The Week of February 4th in Review

Posted on February 9, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

There is really nothing new to talk about when it comes to the wedding business, including directory listing website formats, now showing their age and facing obsolescence in the wake of the growing impact of Social Media. 47% of an ongoing poll so-far says wedding websites are outdated or extinct; only 24% so-far say they are fresh and up-to-date.

The decline is pegged to the declining number of formal weddings and rising number of wedding vendors competing for the lower numbers.

This week members of the Wedding Water Cooler identified and discussed wedding marketers who prey on newcomers to the industry or re-package old information and purport an old-time approach of selling to a new generation of brides and grooms to make a living.

Some of the marketers discussed includes Chris Evans, known for his battle fatigue, warlike approach to marketing. Evans was singled out because of his recent involvement with an ABC 20/20 segment that raised questions about the wedding industry– portraying it as a breeding ground for ripping off brides and grooms.

Attempts to contact Evans remain unsuccessful, along with other wedding marketing experts who refuse to return emails and calls. eWedNewz plans to ramp up our efforts in the weeks and months ahead.

eWedNewz

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2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, The Week in Review, wedding industry, Wedding Marketing Scams, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , ,

Samantha Goldberg Calls Out a Growing List of Scam Artists

Posted on November 5, 2012 Written by 6 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

With Hurricane Sandy a bad memory there is another storm brewing called Samantha; Samantha Goldberg, the feared viscous wolf in sheep’s clothing  that arrives with some freshly baked cookies but leaves most of her victims three-quarters dead and unable to enjoy the treat. Goldberg says she is on to no less than a dozen stories and scams at any given time but this time her sights are set on what she calls a pyramid scheme.

 

Samantha’s followers on Twitter (@samanthaisgold) went from relatively nothing on September 1st, 2012 to the current   252,000 in less than ten weeks.

 

 

“They are coming out of the woodwork right now; they’re everywhere, preying on the hopes and fears of small people of our business that look to some higher, mystical magic that does not exist,” insists Goldberg.

Since taking on Wedding Wire and making their lives miserable for failing to admit there was a flaw with their rating system, Goldberg says she learned a lot in the way of patience and getting her point across. Goldberg won the support of others in the wedding business who could not get answers from Wedding Wire but the movement took it on the chin when Sonny Ganguly gracefully shot her down, refusing to take down an unflattering review. Ganguly wore Goldberg and the rest of the industry down by citing corporate policy and sticking to a scripted– canned– reply.

“It got the ball rolling and got me to this point, so it did serve a purpose,” according to Goldberg.

Now she says she’s back and ready to educate the wedding industry who she feels is being scammed by unscrupulous vultures that have set themselves up as experts; selling programs that help no one but the people selling the program.

On the top of her most recent hit-list is Natalie Bradley, self-proclaimed high-end bride expert. According to Goldberg, Bradley posted a proposal to donate a portion of money to help hurricane victims.

“She did; the problem was she never said what percentage or to whom the money would go. She would not divulge the charity until someone bought her program,” said Goldberg.

Goldberg sent the following e-mail to Bradley and copied the transmission to her fellow Wedding Water Cooler members:

 

Hello Natalie,

I hope all is well. I noticed that you were speaking of a great way to help earn money for the horrible issues we have had on the east coast on Linked in. I thought to include on this email a very reputable and rather large force of industry professionals. We speak of how we might change the industry. How to avoid the $10K in 30 days theory. You know this all too well. Wait, you are the 10K in 30 days concept…silly me.

I could sit back and allow you to find a small percentage that may pay for your services, but since I have no electric and (was) on hiatus, I can now address the issues I have with your theory. First, let me express how disgusted I am that you would use the “Make Money” concept during this time. I don’t care of retail, etc, and if they give percentages even better… BUT “YOU” are not using this in the fashion one would respect; you are using what they call “scare tactics”. Did you know that you are marketing this to my VERY own friends who have more damage than you can imagine, but were questioning if they should take your seminar as they need money quick.

Since I cannot speak badly of any program, I can only tell you, this is not a good thing to do right now. Please refrain from this angle. It’s not a threat, it’s a genuine ask. Your not going to get anyone 10K in 30 days Natalie. Well, you might- Free has a price tag…

If you are doing so well financially, why must you use the hearts/lack of funds from those who have NADA dime to pay, but yet take loans on credit cards etc because you tell them they could make 10K while this horrible issue is happening all around us?

If what you were teaching was of any value, I might be inclined to “spread the word”. Let’s be real shall we? It’s of NO value. Your lies with Linked In..stating that you were away and left someone to promote this svelte idea, was you. You forgot to change the comp and IP address. I don’t know why you would not just tell the truth and say it’s you…We all know it was.

By now, you’ve probably figured out, I have a BIG mouth..a REALLY big mouth. When I see things that are not kosher, I tend to open up a bit more…While I applaud anyone that is willing to help during time of need, I also have to look at ones history… Whom might you be giving this extra money o? Are they a 501c3? A 1023? Do they even know you are offering such an amazing bit of assistance? If they don’t, I have now made sure they do. You don’t have to thank me, I
did that already.

At the end of the day you have to feel good about the reflection in the mirror and sleeping at night knowing, your potential “hopeful” clients are really in dire need of help. Yet your making such promises that will not happen for them now, and possibly not ever.

Testimonials Pure and Heart Weddings- 2010? They are not in business any longer… a Moment like this ? Same thing.. No website No company? You listed this testimonial 2 times and 2 times is not in business. They should have taken
the 10K in 30 days I guess. www.moalifetime.com ? also just gone? You actually need to check your testimonial page– you doubled up babe.

I also did some research on my own as an industry member, I want to see what’s going on. I wasn’t thrilled with what I saw.  Natalie, you don’t have to listen to me, or anyone else…But for $199.99 I can ensure you I will teach at n/c to all of your students how to close a sale the right way. They don’t have to pay me, you do. We can donate that fund together OK? If you do sign people up with this fab deal of 10K in 30 days and have PUBLICLY listed you will help Hurricane Sandy Victims..It’s illegal not to list such funds and distribution of such… You have not partnered with Red Cross, FEMA, SA or etc. They should not have to pay you to learn where it goes.

From one woman entrepreneur to another, please do the right thing, and not take advantage of the heart strings of those who have lost everything right now. After 23 years, I teach at no charge. There are times I charge but have never had to promise anyone that they will create this massive income in 30 days. It’s wrong, and you know it.

Take time to reflect Natalie. Understand this is wrong. I am of no threat, but I do have a voice in this business a rather large one. Leave those who need to figure out where their next check comes to them. Nice gesture to offer assistance, but unless you have a valid place or organization to  donate to you cannot say this;  you can be fined and it’s a lot more than 10K. This advice is free, just like the $97 deal you offer…The difference, I give good advice and don’t promise the impossible.

Best,

Samantha Goldberg

 

eWedNewz read the original post/offer by Bradley that since disappeared after Goldberg emailed her what you just read. According to Goldberg the Bradley story ties into other marketing and pyramid type schemes involving well-known members of the wedding business. Goldberg promises to release more information in all her channels including this newZ source.

Ms. Bradley did not respond to Goldberg’s email nor our request to speak to her and give the opportunity to clarify the matter at the time of this story release.

eWedNewz will continue to investigate this story.

 

 

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Celebrity, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Hall of Shame, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Social Media, The Internet, Uncategorized, Wedding Charities, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites, Wedding Wire Tagged: , , , , ,

Rising Wedding Activity Causes Businesses to Upgrade their Marketing

Posted on January 31, 2012 Written by 2 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

An ongoing eWedNewz poll shows 41% of respondents say they’re upgrading marketing to meet the demand of rising wedding business. Since 2008 the decline in wedding business forced many businesses of all sizes to fold and combine. The decline perished the weakest but left those that are able to reinvent and revamp systems to efficiently service their customer. Now the time has come for the winners to cash in on the rising numbers.

Members of the  Wedding Water Cooler say there is a growing amount of positive wedding activity and better days on the horizon. The newZ comes as a welcomed breath of fresh air after years of decline and woe-telling.

 

The Wedding Business is directly tied to the economic factors– just like everything else. Is it time to celebrate? Probably not. But we’re not in the seep decline we were in 2008-2009.

Wedding Analyst, Christine Boulton of Think Like a Bride, posted a story about the rebirth; a renaissance she feels is finally happening. Cautiously– and definitely not like it was before the bubble burst in 2008– Boulton gives what she feels is a ray of hope to a beleaguered industry.

“What I am trying to say here is that I firmly believe we have turned a corner.  Maybe it hasn’t trickled down to everyone yet, but it will.

No, it isn’t rockin’ at the rate it was before the bubble burst, but it is on the upswing for the first time in years. There is hope, there is a glass half full attitude,” writes Boulton.

Boulton and others in the WWC say they’re hearing the same. Encouraging poll numbers so far show the same, as business owners update their ad-marketing campaigns and invest in their businesses. But, like Boulton suggests, the game has changed.

An ongoing eWedNewz investigation shows most businesses that lost confidence in wedding websites are investing in their own, in-house advertising and marketing. The failure of Get Married is often mentioned in discussions and could be the last straw of business owners expending dollars into third-party website advertising.

So besides in-house, where does a business owner invest advertising and marketing money? eWedNewz is watching several new concepts bring developed but so far nothing is worth mentioning. Passionate wedding industry personalities that claim to have the answers simply do not.

So far the safest haven for investing remains in self-promoting your business to local customers.

Are you revamping your business? Take the poll.

 

 

 

 

 

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Data, Economic news, eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Investigation, Poll, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , ,

The Week of October 31st in Review

Posted on November 5, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

An educated consumer ended up being the worst customer for Syms this week, as they filed for bankruptcy and are liquidating in the next few months. Both Syms and Filene’s basement are throwing in the towel as educated consumers decided they’re better served shopping elsewhere.

Consumers educated by Syms ultimately shopped and bought elsewhere, as the company that sold irregulars and seconds was beat at its own game.

 

The Avalon tuxedo is the hottest style for the 2012 season, according to growing sources that now includes wedding couples at bridal shows. From the gate prom age tuxedo users were expected to be drawn to the styling innovation that departs from traditional features. The addition of fashion forward weddings promises to make the Avalon the most sought after style in 2012.

We said goodbye to Len,”Lenny” Seidman, a cantankerous military codger that lived life, loved his family, protected his country and left an indelible mark on everyone he touched.

The wedding industry continues to flood with needless new businesses to service a shrinking number of weddings that are no longer spending lavishly. The industry is filled with Fairy Dust marketing sources selling educational services to unsuspecting newcomers that will not be able to launch successful, sustainable wedding businesses to service the declining market.

Larger retailers that already own captive audience traffic are setting up adjunct businesses to tap into the traffic, as shown by David’s Bridal move into photography.

 

eWedNewz

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2011

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, Celebrity, Current Events, Data, Economic news, General News, Men's formal wear, retail, The Week in Review, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Week of August 1st in Review

Posted on August 7, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

FLOW Formal announced a situation deal with Jersey Shore TV personality, the Situation. Overnight news sources of every size picked up on the story putting tuxedos in front of millions of combined internet and television viewers and raising awareness to their use.

Do you believe in magic? How about claims that will double your business? If so, call us; we have several bridges for sale in New York harbor.

 

eWedNewz continues it investigation on advertising and marketing sources that make false claims and prey on the lack of sophistication in the wedding business. Good people in business do not always make good business people but common sense tells us you cannot “double your business” by attending a seminar.

Stacie Francombe, founder of Get Married, joined the Wedding Water Cooler and was immediately blasted for her past at the company. Francombe’s composed, professional attempt to set the record straight are met with skepticism and doubt, as she tries to move her career past the troubled past.

Francombe’s fees  along with her use of words that do not signify commercial use face hard questioning. eWedNewz continues our coverage.

 

eWedNewz

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2011   

Filed Under: eWedNewz, General News, Men's formal wear, Press Release, The Week in Review, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , , ,

The Cost of Words of Wisdom from Stacie Francombe, Post Get Married

Posted on August 5, 2011 Written by 7 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz continues our watch on wedding industry fairy dust in marketing, advertising, bridal shows and general information. The impact of our investigation shows up in how some legitimate marketers are changing their presentations, while total Hucksters we’re watching struggle to keep up a cash-flow. The challenge will become harder, as most businesses bring ad/marketing  in-house via Social Networking but there will always be a “market” for marketers– because there is a sucker born every minute.

Picking up on eWN reports and the changes that have taken place are wedding analysts like Christine Boulton. Numerous discussions with Boulton involving the unlikely success of national websites and advertising organizations continue. Boulton and others keep their audience updated on their blogs.

“I am seeing the localization reason. Bridal marketing for most of us has always worked best when it is local. Brides look to the national media for idea, but to local for vendors,” according to one of Boulton’s posts.

 eWN has watched the recent falloff of national organizations like Get Married. Reports confirmed by ex-employees including high-level executives claim the company was less than honest with advertisers.

“The website had no traffic; some months we had to buy leads (from other sources) and send them to our customers, just to make it look good,” allege several sources that were fired from Get Married.

Discussions with, Stacie Francombe, founder of the company, did not include her time there, wanting to move on and talk about her own career– post Get Married. Francombe served in various positions including Executive Producer until her departure.

“I really don’t want to talk about them; I’d rather focus on what I’m doing now, at this latest stage of my life,” she told eWedNewz.

 Francombe’s latest venture called Inspire Smart Success departs from the national, cookie cutter approach she developed in her tenure at Get Married. Instead, Francombe “mentors” business owners at variable fees.

“Because of the nature of the business and the time involved to create success, I didn’t want to be limited to a price sheet. There are various price structures for businesses, according to the services required,” she told eWedNewz.

According to Francombe pricing structure predicates on intensity of service and knowledge she brings to her clients. Cost could be as little as several hundred dollars a month to several thousand for her “mentoring”. ewedNewz questioned Francombe on the use of the word that became the focus of this story. 

Webster’s dictionary defines the word mentor as a wise and trusted guide and advisor. In the weeks of discussions in the development of this story, eWedNewz asked various sources their definition of mentoring and found similar descriptions to Webster’s definition. At no time was the exchange of money ever mentioned.

 

 Will you be my mentor? 

“I struggled with that word; mentor. I didn’t want to be referred to as a coach, or consultant, or advisor. So, yes, I decided on the word mentor,” Francombe told eWedNewz. 

Members of the Wedding Water Cooler discussion group brought up the topic leaving some of the elder members to object to the use of the word– for profit. Other members of WWC looking at facets of Francombe’s current business direction offered their own opinions and left them on her blog. For the moment, eWNz focuses on the part of Francombe’s business she monikers “mentoring”.

“The word mentor means to freely give of one’s knowledge and answer questions to the best of their ability. The word exudes high standards and appreciation for a collective body of work and life’s experiences. To be considered a mentor is the highest honor bestowed on anyone. To me the exchange of money or commercial use of the word cheapens the concept,” according to Jim Duhe. Duhe himself, called a mentor by several members of the wedding industry, fully understands the implication and loose application of the word.

 To recap, after several attempts, eWedNewz learned Francombe charges on average, $1,200 per month to be a mentor. According to Francombe, it depends on the company’s size and the amount of services required, whether the charges are greater or less. Francombe claims $1,200 per month is a moderate fee.We invited Francombe to join the Wedding Water Cooler discussion group. Her acceptance and participation is pending.

eWedNewz continues to watch all other wedding marketers, including Francombe.

 

eWedNewz

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2011

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, eWedNewz, General News, Social Media, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , ,

The Week of July 11th in Review

Posted on July 16, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

Hot discussions in the Wedding Water Cooler were at the top of reader interest this week. Healthy dialog and raw words cut through the usual politically correct façade of the wedding business to get clear, concise answers. In many cases the questions raised by wedding marketers or those posing as gurus are a ploy to lure unsuspecting newcomers to seminars or support money-making events that seldom helps the business.

An eWedNewz story that looked at the use of branded vs. non-branded goods found generally better results when consumers find recognized names associated to quality products that are fairly priced. In the story eWNz found one retailer in Florida leveraging the successful use of non-branded goods, arguing of why he feels brands are not necessary in wedding dress sales. The opinion and use of non-branded goods appeals to a market segment but hardly suitable for major markets requiring broader product selections.

Tell it like it is grandma! I guess you didn’t get run over by a reindeer.

The discussion of age was a huge topic this week in the Wedding Water Cooler. On both the vendor and consumer sides age is a reason why there is a disconnect between vendors and consumers. Wedding industry veterans need to step up their game and forget the past if they are to appeal to today’s consumer. But the challenge becomes even greater, as an aging population and lower interest in formal weddings leaves less viable business available for a growing number of wedding-related businesses entering the market.

Congratulations to Jim Duhe as he approaches the anniversary of 20-years service at Bridal Guide Magazine in September. In his 40-years of service to the wedding industry Duhe is still regarded as one of the most “young” thinkers of the business. His contributions in the Wedding Water Cooler to new members of the wedding business are priceless.

eWedNewz

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2011

 

 

Filed Under: The Week in Review, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Finding the Right Data – Editorial Mix

Posted on May 19, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

The discussion about data and reliability continues to pick up steam as more wedding industry sources weigh in. Frank, open discussions that were never possible are suddenly creating new approaches to how data can better guide business owners in the future.

Members of the Wedding Water Cooler discussion group weighed in on data and how the media looks for information to support the angle of their stories. Wedding Analyst, Christine Boulton feels, ” There is so much data available and it all differs. So much is dependent on how the questions were formulated. I often take surveys where I look at the choices of answers and realize that none even come close to being the answer that fits me. Authors and reporters tend to choose the set of numbers that best fit their hypothesis.”

After much deliberation members of the group feel certain segments of the business should stick to pure data and facts. But in the uniqueness of the wedding business, it is sometimes difficult to separate the data from the emotional portion. Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide says, “In my opinion, bridal magazines should be completely data driven.  However, editors feel that it’s their role to help to set trends rather than follow them.  This generally results in constant internal battles.  It always falls back to the classic separation of church and state.

For example, Bridal Guide readers indicate that the median cost of a bridal gown is under $800.  Less than 2% of readers purchase gowns that are priced above $3,000.  Regardless, editors select to feature a disproportionate number of gowns priced above $3,000.  Theoretically,  this decision is no different from the kind of direction followed by all ready to wear fashion editors.  Theoretically, it’s the same basic philosophy employed by all special interest publications:  expensive equals design innovation.  However, the bridal category isn’t like all other special interest categories. 

While I do believe that my publication, Bridal Guide, offers the most balanced mix of bridal products and services, it’s difficult to reach the right balance.  It’s a job in itself.  At the risk of sounding like a salesman, Bridal Guide’s growth over the years is a testament to our ability to consistently deliver an editorial product that appeals to the average American consumer.    Our single copy sales per issue now exceeds Brides Magazine by roughly 20%.  This still doesn’t mean that I’m satisfied.

Think for a minute how all bridal publications (except Bridal Guide) and the majority of bridal web sites editorialize the men’s formal wear category.  Every survey I’ve ever seen (including a survey by The Knot) indicates that more than 85% of grooms will rent a tuxedo for their wedding day.  Regardless, editors turn away from this statistic and flood the reader with ready-to-wear resources for wedding day apparel.  This highly biased direction has had an impact on consumer trends:  ten years ago, roughly 98% of Bridal Guide readers rented tuxedos.  The statistic now is down to 85%.  To add insult to injury, the decision to editorialize men’s ready-to-wear isn’t financially driven.  No bridal magazine or web site carries men’s ready-to-wear advertising.  They all, however, carry men’s formal wear advertising.

I’m not saying that bridal magazines and bridal web site editors are entirely to blame for this change.  However, I’m suggesting that their resistance to hard data encouraged it.”

 

Duhe and other members of the group  realize the wedding business requires greater latitude and an emotional side, as data gathering methods are not flawless.

What do you say?

 

eWedNewz

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2011

Filed Under: bridal, Data, eWedNewz, facts and figures, General News, wedding industry Tagged: , , , ,

Stats Come Under Scrutiny

Posted on May 10, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

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Filed Under: Data, facts and figures, General News, retail, wedding industry Tagged: , , ,