Blurred Lines Part 2: The Power in ‘Pin’ and Pen

The second article in our Blurred Lines series is about giving proper credit and honoring our agreements.  Our reputation and integrity play a big part in these.

The Power in Pinterest

2 in 5 brides use Pinterest to share their ideas with other brides, vendors, and their planners.  For example, internet dream boards have become very popular.  These are a great tool, but they need to be used responsibly.

The lines become blurred when you take credit for something you did not do.  When you pin, be sure to give proper credit for pictures that are not yours.  Your credibility with your vendors may become compromised, because you did not give them credit for their work.  Are they still going to want to work with you?

Here are a few tips to help you get started in using Pinterest for your business responsibly:

• Familiarize yourself with Pinterest rules and guidelines thru the “Help Section”.
• Brand yourself through Pinterest.  Display your creativity and unique ideas.
• Download the Pinterest app to your phone, and take pictures and post them throughout the day.
• Add searchable data and descriptions to your pins.
• Provide quality, not quantity.  Comment on other pins.

Contracts – The Power in your Pen

When you sign a contract, it is a legal binding agreement.  This means you agree to provide the couple with services, and they agree to pay for them.  The problem begins when a client does not completely understand something on the contract and signs anyway.

Solution:  Have your contract reviewed by a lawyer.  Make sure you are covered for the unexpected.  Write it in language you can understand.  If you do not understand it, how can you explain it to someone else?  It is equally important to go over the contract with your client, and have them initial that they have read and understood.

The outcome in following these criteria will not only show you are a person of integrity, but it will also create a good reputation for your business name.  Vendors will look forward to working with you and will recommend you to others.  Brides will know what they are getting, appreciate you and recommend you to others as well.

The ACPWC and its members take pride in helping you become strong, successful wedding planner business owners with integrity.  We are all about ‘members helping members to succeed’.  Find out how you can become a member here.

The next article in our series will be about:  Defining and Managing Expectations