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New Year, new you! It’s time to get this year off on the right foot. Please allow me to share some teeny-tiny business tips with major-massive business results. They won’t take you long to do but you’ll be glad you did!
1. Audit your website- When a potential bride comes a knockin’ she’s likely going to be visiting your website early in the game. Go through it with fresh eyes as if you’ve never seen your site. Be sure it loads quickly, is easy-to-follow, and that you have a clear call to action.
2. Move ‘em from the back to the front- We all have our list of things we plan to get to “someday”. Sadly many things get pushed back so often they never get done. Solution: Figure out three things you’ve put on the back burner and move them to the front.
 3. Keep YOU healthy- If the head honcho is down with poor health the business is going to suffer. Stay on top of your annual maintenance like doctor and dental visits. Do whatever you like to do to stay in tip-top health including eating well, exercising, and sleep.4. Organize, organize, organize- You’re in charge of your schedule, so be sure you take control right out of the gate. When you’re reacting to things you can never be as effective as when you are calling the shots. Put the big dates in your calendar and work the smaller ones in on YOUR TIME.
5. Block out vacation time NOW- You’ve witnessed firsthand how quickly dates fill up, right? So plan what’s important to you in the year ahead and put those dates in ink. If you’re not rejuvenated you won’t bring you’re A-game.
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7. Give yourself a pay raise- More often than not wedding and event planners tend to undercharge and end up making only pennies per hour. (I know! I did this for years myself.) Have an honest look at your program packages, then a separate look at how much money you want to make this year. Often we can be our own worst enemies. (Psst! I have secrets to share with you about getting over this hurdle in Vegas at the “Grace and Luxury”.)
8. Create a vendor and venue hit list- We all have our dream connections in business. Think of who you’d really like to meet and build a relationship with in 2011. Don’t hold yourself back or think small. Be bold and imagine that “big fish” you’d love to reel in. Start by writing the list. The “how” to connect will come later.
9. Set up the environment to invite in big ideas- Sounds a little woo-woo but it’s true…we all attract better ideas when we allow our surroundings to support them. Sy got me a cozy daybed with pretty pillows recently. Not only can I chill with Declan but I scattered around artwork I love and my journal so I’m ready for relaxation or inspiration. Trust me, it works!
10. Spend 15 minutes per day decluttering- Clutter actually takes up space and energy in your mind. You don’t have to conquer it all at once. Just take a short block of time everyday to get rid of old mail, outdated products, or even clothes you don’t wear anymore. When you create the space for new things to come into, the Universe works with you!
11. Be the Rockstar that you are!- Pamper you a little. Figure out something that feeds your spirit and put it into your calendar STAT! If you love massage, get a regular massage. If taking care of your nails makes you feel elegant, go to a salon. If it’s a quiet date with yourself where you can just think, ask yourself out and go on your own! The bottom line is you need to reward yourself regularly so you have something to look forward to. Not to mention…you deserve it. You’re a Rockstar!
Ciara’s Rockstar Advice
Hanging on to past grudges really only hurts you. This is a New Year and it can be whatever you want it to be. I don’t want you to suffer. After all, you’re a Rockstar. So do yourself (and me) a favor and let go of any bad habits that are holding you back, take responsibility for anything you’re not happy about in your life so you can move forward, and forgive those who need forgiving. You have the power to make 2011 be your best year ever!
P.S. And if you really want to start your 2011 off right, sign up for my video training series. Click here for more information
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Tag Archives | wedding planners
8 Changes You Need To Make To Become A High End Wedding Planner (or to STAY One If You Think You Already Are!)
11 Rockstar Wedding Planner Tips
A New Year, A Clean Slate
There’s something invigorating and refreshing about starting a brand New Year, don’t you agree? Sure we’re already about halfway through January but a New Year is like a blank slate you can turn into whatever you want!
That’s great news for those of us running our own wedding planning businesses. The sky is the limit! You just have to make strategic choices that fit your goals.
Sy and I are thrilled with the new nanny we hired for Declan. With an extra set of hands (and eyes) around I’m able to still be the mother I want to be for him…and show him as he grows up how mommies can be incredibly successful at the same time!
I feel so blessed to have designed my life to be the way it is now. But it wasn’t always like this…
At first I struggled quite a bit. Then I discovered there were specific steps to take to become a high end wedding planner.
If you’d like to step into YOUR greatness planning weddings for high end brides I invite you to watch this video by one of my alumni as she talks about the free 5 week video training course I am putting on, called How to Set-up Your High-End Wedding Business. A few of my friends share their experiences too. Don’t be left out. Sign up for video access now. You don’t want to miss this! Click here to watch the video and sign up for the video series.
Love and wedding planning success,
Ciara
Keep Your Energy Strong Rockstar Wedding Planner, No Matter What the Situation
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Keep Your Energy Strong Rockstar Wedding Planner, No Matter What the Situation
 Do you watch Glee? It’s this awesome show that is totally addicting to people like me who love music, theatre and drama… yep that’s totally me. Glee is about a bunch of kids in high school who are all apart of the Glee Club and they sing and dance their way through high school life. The shows deal with different things that kids go through in school but with a musical number in tow.Well the recent episodes are dealing with the kids being bullied. One kid in particular, Kurt, has had to move schools because of being bullied.
And that hit home hard. I actually cried during that episode.
You see, I was bullied really badly in school and I actually had to move schools because of it. It was terrible but it was for the best because I really couldn’t concentrate on anything when that was happening.
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 The reason I’m bringing this up is because the energy you surround yourself with can affect every aspect of your life. And when that energy is negative energy it can put you in a complete tailspin that’s really hard to get out of. Even though we’re not kids anymore we can still get ourselves into negative situations filled with drama and well, it’s tough to concentrate on anything else and our wedding planning business suffers.If you’ve had a disagreement with a vendor, a run in with another wedding planner, or heard that someone in the wedding industry is saying not so nice things about you it can hurt, but here are 3 tips to help you cope:
1) Get Away From That Virtual Energy- If you’re having some drama with someone else in the wedding industry I’m guessing that you’re probably stalking them on facebook and twitter. Yes, I know you are. Stop torturing yourself and hide their feed. Out of sight, out of mind.
2) Figure Out You- Figure out who you really want to be an own it. Bullies pick on people to test them and they like to step on other people to make themselves feel better. But they don’t get far when that person is confident and stands up for themselves and that’s so much easier to do when you’re confident with the person you want to be. Don’t stoop to their level. You’re a Rockstar Wedding Planner afterall.
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 3) Find Your Real Friends- Just like the Glee Club there’s a place for everyone. If you’re feeling left out or turned away by the crowd you think you want to run with it might mean that God is telling you that these people are just not your tribe. See if you can find other vendors and wedding industry people to network with who aren’t a bunch of “Mean Girls.”4) Don’t Stop Being Great- A lot of times people put others down when they’re doing great things because of jealousy. They wish they were doing what you’re doing or they wish they’d thought of that idea first. When someone comes down on you and starts mocking you for being a strong, idea filled wedding planner all of a sudden you get a little more shy about trying new things. Well, shine brightly Rockstar Wedding Planner! You have a lifetime of ideas in you waiting to be acted on and I don’t want you to miss stepping into your greatness for one minute because of a bully!
Ciara’s Rockstar Wedding Planner Advice
If your wedding planning business has a lot of drama in it you’ve got to figure out a way to continue on drama free and start surrounding yourself with more positive energy. When someone’s mean to you, it’s easy to start acting like that yourself. You start by gossiping and then all of a sudden you’re making snide not so sly remarks on facebook. Rise above the drama and be who you truly want to be. And if you see it happening to someone else, don’t tolerate the situation. We are in the business of love so let’s have some for each other.
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Become a High End Wedding Planner
8 Changes You Need To Make To Become A High End Wedding Planner (or to STAY One If You Think You Already Are!)On this call you’ll learn:
- At least 1 change you can make immediately in your business to become a high end wedding planner
- The one downfall of wedding planners who get a high end wedding and then are left wondering why they’re not getting anymore
- How others can help you become a high end wedding planner and keep you positioned there
You’ll learn all this and much more. The best part is, this call is totally FREE! All you need to do is click here to sign up and receive the call in information.
It’s happening on Friday December 17th at 10am PST/11am MST/Noon CST/1pm EST. Now you might be thinking, it’s almost the holidays, I don’t feel like working anymore… so great… instead, be on this call and be inspired. There’s no better way to go into the holidays than to be juiced up about what YOU can DO in the New Year! This call will energize you just in time for the holidays… the Christmas tree won’t be the only thing sparkling after you get off this call.
Things I Can’t Live Without as A Wedding Planner
By Ciara Daykin
Having a new baby certainly puts things into perspective. I’m 2 weeks into motherhood and baby Declan is taking up a lot of my time but my wedding planning business hasn’t shut its 
doors. On the contrary, we’re busier than ever! But I want to spend time with Declan so it means that I have to make the most of the tools I have available to me so that I can maximize my time with my son but make quick efficient decisions when it comes to the business. And when I’m working I want it to be fun and comfortable so there are just certain things I need.
It really has gotten me thinking about the things that I just can’t live without as a wedding planner. Here are 9 of my favorite things as a wedding planner:
1. My IPhone- I am a recent convert to the IPhone. I used to have a Blackberry and I think having either of the 2 smart phones is an absolute MUST as a wedding planner. I love that I don’t have to sit down at my computer to review emails and websites, I can do it on the go or with my little bambina in my lap!
2. Metal Water Bottle- It sounds so simple but when you’re at a wedding there’s nothing worse than trying to track down a glass of water. Keeping yourself hydrated at a wedding is absolutely key.
3. Flat Shoes- When I first started out I tried to be chic in high heels but I’ve never been good in heels at the best of times let along 10 hours into a wedding. My new shoe love is Kenneth Cole Gentle Souls.
4. My 1-800 Number- Love having a 1-800 number so the world doesn’t have my cell phone! I love even more that I can forward it anywhere, set the hours when it rings and I had Simon record the message and well, his English accent is just awesome. We use grasshopper.com for our 1-800 number
5. Cherry Blaster Sour Candy- Okay so this is my fav candy and I think you need to have a little fun sweet treat once in awhile to keep yourself sane.
6. Goddess Guidance Cards by Doreen Virtue- I love gaining inspiration from these cards by Doreen Virtue. They’re all good cards and each offers a different powerful goddess story. I also have her Saints and Angels cards which I also love and use often. I find these cards really center me especially during an event. They really ground me and always tell me what I need to hear. You can get them here.
7. My journal- Being a wedding planner, a wife, a Mom, a friend, a daughter, a CEO is just a wee bit stressful and sometimes overwhelming. I love sitting down and writing in my 
journal all the things that I’ve been bottling up inside and sometimes I can’t share with anyone else. Here is my fav brand of journals: https://www.papayaart.com/
8. Virtual Assistant- Most of you know Jessica my virtual assistant. I have to give her a shout out in this list as I really couldn’t do this job without her. I love that I can just drop her an email with a task and know that it’s going to get done. It’s hard to do it all yourself and a virtual assistant is a perfect way to start getting help until you’re able to have an in person team.
9. Support- I really truly could not do what I do without the support of my husband and my family. It’s key that when you’re making big leaps in your business and in your life that you have a strong support team behind you. The support I have from all my staff is super key as well- I have to be able to rely on them. I also have the support of my mastermind group. That group of ladies is always inspiring me to dream bigger.
Ciara’s Rockstar Advice
Don’t tolerate not having the tools you need to make your life easier and more comfortable. Being a wedding planner is a busy job and you need to surround yourself with your favorite things, the practical and the fun!
Update: Welcome Baby Declan
Well he’s arrived! On July 14th at 1:55pm Declan Rhys Glendon Daykin was born and Simon and I co
uldn’t be happier. My little sweetheart is sitting on my lap as I type this letter to you. He’s so fun but definitely an adjustment. Hats off to all you mompreneurs out there. It’s not easy to have a baby and run a business that’s for sure! But I’m learning as I go and I’ll be sure to share what works for me and what doesn’t as I go along.
Today is also my 5 year wedding anniversary with Simon. A lot has happened in the last 5 years. It was when we were planning our wedding that I was inspired to begin my wedding planning business and we’re now in our 6th year of business and both working for the company. It’s pretty cool to look back and see the milestones of our business stack up. I’m excited to reach new highs as this year continues.
I’ve been singing Declan songs to help him fall asleep. As a big fan of musicals a lot of our lullabies are from shows and movies I watched as a kid. I’ve been singing him “My Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music and it made me think about what my favorite things as a wedding planner are. Plus with Declan being here I really have to say there are certain things in my business that I’m realizing I just couldn’t run it without, especially with this little baby sleeping on my lap most of the time!
Stay tuned in next week for my list of favorite things…
Love and wedding planning success,
Ciara
Rockstar Wedding Planner Update: Welcome Baby Daykin!
I am thrilled to share with all of you Rockstars that my beautiful baby has finally arrived! Simon and I welcomed our new bundle of joy, Declan Rhys Glendon Daykin on Wednesday, July 14 at 1:55pm MST. He was 8lbs and 20.5 inches!!
I can’t begin to tell you how happy Simon and I are. We are overwhelmed with love and happiness, and a bit of exhaustion too 
Now that Declan has made his appearance, I’m also excited to announce the winner of our Baby Contest. Join me in congratulating Sonya House-Jenkins, a Hall of Fame member of my 6 Figure Wedding Planner Club. She will already be joining me at the 2011 Rockstar LIVE event (one of the many perks of Rockstar 6 Figure Wedding Planner club membership!) so Sonya is going to receive a full upgrade for her stay during the LIVE event, she’ll be treated to a gorgeous, lush suite, making her stay super-comfy! Congrats, Sonya!!
Of course, the arrival of Declan also means the end of our 40% off sale. The sale will end in 12 hours, so it’s time to act now to cash in on the savings.
Here’s just a sample of products you can now purchase at a 40% discount:
- Rise to Fame Kit – A blueprint for your wedding business, with step-by-step ideas you can implement now to build your best business yet.
- Avoid the Top 4 Mistakes Wedding Planners Make With their Cash Flow – Learn how to manage your cash flow so you don’t have to live on a shoe-string in between wedding. My special guest Elizabeth Potts shares all of her small business financing tips.
- Twitter, You Tube, Facebook, Oh My! Weddings & Social Media – How You can Get In on the Action -Social media can be very overwhelming at times, but if you’re not tweeting you’re missing out on a lot of potential connections! Listen to me and my special guest Stephanie Hunt, The Wedding Technista, discuss how to deal with today& rsquo;s tech savvy bride and groom (especially if you’re not so tech savvy yourself). You’ll also learn tips on staying ahead of emerging tech trends, how to grow an innovative wedding business and how to use Twitter to boost your Rockstar wedding planner status
- PLUS, many more products to will change the way you run your business and put money in your pocket!
Don’t delay as products are going super-fast and the sale ends in just 12 hours!!
Thank you all for your well wishes during these last 9 months, you all are Rockstars in every way.
Summer Reading for Rockstar Wedding Planners
by Ciara Daykin
In between weddings this summer, download some knowledge to your Kindle or crack the spine of a traditional paperback… here are some of my favorites to read as a Rockstar Wedding Planner:
- Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk - Learn how a guy working in a liquor store skyrocketed to a multi millionaire using social media to create THE buzz around wine.
- Spiritual Liberation by Michael Bernard Beckwith - One of your favorites from “The Secret” movie shares his journey to spiritual liberation and just what the law of attraction can mean in your life.
- 29 Gifts by Cami Walker- Could you give 29 gifts in 29 days? Cami Walker did and her entire life changed.
- Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy by JJ Virgin – The bride doesn’t have to be the only one sporting hot guns this summer. Check out JJ’s advice on feeling hot and fabulous.
- Prosperity Pie by Sark - Money scare you? Sark makes it fun and manageable by changing your attitude around what it all means.
- The Four Spiritual Pillars of Prosperity by Edwene Gaines – One of the books that completely changed my life. Could you tithe 10% of everything you make? What would happen if you did?
- Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach – One of the first books I read to help me take the fear out of money and I was only 19 years old! This book helps you set up a plan for your money that’s smart and sassy.
- Leadership Wisdom from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma – When I wanted to step up and be a leader I purchased this book and
learned what leadership truly means and what it doesn’t. - The Conscious Bride by Sheryl Paul – What is a bride really thinking? The transition from single to married is NOT an easy one and if you understand what she’s going through you can help her on this journey.
- Signature Sasha by Sasha Souza – Wedding designer Sasha Souza is fun in real life and her personality jumps off the pages of her new book. Her designs are fresh and offer a twist on what’s hot.
- Purple Cow by Seth Godin – What’s a purple cow you say? Well Seth Godin explains exactly what makes a Purple Cow and how having one or structuring your business to be one is highly profitable.
- Smart Women Know Their Why by Sheri McConnell – Do you know your Why? My friend Sheri McConnell asked me my “Why?” once and it really made me think. Dive into her personal story of hardship and triumph to find your passion and purpose, the necessary foundation for a strong business.
Ciara’s Rockstar Advice
If all you were planning on reading this summer were wedding ceremony programs stop being so lame and pick up some real reading material! There’s always time to grow your mind… and perhaps work on your tan as you do it!
Are you ready to SOAR?
It’s June, so it’s time for you to do a mid-year review of your business and your goals. It’s been a tough year for the event industry, and it seems like challenges are around every corner. As an entrepreneur it’s important to remember that YOU are the most important element in your business. If you’re not feeling great, neither will your business.
Ask yourself these questions…
- Do you have a big goal or dream that excites you and scares you at the same time?
- Do you have many changes going on in your life and you want to re-ground?
- Do you feel like you have one foot on the gas pedal and one foot on the brake? You’re pushing hard (maybe even struggling) but feel like you’re not going anywhere?
- Do you know that down deep you’re procrastinating on something major? Maybe you even know what it is…but for whatever reason, you can’t seem to get started?
If you’ve answered “Yes” to any (or all!) of these questions then it’s time for you to refocus and get back on track.
Join my friend Bonnie Hutchinson, master facilitator and coach on Thursday and Friday, June 17-18 in Edmonton, AB, Canada for her event; SOAR: Turn your Ups and Downs into the Best Ride of Your Life. Bonnie is an amazing coach who I’ve worked with to help me re-energize my life and achieve my dreams.
SOAR is a two-day “retreat” that will focus on YOU, your journey, and your business. You will learn to master patterns of change, transform inner fears into strengths, create a climate of support that is perfect for you, step into your full magnificent self and SOAR!
Click here to listen to Bonnie explain why she was compelled to host this workshop. Hearing Bonnie in own words will certainly inspire you to take action and learn more about her event.
The best part about the event is that when you leave your progress doesn’t end. How many times have you left an event excited about everything you’ve learned but then never took the time to make any real changes? Bonnie will make sure you incorporate everything you learn by providing you with 3 months of ongoing support!
Take time now to change your mindset, develop a deep connection with your inner strength and wisdom no matter what is, and learn to bring all of you into your business.
You have six months left of 2010, use these months to focus on YOU to achieve your dreams and SOAR above the rest.
Did You Hear About Marley & Me?
If you are ready to make more money with your event business, then I invite you to join me, Ciara Daykin, the Rockstar Wedding Planner and Marley Majcher, The Party Goddess as we share the secrets to building a million dollar event empire!
Introducing…The Million-Dollar Event Empire Blueprint; “Transform Your Event Planning Business In 4 Weeks for More Income, Freedom and Fun”
SPECIAL LIMITED BONUS: the first 20 people who purchase this new program get a free 45 minute group Q&A call with us! Only a few spaces left, so act quick! (The free call is tomorrow but there’s still time to get a spot on it!)
This exclusive program includes the following empire-building, income-generating topics:
Topic #1: The Mindset of a Million-Dollar Event Empire Owner
Topic #2: What Million-Dollar Event Empire Owners Know About Using Web 2.0 That You Don’t and Why It Could End Up Crumbling Your Empire Dreams
Topic #3: Demystifying Pricing So You Can Charge What You’re Worth and Get It
Topic #4: How To Reign Your Empire and Count Your Cash
You’ll also get these fabulous bonuses:
* A starter exercise that prepares you for event empire building.
* A 30-minute orientation recording. We will explain the Million-Dollar Event Empire Blueprint and give you tips on how to get the most out of this program.
* Every topic is filled with the EXACT steps that you need to take to set up your empire – no fluff, no nonsense, no mysteries. We tell it like it is and you benefit.
* An action plan that lets you literally check off the boxes when you’ve completed each step and track your progress.
There’s so much included in “The Million-Dollar Event Empire Blueprint” and we’re offering all of this for just $297 (and there’s payment plans too).
You are the leader of your empire and the leader needs a plan. We can’t wait to help you build your empire! Click here to get started now!
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