To steal a quote from one of Santa’s most well-known helpers, “I love smiling. Smiling’s my favorite!” I really do mean that and so should every wedding professional. My first job as a teenage as a café barista required me to be friendly, always wear a smile and make small talk with strangers while adding just the right amount of foam to their lattes. Today my work routine still involves all of those things, except now I am the one ordering the coffee. Individuals who choose the wedding industry must like speaking with people on a daily basis and may need guidance on how to interact with them.

According to Dr. Mark Stibich, a behavior change expert, “smiling while interacting with clients will not only enhance their perception of you, but reduces your stress and blood pressure at the same time.” Recently I had a mother of a bride say, “You really do like your job don’t you? It’s very obvious by the smile on your face.” To this I replied, “Yes. I absolutely do.”

We are in the industry of making people feel excited, joyous and positive about their futures. If we do not reflect those traits in our own demeanor then why should our clients believe that we will create the best experience for them?

Think about the first time you met with someone about a topic you knew nothing about. Were they polite? Did they put you at ease? Do you recall their facial expression? When a bride and groom meet with you for the first time, they most likely will have never been through the wedding planning process before and are looking to you to make it clear. The next time you have a new client meeting or meet with the client who always has something negative to say, try smiling. Your smile will show through that telephone call or the other end of the table and so will your eagerness to help.

Our businesses are truly built on word of mouth and reputation. If just one client experiences how pleasant you are to work with, he or she will tell their friends and write glowing reviews which will make you one busy and successful event planner in the future.

Of course, there will be moments when you will have to let go of that smile and that’s what wine, massages and desserts are for!

This is a guest post from Christine Pirkle. Christine resides in Chicago where she has worked as a marketing and events professional for the past five years. After starting Rise Events Planning, she decided to make event coordination her full-time job. Christine works full-time as the Sales and Event Coordinator at the Goldmoor Inn & Dining in addition to planning events on her own.