Bellagala | Artist Newsletter June 2015 by Bellagala

Photo by Ashley B.

Artist Newsletter JUNE 2015

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LETTER FROM MATT

We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve. — Bill Gates

If I were to ask you what the greatest movie of all time is, you’d probably have an opinion. If I were to ask you over the top or from under the bottom, you’d probably have an opinion (think about it). But if I were to ask you when the last time you got really great service was, you could almost assuredly share that, and it wouldn’t be based on your opinion, it would be based on your experience.

Reviews are being used more and more by clients who are making buying decisions, largely because they share a person’s experience, more so than their opinion. And while some of a person’s opinion can be mixed in with their experience, a person reviewing or sharing their experience generally has facts backing up and supporting that experience. Multiple reviews sharing the same thing, take the opinion out of it. A single review can be powerful. Multiple reviews can be a game changer, either positively or negatively. If you were to read multiple negative reviews on a restaurant you have been thinking about trying, how likely is it that you would still go? And if you did, would you have an open mind? Likely not. Conversely, having multiple positive reviews can be the piece that separates you from others that provide the same service. In the wedding industry, the vast majority of clients are reserving a service they have no previous experience with, so reviews can and do play a huge role. One of the primary factors that lead to a positive review is a great connection and relationship between you and your client. Simply put, the more they like you, the more apt they are to like your service. This also has an effect on what they think about the finished product as well (photos, video edit, etc.). But even when they like you, and even when you do a great job, there is no guarantee that they will proactively review the great service that they received. That’s why reaching out to them after the event is such a crucial step to take. If they truly liked you, and the service that you provided, then they won’t take offense to your request for an honest review of the service that you provided. In fact, they’ll likely be happy to do it. So once you have delivered the great service, be sure to follow up with the client in search of a review. Do so humbly, while also asking if there is anything that they felt that you could have done better. This is part of the way you can improve. You can’t fix what you don’t know about. Today’s social media make it easier than ever to share a review. Make sure that you are taking the steps to harness that power and ensure that your positive reviews are seen by the watchful eyes of future clients.

Matt Rush Executive Director

STAYING CONNECTED

Why Client Reviews Matter When making an important purchase (whether it be a new car, cell phone, appliance, etc.) you narrow your choices down to a few options and read reviews, right? Reviews of wedding vendors are no different when a couple is looking to make those important decisions on wedding services for their big day. Here are three reasons why you should take getting feedback from your clients seriously: 1. This may be a no-brainer, but reviews show that we are a real business with real clients. Even better, reviews that mention your name reaffirm that you are an active member of our growing team! Reviews ultimately keep you relevant to what clients are looking for. 2. According to a recent Nielsen survey, online consumer opinions are the third most trusted source of advertising. The only sources that proved more trustworthy were personal recommendations and branded websites1. 3. There’s no better way to articulate how you interact with clients! Reviews can easily tell just as much, if not more, about your working style and professional demeanor than your bio can. Is there a certain reason that clients like working with you? It may become apparent if it is written in multiple reviews. A couple may book a certain artist because of the positive feedback that they read! A side note: Don’t sweat an occasional negative review. They’re bound to happen once in a while. While we definitely don’t like to see them either, it does play a role in reaffirming that our reviews are genuine and written by real clients.

http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/news/2013/under-the-influence-consumer-trust-in-advertising.html

Photo by Ashley B.

Around the Office GET TO KNOW YOUR BELLAGALA OFFICE TEAM Hello! I’m Alee, and I just joined the team a month ago as your Marketing Assistant / Graphic Designer! I spend my days buried in either Illustrator or InDesign, working to design the perfect pieces to bring in more clients, show off the talent all of you have as artists, and present Bellagala as the leader in the wedding service industry. I’m inspired by beautiful things. Whether it is a space I find inspiring, a simple floral arrangement or an amazing pair of shoes. I need these to keep me creatively energized. I also enjoy a good cup of coffee, exploring a new city, running, crafting and last but not least, watching football (SKOL Vikings)! I’m excited to be part of such a fun and talented team, and I can’t wait to see where the future takes us! Alee L. Marketing Assistant / Graphic Designer 4

ARTIST ADVICE

Getting to know Andy A. STUDIO DISC JOCKEY Tell us about yourself. I started with Bellagala in March of 2012. After living out of state for 10 years and in a transition from the SF Bay Area, I found myself not only re-inventing myself as a Twin Cities native but in a job interview with Matt Rush. “Wow, you have a lot of life experience!” he enthused, perusing my resume; which listed backgrounds such as alternative healthcare and clinical practice; academics; writing and editing; music performance; fitness; non-profit work; community organizing; security; and even taxi driving. I knew I could work for Bellagala because we shared a common vision about life. Whatever I do, it is for more than personal gain. I am at my best when I’m involved in a mission bigger than myself. Tell us about your experience with Bellagala. I can’t describe how much fun it’s been to reflect on my time with Bellagala and share my experience. It’s a company where I feel my best qualities are invited to grow and play. I’ve made some great friends at Bellagala, and met people from all walks of life who enrich me as an individual. In many ways, I am a product of a work culture at Bellagala that encourages us to help each other grow. I’d like to thank each and every staff member here for what you have brought and continue to bring to my experience.

Photo by Roee.

Check out Andy’s great tips on follow-up emails!

What is your #1 advice for receiving client reviews? One of the biggest keys to building momentum these past years as a Bellagala DJ, for me, is the followup email I send to the client after each event. I started doing this consistently in 2013, and it works wonders. It’s worth just a few minutes of your attention to sit down; direct their good feelings and positive experience with a call to action; and be warm and personable. Essentially, we’re building our reputations as industry professionals, and – like any other profession today – a big part of that is built online, by YOUR past clients. What I include in my follow-up emails: •

A personalized moment or two that I will never forget from their wedding day/event.

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I emphasize how much FUN I had and thank them for having me as part of their day.

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I remind the couple gently to respond to the Bellagala follow-up email they will receive.

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I direct them to two links: the service review pages on The Knot and WeddingWire.

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I mention that their review helps other couples to find the wedding vendors.

Timing of the follow-up email: I try to send this follow-up the day after the event, but when we’re amid the “height of the season” and busy with multiple weddings each week, I will occasionally wait until the following week. Once in a while, a bride or groom will beat me to it and send a “thank you” email unprompted – I love those! Definitely respond back, with the above directions included. Here’s to a great 2015 season, all! As many of you know, I’m working on finishing a graduate degree in Chinese Medicine out in California that I started in 2007, but I will be back for some shows again this August. I hope to see you then! 6

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Finding Your Reviews Online Our Website Reviews can be found on our website both on individual artists’ pages and within the menus for each service. Reviews are currently in the process of being updated to a new format on service pages.

The Knot Reviews can be found, by individual service, on The Knot’s website by visiting www.theknot.com/marketplace and searching for Bellagala! Once in the service profile, click on the star icons on the righthand side of the page.

Wedding Wire Reviews can be found, by individual service, on the wedding wire’s website by visiting www.weddingwire.com and by searching for a specific service using Bellagala’s zip code, 55101. Once you find our icon, click on the “(#)” next to the star rating.

Yelp Reviews can be found on www.yelp.com by searching for Bellagala near St. Paul. Note: If asking clients to review us on Yelp, ask them to completely fill out their user profile, be interactive on the site, and post reviews on ALL of their wedding vendors. Yelp has an automated filter and the majority of our reviews are not “recommended” and therefore many positive reviews we’ve received are hidden by their site.

Other Review Sites Of course, the internet is a big place! Reviews can be found in many more places not listed above, such as social media sites. Is there a site that you’ve seen lots of reviews for Bellagala posted? Let us know!

Important reminders! Meet the Sales Team! The Bellagala Sales Team is the direct link between you and your clients. We highly encourage you to stop in and meet with the team if you have not done so recently. The more knowledge we have of you, the better we can match you with clients we believe are a good fit. Feel free to stop in any time between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesdays to meet with your sales team! St. Paul Saints Ticket Giveaway! Make sure to check the artist Facebook group over the summer for ways to win FREE Saints tickets each month for games at the new CHS Field! 7

Welcome to the team, Krista A. - Post Production Mckenzie Z. - Post Production Christine S. - Event Planner Assistant Dena M. - Event Planner Assistant Kalen G. - Event Planner Assistant Natalie W. - Event Planner Assistant Tanya B. - Event Planner Assistant Elijah V. - Associate Disc Jockey Keagen B. - Associate Disc Jockey Lokho A. - Associate Disc Jockey Nicolina M. - Associate Disc Jockey Phillip G. - Associate Disc Jockey Sam B. - Associate Disc Jockey Sayde C. - Associate Disc Jockey Scott C. - Associate Disc Jockey Patrick P. - Associate Videographer Justin N. - Videographer Assistant Thomas W. - Videographer Assistant

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so excited to have you!

JUNE PICKS

Photo by Ashley B. | Live Music by Triose and Universoul. | Event Planning by Amy R. | DJ by Matt R. | Videography by Story of Us

Photo by Roee. | Hair and Makeup by by Wendy Z.

Photo by Verna P.

Photo by Roger S. | Live Music by Jim P. | Floral by Abbie F. | DJ by Matt R.

Photo by Sarah M. | Floral by Abbie F.

ARTIST CALL-OUTS

Word on the street is... SARAH S - MAKEUP ARTIST “Sarah Elizabeth did an amazing job! All of the members of the wedding party loved their makeup. She really took her time and was patient when everyone was running in and out doing other things. She was very informative and really made sure the girls were comfortable with what she was doing. My make-up looked amazing… and it lasted all night... even after hundreds of hugs! Thank you, Sarah!” –Trisha

JAIME R - STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHER “I have to say that our experience with Bellagala was outstanding! Not only was the company great to work with but we were blessed to work with such a great photographer, Jaime! She treated us like gold and made sure that we got all the shots we wanted. Even when a little rain came down, she was rolling around on the ground just to get a better shot! That’s going above and beyond!” –Nicole & Jason

PAUL T - ASSOCIATE DISC JOCKEY “Paul was really on it. He checked in to see how he was doing and if we wanted different songs/facilitation. He played great music and used the music we had as “must plays.” He also used his own music to cater to my Hispanic/Latino side of the family. That was really important to me.” –Daniela & Josh

VERNA P - ECHELON PHOTOGRAPHER “Verna was a joy to work with. She has the ability to instantly make you feel at ease, and to capture photographs that are unique and representative of your relationship. The images we received from our engagement session were all that we could have asked for. We heard from one of our wedding guests that when they received our RSVP the picture was so lovely they almost threw it out thinking it was an advertisement for holiday greeting cards!” –Kristine & Tyler

BELLAGALA 255 EAST 6TH STREET • ST. PAUL, MN 55101 651.227.1202 • BELLAGALA.COM