Cake Decorating Classes with Leandi...

Book now to avoid disappointment! September and October bookings now open! 

For More information Call

Leandi van Heerden 

on 072 501 7913

Looking for that perfect Wedding Cake, you need to get hold of Leandi!!!

Wedding Cakes can be a daunting task, especially trying to choose one that not only fits within your budget, but also with the latest trends, that why I recommend Leandi from Leandi’s Cakes and Catering. From traditional to modern twists, her professional qualifications and exceptional attention to detail coupled with her passion for all things decadent makes her my number one choice! – email me at makeyourmark-events@telkomsa.net for a quotation.

Bee Eaters Farm and Caterers - Wedding, Function and Conference Venue

Bee Eaters Farm and Caterers - Wedding, Conference and Function Venue with 10 elegantly appointed Bed and Breakfast units. 

Situated on the Agricultural College Road (R40) between Nelspruit and White River, Bee Eaters Farm and Caterers offers an exclusive venue for both private and corporate functions, be it a conference, birthday celebration or wedding. Only 30-45 min away from the Kruger National Park, (ideal Honeymoon destination), 10min from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and 3hrs from Johannesburg

For a Wedding/Function or Conference quotation at Bee Eaters Farm, send me an email with your particulars to makeyourmark-events@telkomsa.net, it will be great to hear from you!!!

How can you stand out in a world of too many vendors? - Preston Bailey says the following...

Venting: Too Many Vendors

January 17, 2011

Everyone wants to be in the event industry. As the industry grows, it’s becoming more difficult to get clients. Not to mention that a lot of folks are practically giving away their services, making it difficult for those in the business to make a living.
I am a firm believer that the universe is extremely generous and there is more than enough work for everyone. However, the one thing that has kept me going for the past 30 years was always the desire to be DIFFERENT, yet still make a living.
There are three simple questions that should always be on your mind, in order to be different and at the same time make a profit.

1. What am I selling?
2. How can I make it different?
3. How can I make a profit?

This can be applied to any service or item you are selling. However, because I started as a florist, I’d like to give you an example of a floral arrangement.
1. What am I selling? Flowers and a container.
2. How can I make it different? (This is the fun part.)

• I could find 5 container shapes I have never seen before.
• I could make my own vase by gluing flowers on the actual vase.
• I could use flowers I love, and arrange them in a very unique way.
• I could use petals floating in water to create my own flowers.
• I could use branches and hang lots of flowers from them. The list is endless…

3. How can I make a profit?

• Make a sample (This could be a very important step that saves you money in the long run.)
• Pricing the cost of each and every element and always getting the best wholesale prices.
• How long did it take to make this arrangement? Put a cost to your time.
• Flowers are delicate. Always buy at least 20% more than you need.
• Add: Time+flowers+vase, then (depending on your area} mark up at least 100% (please keep in mind that this mark-up also covers your rent and other expenses.)

If you want to become a vendor that is around for many years, being unique is a great way to survive.
Tomorrow, I’m going to talk about how you can be unique and different by giving great service.
As always on our Venting blogs, if you are trying to be unique and different and you are having a hard time making money while doing it, leave a question below and I’ll answer you directly by email.

(Image via David Spinks)

Oakfields Bridal Expo - 22nd and 23rd January 2011

A Bridal Expo with a difference

The Annual Bridal Expo at Oakfield Farm, on 22nd & 23rd January 2011 is the one bridal expo that no couple should miss.

Unlike other bridal expos held in commercial expo centres, the expo at Oakfield Farm enjoys a terrific reputation as a laid back expo where couples get to meet SA’s leading wedding specialists in the beautiful and romantic gardens of this sought after wedding venue. From rings to photog-raphy—more than 100 wedding specialists will be on display. Not only do you get to meet these people personally but many offer show specials that are too good to miss.

Entrance Fee

• Price: R150 per car
• Includes FREE 2011 Bridal Magazine
• & entrance to the Fashion Show

This is one expo that won’t break the bank. R150 per vehicle is charged so bring your family and friends to enjoy a fabulous day in the country. The entrance fee includes exntrance to fashion show and Oakfield’s fabulous full colour bridal magazine. This magazine is full of inspiration and helpful advice to make your wedding marvellous.

Programme

• 10am: Gates Open
• 3pm: Fashion Show—Entrance is Free
• 5pm: Close

Food & Drinks Available

Location
Oakfield Farm, Beyers Naude, Muldersdrift 14km West of N1 on the left. 2km East of Krugersdorp Highway on the right.

Make Your Mark Events Management

Call us to assist you in the planning of your wedding, birthday party or any other function or event.

Mark Moore

Cell: 079 139 1117

Tel: (013) 741 5076

Email: makeyourmark-events@telkomsa.net

Web: http://www.makeyourmark-events.blogspot.com/ 

From Preston Bailey Blog Site

FAQs: How do you re-educate potential clients who have Champagne tastes on a Pepsi budget?

January 04, 2011

In today’s FAQ I’d like to answer Mr. Mark Moore from yesterday’s Venting post.

He asked how we can re-educate potential clients with “Champagne” tastes on a “Pepsi” budget (love this example Mark).
Before I answer this question, I’d like to state a few very obvious points:

• Entertaining is a luxury. If you really think about it, no one truly needs to give a party. In fact, most folks in the world hardly ever entertain.
• I am extremely grateful for those many folks who actually want to entertain. Based on my experience and our times, that number keeps increasing every year.
• If those clients have a great deal of money, I can safely say they became rich by being very savvy and careful about how they spend it.
• Most people (including myself) always like a good “sale.”
• Most clients truly do not know what things cost.

Once we take all that in, here are four suggestions on how to educate a potential new client:

1. It is human nature to want the very best of everything, so it’s up to us to manage our clients’ expectations. The best way to do this is by giving them choices. The trick is to always make ALL the choices exciting.
2. Most clients (including myself) would pay a bit more for something they truly love and feel like they must have.
3. Always discuss cost in person. Always (and I mean always) have a very clear explanation of what you are charging and why. For example, break down materials, labor, etc. I find that if a client understands your pricing system, most of them are fair enough to pay.
4. Selling is an art. We need to be truthful in a very gentle way about telling our clients they cannot afford certain things. However, always offer them a different choice or alternative that can be equally exciting as their first choice.

Just remember: You are not going to get every client you interview. However, if you get 5 out of 10, you are probably doing a great job as a sales person–you just need to keep fine tuning your process.
Would you pay more for something you love, even if you could hardly afford it? How do you deal with “cheap” potential clients? If you were the client, do you think you’d also expect “more” for “less”?

(Image via Splinter)