Wedding Referrals

[blazinphotography]

Can someone please tell me what is the best way to get wedding Referrals from other businesses such as wedding cakes, bridal shops, wedding planners ect.. What did you have to due and did you have much luck? Thank you in advance

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Mike,

You will have to go meet with each of those vendors individually and *sell* yourself to each of them. No one is going to refer business to you unless they know *for sure* that you are worth referring.

- Wil

[blazinphotography]

I understand that, I have not done this before and was wondering if anyone had tips on landing this deal. Thanks for the response

[HotHolly]

You need a portfolio and experience. No one will want to risk recommending you if you dont have a track record established yet. If you have those then you can go onto step #2. Be forward. The best way to get in is to go in. Carefully select vendors who also target your demographic. eg. Dont go into the $49 wedding gown store if you want to sell photography packages starting at $5K. The best way to get WOM is to make sure they know you, not just know of you. When someone KNOWS you and recommends you, you are way more likely to get hired. The best way to shove your foot in the door is to literally shove your foot in the door. Also, you might want to offer the vendor something special for their brides. This gives the vendor more leverage in landing the bride themselves. eg - $50 gift card to your studio good towards wedding package A or B. And realize vendors get bombarded with solicitations every day - be memorable and consider what they could use. Make it a win:win situation and they are more likely to push you. ;o)

[blazinphotography]

Thank you holly this is very informative. Have you had much luck?

[HotHolly]

Yep. I have vendors coming after me now. No one wants to know you when you are getting started...everyone wants to be your friend once they think your d'bomb. Shove your foot in the door. Worse that happens is you dont get in.