Each month we will be sitting down with a member of the Puget Sound Wedding Professionals Networking Group to ask them questions about their business, experience and insights on weddings. This month, we are with Brad Buckles of the Bridesclub
Name: Brad Buckles
Business Name: Bridesclub
Website: http://bridesclub.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bradbucklesbridesclub
Blog: http://bridesclub.tumblr.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/bradbuckles
How would you describe your business?
I would describe my wedding business, the wedding expo as an opportunity for brides and wedding professionals to meet and talk about weddings and services on a personal one-on-one face-to-face relationship. We find that brides are looking to hire somebody that they feel comfortable with. Wedding professionals do their best work for brides they care about - Wedding Expo is an opportunity for this relationship to start.
How did you get to where you are today?
I got to where I'm at today by spending a lot of time communicating with individuals and small businesses. Helping people achieve their goals and helping small businesses grow. I do this a lot with research, travel, the opportunity to meet with people one-on-one. Talking with them about parts of their dreams, plans and ideas. Goals that they can achieve. Helping them set goals. Helping them build their business first. I know if I can do that then my business will be fine.
What inspired you to start your business?
I can't really say I was inspired to start my business. I can say that I've been inspired several times throughout my career in making choices that would benefit my clients as well as help brides plan their wedding day. I do look for opportunities to stay inspired and relevant in our industry. I see a lot of wedding shows every year. I speak with a lot of wedding show producers frequently. We discuss everything about our businesses.
In what ways do you take a leadership role in the wedding community?
I have tried to be a leader in our wedding community by giving back in a variety of different ways. I serve on a couple of different board positions for a couple of different wedding associations, I believe in helping those that are in need of help at times when they are challenged with some of the biggest decisions that they have to make. I listen and offer advice to everyone I can!
Do you do anything special or different from your competition?
One of the ways that I have tried to be different is by listening to the individual needs of my clients. Trying to help them in a personal way. Build their confidence, help them, be there for them when needed. Sometimes I have to make difficult decisions and I try to do that with the needs of my clients first. Not always easily done.
One thing that we are committed to doing is helping to educate our clients with knowledge. We teach seminars and host speakers regularly throughout the year to ensure the necessary success of our participants.
Seattle Wedding Expo Jan 14-15
Hawaii Bridal Expo Jan 21-23
Tacoma Wedding Expo Jan 21-22
Everett Wedding Expo Jan 28-29
