This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on April 15th, 2015 with Deborah Moody the executive director with the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Deborah Moody Biography:

Deborah began her wedding planning career in 1995, after completing her training through the ACPWC. She immediately joined the Association where she served as the Chairperson for several years, before talking over as director, 5 years ago. Since assuming the position she has moved the association forward in its thinking and processing. Deborah continues to challenge herself and her members with business improvements and self development through education and training. She’s committed to mentoring business-minded individuals, in a similar fashion to the Together platform, in her business in order to help everyone involved prosper. As a result of her untiring dedication to the Association, she was presented with “Spirit Award”, received by a select few. Deborah has represented the ACPWC at the Wedding MBA, in Las Vegas, NV, in Ireland at the Limerick Bridal show, and she has also spoken at the International Bridal Expo in Beijing China. Having studied business at San Jose University, Deborah combined her business and wedding skills and attained the title of “Certified Wedding Consultant”, the highest level of achievement given in the industry. She has been acknowledged in the Cambridge Who’s Who for leadership and achievement in her profession.

Deborah has been quoted in Black Enterprise, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Perspective Newsletter, and the San Francisco Chronicle. She had written articles for wedding publications including, WedLock Magazine, Sophisticated Groom, Serendipity, and California South Asian Bride. She was also a guest on the KDOW radio -Business on the Edge segment.

See More Information at http://www.acpwc.com

 

Q1: Growing up what is everyone’s first experience with customer service?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: 3 Rules: Treat others the way you want to be treated, share your toys, remember to say, please and thank you.

 

 

Q2: How does the toy the slinky reflect what we experience in business?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: Peaks/Valleys. Give/take=compromises. Balance, flexibility, stay connected, being grounded. Rolling=indecision or forward momentum.

 

 

Q3: Why taking a different view of peaks & valleys isn’t always a bad thing?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: Stay on top of your game. Valleys-challenge us to push harder, think smarter. Opportunities for change. Step out of ordinary into extraordinary.

 

Q4: What is a peak? What do we need to do to keep it going?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: Peaks – You are on track. Monitor, duplicate or modifying and keep evolving. Leading and mentoring opportunities.

Q5: What is a valley? How can we take this opportunity to step out of the ordinary into the extraordinary?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: A lull, systems are not aligned. Op for learning & growing. Think outside the box. Be creative/inventive. Open to new ideas. Do what others won’t.

Q6: What does circular represent?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: Roll forward-Progress, Roll backwards- time for reevaluation, Sideways -necessary to more forward in new direction Back & forth – indecision

 

Q7: Why should we be searching for balance in business & family?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: A way to be completely engaged in whatever activity we are in. If with family be with family, not on cell phone! If we are working, set guidelines for family.

 

 

Q8: Why should we beware of burnout?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: Burnout is a key factor in bus. failure. Wearing too many hats, inefficient use of time, over extending: financially, physically and emotionally.

 

 

Q9: Why flexibility and being open to new ideas is important?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: Wedding industry constantly changing, brides are too. They want it all, they want it now & they want you to make it happen. have to be able to keep up with trends.

 

Q10: Why is it important to stay connected?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: In today’s market connections are how we do business. It’s not what you know, but who you know and what they have to offer.

 

 

Q11: Why building relationships, developing partnerships and collaborating on ideas can bring positive results?

 

Answer: The industry is interdependent. These 3 elements strengthen the industry, it’s buying power and camaraderie. Working together provides a new approach to an old idea.

 

Q12: Why do wedding companies forget their original shape, initial goal or the basic principles over time?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: They are trying to please everyone instead of trying to maintain the foundation/principles their co. was founded upon. Bottom line, trying to make money.

 

@danieladegrassi referring to Q12 Lack of a business plan?

Answer

Deborah Moody: Yes! We have to have a written plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

 

Q13: Why do wedding companies need to get back to the basics?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: Unfortunately people have gotten away from core values. Forgotten about common courtesy, customer service and the love of helping people vs. the love of money.

 

Q14: What other problems areas are big concerns for #weddingmarket companies?

 

Answer

 

Deborah Moody: The biggest problem is under pricing. Set expectations at first meeting.

 

Q15: What would you like everyone to take from this #WeddingMarket Chat?

 

Answer

Deborah Moody: Good core values and integrity are all the customer service tools you need. Wedding Planner Course May 1-3 San Jose. Wedding Design add course -May 4. http://ow.ly/LEu7L

 

#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:

 

@HappyHanky Do you have any tips/ideas on how to reward loyal customers?

Deborah Moody: Special pricing or add on bonus gifts.

 

@DreamyWeddingSK How should a full time worker go about entrepreneurship and completing courses in the wedding industry?

 

Deborah Moody: Home study program.

 

@BridalBalance Are there any new trends or services brides are looking for today?
Deborah Moody: Always new trends.. Networking helps you to keep up.
@danieladegrassi Speaking about trends. Would you consider Wedding Blogs the most influential Trend Setters in wedding industry now?

Deborah Moody: Yes, Pinterest is also great!

 

@FrillsBridal What’s the best way to stay in touch? social media? in person?

Deborah Moody: Social media is first response and then phone call or texts.