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W.E.D.Guild™ Community "A Community of Elite Wedding Entertainment Professionals"
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Peter Merry W.E.D.Guild President

Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1026 Location: Ladera Ranch, CA
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Posted: 04-15-2008, 10:13pm Post subject: How has joining the W.E.D.Guild™ benefitted you thus far? |
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I'd love to hear stories from current W.E.D.Guild™ members (in this public forum) about how they have benefitted from either joining and/or being a member of the W.E.D.Guild™.
I'll give one simple benefit I received recently.
Mike Anderson helped me find a solution to a problem I was having with my wireless ceremony lav microphones. He helped me identify the components I would need to acquire and some accessories that would prove helpful as well.
During my latest wedding ceremony on April 12th...my wireless lav mics were getting their best signal strength...ever!
Thanks a bunch Mike! _________________ Peter Merry
Merry Weddings
Wedding Entertainment Director™
"Unforgettable Reception Entertainment" |
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Mitch Taylor ABoD Member

Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 276 Location: Escanaba, MI
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Posted: 04-16-2008, 6:35am Post subject: |
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I have to say that joining the WED Guild™ has been a tremendous benefit to me and my business for several reasons.
1. Separation - We all have dj's in our markets that well, give dj's a bad name. If you specialize in weddings, what better way to distinguish yourself and your service from anyone else by being a Wedding Entertainment Director™. This is the only way to truly show the difference in your performance to a potential client that actually has some bite, some teeth to it. Sure, you can come up with your own term such as Entertainment Director or Wedding Host but it has no meaning without the backing of a national book and the national promotion behind it that has been seen by the WED Guild™.
2. Forum Sharing - WED Guild™ members share advanced tips, techniques and advice here in the forums that can definitely help take your business to the next level. I have seen a 40% increase in pay per show since becoming a WED Guild™ member.
3. Little Details - This kind of piggybacks off of sharing, however the little details can make a big impact on your bottom line. Peter Merry recently assisted me with my new business cards and dramatically changed the appearance of them for the better.....at 9pm PST one evening for me! Thanks again Peter! I've gotten nothing but rave reviews on my new cards!
Some may think that the WED Guild™ is just a good ol' boys club and can't be cracked. The WED Guild™ isn't that at all. It's a group of men and women who believe wholeheartedly in giving their all each night out and striving to make each wedding reception the best reception ever. The WED Guild™ gave me a goal to shoot for and a plan to execute to get to where I wanted to be. The application provided the road map on how you can better your performances and in turn deliver to your clients one of the most amazing nights of their lives. I believe I am proof positive that with a great work ethic and desire to be the best that you can be that you too can become a Wedding Entertainment Director™. It truly is a great achievement and something to be proud of. I look forward to welcoming our upcoming members with open arms.
Mitch Taylor
Taylored Weddings |
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Larry Williams ABoD Member

Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 284 Location: Reno, NV
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Posted: 04-16-2008, 8:28am Post subject: Re: How has joining the W.E.D.Guild™ benefitted you thus far |
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| Peter Merry wrote: | | I'd love to hear stories from current W.E.D.Guild™ members (in this public forum) about how they have benefitted from either joining and/or being a member of the W.E.D.Guild™. |
While there have been many benefits, I would like to touch upon one that I didn't count on. In our industry we tirelessly discuss how best to market and educate our brides on the benefits of our training and experience. Since becoming a Wedding Entertainment Director™, I have noticed a respect from my peers (ie; other wedding vendors) that has been quite refreshing.
While educating brides will probably always be an on-going part of our business . . . I was surprised at the great level of elevated respect I have received from other members of the wedding industry. In short . . . THEY GET IT!!! A great majority of them completely understand what "advanced level training and education" is all about. They understand the commitment and detailed involvement that comes with an "attained level" such as this.
These professionals have likely seen "first hand" the certification process of many colleagues (including themselves) who have engaged in "advanced level education" and "training" needed for many of their attained levels of professional status. Thankfully, they see this "attained level" in the same manner.
It is undeniable the level of respect I have received from banquet managers, photographers, wedding planners etc., since becoming a Wedding Entertainment Director™. Again, it is because THEY GET IT!!!
This is just one of the many benefits I have enjoyed since becoming a Wedding Entertainment Director™. _________________
www.LarryWilliams.biz |
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Marcello Pedalino ABoD Member

Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 220 Location: Newton, NJ
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Posted: 04-20-2008, 6:34pm Post subject: |
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In a nutshell, these are a few ways that I've benefited from the Guild....
1) The application process alone forced me to update every aspect my of my company literature, general sales tools and references.
2) A few of the proactive members had a significant impact on my recent involvement with Toast Masters International, ISES, and the ABC.
3) This past weekend I entertained 800 people with a 15 minute centerpiece interactive that was brainstormed on this forum. (And it rocked!)
4) Over the years, there really wasn't an explanation foundation for the services I provide. Now, in addition to the word of mouth, my official affiliation with the Guild serves as a legitimate justification for my price differential.
5) I love to network. When I attended Vegas this year, the ice was already broken with at least 15 new pre-qualified professionals that I met through the forum. When I'm investing upwards of $2000 over five days, I like to get my money's worth. The Guild helped make that happen.
6) There are many performers from across the country who I’d love to see do an event. However, time, travel and logistics make it a little impractical. The Guild has given me access to dozens of performance videos that feature many “nuggets” to learn from; from the comfort of my home office. Everybody here is better than me at something; they share and help me improve… I get better, my clients get happier….. Priceless. |
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Elisabeth Daley ABoD Member

Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 343 Location: Williamsburg, VA
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Posted: 10-19-2009, 4:16pm Post subject: Booking Jobs |
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I just booked a wedding with a young lady from Centreville, VA who is having her reception in Alexandria, VA. (just outside of DC)
Her mother met Peter Merry at the Wedding MBA show, bought his book and then called to inquire about him flying to Virginia for the event . . . but her budget didn't allow him personally . . . so Peter recommended me and I booked the job tonight at a very nice fee.
I'm very happy to be a part of the WED Guild!!!! It's bringing me business! _________________ Elisabeth Scott Daley
Williamsburg, Virginia
757-566-4530
liz@daleydjs.com |
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Matt Graumann ABoD Member

Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 550 Location: Simi Valley, CA
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Posted: 10-20-2009, 12:32am Post subject: |
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Let's see:
1. Business. Peter has referred me a few bookings, and I booked a wedding from one of his speaking engagements, since he pointed me out in the crowd as a local WED.
2. All of yous guys and ladies are the best! (Friendships and networking). I don't call or email all of you very much, but if I have something I need help on, like a karaoke track recorded one step down (Thanks, again, Liz!), I know I can count on all of you. And you can count on me.
3. Like Marcello, the application process was more than worth it. I had to update a lot of things, evaluate other things (including finally taking a hard look at video footage of myself), and learn some new skills.
4. Business. I know that because I'm a WED, and because of my sparkling personality and good looks (and humbleness), I've booked more weddings.
5. FUN!
6. Business. I learned a new skill, have helped many brides, and have made a lot of money from a wedding that Peter graciously let me attend, and rip him a new one...er...anyway, that was the wedding where I saw the Colormaker LED uplighting system in action, and it had made myself, Mike Anderson, Randy, and now Mitch, a lot of money. _________________ All The Best, |
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Diana McKinney Applicant?

Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Loveland CO
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Posted: 07-04-2010, 9:17am Post subject: |
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I am not yet a member, but hope you will cut me a little slack and permit me to respond to Peter's question. (Peter, if inappropriate, please remove, I totally understand.)
I took Peter's Professional Process in TN in late June. Spoke with Mitch Taylor earlier this week and enjoyed a Skype conversation with Jim Cerone on Tuesday. Visited this website as soon as I could when I returned to Colorado. I have a very, very long way to go but I hope to become the first W.E.D. member in Colorado.
I have known for several years that I needed to increase my level of service to my clients. I am now looking at my weddings with a new, more critical eye. What can I do different, better here? How could that be improved? My awareness level has increased a thousand fold, all because I aspire to become a W.E.D. Guild member.
Last night was my first wedding since I made this decision. I already have a bride interested in my service for her wedding in 2012. Received a sizable tip. Having lunch with Jen (the bride), her mom, and her MIL next Friday to give them copies of a DVD I made for the wedding which includes a new and expanded grand entrance which everyone loved.
So, in answer to Peter's question. When I become a member of the guild I expect that I will
1. continue to see improvement in my service
2. continue to see improvement in my finances
3. continue to make and share the company of new friends.
Thank you Peter, Mitch, and Jim. Mark Thomas, Liz Daley, Bill Hermann, Neal Howard, Larry Williams, and Matt Graumann, hope to run into you guys again soon. _________________ Pushing my way out of my comfort zone. |
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Mitch Taylor ABoD Member

Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 276 Location: Escanaba, MI
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Posted: 07-06-2010, 10:08am Post subject: |
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You are quite welcome Diana. It was a pleasure meeting you and Scott in the Professional Process in TN. If there's anything I can do to help, feel free to call me anytime. _________________ Mitch Taylor
Taylored Weddings
"Less Worry...More Fun!"
O: 906-786-6967
C: 906-280-8467
mitch@tayloredweddings.com |
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Larry Williams ABoD Member

Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 284 Location: Reno, NV
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Posted: 07-06-2010, 8:52pm Post subject: |
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Likewise, Diana. It was great to meet you at the ARMDJS event in Tennessee. I very much enjoyed your participation in my seminar. WEDGuild, like many things in life, is a goal. It is attainable to anyone with a focused determination to succeed.
Being a WEDGuild member not only benefits you . . . but more importantly, it benefits others that are touched by the presentation of your craft. _________________
www.LarryWilliams.biz |
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