It's totally awesome if you find an amazing group of people that you can network with off the bat , but keep in mind the sole purpose of networking, it is to connect with other people to grow your network and ultimately generate new business so if you attend one networking event and its not your cup of tea, cool, make the most of it and then on to the next but don't just say I tried that networking thing it didn't work and be done. 

You do realize that all the networking events you attend don't have to be with other wedding professional don't you ? There are so many local networking groups that have great ongoing events, educational workshops and networking opportunities that have nothing to do with weddings. Be sure you aren't missing out on great networking opportunities by thinking to narrow. The beauty of what we do as planner  is that people have all kinds of special events in the lives to celebrate so if you can simply connect with people you win. Check out some of these networks to see if there is one in your area: 

Association of Bridal Consultants
Tuesday's Together
National Association of Profesional Women 
​National Association of Catering and Events
​International Live Events Association 

Search networking events on Eventbrite and Meetup.com
Search Facebook online for local networking groups unique to your area.

If the type of networking event that you aspire to be apart of does not exist , then create it. There are people just like you that are craving a rodckstar network to be a part of and thrive in. Networking doesn't have to be this big super organized overly thought event but if done right it is how solid and strong that network is that matters. Reserve a table at a restaurant or favorite bistro post your event on www.meetup.com or www.eventbrite.com and sale free tickets and everyone be responsible for their own food and beverage. It can be that simple. Taking the initiative to start your own networking event also positions you as a leader among your peers. 

Shaun Cox of  www.TheShaunCox.com. Shaun Cox  is a Wedding Planner , Wedding Industry Mentor based in
 offering  training, consulting and education of Wedding Planners and wedding creatives nationwide. Shaun Cox is the owner of Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design  Chattanooga and Cleveland Tennessee Premier
Wedding Planning and Event Studio Owned by Coordinator and  Senior Wedding and Event Planner Shaun Cox.
Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design offers Wedding Day Event Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, Elopement Planning and Event Design Services for all your Social and Corporate Events.
Cue The Champagne Event Planning + Design caters to Weddings and Events
in Cleveland Tennessee, Chattanooga Tennessee, and surrounding Tennessee, North Georgia  Wedding locations and Worldwide. 
​

when things get rough they really seem to get rough . Know that is is completely okay and normal to have a breaking point . You could completely have it all together , a solid plan , every t crossed and every i dotted and guess what , something will still go wrong. Don't count yourself out. You are human . Get up dust your wedding planner hat off and get back at it !

Someone said Rome wasn't built in a day , well that was before my time. This planner is certainly familiar with Beyonce and where she started with Destiny's Child. I remember the pleather dresses and corn row braids, but wasn't the journey so amazing to watch and look at her now, rocking sold out tours with the be-hive behind her all the way . We too have a breakout moment , relish in the here and now so that you can celebrate the journey later. 

We live in a day of technology where we are always connected. Connected to the noise at any moments notice someone can reach out to you through social media and instantly we jump into action mode...........STOP. Take time to unplug and enjoy the silence. Silence gives you the opportunity to clear your thoughts, gain perspective, and connect on a more authentic and purposeful level to assess the next step on your journey. 

I hope you have enjoyed my ultimate guide on managing the struggle of setting boundaries in your own life both personal and professional . Until next week. 

Shaun Cox of  www.TheShaunCox.com. Shaun Cox  is a Wedding Planner , Wedding Industry Mentor based in
 offering  training, consulting and education of Wedding Planners and wedding creatives nationwide. Shaun Cox is the owner of Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design  Chattanooga and Cleveland Tennessee Premier
Wedding Planning and Event Studio Owned by Coordinator and  Senior Wedding and Event Planner Shaun Cox.
Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design offers Wedding Day Event Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, Elopement Planning and Event Design Services for all your Social and Corporate Events.
Cue The Champagne Event Planning + Design caters to Weddings and Events
in Cleveland Tennessee, Chattanooga Tennessee, and surrounding Tennessee, North Georgia  Wedding locations and Worldwide. 

It wasn't too long ago that we were here in this same place chatting with Isis Petrie Williams of Posh Events , we all know Isis to be a seasoned powerhouse when it comes to rocking fabulous events but I wanted a change of pace, I wanted some new blood! So, I found myself knocking on the door of Shamira Vargas heart and soul Savy Events ( and again, it's not a typo) . Shamira caught my attention on one of the million some social media platforms we all are engaged on, don't ask me which one , or I would have to lie to you and she warmly greeted me and said she would love to chat. We did not leave one table un-turned. Check it out , leave a comment and share your thoughts :)

So what is the story behind Savy Events, how did it all start ?

I started Savy Events shortly after I retired from the military. I knew for a fact when I got out of the military I no longer wanted to work for anyone. So I thought about all of the jobs I had growing up and which ones I liked and absolutely hated-- after much deliberation, praying and talking to my husband I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I pondered on the name of my company for a long time before it came to me. Many people think I spelled savvy wrong but I didn't. My family drives my company and because it is so big I had to come up with a spiffy way to include all 8 of us. So I give to you Shamira, Anthony Vargas and the youngins see there is a method to my madness. I mean for crying out loud I have a BA in English, I'm well aware of how to spell.

What does being classified as a " newbie" in the industry mean to you ?

Being a newbie...wow! That title is love and hate. I don't see myself as a newbie in the designing aspects of our job, it's more the business side and learning your market and how to maneuver in it. I refer to myself as the new kid on the block all the time because the company I worked for growing up was run by an older lady and so having an ironed out vision of who your ideal client was was never taught. It's cool being the "newbie" sometimes because I get to sit back and learn from planners all over the world on how they do things, handle specific situations and their stories behind their company via social outlets like Facebook and Periscope.

In your opinion what are the top three character traits a successful wedding planner need to have?

To be a successful planner you must first love what you do. You can't treat this job like someone's 9-5. Then I would say dedication. If you aren't dedicated to perfecting your craft and learning new things both you and your company will remain stagnant and great things will pass you by. Lastly perseverance. If you can't trek through the muck then this path isn't for you. Things don't happen over night and you have to be willing to stay in the ring and go the full 12 rounds. You can't let yourself by no means get knocked down in the first few rounds without getting up!

​What is your wedding planning Jam ? 

I would definitely coin myself as a logistics guru. I love planning and putting things in order.

What is your wedding industry pet peeve and how do you work around it ?

My biggest pet peeve is how caddy the industry is. I thought after I graduated high school and definitely college I had left all the conniving, back stabbing bull in my younger years. This industry if full of adults and it is time that we treat it as such. To avoid this I've found myself in a bubble much like the little boy in the movie. I hate being like this. We should be one big family able to bounce our potential clients around because maybe what they are looking for Sally down the way can execute it better than I can. Every couple isn't your couple but that doesn't mean leave them to fend for themselves in this big sea. Point them in the right direction.

What were the first three things you did in starting the foundation for your wedding planning business?

My goal was to launch my business right. I made sure I was licensed both locally and with the state. I then found an insurance company that covered everything that I wanted to do with my business starting out. And lastly I tackled marketing, I hired a web developer and sent my print materials to the press.


So the inspired wedding planner community wants to know what are Shamira Vargas top three go to items in her emergency kit?
​
Okay, so you all may laugh a little but that is okay. I haven't had to use much of the sewing stuff. My go to items have been deodorant, small liquor bottles and tissues.

As a new wedding planner what advice to you want to share with fellow planners at the start of their wedding planning career that are part of the Shaun Cox Inspired Wedding Planner community ?

Network. Network. Network! It's all about getting yourself in front of people to let them know you are here. If things are slow for you right now then set up lunch dates with other creatives such as photographers, videographers, rental companies and the beauty squad. It is also great to meet local venues and bridal boutiques too.

How can other Inspired Wedding Planners connect with you ? Please list any social media or web contact info you would like to reference for contact .

www.savyevents.com
​www.fb.com/savyplanning
@savyevents for Instagram and Periscope

In a industry where it seems like no one quite understands what it is we do let alone what  we go through as wedding and event planners ,we all need a girlfriend that we can sit down , chat, and sip a crisp glass of wine with and that is exactly what my Inspired Wedding Planner Tea post is all about. Industry BFF's its time to close the door, lock out the spouse and kids and get comfy to get the latest tea and perpsective from our own wedding planners in our community. This month we sat down and chatted with Isis Petrie Williams of Posh Events LLC located in Cherry Hill , NJ and I am sure you are going to take gain plenty of take aways and even question your own stance on some industry issues. 

So what is the story behind Posh Events LLC, how did it all start ?

POSH Events started in 2002 as a family affair. Formerly named PureNSimple Productions (the worst name ever), I started planning social events with my cousin who was big on the DC/California scene at the time. We were focused more on private events. I stumbled upon the Association of Bridal Consultants and switched focus to weddings and the business became more of my baby and focus than for the family.

In your opinion what are the top three character traits a successful wedding planner need to have?
​
Great personality (the ability to speak "the language" to multiple people in multiple positions at any given time, great networking skills (you need to have an abundance of resources) and the art of management...of both time and resources.

What is your wedding planning Jam ? 
​
Our goal is always to tell our couple's story. To give their guests insight into their real life relationship, through the 5 senses in a 5 hour span. We are big on family and the intimacy of the relationships we have with our couples. I don't take it lightly that I'm entrusted with helping people celebrate a day they will always remember and will share with future generations to come.

So inquiring minds want to know, what is your take on networking, is it required to be successful in this industry ?

Networking IS this industry. People work with people they like. We've all seen it, the "popular kid" that no one actually cares for and everyone talks about...you don't want to be them. As my father always says, it's actually NOT about who you know but more importantly, who knows you. Networking leads to referrals and a referral based business is the easiest to maintain.

What is your wedding industry pet peeve and how do you work around it ?

Liars. I do not like vendors who overpromise and under deliver. I form relationships from a perspective of tell me what you need to best do your job. I try to match my clients with the vendors I know can fulfill their needs. I always want it to be a win-win for all involved. Dishonesty, and saying you can do more than you realistically can, is a sure fire way to rub me the wrong way.

In what areas of your business have you seen the most success and what do you attribute that to ?
​
I'm honestly most proud of the team I've developed. You rarely see a weddingwire review, and we have many, that doesn't include some mention of my POSH girls. This is success in my eyes because I know I'm only as successful as my team. As we continue to do bigger events, bigger budgets, higher profile clients, having a team that just gets it, is what makes me feel like I'm finally doing this thing right.

So the inspired wedding planner community wants to know what Isis Petrie Williams believes to be the three most important items every planner needs in his/her emergency kit.
​
white duct tape-aisle runner anyone? safety pins-we have pinned many a bridesmaid into their dresses Wine-out- removes red wine stains from those pesky crisp white shirts the groomsmen are too drunk to care about.

So when you are not planning well exceuted events in the New Jersey, Philadelphia , New York area how do you spend your off time and how do you balance it all ?

My focus outside of my business is with my almost 9 year old superhero Chris. I'm a mom to seriously the best little boy ever and I enjoy seeing the world through his eyes. For grown up activities, I love to travel and while i'm away from home, find new places to shop and eat. I know that sounds greedy, but food really is my fancy.

You bring many years of experience to the industry what is the one piece of advice you would like to share and leave in the Hall of Fame with the The Shaun Cox Inspired Wedding Planner community ?

Find what works for you and do it. We all enter this business as a passion and somewhere along the way, we lose our footing often getting swept into the cyber world of who we need to be. When you feel overwhelmed (and you will), stop and take a look back at why you started this business. Who you wanted to help. What you love about weddings, and make sure as much as you can, you keep that as your "why". Don't ever compromise so much of yourself that you lose the love for what you're doing.

How can other Inspired Wedding Planners connect with you ? 

You may follow me on facebook at Isis Petrie Williams or our business page POSH Events, LLC or on ig at posheventsisis

You  all know I always talk about the importance of blogging as it is such a vital role in building SEO. Most recently I have been doing my own blog planning and I got really excited as I started to plan. There is so much  great content that I will be able to share with you, my Inspired Wedding Planner BFF's ,in the coming month. The first series you will see is my Listen Girl Mentoring +Mastermind Spotlight where I will showcase one of my very own Mentee Listen Girls as they have so much great knowledge to share so first up is Mrs. Brandi Robinson -Peart of B Posh Events.

​What is your Jam? 
​
So my jam is logistics and providing the perfect wedding team. I'm obsessed with connecting all the dots! And I am equally obsessed with providing awesome wedding vendors to create a awesome wedding experience for our couples. I believe in allowing professionals to do their thing. I let the linens company handle the linens, the floral company handle florals, the DJ with music and being the MC, the photographers and videographers capturing all the details. I just prefer to hire professionals and trust them to do their job and help bring my couples vision to life. I run each event like a production. I'm also obsessed with timelines. I believe in keeping everyone on schedule. It keeps things organized and on time.Out of all the weddings I have done,only one wedding ran beyond 10 minutes late and that was because the officiant showed up 30 minutes after ceremony time! I was furious and now that my lead associate planner is licensed to officiate weddings, we won't have that issue again! :-)

What made you apply to be apart of Listen Girl Mastermind and mentoring ?
​
I came upon Shaun (The Shaun Cox - LOL) on Periscope, my friend Tunisha (owner of Blessed With Crafts), shared a scope where Shaun was officiating a pop up wedding and I was immediately intrigued, so I started following her. Her scopes spoke to my soul! I promise you, I felt like I was looking in the mirror! She reminds me of a seasoned me! LOL She was just on point, her ways of explaining things just completely made sense. I loved that she was so willing to share, educate and just be herself. When she announced the Listen Girl Mentorship program, I jumped on that opportunity so fast! Like, I almost fell running to grab my laptop so I could apply! I knew that with her guidance, she would give me that push I needed to get my "ish" together. And oh boy, has she given me that push! She is genuinely invested in making sure her fellow wedding BFF's are winning!

​You recently did a company rebrand , please share more about the process and those things you learned during the process?

Gosh, let me tell you. Rebranding is no joke. Its like giving birth to a baby, minus the stretch marks. I had to be sure that whomever I was going to involve in this process, that they were passionate about my B Posh Events brand. I needed them to believe in me and understand my vision. I needed them to understand my needs and take my brand to a completely different level. I needed them to be patient with me and provide me with like 10 examples to select from regarding logos, templates, etc because I wanted my website to be attractive, untraditionally captivating, and a representation of my personality.

Lots of research needs to be done. Research your market regarding pricing. Really take time to list out the kind of client you want to attract. The content is very important. Be as informative as possible regarding the services you offer, but do not over inform (does that make sense?) Let me tell you what I learned during this process. I needed to be sure to collect every single professional photo that I can from every single photographer I work with for each event. As I was going through all the events I have planned, I have at least 10 events I failed to collect professional photos for. That is very unfortunate and I consider this a loss. Also, reviews. Shaun advised me to get my street cred up (Wedding Wire, FB reviews, Google Reviews) and I did. I reached out to former clients and begged them to complete a review on Wedding Wire for me. You may be great at this wedding planning thing, but how are people going to know that if you don't have reviews from "real clients"?

What types of things has Listen Girl been able to assist you with thus far in your business?

Two words, and that is to, LEVEL UP! Listen, these two words have been a common usage in my household by my husband and son for years. I guess its used and referenced in a game they play called ' Call of Duty", so it never really meant much to me until joining Listen Girl. So, Shaun is straight up, straight shooter no chaser and this is how she mentors you. She gives you the REAL. She guides you in the direction that you say you are wanting to head in.She has provided so much knowledge and samples of tools (The 90/10 Consultation, is amazing, yall need to go on her site and get that ASAP) that has worked best for her. And it is proven that her ways of doing things have indeed been successful ... check her receipts via google and Wedding Wire. Another perk is getting to connect with other wedding planners that are equally invested in being successful business women. Shaun along with the other ladies motivate me and push me to be AMAZING.

​If you could give any one piece of advice to aspiring or seasoned wedding planners that are looking to be inspired in their journey what would it be?

To be YOU! One attribute my clients, family and friends compliment me on is that I am not afraid to be myself regardless of any situation I am in. Be confident in what you do and what you stand for. Its perfectly ok to grow and change, but at the heart of it, continue to be YOU, and be a confident YOU. And if there is someone that does not want to work with you, because of your personality or your way of doing things, then I personally believe that maybe that particular business relationship isn't meant to be.

​How can other wedding planners in the community connect with you ? 

I absolutely love connecting! My goal is to meet as many wedding professionals from around the globe and learn from them all, and if you come to my city (Metro Detroit), hit me up so we can connect and chat!

Website: www.bposheventplanning.com
Email: [email protected]
My IG: bposhevents
My Personal Facebook page: Brandi Robinson Peart

Again Special Thanks Photographers : 
Akeem Casey Photography 
Teighlor Styles of the Art Institue of Michigan
My Touch Weddings

It is Wild Out Wednesday and what a better day to talk about Branding Your Style and leveling up your wedding planning business. As wedding planners we have so much to manage in our business it is easy to overlook that we are our business, even visually. I speak on personal appearance quite often and the image that we are given to potential clients, clients, and other wedding professionals and today I would like to share with you tips to get your wedding planning business on the right visual track. 

One of my personal dear industry friends Athena Devonne, Owner of Coalesce Creations Wedding Designs and Tutor at QC Event Planning School shared her very own ideas of how to Brand with Style. Check out her latest training video to incorporate more style into the visual aspect of your brand. To learn more about Athena Devonne and her responsibilities as a tutor click here for her full bio.  To learn more about your own Dallas Texas wedding dreams and love story being shared through Coalesce Creations designs click here to get started today . 

Shaun Cox Wedding Planner Mentor 
A D.I.Y. Affair Weddings and Events
Athena Devonne Dallas Texas Wedding Designer and QC Event Planning School Tutor 
QC Event Planning School 

Want to use this post in your E-newsletter, blog, 
or website? Feel free as long as you include this complete
statement: Chattanooga and Cleveland Tennessee Premier
Wedding Coordinator and Wedding Planner Mentor Shaun Cox of A D.I.Y. Affair Weddings and The Shaun Cox Personal Brand 
 publishes the Inspired Wedding Planner Education blog filled with secrets,
tips and how-to's for operating your wedding planning business. Get your
exclusive  tips and tricks
at www.TheShaunCox.com. Shaun Cox  is a Wedding Planner Mentor based in
Cleveland Tennessee, training and educating Wedding Planners nationwide. 

It is the begining of 2016 , things are just getting started and there is one big thing  I need to remind you of : 

The road of Entrepreneurship is not an easy one. 

1. Understand that your journey is not for everyone to understand. 
Are you surprised ? Everyone will not get it, most will not understand why you would want to work for yourself. This is hard for people to grasp as we live in a world where we are slaves to helping other companies and organization to advance their goals but we are to afraid to advance of our dream and goals. However, you and I are different , we get it , and if it is just the two of us in the world that understand , then trust it is enough!

2. Earn and Demand Respect

 - Do not cave into negotiation of your rates and pricing. Services may can be negotiated but your rate should never be up for question. If it is then this is probably not your ideal client.

-Don't do it for free. Okay so a philantrophy project of your choosing is one thing , we all can stand to give something back but it should always be your choice and your terms with how much you do for free and when. Also understand anytime  you do something for free you should stand to benefit from it, maybe it boost your portfolio , maybe it gets you a mention on a local news station. Ask yourself what does my company stand to gain from this venture. You are a business first not a charity or a hobbyist.

-Don't let people call your wedding planning business a hobby. Tell them exactly what it is,  a full- time lucrative passion career that supports you and your families life goals. Anytime someone tries to diminsh what you do , check them immediatly , with the look of death that they wouldn't think of trying to try you ever again. 

-Don't let people pick your brain. That is like saying " can I use you" . Would you openly and warly welcome someone to do that? i don't think so . Any type of engagement, meeting or networking  event should always be mutually beneficial . If you are leaving a meeting feeling bone dry , feeling as though the only thing you gained was loss of time, then I challenge you to stop doing this to yourself and become proactive in those meetings you choose to take part in.

3.Don't Give up and don't give in .

-We can all have an off day , even an off season, but guess what you reflect on what went wrong, what you need to change and you move forward. Ask yourself how bad do you want it and if you are so quick to throw in the towel then maybe you don't want it bad enough.  Stop doubting yourself and live in your existence and tredge on triumphantly.

I certainly hope you found something inspiring that you can go back apply and levelup in your own business , be sure to check back oftern for new Freebies , ongoing self study training opportunities and openinings into my Listen Girl Mentoring and Mastermind Sessions for the Working Girl Boss. 

It is Launch day for my personal brand The Shaun Cox and I am so excited to share this day with each one of you amazing Inspired Wedding Planners.

This project came in the midst of planning a new venture that I shared with you 40 days ago using the hastag #30daylaunchchallenge.  This new concept of a "planning division" of A D.I.Y. Affair Weddings and Events was  brought to me by one of my Associate Wedding Coordinators. In the start of phase of planning and laying the foundation of who the target market would be for this new project I found myself lost and confused as to who the target market of this project would be. I stepped back and continued to focus on being me, running the day to day operations of A D.I.Y. Affair Weddings and Events and continuing my social media craze of posting , posting posting and engagement with you guys because that is what I truly have a passion for. The #30daylaunchchallenge did not go away what I was launching simply changed, and that is what we do in life right when the wind blows and it doesn't feel so good we go and reaccess the situation and start fresh right ? That is what you are experiencing right now with the launch of my personal brand The Shaun Cox 

Every since I started scoping there hasn't been a day that has gone by that a fellow Inspired Wedding Planner hasn't reached out to me to send a thanks for me being me or simply sharing her story. This really started to speak to me, so I decided to create a space where I can continue to connect with fellow Inspired Planners whether it is 1:00 am and everyone is sleep and you can come here to be inspired in a blog post , or whether you are revamping your business during engagement season and you feel like it is the perfect time to take on a self study course that you can complete in less than two hours to get you on the fast track. I may not know what your exact needs are but having a space that encourages enagement gives us the perfect platform to connect and continue to thrive in this online community that we have created and will allow me to hear your needs along the way.

Now here is the thing , I will not be creating an online Facebook group. For me personally I can sometimes get overwhelmed and distracted and hearing the noise of what everyone else has going on I find it can sometime be a distraction, so I do not have a desire to create a mass group. Also with that comes the responsibility of facilitating the group so that the goal and the mission thrives and well such a commitment keeps me from focusing on other areas I feel I need to prioritize. However, I have created the perfect spot here on The Shaun Cox with our Advice page , all you have to do is fill out the form and I will select one question to address on Persicope on Sundays for  Q & A Planner to Planner Sunday. Another bonus.............. I will be launcing a Mentoring and Mastermind group called
" Listen Girl" in January. This will be an intimate group of ladies that would like to take their commitment to workng on their business goal a bit more seriously and get focused. "Listen Girl" will be by application only and will be limited to 10 or fewer ladies. The sessions will run in 6 months cycles which gives me the opportunity to connect and work with up to 20 Inspired Wedding Planners each year! " Listen Girl " is an investment based mentoring- mastermind program. Why the cost ? It raises the accountability factor for me , to drive you as your mentor and it increases the accountability for you to put in actionable steps !