Dina's Biz Talk posts

Ever do any email consulting?

By email consulting, I mean a series of brief emails over a course of time to resolve some issue.

Interestingly enough, many of the brides I polled would prefer to meet via email rather than by phone. While this method of talking isn't my favorite, I'd like to respect their wishes, however, I have no idea how to do it.

Does anyone know:

how to set the scope, i.e. # of emails or time spent answering?
what's the best format for responding?
what are the liability issues and how to prevent them?
how do you keep track of emails/responses etc?
Is there software to automate some of it?

My real question is, is this worth doing? I'm skeptical that email can be as effective as phone or in person in consulting. At the same time, I know how important it is to offer a variety of delivery systems to attract more clients. Funny, I'm perfectly capable and content to coach and mediate by phone, but email, well, I have doubts. What's your experience? Thanks, as always for your wise thoughts.

How do you positively spin a product/service that's perceived as negative?

I call this the 'Popeye principle' because he made eating spinach cool when no one really wanted it.

I'm a wedding mediator who is passionate about helping people live happier, more fulfilled lives by dealing the conflicts more skillfully. It really can be liberating and expand joy, however, most people would rather have a shot than talk things out.

Realizing that storytelling will work, I plan on having descriptive case studies, a quiz, doing a lot of article marketing and PR and even video to explain the process and benefits.

My trouble is, finding the right language/concept that attracts brides and vendors who want absolutely nothing to do with problems or conflict, even though they struggle with issues and risk relationships? (If you think the answer is- don't bother- please say that, too)

If you were me (and I bet you're glad you're not), how would you market a service (conflict coaching) that's considered negative, private and sensitive?

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me.

Which state or federal entrepreneur programs worked for you?

You can teach an old dog new tricks! I'm a serial entrepreneur who generally flies by the seat of her pants (successfully) but this time I want to be more strategic.

Of course, I'd love a coach, but budget suggests I look for available courses for startups. I'm past that stage actually and really want someone to help me with forecasting sales and costs, evaluating my assumptions and basic marketing strategy.

You know something like Make Mine a Million. But not SCORE. I'm open Thanks.

Drama Free Living starts now

Wouldn't it be great to have someone to listen to you when work or life gets rough? You can.

After 17 years as a corporate mediator and Ombudsman for a former global financial institution, I'm taking my practice in a new direction and Biznik seemed a great place to start.

I focus on providing a neutral sounding board to help identify the real issues, get clear and find creative, meaningful solutions to the drama in life for some really unique groups: brides, wedding planners and small business owners.

Why? I love weddings. I'd love to use my conflict management talents to make the couple's special day perfect. And, heck I have a soft spot for entrepreneurs who definitely need fresh perspective and relationship skills to better interact with clients and employees.

I'm interested in meeting those in the wedding industry as well as business owner who could benefit from conflict coaching to feel more confident and productive.

Biznik's came highly recommended, and I can see why. I look forward to being a good community member and contributor. Feel free to read my articles, and please say hello!

Introducing Dina & Wedding Mediation

Hi, I'm thrilled to be part of biznik and this group, even though I live across the country in Boston. (isn't the internet great!)

After 17 years as a mediator in corporate settings I'm combining my skills for creative problem-solving with my secret passion- weddings- to form a wedding mediation practice.

You're probably familiar with the issues that come with wedding planning. Things can get emotional and unmanageable real fast.

Acting as a neutral 3rd party with a fresh perspective, I coach brides and grooms to get clearer on issues; identify needs and find the language to talk about it in a calm, productive way. Mediation is also available.

This is definitely a new idea in the wedding industry so I'd really appreciate your feedback or suggestions. Especially a company name! Wedding Mediation is taken, and is a little dull. I'd like something descriptive yet optimistic but not cute. Tall order, I know.

So glad to have found you here, Robert.

Love=Fun Dina

Introducing Dina & Wedding Mediation

Hi, I'm thrilled to be part of biznik and this group, even though I live across the country in Boston. (isn't the internet great!)

After 17 years as a mediator in corporate settings I'm combining my skills for creative problem-solving with my secret passion- weddings- to form a wedding mediation practice.

You're all too familiar with the issues that come with wedding planning. Things can get emotional and unmanageable real fast.

Acting as a neutral 3rd party with a fresh perspective, I can coach your bride to get clearer on her issue; identify her needs and find the language to talk about it in a calm, productive way. Mediation is also available.

This is definitely a new idea in the wedding industry so I'd really appreciate your feedback or suggestions.

I'm hoping to add articles to the group, and be a useful contributor.

Love=Fun Dina

Wedding Mediation-need a company name!

You know me as a marriage maven, but I'm also a veteran mediator with 17 years of experience helping people resolve issues positively. I've decided to combine my skill with a secret passion (weddings) to create a new business: wedding mediation. I focus on helping brides, grooms, family members and vendors get past those inevitable wedding mishaps.

You know, the struggle between Dad whose holding the pursestrings and Daughter who has her heart set on more bling. Or how about the family member that....upstages the bride during planning, or refuses to attend or dealing with step parents. There's a lot of opportunity, and I read about the brides venting to each other. I think I could be really helpful, and heck, who doesn't love a wedding?

Here's how it works: brides (parents/vendors) can use me as a sounding board and pay by the minute or they can book a two hour mediation session that includes the other parties where I'll help as the neutral problem-solver. All coaching is done by phone.

My questions:

What can I name this company that's optimistic and positive?

How do I reach out to planners and brides?

I'd love your input. Thanks in advance for the creative ideas I know are about to flow!!

Love=Fun Dina

Greetings from Beantown's first Wedding Mediator!

You may know me as a marriage maven, but I'm also a veteran mediator with 17 years of experience helping people resolve issues positively. I've decided to combine my skill with a secret passion (weddings) to create a new business: wedding mediation.

I focus on helping brides,grooms, family members, and vendors get through the inevitable wedding disputes. You know, the struggle between Dad holding the pursestrings and Daughter who has her heart set on more bling. Or how about the family member that....upstages the bride during planning, or refuses to attend or dealing with step parents. There's a lot of opportunity, and I believeI could be really helpful, and heck, who doesn't love a wedding with a happy ending?

This is a very friendly, wise group and I look forward to being a regular contributor.

Dina Lynch Eisenberg Marriage Maven/Wedding Mediator

Which people problems keep you up at night?

Some days it feels like running a business would be more fun if there weren't so many people involved, right? People, whether employees or customers, can be frustrating.

I'm curious to know:

What people problems are toughest for you to handle?

What's your biggest fear about conflict?

I ask because I'm a conflict coach- an independent third party neutral- who believes small businesses can be more conflict competent, especially in this climate. Thanks.