Alan Berg speaking at the Galway Bay Hotel, Ireland
I just got back from speaking in Ireland for weddingsonline.ie, the busiest wedding website in the country. We had 3 conferences in Cork, Galway and Donegal where I had the opportunity to meet some great wedding pros. It’s actually my third time speaking in Ireland since November. What strikes me, as I reflect on the events and networking, is how similar wedding pros are, wherever I go. I presented “We Want Action, Conversion is the Key to Your Success”, “Angry Brides, Protecting Your Online Reputation” and “Creating an Exceptional Customer Experience”, 3 of my favorite topics.
We’re a lot alike
I’ve had the privilege of speaking around the US, Canada, Mexico and now Ireland and, other than a few cultural differences, the business of weddings and events is pretty much the same. Even just traveling around the US there are many differences in the weddings themselves, but the business side is similar. You’re all trying to identify your target audience, put yourselves in front of them and get them to take a series of actions to get closer to doing business with you… because it’s rarely one step.
My wife, Carole and I at the amazing Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland. It looks like something out of a Harry Potter movie.
Start with the basics
This, of course, starts with having a great website, because no matter what your service or product, no matter the country or language, that’s where today’s couples are starting. Next identify your target audience and find where they go looking for businesses like yours. No matter how they first find you, weddingsonline.ie, weddingwire.com, magazines, bridal shows… whatever, they’re going to head to your website to find out more.
Success breeds success
Another thing I find all over are successful businesses, despite the economic conditions. Some people are thriving while others are crying the blues. What do the successful businesses have in common? A success mindset. That’s why some come out to conferences and others choose not to. Successful business people see these educational opportunities as investments in their businesses and themselves, while others look strictly at the cost (exactly what they don’t want their clients doing).
The WeddingsOnline conference team, from left to right: Alister Kidd, Nicholas Bukavec, Jonathan Bryans, Alan Berg, Rory MacDonald, Peter Bryans, Robert Truesdale, Mark Richardson
At one of the Ireland conferences there were some vendors who were shaking their heads saying why a particular idea wouldn’t work, while others, in the same room, were agreeing with why it would, for them. Both were right, because as soon as you think it won’t work, you’re right… for you anyway. Henry Ford once said (I’m paraphrasing) “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you’re right”.
A commitment to education
So, thanks to weddingsonline.ie for inviting me to present at these conferences. They were not infomercials for their company, they were a way to show the local wedding pros that weddingsonline.ie is committed to bringing quality education to them, making it convenient, affordable and accessible. Thanks to Mark Richardson, the other conference speaker, for his inspirational content, and also for being my chauffeur between the cities. We logged about 600 miles, circling the island, over 5 days, speaking at 3 conferences from 9am-5pm each time. I’m exhausted. Mark has to be even more so.
Please enjoy some of the photos from the conferences. If you’d like to find out more about weddingsonline.ie and how they can help your business reach more brides, you can reach out to them at [email protected]
If you’d like to find out about having me speak for your conference, group, company or association, domestically or international, call or email me, 732-422-6362.
A beautiful waterway in Galway City, Ireland
Mark and Alan speaking at Fota Island Resort, Cork, Ireland
Mark Richardson speaking at Harvey’s Point, Donegal, Ireland