Bridal Show update - we're in the Guide!

If you go to http://www.pwg.com/ and in their vendor section click on cakes, you will find our listing and picture.  Our phone number and web address is listed.  We are down to 16 days and there is still so much to be done.   Once more little essentials are put together I'll begin posting pre-show pictures.

Lavender and Ivory Roses Wedding Cake
Gregory Wedding, 2008

Professionalism and great service!

Just as like everyone else I am consumer.  I am advertised to, marketed to and hit by sales pitches every day.   One marketing campaign that has the biggest impact, and is absolutely free, is the tried and true word of mouth effect.  It is said that for every good experience one or two people will know about it but for every bad experience at least 20 people will know immediately.  The fact is, we tend to spread the news more quickly when we have experienced something bad.  We do talk about the positive experiences but just not as quickly.  The plain and simple truth is a customer complaint is a huge black mark against any business.

When I hear complaints from brides I am speaking with I am often appalled at the manner in which they've been treated.  These are ladies who are preparing for one of the biggest days in their lives and they walk away feeling like they are unimportant;  just another client.  It can have a negative impact on the whole wedding community when their experiences are less than stellar and they begin to view all vendors in this light.

I recently had such an experience during a tasting.  While discussing the different aspects of the cake they were sampling the couple began to tell me of a tasting they had recently had at another bakery.  They had very little good to say about the event.  They continued to tell me about how many bakeries and cake caterers they had contacted who had not even returned their calls for an appointment.  They were amazed at how difficult it was proving to be to find a "professional" baker in the area.  I was stunned, not only on a professional level but on a personal level as well.   To call a bakery to ask for an appointment to taste wedding cake samples and not even get a phone call returned?  It's just rude and a bad business practice.

What has happened to professional courtesy in the service world?   It is the level of service and professionalism you provide that could be what shapes the decision of whether or not you are contracted by someone with their most special of days - their wedding.   Because I was available to take a phone call I was able to meet a wonderful couple, have great conversation and, after a second meeting, hope to bring them a beautiful cake to help them celebrate their special day.

Just remember that everyone is a consumer!  Give the service and professional attitude you expect to receive when dealing with other professionals because they are consumers, too. 

Preparing for the Bridal Show - Part 1

      I'm very new to blogging it felt right to start off with our preparations for the Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show that will be held at the Durham Marriott on September 12, 2010 from 1 pm to 4 pm.  Ths is my first big event and while I'm super excited I'm also extremely nervous.   There is so much to do but I feel I am on target.   
     I have lined up some great assistants: Nancy Stroud, my mom, Jennifer Nichols, long time best friend, and Alison Byrd, very good friend and client.   There will be more posts concerning this event and some preshow photos. 

Any bride who would like a free ticket to this event can place a request through comment or go through the website and email me directly from www.southerngoldleafcakes.com. 



http://www.perfectweddingguide.com/

It's new and coming soon!

Hello to everyone out there.  As I learn this new tool please be patient as the blog is born. 
We hope to bring you all kinds of information, photos and general cake related "stuff" through this new blog.