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Saturday, October 2, 2010

Questions I Can't Answer


Questions I Have No Answers For.
Several courses later and I still come across customers that I don't seem to know how to satisfy. Even after applying all the tricks in the book it just does not work.
What do you do? I really do need answers. I have researched countless times and I don't seem to be making any significant progress. It is just not working.
In the corporate gift world care is taken every step of the way to ensure that both parties understand each other. In cases where we work with logos, colors etc. We make sure that everything is specified and agreed upon before going ahead to produce.

What do you do when you deliver and the customer says he is not satisfied with the product and you know it was all approved by him not just verbally but by email or on paper.
You stand the chance of loosing the customer if you try to argue and bring up evidences, there is also no guarantee that you would not loose the customer anyway. So, what do you do?

You have customers that have supposedly built a brand and don't have their logos saved in good quality. Now this is allowed, but then when it is needed for certain jobs it has to be improved upon. Sometimes for the purpose of the initial sample or presentation with no guarantee that the job is yours, who bears the cost?

Now here is this scenario. I am asked to do a presentation, which I gladly do. After the presentations you are asked  to keep certain samples to allow them deliberate further or discuss with his boss. Yet they refuse to pay for the samples, they don't return it and they end up not ordering from me? Do I keep quiet and hope that another job might come  my way or do I demand payment?

Presentations! Presentations! Presentations! It always looks really nice when it is done. It gives the customers a clearer view of what to expect from you. Who foots the bill?

It seems like I have an endless array of questions and I need urgent answers.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

It's A Learning Process.



It's often said that we keep learning. In this past month I have realized that more than ever before.
At Rubans Rouge every arm has been put to test.
The corporate gifts arm has been busy with the golf tournament gifts and considering it is the end of the year we have to meet the needs of all our corporate clients.





Our knowledge of gifts and gift giving also grew and our event planning skills put to test with the organization of the 50@50 Nigerian Women: The Journey So Far.
We have beautiful souvenirs to mark the golden jubilee of our great nation.
Our events arm has been on their feet organizing this event which includes a historic exhibition of the Nigerian woman in New York and then Nigeria. It got all heated up after the First Lady Of Nigeria, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan unveiled the logo.
I will share with you some of the things i have learnt.
1. It is important to multitask. Sometimes you need to make important decisions on several things all at once.
2. It is important to employ capable hands. As it is impossible to do everything yourself it is important to employ people you can trust to a large extent to handle certain aspects of your project.
3. Stay calm. This is easier said than done but it is important. I found out that you take better decisions when you are calm and actually save time.
4. Take notes. During meetings or when you are alone important points cross your mind and at that point you are actually convinced you will remember it when you need it but most times when you need it you just never get it like the first time.
5. Anything can go wrong. Some things are just out of your control for instance the loudspeaker. My suggestion? Always have a plan B
6. Always take courses there is no such thing as too much knowledge.
7. Align yourself with the best in every field, irrespective of what part of the world they are. I assure you there is something to learn.

These and many more I have learnt. Have a lovely Weekend!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Training our hostesses for greater efficiency.

Our event planning arm discovered that for every event we have handled we had issues with the efficiency of the hostesses.
We then decided to do an in-house training. We did a thorough training and our hostesses left very satisfied.
At RR we believe that the hostesses are an important part of the ceremony.
We touched on every aspect of the etiquette of hosting. It was an eye opener for both the attendees and the Rubans Rouge (RR)  staff. There was a question and answer session.
All in all we had a great time. Now we can boast of having a good bunch of hostess.
Welcome to the RR family.






Friday, July 30, 2010

Rubans Rouge at it again!!!

Hi Everyone,
It's been ages. The past three months have been both hectic and interesting. We have so much to share and I am so excited. I am trying to decide if to share it in bits or just give you everything.


We had an event called the Bridal Cottage where we educated brides-to-be on what to look out for when consulting a bridal consultant. We had presentations from decorators and our in-house honeymoon specialist gave us a lovely talk on Sandals and Beaches. Our very own Dr Robert's was on hand to educate us on ordering cake.


At Rubans Rouge we promise to keep you up to date with the latest trends in Events and Wedding Planning.


Our corporate gifts and souvenirs are not left out. As we enter the second half of the year we are well prepared for the tasks ahead. In the forthcoming week we shall be giving you a sneak preview off our christmas hampers.
Most recent is our training of Hostesses. We have decided to train our own hostess so as to keep up with the standard of our services. It promises to be an intense and extensive training. Be sure to watch out next week as we will give you a blow by blow account on that one.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Mothers Day!!!

mothers_day_03.jpg




It's mothers day in the UK this Sunday. What really is mothers day? It is a day of honoring mothers. Motherhood and maternal bonds are generally recognized. It dates back to the ancient Greek who celebrated mothers day in honor of Rhea the mother of many gods and goddesses in Greek mythology. In 1914 (May 8th) the then US president Woodrow Wilson signed the resolution.
Mothers day has come to stay and different christian denominations have chosen different days to mark this special day.
Mothers day is characterised by gifts of all sorts to make mothers around us feel loved.
I love my Mum dearly and i am sure a lot of us do. Let's use this period to appreciate them.
Lets hear some memorable stories about you and Mom.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL MOTHERS OUT THERE!!!!



  • The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. 


    ~Rajneesh

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Valentines day has come and gone. What next?  There is the Easter holidays, which is also a time for gift giving and of course weddings. This season pastel colors are in, we should enjoy all the cool colors that characterize this season.
Here are a few suggestions:
*If it is a wedding start early!


*Honeymoon? Sandals and beaches is the romantic place to go. Book early for the all inclusive holiday.



*Favors? There is a wide selection. The favors should go with the whole theme of the wedding.

*The corporate world is not left out. There is always a reason to say "Thank You"

I always recommend gift baskets. It is always welcome, irrespective of the season.

While we prepare for the next holiday keep on keeping on!!!!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

When RR painted Indianapolis Red

ASSOCIATION OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS BUSINESS OF BRIDES CONFERENCE

NOVEMBER 8 – 10, 2009 INDIANAPOLIS

Membership of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) means that one is not only internationally certified but linked to a network of professionals across the globe.

This year’s conference (my first) definitely lived up to its name. I fell in love with Indy, my association members and everything ABC!

It was informative, interactive and so much fun.

The main speakers were (see pictures below):

FRANK ANDONOPLAS:

16 year ABC member who went from Banker to Wedding Consultant

PEGGY POST: Writer and wedding etiquette expert for Wedding Channel.com

SYLVIA WEINSTOCK: “The Leonardo Da Vinci of Cakes”

Topics ranged from blogging to Rock star weddings and everything in between. For more pictures check out the http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=187217&id=122568200265&l=f8c5b5e51d

and join the Rubans Rouge Facebook page.




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