website or designated landing page.
CostThe cost of signing up for Google AdWords is very low at a mere $5.00. That is just to sign up. You pay or pre-pay for each click through to your site depending upon the daily budget and cost per click.
AdWordswww.Google.com/AdWordsby Don S Richardson, Digital Popcorn
A monthly ad spend of $150 will yield about 187 click throughs at eighty cents each. That is about 6 click throughs per day. Advertisers can set a daily budget or determine the desired “ad spend” and divide it out into the number days in an average month to come to a daily budget amount.
Quality ScoreThe more competitive a keyword combination is, the higher the bid price could go to achieve a higher place in the ad rankings. Another factor called “Quality Score” plays a role in determin-ing ad placement. A higher quality score helps to achieve a better placement. A low quality score can result in paying higher cost per click to achieve the same placement position.
GoalsIt is EXTREMELY important to have a goal defined in advance of starting a campaign. Perhaps it is to have someone fill out an online inquiry when they come to your site. By taking them to a “Thank You” page afterwards and connecting that “Thank You” page to the Google AdWords account, you can track the number of “Conversions” or successes. This can help show which ads and which keywords give you the best results.
Words of CautionAlthough, the cost of signing up for an AdWords campaign is quite low at only five dollars. The cost of not knowing what to do with it can be quite ex-pensive. A campaign of this sort can eat up dollars very fast if not managed correctly and optimized with clear goals in mind.
BUSINESS
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 29
AdSensewww.Google.com/AdSenseIf you have a blog or a website and allow advertis-ing on the site consider signing up for AdSense. This may be helpful in adding to the revenue stream as a source of “passive income”. As a web-site or blog publisher you place code in specific locations on your site where you would like ads to appear. You can specify text only, image only or both types of ads to appear. If a visitor to your site clicks through on an ad they actually leave your site and go to the other site. You get paid a portion of what AdWords charges the advertiser for the placement of the ad.
Content NetworkPerhaps you have a wedding blog. The ads that appear would be related to content of the articles you are writing about.
If you write an article wedding flower arrangements there might be a text ad for a wedding florist who is advertising their floral designs.
Internet Million$You will probably not be called to be a spokesper-son for the Internet Million$ infomercial on late night television. However, you may make some additional income as a result.
Income PotentialSimply putting AdSense code on a website will not likely generate huge piles of income for most web-sites or blogs. The additional revenue may come in helpful though.
Monthly income varies due to a number of factors …
Number of visitors to the website• Quality of content. Excellent articles related to • the main topic of the website or blog.Ad location on the page. Often ads in the top • left of a page do better; however, it may not be a good fit for every site to be in that location. Be sure to include ample white space around the ad block.Ad configuration. When setting up the ad • block, use custom colors to best match your site. This makes for a more natural appearance rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.
Test Test TestTest the configuration and placement of ads on the website or blog. You may be surprised to find a simple color change or ad location may make a significant difference in click through rate. Monitor and test to see which works best for your specific situation.
DigitalPopcorn.netspecialized search engine optimizationinternet marketing strategies
© 2010 Don S Richardson | Reprinted by permission www.digitalpopcorn.net | Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/dpnews
DigitalPopcorn.netspecialized search engine optimization
internet marketing strategies
30 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
I can tell you that as a licensed agent and former human resource manager, insurance is one of those words that make most people cringe. We all know we need it but, with so many variations and terms it can be a challenge to really under-stand it. To make matters worse there are many hybrid plans as well as variables by state, that you almost need a degree to figure it out. Worse yet I am only talking about health, add to that liability, business, auto and supplemental, the choices become overwhelming. Here is a quick list of the most common terms associated with medical insurance.
Deductible: The amount you must cover for medical expenses before your insurance policy starts paying. Deductibles are usually made on an annual basis. For example, if your deductible is $500, you must pay that amount out of your own pocket each year before your insurance company will start covering any costs.
Co-payment: Some insurance plans require that you pay a flat fee for covered medical services. For example, you might pay a co-payment of $5 to $25 for a doctor’s visit. More expensive proce-dures or specialist usually involve higher co-pays.
Insurance 101:
BUSINESS
Co-insurance: Some insurance plans require that you pay a percentage of the cost of covered medical services (usually between 20% and 30%). For example, your insurance company might pay 80% and you pay 20% of the cost of a doctor’s visit. The amount you pay is the co-insurance. You will most commonly see this in relation to major expenses like surgery or hospitalization.
Other common types of insurance:Liability Insurance - Insurance that pays and ren-ders service on behalf of an insured for loss arising out of his responsibility, due to negligence, to oth-ers imposed by law or assumed by contract. This is mandatory in most states for business owners.
Casualty Insurance – This is a type of insur-ance that is primarily concerned with losses caused by injuries to persons and legal liability imposed upon the insured for such injury or for damage to property of others. Robbery or forgery is commonly covered here.
Employers Liability Insurance - Coverage against common law liability of an employer for accidents to employees, separate from liability imposed by a workers’ compensation law.
Keyman insurance – This type of life insurance policy to protect a business in the event of the death or incapacity of key personnel. Most com-monly used by owners or partners. (Sometimes referred to as small man group)
One of the key things to con-sider about insurance is there is no “right” answer. We all have different needs and our insurance should reflect those needs. With a wide variet-ies of supplemental policies available or adding riders to your existing policies you have the ability to create a custom fit. Adding a rider to a policy will typically expand the coverage for much less than purchasing an additional policy to fit that need.
This is by no means an inclusive list of all the available types of insurance, there are many choices with in each of these categories. There is hope however, I recom-mend finding an agent or broker that you are comfortable with to answer questions. Good agents will often help in claims situations and can prevent over or under-insuring. Please feel free to email specific questions to be answered in a future newsletter.
by Becky Klotz, EA, LTC | Designcorr, Inc.
If you are a partnership or a corporation, your deadline has passed with your filing date of March 15th, but if you are a Schedule C filer (which goes along with your 1040), you still have until April 15th. If you are not able to make that deadline, you may be able to file an exten-sion by going to the IRS website and printing form 4868 at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf or by talking to your tax professional.
If you don’t file an extension, there are penalties involved such as; Owing interest on any tax not paid by the regular due date of your return. This is April 15, 2010, for a 2009 calendar year return even if you qualify for the 2-month extension because you were out of the country. The in-terest runs until you pay the tax. You will also pay a late payment penalty. The late payment penalty is usually ½ of 1% of any tax (other than estimated tax) not paid by the regular due date. It is charged for each month or part of a month the tax is unpaid. The maximum penalty is 25%.
If you have to make estimated payments for Federal, State and Self Employment taxes, the following dates are when they are due. (Federal and State – Oregon follows these dates as well) First: 04/15/2010, Second: 06/15/2010, Third: 09/15/2010, and Fourth (last) 01/18/2011. In the state of Washington, if you are required to file a return monthly, you must do it by the 25th day of the month. Quarterly filers, the last day of the month following the reporting period and annual filers, by January 31st.
Don’t feel alone in this! Tax time can be very confusing for business owners. Contact the IRS with any questions or your local tax consultant.
Becky Klotz, EA, LTC Designcorr, Inc.PO Box 1885, Clackamas, OR 97015-1885503-655-4775 | [email protected]
It’s that time of year again …Tax Time!
32 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BUSINESS
A brand is a name, sign, symbol, slogan or anything that is used to identify and distinguish a specific product, service, or business.
Brand = Company Message + User ExperienceCompany Message: Essence or personality of a business, its traits and values. A good exercise is to pretend that your business is actually a person. What would it wear? Where would it vacation? What sport would it play? Answer these questions and you’ll have a better idea of what image your brand is reflecting.
User Experience: Actual experience your customer has with your business. Was your receptionist rude to potential clients? Did your delivery arrive on time? Were callers holding for five minutes? All these components directly affect people’s perception of your company’s brand.
Elements of Brand MarketingTarget Market Research: Collecting information on prospect needs and preferences.
Features and Benefits: Identify the features and benefits that your target prospects are interested in and which will move them to purchase.
Brand Presentation: Business Cards, Marketing Materials, Web Site, Social Media
Brand Association: Create marketing materials that make your product or service memorable, fun and/or useful.
Branding and Identityby Shiela Strubel, Strubel Studios
© Cardwell Photography
Brand Management: Four Elements of Brand Equity
1) Brand LoyaltyWhat is Brand Loyalty? A client’s commitment to repurchase or continue using the brand. This can be demonstrated by repeated buying of a prod-uct or service or other positive behaviors such as word of mouth advocacy.
It reflects how likely a client will switch to an-other brand, especially when that brand makes a change, either in price or in product features.
Enhance Brand Loyalty? Treat your clients right and Stay close to your client. Measure/manage client satisfaction. Create switching costs.Ex: air-line frequent-flyer miles; consumers find it impor-tant that an airline provides this service and are willing to actually pay more if it means they will get points towards their next flight. Provide Ex-tras: loyalty, reward programs, referral programs.
2) Brand AwarenessWhat is Brand Awareness? The ability of a poten-tial buyer to recognize or recall that a brand is a member of a certain product category. It mea-sures consumers’ knowledge of a brand’s exis-tence. Who knows about you?
Brand Awareness LadderTop of Mind - Repetition, Repetition, Repetition,
Brand Recall - Is it memorable? Have you heard of Nike? Yes.
Brand Recognition - Is your logo & slogan/tagline associated with your name? Nike; you recognize the swoosh and “Just do It” slogan/tagline.
Unaware of Brand - They don’t know me, so I need to make them aware.
Achieve: Brand AwarenessHow Do You Achieve Brand Awareness?Be different, memorableInvolve a slogan or jingleSymbol exposurePublicity and Event sponsorships
3) Perceived QualityWhat is Perceived Quality? The client’s percep-tion of the overall quality or superiority of a product or service with respect to its intended purpose, relative to alternatives. Perceived quality is a perception by clients.
What influences Perceived Quality of Product(s)?Performance, Features, Reliability, Durability, Serviceability & Fit and Finish
What influences Perceived Quality of Service(s)?Appearance, Reliability, Competence, Respon-siveness, Empathy
The Value of Perceived Quality. Reason-to-Buy, Differentiate/Position, A Price Premium, Channel Member Interest, Brand Extensions
4) Brand AssociationsWhat is Brand Association? Anything linked in memory to a brand. McDonald’s could be linked to a character such as Ronald McDonald, a consumer segment such as kids, a feeling such as having fun, a product characteristic such as service, or a symbol such as the Golden Arches.
Types of Brand AssociationSome Types of Brand Associations: Product Attri-butes, Customer Benefits, Relative Price, Lifestyle/Personality, Celebrity/Person, Use/Application
The Value of Brand Associations:Help Proccess/Retrieve InformationDifferentiate/PositionReason-to-BuyCreate Positive Attitudes/FeelingsBasis for Extensions
Maintaining Brand AwarenessHow Do You Maintain Brand Awareness? Be consistent over time. Be consistent over elements of the marketing program. Manage disasters in order to minimize their damage
Criteria for Brand Name SelectionHow do I make a Brand Name Selection? It must be easy to learn and remember. Suggest the product or service. Support a symbol or slogan. Suggest desired association without being boring or trivial. Be distinctive. Be avail-able and protected legally.
Brand PositioningThe benefit you want them to think of.
Strong Brand Positions:Disney: Family Fun EntertainmentWal-Mart: Low Prices and Good ValuesFedex: Guaranteed Overnight DeliveryMcDonalds: Food and FunApple: InnovativeGoogle: Simplicity
The 4 Principles of Effective PositioningFit: Seek to leverage strengths of existing brand positionValue: Focus on the perceived benefits.Uniqueness: Go where the competitors are not.Credibility: Testimonials
Now for a little homeowork … Write out a Brand Contract: List all the promis-es that you want your brand to make to clients. This list will help you implement your brand and holds you accountable for expectations.
Here is Starbuck’s Brand ContractProvide the highest quality of coffee available on the market today.
Offer customers a wide variety of coffee op-tions as well as complementary food and bev-erage items.
Have an atmosphere that is warm, friendly, homelike, and appropriate for having a conver-sation with a good friend or reading a book.
Recognize that visiting Starbucks is as much about the experience of drinking coffee as it is about the coffee itself.
With 15 years of experience in marketing and graphic design, I have seen many great and many, many not so great brands. I consider myself as an expert and I am here to help YOU grow your business through branding and social media. Is your image memorable?Look for more on Social Media in May.
Shiela Strubel, Owner/DesignerStrubel Studios | Snapshot eMagazine 503-830-2511Find me: Facebook
© 2010 Shiela Strubel, Strubel Studios
Maureen PulicellaField Service Representative
*Benefits are offered at the sole discretion of Alliance and may vary by availability, package option, and state of residence and may be subject to change. Please refer to www.affordableservices.org for complete details. §Certain limitations, reductions and exclusions may apply. May not be available in all states. Not available in WA to members joining on or after 7/1/2008. Alliance IIS000181 Exp 12/10
36 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
WN USA NEWS
Monthly MeetingSponsorship Opportunities
If you would like to be featured and/or speak about your company at a monthly WNUSA dinner meeting, we have sponsor-ship opportunities available that allow ev-ery member an opportunity to participate.
Speaker Sponsor:Cost: $200 – 1 per meetingAvailable to all members, 6 meetings/yearJanuary, March, May, July, September, NovemberBenefits include: 8’ display table; 5 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; introduce the guest speaker; an annual listing as a Speaker Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.
Spotlight Sponsor: Cost: $75 – 2 per meetingAvailable to all members, 6 meetings/yearFebruary, April, June, August, October, DecemberBenefits include: 4’ display table; 3 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; an annual listing as a Spotlight Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.
Meeting Host: 1 per meetingAvailable to meeting planners, 12 meetings/yearCost: Time / Works closely with the Regional
Director to execute the meetingBenefits include: 1 bistro display table at the meeting, 2 minutes of speaking time, an annual listing as a Meeting Host on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.
In-Kind Sponsor: # limited by needsAvailable to all members, 12 meetings/yearCost: Trade donation of floral, rentals, mu-sic, printed materials, photography etc.Benefits: 2 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; a Marketing Table as described be-low; an annual listing as an In-Kind Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emaga-zine newsletter.
Marketing Table: Cost: $25 Available to all members, 6 meetings/yearFebruary, April, June, August, October, DecemberBenefit: 1 bistro, 4’ or ½ of a 6-8’ display ta-ble (depending on availability at the Venue), introduced at the meeting; an annual listing as a Table Sponsor on the website and in the monthly emagazine newsletter.
Monthly MeetingVenue/CateringSponsorship Opportunities
For Venus and Catering Companies we offer 4 tiers of participation to allow you choose which is the best marketing opportunity for your company, when you choose to host a WNUSA dinner meeting at your facility.
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 37
Note: All prices are inclusive.
Tier 1:Cost – provide venue and food for freeBenefit: 1 Bistro table for display, 5 minutes of speaking time + tours of the facility during the cocktail hour; receive a full page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.
Tier 2:Cost – provide venue and food for $10.00ppBenefit: 1 Bistro table for display, 3 minutes of speaking time + tours of the facility during the cocktail hour; receive a 1/2 page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.
Tier 3:Cost – provide venue and food for $17.50ppBenefit: 1 bistro table for display; 2 minutes of speaking time at the meeting; receive a ¼ page ad in the monthly emagazine newsletter and an annual listing in the newsletter and on the website.
Tier 4:Cost – provide venue and food for $25pp – our maximum amount that we can payBenefit: Introduced at the meeting; listed on the website and in the emagazine newsletter as the meeting location for the month.
To participate in any of the sponsorshipopportunities, contact the WNUSA Office at 1.888.509.6872.
CALENDAR OF EVENTSMarch 2010
Thanks to our Sponsors:
April 13, 2010Portland Monthly Meeting
Ten-01 Restaurant
April 20, 2010SW WA Monthly Meeting
The Grant House
April 28, 2010Seattle Monthly Meeting
Cedarbrook Lodge
Venue SponsorBrasserie Montmartre
Speaker Sponsor
Ambient Sky
Spotlight SponsorHybrid Moon VideoPremiere Catering
38 ©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
SUGGESTED READING
Many of our Members have suggested books that they feel will be beneficial to all of us. As you think about authors who have inspired you, please take the time to send us the Author’s Name and Book Titles.
If you would also care to write a short Book Review we will post that information on the website for all Members to share.
Look for this section under Suggested Reading on the left tab of the website or go to: www.weddingnetworkusa.com/reading
Books To Add
”How to Be a Fierce Competitor: What Winning Companies and Great Managers Do in Tough Times” by Jeffrey J. Fox
Economic downturns separate the winning companies from the struggling. And as best-selling author Jeffrey J. Fox shows, tough times also give solid companies, strong managers, and potential rainmakers the oppor-tunity to seize market share. In this eminently readable, practical resource for business leaders and managers, Fox explains exactly how the savvy few who rise to the top stay focused and alert, get new market share, hire good recently fired talent, increase investments into customer service, speed innovation, train all customer facing people, make acquisitions, get rid of underperformers, build brand names, pay for measur-able performance, and lots more.
©2009 WEDDING NETWORK USA • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 39
I Agree To:Return inquiries to current as well as poten-tial clients and vendors in a timely manner.
Show consideration for other professionals by extending the utmost level of kindness, regard and cooperation.
Observe all laws and obtain all pertinent licenses and permits required by law.
Provide written contracts to clients to estab-lish an understanding of all charges, services, products and performance expectations.
Honor all agreements made with clients and vendors.
Use the Wedding Network USA logo for advertising and promotional purposes for my company in compliance with Wedding Net-work USA rules for using the logo.
Add a link from my website to the Associa-tion website.
Be a credit to the industry by implementing good business principles, which will protect the public against fraud and unfair practices.
Safeguard all privileged information about clients in a confidential manner.
WEDDING NETWORK USA Code Of Ethics
Maintain adequate and appropriate insur-ance coverage for all business activities to assure my company’s ability to continue to do business and honor contracts.
Abide by all government regulations and laws so as to favorably represent Wedding Network USA.
Strive for excellence in my field by continu-ally improving my knowledge base and be willing to share that proficiency with other Wedding Network USA Members.
Give credit where credit is due and will not plagiarize another’s work.
Recognize individual boundaries of compe-tence and be forthcoming and truthful about professional experience and qualifications.
Put the client’s interest first if engaging in affiliate activities, accepting commissions or referral fees.
Treat employees with esteem and fairness, advocating conditions of employment that will safeguard their rights and welfare.
Note from the Executive Director: We read dozens of Code of Ethics policies from industry groups and used the best of what we felt expressed the concerns of Wedding Network USA.
Questions or concerns, contact Brian Dale, Vice President & National Ethics Chair at: [email protected]
FOUNDING MEMBERS 2009
Monica NewbyA Grand Affaire Catering
Kay StringfellowA Pickled Heron Gallery
Denise NovakAA Party Rentals
Donna HaysPauline MuccahyAbacus Event Rentals
Christina LyonsElizabeth FowlerRachelle WebsterAbernethy Center
Adam TiegsAdam’s DJ Service
Greg LowderAffairs to Remember
Amy PrutchAJ’s Studio
Loren CallahanAlante Photography
Julie NoiceAlderbrook Resort & Spa
Alesia ZornAlesia Zorn Calligraphy
Gayle & Jim O’DonnellAll About Weddings & Celebrations
Chesney SchmidtAll The Flutter
Eric WrightAll Wright Music
Scott & Amanda ShamaAmbient Sky
Amy VallejoAnticipate Wedding & Event Planning
April WilliamsApril Williams Photography
Octavia HunterKrishna MuirheadAraxa Studios
John LilesAudient Events/ThinkAV
Andrea HoytAugust Veils
Tania ShepardAzzura Photography
Linda BarclayBarclay Event Rentals
Indelisa MontoroBelle Jour Floral Design
Christine RichardsBlack Belt Business Solutions
Gabrielle LennartzBlack Swan Events
Amy NuttmanBlush Bridal Consultation Group
Sara MaletisBrasserie Montmartre
Denise HallJennifer MaustBravo! Publications Inc
Nora SheilsBridal Bliss
Craig SlaterBugsie Productions, LLC
Stuart ButlerButler Transportation
Meghan ScheelsCakes by Design
Stephanie WeishaarCamas Meadows Golf Club
Katie ArnoldCatering by Bo
Robin VanDerveerCedarbrook Lodge
Krysta McLaughlinCharlotte’s Weddings& More
Liza RaganChoice Linens
Mindy WoodardClass Act Events
Don BoshearsColumbia Tower Club
Linda ConklinColumbia Winery
Connie CraneCrane Manor
Mark LopezCrave Catering
Michelle DavenportCreative Childcare Solutions, Inc.
Steve CoxKevin TallmadgeCreative Ice
Trisha DirksStephanie SimmonsCrowne Plaza Hotel
Dani WeissDani Weiss Photography
David BarssDavid A. Barss,Photographer
Pam WolleDaybreak Carriages
Becky KlotzDesign Correspondence
Don RichardsonDigital Popcorn
Shirley EastonDippity DooDadsChocolate Fountains
Monica MayerDivine Designs
Tanya StoneElements in Bloom
Emma SmithEmma Jane Photography
Cindy RosenEncore Events
Katherine SealyEvent Cosmetics
Cheri BaberEvent Floral
Jacqueline MandellExquisite Weddings
Patricia NorrisFireworks!
Selena RossPeggy HartmanFloral Dreams
Kay DietlFlowers For You
Louella ScottFlowers Tommy Luke
Sara PerrinFolio Photo and Design
Eddie Redman Robby SortoreGrand Event Rentals
Dwayne ThomasGreenLight Creative, LLC
Leialoha KaulaHali’a Event Planning
Eric HolenRoberta CloutierHolland Studios
Olivia OlsonHotel Lucia
Robert GassenHumanature Photography
Chris HolzgrafHuntington Images
Eric & Heather NewlandHybrid Moon
Erin HightJake’s Catering
Jodell HinojosaJo Foody Catering
Kevan InouyeKevan Inouye Private Florist
Amber DarringtonLe Cookie Monkey
Wendy HosfordLindsi LeahyLillyPilly Floral Artistry
Callie MeyerLisa Dupar Catering
Max MikhaylenkoMAXM STUDIO
Melody DavisMG Davis Events
Mindy MiltonMindy Milton Events
Craig MitchelldyerMitchelldyerPhotography, Inc
Heidi MoonMoon Mansion
Roger MooreMoore Creative Weddings
Matthew FerrisMPF Events
Alice Nafziger Dorcas PoppGlenn HowardSue KoshiyamaMultnomah Athletic Club
Christina SaffordMuse
Tatum Dwyre-SeitzKelly CooperJacquelyn RenaldsNew and Blue
Jenny HardingNew Chapter Weddings
Nancy TiceNorthwest ArtistManagement
Linda SmithNotes of Celebration
Emily PollockAmanda FischerNovelty Hill - Januik Winery
Kevin VenablesNW Mobile DJ Service
Stacy Lynn CrawfordNY Institute of Photography
Heather MathenyOregon Bride Magazine
Robin & Erik PiercePaparazzi Tonight
Paul RichPaul Rich Studio
Judy McManusPerfect Wedding Guide
Penny JonesPenny Wise Meals & Gifts
Mistie BeaudoinPeter Corvallis Productions
BreeAnn GalePink Blossom Events
Susan CrowPortland Bride & Groom Magazine
Michele StarryLan Su Chinese Garden
Amy IpinaPortland MarriottDowntown Waterfront
Marilyn StorchPortland WeddingPlanner, Inc.
Amy MillerPremier Bride of OR & SW WA
Peter BarnettMike PetersMatt ForemanPremiere Catering
Georgia RafatiRafati’s Elegance In Catering
Eli DarlandRare Form Limousine
Rebecca EllisonRebecca EllisonPhotography
Carole LombardiRed Star TavernHotel Monaco
Emma & Will DardenReversed LensPhotography
Lora Heil-FroneRose City Bridal Showcase
Michelle DeRouenSeattle Bride Magazine
Dixie DuncanSeattle MetropolitanBride & Groom
Sean & Candice HoytSean Hoyt Photo Documentary
Leslie WheatleySeattle Parties
Kerry GarrowSignature Weddings& Events
Kirstie WarrenSimply Wed
Danyelle TinkerSkamania Lodge
Nelliena MoetuluiSnoqualmie RidgeGolf Club
Molli BarssSoiree
Sol NeelmanSol Neelman Photo Journalist
Heather HalsteadSorella Events
Shiela StrubelStrubel Studios -Snapshot eMagazine
Marcy RichardsTaste Chocolate/The Doll House Tea Room
Jennifer TaylorTaylor’d Events by Jennifer
Lauren Barnes GarrThe Grand Papery Invitations
Kehaulani Petersen Sean OsakiThe Heathman Hotel & Bar
Melia SoldatiThe Heathman Lodge
Sheena KalsoThe Invisible Hostess
Heather CourtneyThe Manor
Candice SzarzecThe Petal and the Stem
Petrel ChapmanThe Wedding Cottage
Donna HoffThe Wedding Genies
Amy RichardsonTom Douglas Catering
Susan DuyckUltraViolet Events
Chérie & Pat RonningKevin RonningMelissa PogueUncommon Invites
Kurt Beadell Auriana AlbreeDavid RobinsonEmily CrumpackerPage WinogradEric SandstromMeg GoldmanChris BarrieKaren RichEmily MichelFaith AdamsVibrant Table Catering& Events
Brian DaleJillian CookWave Link Music, Inc.
Maureen HaleyWedding Officiant
Kelly HagermanWidmer Brothers Brewery
Tshombe BrownYour Signature Coaching
