Last month Gillian Pishl asked me some advice on how to promote her small business without begging. This is a great question! It reminds me of one of my favorite topics, which is relationship marketing. Promoting without begging should be founded on strong relationships. 

1. KNOW WHO ARE YOU TALKING TO. Ask yourself who would be the best contacts for you to help your business grow and that you could help in their business. This can vary by industry but the goal is the same. Who needs you? In your ideal world, who would you be working with regularly? Where are your potential clients hanging out? Make a list of your ideal A-Team. 
2. DETERMINE YOUR MESSAGE. Next, you need to know what message you are wanting to share with people you are talking to. What do you want them to know about your, your business, and how you can help them? 
3. COME FROM A PLACE OF SERVICE. Successful relationships are never founded on "what can you do for me?" Instead, they are founded on "what can I do for you?" and "how can I help make your life easier?" We have to stay in this mindset as we are promoting our businesses, otherwise we will make less friends and more "no thank yous." At Sound Wave, we have always put relationships first. We want true, genuine, mutual relationships. Sure, we would love referrals too, but that isn't the primary motivation for the relationships we build. We want to build a strong network of people that we can learn from, grow with, and establish FRIENDSHIPS with. We have found that the most fulfilling part of what we do is founded in the friends we have made along the way. 
4. MAKE THE CALL. The hardest part of marketing your business is making the call. Pick up the phone and ask someone to coffee. An email works too. Just take the action needed to start a relationship with someone in your industry. You will be surprised about what positive feedback you will get and how much you will learn along the way. People need to have 5-10 interactions with you before they will think of you for a referral, so make the call. Take action to meet people (even if it makes your palms sweat just thinking about it). 
5. BUILD THE RELATIONSHIP. Relationships don't just happen. They are built with intention. This isn't a 'fake it until you make it' kind of thing. In order for relationships to grow, you have to actually care and nurture the relationships. I can't stress this enough - be genuine! Don't seek out a relationship just because they might refer you. Referrals to your business are a perk to the great friendships you are forming and all you are learning from other people and businesses along the way. 
6. BE PATIENT. Friendships and business relationships take time. Be patient. Most people are not going to refer a business that they don't know much about, haven't seen their work, or haven't had a chance to work with. This is okay! Keep reaching out, keep caring, and keep SERVING those around you and the business will come. I can guarantee you that! 
7. TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER. You may run into people in your industry that you have a hard time clicking with - or that won't refer you. IT IS OKAY. it is okay. It Is Okay. Take a deep breath and let it go. No one is going to make you OR break you or your business. As you go through the process, you will find your people - those you love working with and that love working with you. 

Hope this helps as you are building relationships and growing your small business!

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Events
208-891-0094
​kristin@soundwavevents.com

Are you looking for that perfect gift for your bridal party? We have 5 ideas that we think your besties will love!

Leggings are all the rage these days and for good reason. They are comfy, stretchy, and for your bridal party, they are perfect for lounging around the bridal suite for hours!

Are your friends just a little bit silly and always too much fun? How about some matching sunglasses for some sweet pics!

You may be in need of some relaxation, so why not share that with your bridesmaids! Buy everyone manicures and get some sweet hangs in with your friends. 

Give your bridal party something that will keep on giving long after the wedding is over! How about a personalized water bottle! Tag it with their name, their initial, or any kind of fun phrase and they will continue to think on how awesome your wedding was. Any kind of cup shaped item would also work! We'll let you be the judge of what your friends like to drink out of.

These folks are the best of the best and they deserve to hear it! This might be just the right time to thank them from the heart. Tell them why they matter so much to you and how excited you are that they are a part of your special day! ​

​

We hope these gift ideas help you find that special way to say "thank you" to your amazing friends! May your wedding day be a blast! 

We have an important question for you:

​Even if you can't honestly answer "yes" right now (it's okay, we understand), you and your guests may jusssstttt be willing to entertain the possibility that magic does indeed exist when you encounter our Starlight Dance Floor.

At first glance, it appears to be a classic white square. But dim the lights, step into the space, and BOOM - the night sky is beneath your feet and you are joined by hundreds of sparkling fairy lights.  One second you're on land and the next you're dancing along with Orion, The Big Dipper, and the rest of them. Perfect for those romantic moments of your first dance as newlyweds and equally ready to keep pace with those joyous frivolities of late night dance offs between your best man and your curiously spry great uncle, this floor does. it. all.  

A favorite with clients from ages 2-102, our Starlight Dance Floor comes in multiple sizes and can twinkle fast or slow. It is stunning at dawn or dusk and makes a one-of-a-kind addition to any wedding. ♥ 

But don't just take our word for it. Behold (or should we say, lumos​?); pictures to prove it!

Photo courtesy of Two Birds Studio

​What can we say? We told you.
​
Magic. 

THIS IS THE WEEK. All those meetings with vendors are done, and everything is planned, ready to go. Also you get to be with the love of your life fo-evah on Saturday?? Straight up week sent from above. 

The in-laws arrive, and "forget" to get a hotel. Now you are smelling your soon-to-be father in-law Charles' mung bean salad that he insists he needs to put in the microwave at 7:00 a.m. every morning.

The weight of the commitment you are making settles in. You decide that a 6 hour nap is probably the best way to make it go away.

Your best friend, and maid of honor completely forgot to throw you a bachelorette party. THEN decides that 2 DAYS before your wedding is the best time to go out. -but...you are definitely here for it. 

You realize that those party favors are most definitely not done - So at 1:00 a.m. you are hand knitting 400 wool gloves for all of your guests.  

You get to be with your soul mate like you always wanted. All of the stress and worry was not worth it, but being loved by someone you love is worth it.  

So, Kristin, did you always know you wanted to be a DJ when you grew up? 

​I get asked this question all the time!  Valid question, since I own a DJ company! :) But actually, growing up I wanted to be a pediatrician, and then a teacher, and then an immunologist, and then a teacher, and then a preschool teacher, and then a teacher. My photo is a dead giveaway of that (total teacher face)! 

When I actually grew up I worked at Wells Fargo Bank and thought I would work there for a lot of years. After that was a no go, I became a Realtor. My husband, Adam, was a home builder and it was perfect that I be the Realtor for all of his projects. I was a Realtor for about 5 years and it was great! I learned A TON and it was very fulfilling. When the market crashed in 2007 we had decisions to make - ride it out or roll the dice. We rolled the dice. 

Adam had always been a hobby DJ (since he was 14!) and in a road trip conversation we decided that DJing should no longer be a hobby - it should be our family's business. And so we went for it!  

Truth be told, I have never wanted to be a DJ. And spoiler alert, I am not a DJ (never really have been). But I will tell you what - I have gained more growing a company from the ground up than I ever could have in any other profession. So here is what I have become, now that I a tried & true grown up:

• Business owner
• Staff Trainer
• Life Coach
• Office Manager
• Thursday Nonsense Creator
• Party Planner
• Marketing Lead
• Process Creator
• Decision Maker
• Ring Leader
• Team Collaborator
• Snack Bringer
• HR Manager
• Networker
• Office Prankster
• AND SO MUCH MORE

It has been a wild ride with so many highs & lows and lessons along the way. I am ever so grateful that we rolled the dice all those years ago. This career IS what it's all about. 

Thanks for listening! 

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Events

Are you looking for some ideas for wedding songs that are so not 2017? Us too! We have searched high and low and these are our favorite wedding songs for 2019

We know the classics will always keep the dance floor packed - and we love that! Here are a couple of more we will be spinning this year:

We are looking forward to these songs and SO MANY more in 2019! See you on the dance floor!

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Events
Boise Wedding DJ and Photo Booth
208-891-0094
celebrate@soundwaveevents.com

So the task is at hand - hire a DJ. Most people have never hired a DJ before and it can be hard to know where to start. You are not alone, my friend! It can be an overwhelming task. 

1. Your Event, Your Way. The thing is, we like doing things your way. Though we can offer ideas, expertise, and suggestions, we want your event to reflect you! We will work together to understand the vision you have for your event and add the necessary elements to make that happen. From music to mood to announcements, and more. We will adjust to your needs.
2. More than an iPod. A lot of people think of DJs as people who plug (in their iPod) and play (boring music while drinking your beer). Truth is, there are lots of DJs who do. Not us. We bring top of the line equipment, fun, and professionalism to create an incredible experience based on your event needs. In addition, we are actively involved throughout the event to make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time and that things go smooth. 
3. We Care. We always know when Monday comes because so many of our friends celebrated over the weekend. We are secretly sad because we MISS THEM when their events are over! Through planning your wedding or event, we get to know you - we care about you and your event and hope to become great friends in the meantime. ♥
4. Available When You Need Us. You heard it - we answer the phone AND reply to emails. We want to be available to you when you have questions or want to chat. Being able to reach someone when you need them goes a long way to creating a positive planning experience. We've got you. 
   
5. More Options. It is nice when you can knock several things off your to do list at the same time - that is why we offer DJ Services, Photo Booth, Event Lighting, and Dance Floor Rentals - all in one stop to make your life easier (and bring all the fun, of course!). 
   
   

As you are planning your event, we hope you will consider Sound Wave. We would love to help make your event one you will remember for a lifetime!

Sound Wave Events
208-891-0094
celebrate@soundwaveevents.com

Planning an event for your friends, family, donors, or co-workers? YASSSS! Events are a great way to mark milestones, celebrate successes, and raise funds for your organization. But this question lays in wait......how can this be an event that people are talking about for months and years to come? As we discussed this very question with our event team, it came down to one simple thing.....

That is the answer we keep coming back to - the more interactive an event is, the more successful it is. The reason this is so powerful is because shared experience (especially fun, embarrassing, memorable experience) binds people together. That's what this is all about right - making memories and connection? Okay, okay, sometimes it is about raising money too. ☺  So, the more you can create interactive experiences for your guests, the more they will connect with each other (and you or your organization), and the longer they will remember the fun they had.

What type of interaction is best for your group may vary depending on your goals and priorities, but here are some ideas:

• Book a Photo Booth. There is no easier way to get people having fun and being silly than in a photo booth. Plus they will leave with a printed memory (that can even be branded with your organization's message). 
• Include Ice Breakers. With so, so many ideas for ice breakers online you are sure to find something fun that can fit your group. This is an interactive way for people to meet each other or learn new things about each other.
• Raffles and Giveaways. Always a great way to increase attendance or encourage people to stay for the whole event.
• Put Your Boss in the Spotlight. We will never forget the company party we had where the Boss dressed up like Elsa and sang "Let It Go." I am pretty sure his employees will never forget this either.
• Interactive Games. Get all of your guests involved with minute-to-win-it style games. You can find endless ideas for these on Pinterest!
• Have a Dance Party. No denying that people can get a little weird on the dance floor - and it is the BEST! Feel free to throw in a dance contest or add some dance floor props while you are at it!
• Go a Little Crazy. What if you had adult bouncy houses? A mechanical bull? Some crazy carnival ride? Imagine the laughter and memories this could bring!
• Include Contests. One of our favorite parties of all time had a lip sync battle between employees. They prepared ahead of time, had costumes and the whole shebang. It was killer. We highly recommend it!
• Follow a Theme. You can include a lot of ideas around a theme - and don't be afraid to have fun with this! Remember, people go to weddings and formal events often throughout the year, but how often do the REALLY HAVE FUN? Murder Mystery Dinners, Progressive Dinners, or a magical costume party are a few to get you started :)

Hope these ideas help get you started! Whatever you choose to do - Sound Wave can help you make it amazing. Looking forward to helping with your event!

​Sound Wave Events
208-891-0094
www.soundwaveevents.com
celebrate@soundwaveevents.com

Preparing for your wedding rehearsal but not quite sure where to start?  We can help!  There are a couple of key things to go through at your rehearsal:

1. Walk the venue and review your layout, set up instructions, etc. Make any needed changes and notify applicable parties.

2. Run through the ceremony with your officiant and wedding party. The main goal of the rehearsal is to help your wedding party and family feel confident walking down the aisle. When they leave, they should know:

• Who they are walking with 
• How to pace themselves walking down the aisle (not too slow, not too fast)
• Where they should stand at the front of the ceremony (the LAST couple on your list should walk FIRST and stand at the far end of the ceremony)
• What they should do with their hands/bouquets. Ideally all the Bridesmaids do the same thing and all the Groomsmen do the same thing. This helps with photos :) :)
• How to exit the ceremony. Should they dance out, walk out calmly?
• It is fun to practice this to your chosen songs but PLEASE do not try to have you or your wedding party walk to certain parts of the songs they are walking to. This is incredibly difficult to match the day of the wedding (unless we have pre-cut songs for you) because things will happen a little bit differently when the ceremony is actually happening. People will walk faster or slower than expected, flower girls will sit down in the middle of the aisle, etc. Plan for the unexpected and have this part of your wedding be flexible. You will thank us later :) 

3. Run through the full ceremony with your Officiant so you are comfortable and confident with how the process will go the day of your wedding.

4. Lastly, who should attend the rehearsal?

• You, your fiance, your escort who will be walking you down the aisle, wedding party, wedding coordinator (if you have one), your officiant, and anyone else doing something special during the ceremony (like a reading). This will help everyone be clear on things for the day of.
• If you have a Sound Wave DJ, he will not need to attend the rehearsal. He and his assistant will help your wedding party know when to walk down the aisle and cue the music the day of and things will go fabulously! 

Hope this helps as you plan your rehearsal! Let us know if we can assist in any other way!

Sound Wave Events
208-891-0094
www.soundwaveevents.com
celebrate@soundwaveevents.com

As your wedding is getting close it is time to start planning your timeline. This can be a daunting task, especially as it is probably your first time taking this on.  We have some helpful tips for you!  Here we go:

Say what?!?!  Plan my wedding backward??  What does that even mean?  It means, start at your end time and plan backward from there. Most couples pick a wedding start time randomly or based on what times other weddings have started that they have attended. This won't always create the type of experience you are hoping for.  Take for example if you plan your ceremony at 3pm and want your wedding to end a 11pm. This will give you almost 4 hours of dancing time. This can be great IF you and your group love, love, love dancing. Maybe you plan to start your wedding at sunset, say 7:30pm, but have to end at 10pm per venue rules.  This will leave you with only 20-30 minutes of dancing. Does this fit with your ideal? So ask:

This is key. Are you a dancing fool or a hang and chat type of person? How much time would you like for dancing, mingling, and celebrating after all the festivities are done? Also consider your sunset time (look it up!).  Do you envision dancing during sunset, during the day or at night? Now next...

Think about the last wedding or event you attended, how long did you spend there? Are you comfortable asking your guests to spend 4 hours with you? 6? 8? 10 hours? How long will the guests be drinking during this time? Will they tire out? Will it be hot at your wedding? What makes sense for your group? With these things in mind, consider how much time you want after the special activities to dance, chill, and celebrate. :) 

Once you have your end time and how much dancing time you would like, you can build in time for your special activities, dinner, and cocktail hour.  Here is a guide of how long special activities take:

Anniversary Dance - 5 Minutes
Dollar Dance - 10 Minutes
Cake Cutting - 10 Minutes
Garter Toss - 5 Minutes
Bouquet Toss - 5 Minutes
Parent's Dances - 5 Minutes Each
First Dance - 5 Minutes
Toasts - 5 Minutes per Person
Dinner - Less Than 100 People - 45 Minutes
Dinner - More Than 100 People - 60 Minutes
Grand Entrance  - 5 Minutes
Cocktail Hour - 30-60 Minutes
Ceremony (Standard) – 30 Minutes
Ceremony (Full Mass) – 60 Minutes + travel time from Cathedral

Once you have worked through this exercise, you can work backward to your ceremony start time.  This will ensure that you plan enough, but not too much time for your wedding.  We hope these tips help you plan your perfect day!  

Want to talk more about your timeline and how to put it all together? Contact us today - we are happy to help!

Sound Wave Events
208-891-0094
www.soundwaveevents.com
celebrate@soundwaveevents.com