Recipe Contest ~ Enter to Win!

Calling all Caterers!

MiNeeds wants YOU to enter your best recipe for a chance to be a featured vendor on the homepage of MiWeddingNeeds.com throughout the month of July. Whether it be your Grandma’s Famous Cherry Pie or your most sought after Chicken tikki masala we want to see what our caterers are made of — or their food that is.

Submit your recipe along with a photo to julia@mineeds.com by Monday July 1st to be entered to win. Not only will you be the face of MiWedding Needs but you will also be featured on our blog, Pinterest, and Facebook pages!

Get cookin’ and submit your recipes with a photo ASAP

~Julia

Wedding Photo Contest Extension ~ Enter to Win!

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Hello Readers,

I hope you all have been having a fabulous week. On May 23rd MiWedding Needs announced our Real Wedding Photo Contest. This past week we have been receiving feedback from photographers requesting extensions on the deadline. We have heard your requests and are excited to continue with our contest postponing the deadline for entry until next Thursday, June 13th. What this means for you is an additional opportunity to promote your business and submit your entries. Please email at least 10 photos to julia@mineeds.com by next Thursday, June 13th. The winner will be announced Friday June 14th.

Increase your odds of winning by sharing, commenting, and liking your submission’s album on the MiWedding Needs Facebook page. Doing so will increase traffic to your site and also promote your business.

Never miss an opportunity to grow your business! I can’t wait to see your submissions ~

Julia

Wedding Photo Contest – Enter to Win!

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Hello!

MiWeddingNeeds.com is excited to announce a new promotional contest for our photographers, and an opportunity for you to drive more traffic to your website! It’s easy, simply submit at least 10 photos from your favorite wedding to julia@mineeds.com by Friday, May 31st, and enter for the chance to win! The selected photographer will be spotlighted on the MiWeddingNeeds blog, Pinterest, and Facebook pages which will increase your SEO, and broaden your customer base.

Increase your chances of winning and generate more traffic to your site, by encouraging friends, family, and past clients to like, comment and share your featured album. We are doing a cross-promotion with local brides and grooms in your area, and they will be choosing the winner, so make sure to stand out from the crowd when choosing which photos you’ll submit.

The winner will be announced on Thursday, June 6th.

Recently I have been going through some of our photographer’s profiles looking at the various photo albums and I am amazed by all the talent, this being said, I can’t wait to see your submissions!

Have a fabulous weekend!

~Julia

Reviews — Your Secret Resource

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Happy Thursday readers!

Looking for a way to easily boost your business? MiNeeds has a quick tip you can implement before you head out for the weekend — check it out!

Did you know In the US 62% of people read online reviews? Reviews (along with referrals discussed on Tuesday) are two of the most important tools a business owner can use to boost and legitimize their business. As a business owner you want to provide your customers with ease and excitement about your products and services right? And as a customer you want to feel educated and informed on your choice of professional correct? The answer to both is yes.

Reviews provide your potential customers with a testimony of your service. They are a powerful motivating force which will increase a customer’s likelihood to hire you over another professional.

This being known, it is essential that as a professional you are asking your customers to write reviews on your behalf. A common concern posed by MiNeeds professionals is that when they are creating their profiles they don’t have any previous jobs booked through MiNeeds where their customers can post reviews. We say no problem!

Past clients who have used your services outside of the MiNeeds arena are welcomed and encouraged to post reviews on your behalf. Our goal is to help you build your business and encouraging reviews is one of the best recommendations we can give to our professionals.

Quick and simple, reviews are an easy way to show your prospects the amazing services you have to offer. Before you power down your computer and leave the office for the weekend, send an email to some of your favorite clients asking them to review your services on MiNeeds.

Here’s how:

1) Log-in to your account

2) Click on “My Profile” in the upper right hand corner

3) Click on “Get Reviews” –> enter the emails of your previous customers, and your work is done!

Not only will this improve your profile, but your previous customers will be flattered that you remember and value them even without a check on the line.

Enjoy your weekend, but first take a few minutes to implement our suggestions and watch your business flourish

~ Julia
Send blog post ideas, questions, and comments to julia@mineeds.com

The Power of Referrals

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Happy Tuesday Readers! I Hope you all had a fabulous weekend and wonderful Mother’s Day.

Many subscribers have been asking MiNeeds customer service representatives about the power of referrals, posing questions such as: Do referrals really make a difference? When is the best time to ask for referrals? How can I get more referrals?

The answer is clear. Referrals are one of the MOST IMPORTANT aspects of building and growing your business.

A study conducted by BNI.com reveals that over 50% of respondents receive 70% or more of their business by word of mouth and referrals. So the power of referrals is clear—now let’s discuss when and how to ask for referrals inorder to increase your earnings!

How? Just ask. It’s that simple! If your customers are pleased by your exceptional service and excellent performance, which you of course most certainly provide, then they will be happy to refer other customers to you! Gaining referrals is nearly effortless when you offer a combination of professional and personable service.

So now the question remains, When is the best time to ask for referrals? Many professionals have expressed concern over being too pushy with their clients. The key to nailing a referral is asking once your prospect has recognized or experienced the value of your service. Even if you do not book a job with with a customer, but they are able to see the value you can provide, you have nothing to lose by asking for a referral.

For example–
Customer: “Well your service sounds great, but unfortunately I am not in need right now”
Professional: “I understand. Do you happen to know of anyone who would benefit from the services I have to offer?”
Customer: “Why yes!”

If the customer does not have any referrals you should still leave a few business cards with them and thank them for their time. Referrals are an excellent way to build relationships and can be equally beneficial for both the customer and professional. Did you know MiNeeds will send a $10 check to you in the mail when you offer us referrals? Check out our Refer a Friend program for details. Clearly we see the value in our customers and their referrals. So get to work! Start networking, referring, and asking for referrals. You will be surprised at how quickly your business grows!

To sum it up – referrals are one of the easiest and quickest ways to build your business. The more you network, the easier it will be to serve a consistent and happy customer base.

~ Julia

Send your questions to julia@mineeds.com

How to Plan a Perfect Mother’s Day

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Happy Tuesday!

Check your calendars everyone, THIS Sunday May 12^th is Mother’s Day. Whether you have been planning something or not, MiNeeds is here to help you put together the finishing touches. Rather, if you are in the 18% of Americans who say they wait until the last minute, we’re here to help you start planning.

Check out the different gift ideas we compiled. Don’t be afraid to mix and match because we know there’s no one quite like the mom in your life.

Every moment’s a Kodak-moment Mom

Is your mom constantly snapping pictures? Begging for you to pose one last time? “No turn this way… yes, right there” We’ve all been there. For the mom who can never have enough pictures, satisfy her urge for a picture “suitable for framing” by planning a photo session with all the loves in your life. Simply post your photography need and a local photographer will contact you shortly!
Bonus: If your mom is an animal lover surprise her by including the family pet. If your beautiful face doesn’t make her tear up, including the beloved family pet will guarantee a center spot on the mantel.

The Working Wonder Mom

Got a busy mom who manages to juggle every aspect of HER life and YOURS? Sounds like it’s time to treat mom to a little pampering of her own. The best way to do so? Obviously start off with breakfast in bed, and then as every girl knows, the best way to be pampered is with a spa day. Schedule a massage or mani pedi (that’s a manicure & pedicure gentlemen). If you’re really feeling generous, surprise her with a clean house when she gets home—you can either do this yourself, or join her at the spa and book a local cleaning service today! Show your mom how much you appreciate all her hard work by giving her a day off.

Fit and Fab Mom

Many moms love mixing up their routines with fun fitness classes. Give your mom the gift of a personal trainer here or a pass to that hip new yoga studio down the street (she doesn’t mention it every time you pass by for nothing!) I always like to tie in a little something to go along with gift certificates or vouchers. In this case I would recommend a cool new water bottle, a workout top, or even some sporty headbands to go along with her new gift.
Tip! If you’re going to give a gift for your Fit and Fab Mom make sure she knows it’s because you know she looks good as is

Modest Mom

Does your mom claim to want nothing at all? Nearly 36% of mother’s ask for something handmade on Mother’s day. If you’re like me your mom has NO idea what she is in for by asking for a handmade gift. Really, no idea. While you slave away trying to make a piece of construction paper and nearly dried up washable markers from the 4th grade into a handcrafted masterpiece why don’t you order a surprise delivery of flowers to match the ones you “drew”? No woman denies flowers. Ever.
Your mom will love the extra consideration and the flowers will surely brighten her day!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner–This Sunday May 12^th if it’s already slipped your mind — make sure you plan something for the Mom in your life today! Don’t let it slip your mind, take the next 5 minutes to show her how much you care and appreciate all she does for you! Find any of the above ideas for Mom,or those of your own, here!

~ Julia

MiNeeds & MIT know the best time to contact leads

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Happy Monday Readers!

Can you believe it is already May?! Spring has finally come into bloom here at the MiNeeds Seattle office, and I just love watching how the sun and warm weather brightens everyones’ moods. Hopefully the same goes for you wherever you may be.

It has been a few weeks since I posted for FAQ Monday (send me questions!), but the MiNeeds office has noticed a trend from professionals who have received their leads but are now wondering, when is the best time to contact leads?

The answer: Immediately! No not tomorrow, not even 30 minutes from receiving their information, but now– Immediately!

Customers LOVE feeling valued. Translate the importance of their business to you by responding to their need the moment you receive the lead. Your prompt action offers customers an insight to your professionalism, organization, and customer service. A study conducted at MIT shows that if you call the customer within 5 minutes of their posting a lead, they are 20 times more likely to choose your service.

It is for this reason MiNeeds is constantly updating our system and making improvements to facilitate a better flow of communication from professional to customer.

Bottom Line: Connecting immediately with leads will pleasantly surprise your prospective customers and demonstrate your outstanding professionalism. Increase YOUR business’ bottom line by making use of all the tools MiNeeds provides, to establish meaningful connections with all potential customers.

Until next time!
~Julia

Send in your questions to julia@mineeds.com

Co-founder Deniz Erkan & his SOHO street style

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Meet one of MiNeeds‘ co-founders Deniz Erkan! Not only is he the brains behind our product and technology development, but Deniz also caught the eye of one New York City style seeker while walking the streets of SOHO on his way to the MiNeeds NYC office. Similar to MiNeeds, Deniz seeks to promote and support small businesses in his purchase decisions. Check out the awesome Soho Street Style blog for all the details! ~

What Your Business Could be Missing!

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Happy Thursday readers!

The MiNeeds database has done it again. According to our statistics gathered from over 100,000 professionals, we discovered that 1% of local professionals use Facebook as their official business page! The effects of Facebook are a no-brainer, but in case you need reminding let’s highlight a few reasons to take advantage of this internet superstar.

Traffic. Facebook was the second most visited website of 2012 (Google topped the charts). Promoting your business on a site of such magnitude gives you access to over 1.06 billion active users each month!
Connections. Family and friends will be able to help promote your business by sharing, liking, and posting about your page. You can also connect to other businesses you work with. Link to your MiNeeds profile and connect with the MiNeeds page which will provide potential customers with even more information about your business and expand your reach!
Cost — or lack there of! You can easily create a business page for free, honestly, what could be better? Most web hosting sites charge monthly fees to create a website for your business.
Advertising. The money you save avoiding web hosting charges can be redirected to advertise on Facebook! You can set a daily or lifetime budget to monitor spending.
Admin Panel. When you create a page on Facebook, you will have access to lots of helpful information. Your admin panel will appear at the top of your profile (visible only to you) and contains notifications, recent likes, page tips, and my favorite tool, Insights.

Insights is an awesome tool because it provides you with details on your reach, demographics, and recent activity. FOR FREE

Take advantage of all that Facebook has to offer, make sure you link your Facebook page to your MiNeeds profile which will allow customers to contact you instantly! Complete your MiNeeds profile with albums, reviews, and articles. Customers crave information– give them what they want! And finally, track your reach on the Admin Panel and engage your family and friends in the promotion of your business by encouraging them to like your page. Your online presence is one of the most important assets you have in building your business. Take a few minutes to ensure you are giving the best impression you can!

~ Julia

Part V: The Finishing Touches

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Hello readers! I hope you are all having a fabulous day! Today MiWedding Needs will wrap up our 5 part series, Engagement Onward, and focus on the finishing touches of planning your Wedding!

First let’s recap what we’ve already discussed

Part I: The Wedding Planner. JLo didn’t star in this movie for nothing. Choosing your planner is extremely important because they will be with you every step of the way!
Part II: The venue. Keep in mind practicality and aesthetic appeal as you search around town to find the perfect setting for your ceremony and reception
Part III: Entertainment. Party time! Be careful not to overload your agenda and choose a DJ with great energy who exemplifies your personal style. Refer to our Do’s and Don’ts for more details.
Part IV: The Photographer. Be prepared when you meet with photographers. Keep in mind questions about their style and the services they offer to ensure you know what you’re getting into.

And finally! Part V: The Finishing Touches

You’ve done it, take a deep breath, some of the hardest hurdles have been overcome! It is now time to focus on the details. Let’s discuss what needs to be done next to ensure a magical Wedding day

The cake. Yum! If you’re like me and have a sweet tooth that just won’t quit, this is the day you have always dreamed of, cake tasting! Okay, all jokes aside, choosing the cake is a great way to add some fun to your planning activities. Research local bakeries and schedule tastings for you and your honey to sample the selections.
Flowers and centerpieces. Again, Pinterest is a great resource when planning floral arrangements for the big day. Browse different blogs, magazines, and other sources to gain inspiration. When you have an idea of what you are going for contact local florists or post a need so you can get in contact with a professional who will make your Wedding come into bloom.
Décor. When planning décor keep in mind it is the smallest of details, which will bring your event together. Shannon Lassen of Sublime Events stresses the importance of lighting. Lighting provides ambience and sets the mood. You can spend all the money in the world on table settings, floral arrangements, and favors, but without the proper lighting your reception will lack the atmosphere you intended.

With these 5 steps in mind, from your Engagement Onward, planning the big day will be a lot easier than you initially expected. MiWedding Needs is here every step of the way to bring you ease and assistance during this special time of your life.

Stay tuned for more posts and send any requests you have to julia@mineeds.com
Have a fabulous weekend!

~ Julia