what type of things do you to build a good relationship with them? I recently had two planners ask to meet with me and want to do a tasting. Is that normal?

I'm thinking of saying/doing:
- telling them about myself and my background
- showing them my portfolio
- giving them a 6 pack wedding cookie sample box to show brides (they can eat one but I intend for them to be used as dummies to show brides)
- give them a pricing sheet
- give them about 25 business cards (That should be enough right?)
- doing a mini cake tasting with basic flavors


Anything else I should do? What do you guys do?

First, remember this is not a bridal tasting appt. This is your OPPORTUNITY to build a RELATIONSHIP with fellow wedding vendors. YOu want to get to know them and for them to get to know you. Conduct it more as a girlfriend gathering with a business overtone. Ask lots of questions about THEIR business and how you can help THEM with referrals.

This is not a one-way street. It's relationship building, pure and simple.

big shocker, but Debi is totally right.

I think you've got a great start on your end, but be sure to figure out how THEY can help YOU as well. Ask them what kind of relationships they have with venues, do they offer different types of packages, what cake related services might they offer (cutting-probably not, but do they keep extra cutting sets), what kind of unique extras do they do etc. How are their relationships with other cake places? What kind of experiences (good and bad) have they had with cakes?

save

I just provided a sample as well for a planner in the area. Any ideas for a unique follow up? A sort of thank you for taking the time to meet with me?

I've actually written an article on this very topic, interviewing two wedding vendors who are very good at this networking thing! You can watch for it in the August issue of Cake Central Magz.