In this industry too many people consider anyone offering the same service as their competition rather than their colleague.

 

In this area there are a group of “veteran” planners who get together on a fairly regular basis for lunch – to chat – and to discuss the industry in the area…

 

Taking this one step farther – I am a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) – there are close to 85 members in this region….

 

Some are “novice’ members who are just starting out – others are “consultant’ members who have more experience and established businesses.

 

Recently I took the over the association directors position for the Greater Philadelphia Regional Networking Group – members include everyone in Pennsylvania as far west as State College – and the entire state of Delaware…we also network on a regular basis with the consultant group in South Jersey.

 

Several weeks ago I offered to host a regional meeting in conjunction with South Jersey – figuring with the holidays we might get a very small turnout – I thought it might be easiest to host it here in my home /office…

 

We had 20 consultants RSVP – from as far away as Bear, Delaware- Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

 

We had a great evening of networking, building relationships, discussion of trends in the industry and tasting some great holiday cookies.

 

Looking at the association as a tool to build colleagues- we all came to share and learn.

 

When looking for a professional wedding consultant – it is always wise to look for one who is a member of an association, does some kind on annual continuing education and has built a network of colleagues.