1. Choosing Suppliers

A) Think Outside The Book! - The more you can encourage your customer to customize an invitation that has their own stamp of individuality melded with your creativity, the more you are immunizing yourself against your company being used as a library to collect item numbers, the less you are fostering the breeding ground for discounting and the less likely you will be perceived as a business that has no originality.

B) Consider consolidating the companies you promote and focus on companies that in addition to filling product needs in the marketplace and providing good service, also offer incentives based on sales volume. These incentives often mean reductions on your invoice that can over a year's time add several thousand dollars in addition profit, while enjoying the enhanced service higher volume accounts tend to receive.

2. Credit Cards—Accept credit cards as it enhances credibility and will make many more sales, help you drive your customers beyond their preconceived budget limitations. It is so much easier and less painful for a customer to give you their credit card and have them sign a little sales slip than parting with cash and or writing a check and having to face what the balance is in their checking account after they write the check. Also credit cards are a very important method of payment if you are seeking commitment on the spot.

3. Finding an employee—One of the best starting points in finding a good potential employee is to always look at your customers as if you were interviewing them for a job. Make a note of customers you think would make a good employee. Satisfied customers make good employees. They have been trained from the customer perspective. They are a proactive talking testimonial that can sell your products with confidence and enthusiasm.

4. Testimonials—Testimonials are a pathway to winning business. Testimonials are written praise from satisfied customers that you can display for potential customers to see. The best way to generate testimonials is to ask for them. Many satisfied customers will be willing to write a few thoughts down on either a thank-you card or letter. This strategy is crucial for a new business because getting these words of praise can be the strongest influence you have on winning new customers. It helps detour the customer from the apprehension that you don't have longevity.

5. Creating A Press Kit And Sending Press Releases—You will see sporadic articles in newspapers and magazines that are industry related besides targeted publications where this type of content would be the norm. Numerous magazines have special features that may revolve around bridal. Some major newspapers actually have special sections and pullouts where the editorial and advertising is focused on bridal.

Often the articles are either submitted by an outside source, or purchased from a wire service such as Copley, Associated Press or Gannett news service, which is a content provider for the media. When a staff writer or freelance writer writes an article on assignment, much of the content is garnered from quotes and input from businesses like yours.

Unless you are either an industry leader, a profoundly large advertiser, or have an inside media contact, you are unlikely to be sought out for your input. You need to let the media you know you are viable resource. You do that by preparing a press kit. The right editorial exposure can be a very powerful aid in increasing your business plus at the same time building your creditability and prestige.

		Looking for more guidance? Do you want invitation industry specific ideas on sales, marketing, attracting an upscale clientele, and how to combat discounting? Would you like to understand the Internet from an industry perspective? The Invitation Business Report written by Brian Lawrence, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, is now available. Click here to order your copy.