Q1: Now you got involved with design beginning with retail first?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: I did! I started at Pier 1 Imports and then Pottery Barn. I’ve always loved design since I was a kid.

Q2: How did you get involved with design events & weddings?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: It was totally by accident. I was looking for a new path and was hired as an assistant in the wedding field. I instantly fell in love with this new path!

Q3: What made you decide to go out on your own & start your own company?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: Honestly, I had NO intention of starting my own company. I had shifted for a short time from weddings to corporate and totally didn’t like it . So my partner suggested I start my own company. That’s how I went out on my own. Took a huge risk and it paid off!

@JulieAlbaugh What other types of events do you plan besides weddings?

Shawn Rabideau: I plan bar / bat mitzvahs, corporate, christenings, 40th / 50th Birthdays. Have party will plan.

Q4: What advice would you have for new wedding pros just starting out?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: Sound like the usual answer, but NEVER EVER give up! Keep the faith and work hard! Most of all be true to yourself.

@JulieAlbaugh When just starting out how do you determine what your brand is?

Shawn Rabideau: What is your product? Services? What is in your area of the market and what can make you stand out!

Q5: How have you taken your company to the next level?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: Just last year I launched a new stationery line. #ShawnRabideauStationery. It’s sold in about 50 stores nationwide and on @Finestationery. It just made sense to launch something that involved design and fit well with my client base.

Q6: How did you become part of Reality TV shows?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: I’ve always loved being on TV. I went to school for Journalism. I first started on #WhosWeddingisitAnyway. Then @Bethenny found me on @theknot.

Q7: What areas should wedding pros be aware of which can Compromise Your Brand?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: Knowing when to say yes or no. Not letting clients take advantage of you. Branching out to something that doesn’t tie back to your brand.

@JenDeFig Concerning Q7, how do you gracefully turn down work that doesn’t fit with your brand?

Shawn Rabideau: @jendefig say it’s not the right fit, but I think I know someone that could be good for you. Refer business to a competitor.

Q8: What about the types of logos that you use for your business or how your Website looks?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: I chose something very simple. the S|R in my name is my logo designed as a bug. Then my name. I chose that because down the road I want to be able to put it on products like stationery. I want people to just look at the S|R and know it’s me. And to be honest, simple logos are often the most successful. A logo is an essential part of branding. It is a visual representation of your brand or business that sticks with people. Hence, logo designs can really anchor the availability of your products and can make your business more memorable in the target market. So, while deciding for a logo, business owners could take help of graphic design agencies (Timmermann Group being one of them) that can create compelling logos.
@JulieAlbaugh Is your brand more than just a logo?

ShawnRabideau: A brand isn’t just a logo. It’s about your personality, maybe the way you dress, the way you present proposals.

Q9: What about the events that you are associated with ? Is this important to your brand?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: I’m very careful about what events I do or don’t do. I like to go to events where I can meet people and connect. It helps to take a pulse on the industry. It’s very important to stay connect. But you shouldn’t go to an envelope opening. Events are time and time is money. So I only go to ones that I know relate to my business.

Q10: How do you make sure you stay on track without compromising your brand?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: You have to know when to say no. It’s hard, but SO necessary. I think we’re all afraid of saying no to a client. But you sometimes have to. By not saying no it can compromise your brand. The client isn’t always right so it’s up to us to guide them and say no. Also you should know when say no to yourself. Don’t do something that doesn’t tie back to what you do. If you’re a caterer don’t start selling linens.

I always like to take a step back and look at what direction I’m going. Then if I need to switch gears I do. Currently I’m in the process of reworking my website, working and polishing my brand overall. It took me a bit to come to that conclusion, but when I did I was so excited and the new prospects that lie ahead in make those changes.

@JulieAlbaugh If you say no to a bride what alternatives do you give her?

Shawn Rabideau: Never say “No” to a bride unless you can back it up with another option or plan.

Q11: How about the use of social media?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: You have to find a balance with social media. It’s good and bad at the same time. It’s great to stay connected with like minded people. It’s great to show what you’re doing and giving ideas and thoughts on your field of business.

It’s bad though because some people use it to vent or express negative thoughts. I see businesses do this all the time and I cringe. I honestly try to stay positive. The saying if you don’t have something nice to say don’t say it holds true for me with social media.

I think social media should be used to promote your brand and business, especially if your company is named after your name. I have heard that many aspiring entrepreneurs often take the help of influencers to promote their brand on social media platforms like Instagram. Those in the know told me once that influences with a huge fan following (which they probably had acquired from the best site to buy Instagram followers) can help brands be more visible in the market. To me, this strategy seems very interesting.

To be honest, I have given thought to brand promotion on social media. That is why my business-related social media account is separate from my personal account. I actually use a different personal Facebook page that is highly restricted, but even that I don’t post much on.

Q12: How do you use social media daily and weekly?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: So this may go against what I just said, but I am sometimes really bad at posting to social media. I honestly sometimes forget to post to twitter, facebook, instagram, etc. Mostly because I focus so much on my clients and honestly, technology is NOT my friend. I’m very old fashioned that way. If I had a rotary phone I’d still be happy! Seriously though when I do post I try to post positive thoughts. I try to let people know what I’m doing. I’m trying to get better at social media.

Q13: How about being interviewed on a TV segment? How do you prepare?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: Great question! First you have to ask the producer / report what is the angle of the piece. Does it fit with your brand? I’ve turned down many interviews because they just didn’t work for me. I didn’t feel comfortable. So I said no. Then if you do the interview and the angle works for your brand ask for a list of questions before you answer. And don’t let the interviewer always steer the interview. You’re the expert! They’re interviewing you because they want your knowledge! So if you know something the rest of the world doesn’t say so! Don’t always agree with the interviewer. Give the best, clear and accurate information.

@JulieAlbaugh How do you keep control over the TV or Newspaper Interview?

Shawn Rabideau: Let interviewer know your the expert in charge. You tell them what you want people to know. Not the other way!

Q14: Can your Brand be Compromised By the Wedding Pros You Work With?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: 100% YES! If you’re a planner and you recommend a bad band or photographer you’ll get blamed. I work with vendors that I’ve know ever since I’ve been in the biz. And there are some I know longer work with. You have to work with people and businesses that meet your standards. Same goes for clients. I’ve actually turned down business because I didn’t think the results would do well for my name.

Q15: What are the latest wedding trends that you are seeing?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: Vintage is still hot! Mixed and matched décor. Lace is still hot. Bride and groom branding is hot. Smaller weddings.

@JulieAlbaugh What wedding traditions or trends are going away?

Shawn Rabideau: Candy bars can’t go away fast enough same with cupcakes!

Q16: Do you have any events or interesting projects coming up?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: Aside from my own wedding in the fall…Seriously though, we have a lot of weddings, few bat mitzvahs and some corporate. I like that we do a mix and range of events. It allows things to ebb and flow.

Q17: What would you like everyone to take away from this #weddingmarket chat?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: Again, knowing what works for your friends business may not work for yours. Know when to say no and know when to say yes. Risks are sometimes big payoffs. And know, we all make bad choices. Learn and grow from them and always stay true to yourself!

#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:

1. @CTPEvents How do you suggest that one define their brand?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: The brand should reflect who you are, your business and identify you so that you stand out from others.

2. @FrillsBridal What are your thoughts on business taglines? Can they help spread the word or is a great logo all you need?

Shawn Rabideau: I think a good tag line is nice. But nothing too cheesy! Sometimes a good logo is ALL you need!

3. @TheHoneymoonGal Do you encourage “dressing” to match your brand?

Shawn Rabideau: 100% Dress for success and for your brand! Be who you are at all times!

@TheHoneymoonGal Great! So dress does not necessarily have to mean wear logo all over my clothing right?

Shawn Rabideau: NO, no, no no logos, just dress nice!

4. @NaturalBride Before obtaining a publicist. How did you go about getting features, interviews etc?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: I don’t have a publicist, I got all the work on my own.

@NaturalBride Do you reach out to companies to feature your work?

Shawn Rabideau: Simple answer is NO.

5. @Jendefig So, when you’re starting out, it’s better to be patient and refuse work than risk damaging your brand?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: That’s a great question! Only you can answer that. But sometimes yes, say no if you gut says so.

@Jendefig How do you recommend connecting with other wedding professionals that share a similar brand identity?

Shawn Rabideau: Great ?! Network, network, network! Attend national and regional industry related conferences and events.

6. @Pea2Tree_Events what target market are the clients you serve? And how did you decide that’s the one you wanted to go after?

Answer:

Shawn Rabideau: It evolved over time. I had to adjust how I operate to meet clientel. Brands are always evolving & changing