In Defense of the Zoom Consultation

Zoom consultations: I used to hate them.

I have PTSD from moving all of my spring consultations out of the coffeehouse and into my new ~ Zoom Room.~ I was mortified at my office aesthetic—which I refer to as Harry Potter’s cupboard—-and just couldn’t see how I’d manage to sell my services over a video call.

Seven months later…we’re still stuck on Zoom (seriously…no one should be meeting in person right now, sorry!) and I’m officially a fan! Here’s why:

I never experienced online dating, but I could imagine it’s similar to what I go through to prep for an in person consultation. I’d start by doing full hair and makeup, wearing something smart but stylish, and I’d be unable to eat out of nerves. I always plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early to:

1. Get a table! I never know if they’re bringing their fiancé, or mom, or maid of honor, so I usually scoop at least 2 extra chairs just in case. I also prefer one near an outlet just in case my Chromebook isn’t fully charged.

2. Buy something. I support small businesses, and if you don’t buy something while using their space to get paid, you’re rude as hell and I judge you.

3. Connect to the Wifi. This is impressively difficult every since time. Actually, the week when we locked down in March, I finally upgraded my phone to be a personal hotspot and now I’m bummed I haven’t gotten much use out of it!

4. Pull up their wedding info and get in the headspace to meet whatever type of bride comes through the door.

Sometimes the bride would already be there, and would catch me LOL-ing over some dumb meme, or spilling my latte, or ten other examples of me not having my act together and displaying general clumsiness.

Then, I’d spend the next 30 minutes (FYI: All of my consultations are 30 minutes. If I can’t sell you in 30 minutes, I have bigger problems) going through my pitch, painfully aware that I’m killing the vibe of the graphic designer next to us while also not speaking loud enough to drown out the men on across the shop. Oh god, did my old boss just walk in? Get me out of here!

Things I love about Zoom consultations, in no specific order:

I don’t feel the need to be all done up, and while I always wear something presentable, I do a little less hair and makeup primping. I 110% have PJ pants on though, and for that, I am not sorry.

I don’t have to wear a mask! Having a consult with a mask on is distracting and difficult, and I don’t see those rules changing anytime soon. Maybe I’ll do my next blog post about working weddings while wearing a mask. It’s not fun, but I guess ventilators are less fun…so.

I don’t get as nervous? This is an interesting one. I’m a very extroverted, confident person, but when I know the pressure is on, or I’m excited, or feeling any type of way, my skin gets really red and blotchy, and I know that potential clients notice. Which makes my nerves even worse! For some reason, this doesn’t happen on my Zoom consults.

I can direct the conversation more efficiently. On Zoom, both my potential client and I are here for one reason: To see if we’re a good fit for their wedding day plans. I’m not anticipating the venue walk through I’m rushing off to next, and they aren’t thinking about where to grab dinner after talking to me. It’s still personal, and my pitch remains the same, but it’s just more to the point.

They ask more questions! I’ve noticed many future brides and grooms asking more questions at the end, and I love that. I always give them a few minutes to pick my brain on any wedding ‘thing’ stresses them out at the moment. I mean, what could possibly be stressing them out about wedding planning right now? Oh right…all of it.

I send their follow ups immediately. Like, as soon as I close out of Zoom. I used to be at least a day or two later with my proposal and invitation to book, but now that I don’t have to drive home, or get to another meeting, I’m able to turn everything around lighting fast and with personal anecdotes because our meeting is so fresh in my head. I’m really proud of that!

I guess the thing I love most about Zoom is that it’s a controlled and comfortable environment. And that means having a more successful meeting. And a successful meeting…means I book a wedding.

Since March 2020, I’ve had exactly 20 Zoom consultations.

Eleven out of those 20 ended up booking…and honestly? In this turbulent time, I see that as a HUGE win.

So—To all the couples out there booking wedding vendors right now: How do you feel about Zoom consults? And what about other vendors? Tell me everything!