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This is a unique and specialized correspondence course
for professional bridal consultants in independently-owned,
full-service bridal stores. The knowledge gained is used
to provide a higher level of service to brides-resulting
in higher efficiency, sales and profits for the store.
The bridal consultant wins, the customer wins, and the
store wins.
For the bridal consultant, knowledge is the foundation
of success and the basis for confidence, creativity and
excellence. The customer wins as everyone prefers to be
assisted by an expert! The store wins because satisfied
customers are the cornerstone for continuous sales growth.
Satisfied customers provide the store with its best advertising.
All the above improves financial performance and creates
a better work environment for everyone.
To provide the information and inspiration necessary to
succeed in the challenging and rewarding field of bridal
fashion.
The course is structured around four major knowledge categories.
We believe that the knowledge of these areas is critical
for successful performance since the consultant's role
is no longer one-dimensional. The four knowledge areas
are:
• Knowledge of the industry and the products sold.
• Knowledge of the selling profession and the
skills needed.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in personal and
interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of business operations.
Individuals in all professions that achieve a high level
of success always look back to a key individual (coach,
instructor or teacher) that took a personal interest in
their career development. We use that same approach. Your
assignments are not graded by a computer, but a person
who cares and responds with personal comments. Completed
assignments may be faxed, mailed or emailed to NBS.
There are sixteen assignments and a final exam. They are
as follows:
THE BRIDAL INDUSTRY: Takes a look at the industry, its
players, influences and trends.
UNDERSTANDING BRIDAL FASHION: Provides comprehensive product
knowledge in an easily accessed format. Topics covered
include fashion theory and principles, sizing, basic design
elements, gown components, and an important focus on using
that product knowledge to sell effectively.
GROOM'S TRADITIONS, ROLES AND FORMALWEAR: Focuses on the
groom, his role, duties and the wide array of formalwear
choices available for the men in the wedding party.
WEDDING INVITATIONS: Provides a thorough and user-friendly
guide to selecting and selling wedding invitations. This
may be the only resource you will need.
THE HISTORY OF WEDDING TRADITIONS: Provides a rich compendium
of global wedding traditions. As more and more brides
seek to incorporate specific ethnic traditions into their
own wedding plans, it is helpful for the skilled consultant
to know about customs from many other cultures.
MARKETING BRIDAL: Applies basic marketing principles to
personal marketing efforts. Introduces the ten steps to
achieving sales success in bridal.
PERFECTING THE TEN STEPS: Focuses on the first four steps
- opening the sale, gathering information about the wedding,
gown selection, confirming and reassuring.
HANDLING OBJECTIONS: Provides a comprehensive look at
a sales step which can prove difficult for many consultants.
Looks at the role of objections in completing the sale
and tackles some of the most common ones.
CLOSE AND REASSURE: Works to understand this critical
part of the selling process by discussing the stages of
a sale, the role of trial closes, and the importance of
asking good questions. Provides classic examples of closings
that work.
COMPLETING THE STEPS: Stresses the importance of an effective
sales wrap up, procedures to follow in introducing additional
products and services, the role of self evaluation and
the vital role of effective follow up.
MORE THOUGHTS ON SELLING: Suggests more ideas from the
experts on how to improve selling techniques. Includes
specific ideas that have worked for successful consultants.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Looks at this critical component
of performance. Recognizes that the ability to communicate
clearly and effectively with others is at the heart of
any success we achieve.
TIME - A PRECIOUS POSSESSION: Emphasizes the importance
of appreciating the unique gift of time given to all of
us. In this world of 24-7 activity, it urges us to use
our limited time wisely and offers suggestions on how
to do this most effectively.
ETIQUETTE: This assignment requires the reading of a book,
which is a delightful and practical guide to modern-day
etiquette. Learning the rules of etiquette gives a person
self-confidence.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Offers the belief that a focus on customer
service and satisfaction is a strong, viable strategy
for growth. Encourages managers and staff alike to review
customer service beliefs in light of new learning about
customer expectations.
STORE OPERATIONS: Focuses on the responsibilities of all
staff to help manage store assets. Looks at merchandise,
location care guidelines, loss prevention, credit card
and bad checks.
FINAL EXAM AND EVALUATION OF COURSE: Upon completion of
this assignment, you will receive the title and a certificate
as a Registered Bridal Consultant®.
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Pat is the professional's professional.
You will be good company as she reviews and grades
each assignment. Pat is one of the bridal industry's
top communicators and an expert teacher of bridal
personnel.
She has conducted over 250 bridal seminars throughout
North America. With over 30 years of bridal experience
in sales, consulting, training, and teaching, she
will share her expertise in answering your questions.
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Director of Training, Fashion Divison
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All of Kelly's sales staff is certified through the
National Bridal Service. They take the 16-week correspondence
course to achieve this high level of bridal-service
education. "We started doing this because it became
evident that you've got to know what you're talking
about," Kelly says. "Brides respond to people with
knowledge."
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Vows Magazine: Retail Standout: Moliere Bridal Salon,
Oklahoma City, OK, Patrick Kelly, Owner
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"I learned so much from the RBC course about laces
and different gown styles including necklines, sleeves,
etc. Even though "hands-on" experience is usually
a good way to learn in the bridal business, I believe
"hands-on" PLUS the RBC course is the best training." |
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Norman's Bridal, Lebanon, MO
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