This Week In Weddings

We all know that social media is a great way to market your wedding business. But we also know, that Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media channels could go away at any time. And with algorithms changing all the time, it's clear that small business owners have no control over these avenues of marketing. What we can control is our own marketing efforts, and building an email list and speaking directly to our clients, potential customers and vendor partners through email is certainly worth considering. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about email marketing strategies and how entrepreneurs can use an email list to promote their businesses and get directly into the inboxes of their audiences.  About our guest: Kristi Drago-Price is the Founder and Creative Director behind Editor’s Edge, a boutique creative agency specializing in elevated brand development for established businesses. With her Fine Arts education from the Fashion Institute of Technology and

If you're wanting to earn more without working weekends or working more events, having higher paying clients is the way to do it. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about sales strategies for getting higher paying clients with sales strategist Maria Bayer. About our guest: Maria Bayer is a sales & mindset strategist, coach & wealth creator. She is the creator of “Irresistible Selling” – an online group coaching program she designed to help creative business owners book high-paying clients quickly (often on the spot!), grow their business and design a life they love. Maria teaches the authentic selling and mindset strategies that helped her triple her income in less than a year, and go on to book over $25 Million in sales from companies like Target, Best Buy, Ulta, Office Max and Hyatt. After working together, Maria’s clients often 2x - 5x their revenues year over year as they continue applying her strategies. Maria also leads a private Facebook Mastermind group

Networking can be a critical way to get you and your business noticed and connected in the wedding industry. But sometimes networking can be awkward. How much can you really discuss the weather?! In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about networking tips to go beyond small talk to make genuine connections. About our guest: Sam is a Drummer, Band Leader and Sales guy with The In10City Band. Originally from Australia, Sam relocated to the States in 2014 and had to start from scratch. He didn’t know a single person in the Events industry, in fact, he didn’t even have one single friend or connection when he moved here. In his mid-twenties Sam became the Store Manager for Australia’s largest Musical Instrument Retailer, Billy Hyde Music. He was the youngest Store Manager in company history by 15 years! Sam played in a few cover bands in Perth, some big ones too and had now found his identity. A Retail Operations Manager by day, Rock drummer by night! The In10City Band has gro

Being in a business partnership can almost be like a marriage. You're sharing responsibilities, stress, and profits! But what happens when the partnership is no longer serving you well? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with wedding photographer Cameron Clark, who started as a solopreneur, gained a business partner, and then went back to being in business by herself. We're digging into the pros and cons of having a business partner, as well as the steps for dissolving the partnership. About our guest: After nineteen years as a professional photographer, Cameron still enjoys capturing real moments within the chaos of a wedding day. She draws inspiration from fashion, photojournalism and art. She has photographed weddings all over the world from Brazil to New York.  Cameron Clark Photography has been published in Brides, Southern Weddings Magazine, Style Me Pretty, The Knot Magazine, Charleston Weddings Magazine, Destination Weddings Magazine, Wedding Chicks, Pacific We

Have you been putting off something that you need to do? As an entrepreneur, you're in charge of your own day to day schedule, and with that freedom comes a certain responsibility to manage your own tasks. There's no boss telling you when you have to get something done! If you're prone to procrastination, this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast is for you. We're chatting with a clinical psychologist who has gone from procrastinating to productive and is sharing her best practices. About our guest: Dr. Christine Li knows the true secrets for how to live life procrastination-free — and she’s ready to share them with you. She rescued herself from the tight grip of procrastination, and as a result, feels compelled to share the steps she took to bring calm and happiness into her life again. She uses her experience as a clinical psychologist and former hard-core procrastinator to identify the factors that cause her clients to avoid and delay the work they should be doing. Once her clients understan

If you're an entrepreneur in the wedding industry, you understand how challenging it can be to run a wedding business... but what if you have thoughts about running not one, but two different business? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with Chris Jesperson, who runs both a wedding videography business and an event venue. We're hearing how he decided to jump into another area of the event industry and how he manages both. About our guest: Chris Jespersen is a Cleveland based entrepreneur working in the events industry. Chris has filmed weddings and events all over the world and has recently opened one of Cleveland’s biggest event venues. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Chris's background in videography and how he started thinking about getting into another area of the event industry How Chris manages two businesses simultaneously while also traveling Chris' philosophy of just jumping in and not overthinking too much before starting a new venture Want to

When opportunities present themselves for expanding your business, do you jump on them? Or when a part of business isn't working, are you able to shut it down and move on quickly? Being nimble in business can enable you to multiply your success or minimize your losses, but it's not always easy to do. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with event designer Todd Fiscus, who is sharing his experience with the various stages of his business. From adding divisions and employees to his company and expanding to multiple cities, and even closing divisions and reducing head count, Todd's sharing his experience over the years and his tips for knowing when (and how) to change course. About our guest: Todd Fiscus, head of the highly acclaimed design team at his namesake company, Todd Events, has become synonymous with extraordinary events around the globe. From exquisite weddings, to corporate affairs, to charity galas to intimate occasions, the company has been the premier source

Without a sale, you're not in business, so having a sales strategy is important for any wedding industry business. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with Meryl Snow, who is sharing her sales tips and strategies for the wedding industry, including ways to make your business stand apart from the initial contact. About our guest: With nearly 30 years in the special event and catering industry, Meryl Snow is on a mission to help businesses get on their own path to success. As a Senior Consultant for Certified Catering Consultants, Meryl travels throughout North America training clients in the areas of sales, marketing, design and branding. She speaks with groups from the heart with warmth and knowledge, and covers the funny side of life and business. In this episode, listeners will hear about: Meryl's background in catering and events How important it is to show potential clients how you're different from your competitors so that they aren't shopping by price How asking

With so much coming at us 24/7 in social media and the news, it can be challenging to keep a positive attitude. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with Cyndie Spiegel, whose positive outlook and boss lady empowerment is contagious. She's sharing her tips for staying positive through all of life's challenges. About our guest: Cyndie Spiegel is a Brooklyn-based small business consultant, coach, author and TEDx speaker. She is also the founder of The Collective (of Us), a small business accelerator for women and The Community (of Us), an online hub for conversation and change-making community. She is on a mission to empower 100,000 women to build BOLD businesses and conversations by the year 2020. Her straight talk and visionary perspective on creating women-owned businesses, overcoming imposter complex and embracing fear; inspire women globally to build bold, profitable businesses. She is a sought-after speaker for creative conferences around the country and has been fea

When a natural disaster strikes in your area or some other tragedy of significance takes place, do you have a plan for how you'll communicate to your clients, vendors, and community? The saying goes that you never think it will happen to you, but having a plan in place for the just in case is never a bad idea. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with Christie Osborne, who is an expert in the field of crisis communication and getting some advice on how best to address and move forward when a crisis strikes. About our guest: Christie Osborne is the owner of Mountainside Media, a company that helps event industry professionals and small businesses develop scaleable marketing strategies that bring in more inquiries and leads. She is a national educator with recent speaking engagements at NACE Experience, WIPA and the ABC Conference. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the North American Academy of Wedding & Event Planning.  In this episode, listeners will he

In this casual episode of the This Week in Weddings podcast, Kimberly, Annie, and podcast editor Lance share some of their favorite episodes. After 99 episodes, there are certainly some things they've incorporated into their businesses for the better! Plus, hear some of the trios personal and professional goals for 2019.

Sometimes a client you thought was going to be a perfect fit for your business turns out to not be. If you've ever found yourself in the position of wanting to fire a client, this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast is for you. This week, we're chatting with wedding planner and designer Wendy Kay, who has successfully ended more than one client relationship and is sharing her experience and tips for having done so.  About our guest: Wendy Kay is the owner of Birds of a Feather Events, a boutique wedding planning and design firm that focuses on outdoor and destination weddings and offering their clients a concierge-level experience. Wendy has a background in television production where she produced and directed live television and called the shots - literally! After 8 years of 60 hour work weeks and feeling a disconnect between the subject matter and her clients, the burnout was real.com and she decided she needed a change or she was going to drown. Around that same time she was planning her ow

Hurricanes, and tornadoes, and wildfires... oh my! A natural disaster can have a devastating impact, but have you thought about the impact it could have to your business? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with Clara Hough, whose Houston-based linen company was impacted by Hurricane Harvey. In this episode, Clara shares her experience of dealing with event cancellations, closing the office, and still maintaining payroll during the devastation along with things she has changed in her business as a direct effect of that experience. No one wants to think about the what ifs, but this week's episode is sure to get you thinking about your back-up plans, closing policies, and the amount you have socked away for a rainy day! About our guest:  When you first meet Clara one can’t help but notice her cute little accent and lively personality.  At only 5’3” and with a sense of style that is envied by most, this native Venezuelan has taken the Houston events industry by storm. Cla

How much information do you gather about potential clients before meeting with them or working with them? While Facebook stalking seems like a fairly standard practice, gathering additional information from wedding couples about their needs and wants in advance can make it even easier (and more efficient) to sell your services. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a destination wedding planner who books almost all her wedding business without an in-person meeting. Listen in as she shares her tips for gathering information in advance as well as making a connection with a potential client through email and phone. About our guest:  Amy Abbott is the owner of Amy Abbott Events, a premier design and event planning company based in Los Cabos, Mexico that specializes in destination weddings. Amy Abbott Events creates an event experience that evokes emotion and exhibits the personalities of their clients, exceeding expectations every time.  In this episode, listeners will

As a small business owner, it's easy to be focused on client work and just trying to survive the day to day demands, but taking the time to work ON the business can be a bit more difficult. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a Seattle-based wedding planner who has used "workcations" to get more done in her business. Listen in as she talks through the process of working on the business with her industry peers. About our guest:  Holly Patton Olsen founded Perfectly Posh Events in 2010.  Since then, Holly has built up a team of award-winning wedding planners who quickly became known as the go-to-gals in the Seattle and Portland area for stylish and city chic weddings.  Holly and her team have received numerous accolades, including being awarded Seattle Bride Magazine’s Best of Awards for “Best Wedding Coordinator” in 2018, “Best Wedding Planner” in 2016, 2015 and 2014, and “Best Overall Wedding Vendor” in 2015, and winning “Best Wedding” in the ILEA Emerald City App

The saying goes that it's all about who you know, and being well connected in the wedding industry can certainly be helpful for building and growing your business. But when you're shy or an introvert, networking can be terrifying. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a successful wedding planner who has learned how to turn her introvert tendencies into strengths when networking and operating her business. About our guest:  With over thirteen years of experience, award winning wedding planner Alicia Keats has earned her place among the most sought after wedding planners in Canada. Alicia is known to be a passionate, devoted wedding planner who is always graceful under pressure. Her desire to create, not only an individualized planning experience but also to create an extraordinary, personalized wedding celebration for her couples, has earned her the reputation of being one of the best. In addition to being named one of the best wedding planners in the world by Vogue

There's no doubt that Instagram is a popular social media platform for the wedding industry. Many wedding industry professionals even credit Instagram for bringing them business and growing sales. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a social media maven all about Instagram and her tips for what to post, where to post, and even how to evaluate your strategy with the platform's statistics. About our guest:  Samantha Roberts was a Division 1 golfer based out of California, but found herself spending most of her days on the course dreaming about weddings instead of her next shot. After deciding a career as a professional golfer wasn’t for her, she packed up her bags and headed to New York City to pursue this irrevocable love of all things bridal. Samantha became the social media manager of The Knot, helping to establish the brand as the go-to social destination for brides, dreamers and wedding professionals alike. Not only did her articles and blog posts receive milli

As wedding vendors, it's sometimes easy to cross a client off your list once their wedding has happened. Check it off and on to the next! But are you missing opportunities by not having a strong post-wedding follow-up strategy? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a photographer who recently got married herself and discovered some aspects of being a bride that she never realized on the vendor side. Listen in as we discuss ways to be a better vendor based on a vendor's actual wedding experience. About our guest:  Rebecca Marie Photography is an international boutique wedding & event photography studio. Rebecca blends the storytelling elements of photojournalism with the curated beauty of an editorial eye. She believes wedding photography is not a time to push creative boundaries but a unique chance to document the beauty of all your loved ones in one room. Rebecca works with a limited number of couples and families each year in order to assure the full force of h

Have you established clear boundaries with your clients so that you aren't being overworked, overburdened, or bombarded 24 hours a day? Or are your clients running over you? In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting about establishing boundaries with clients and the best ways to do that.  About our guest:  Grit & Grace Inc. is a team of diverse individuals that have been committed to creating experiences for our clients and empowering our industry for over a decade. We have a broad range of backgrounds in hotels, catering, project management and fashion. Our strengths lie in our differences; it is not about thinking alike but rather thinking together.  In this episode, listeners will hear about: Laura's background and experience in the wedding industry How Laura sets boundaries with her clients even before they are onboarded How she handles providing feedback to clients who have overstepped the boundaries Want to connect with Laura? On the web: http://gritandgraceinc.

Are you soliciting feedback from your wedding clients after their event? And if you are, what are you doing with that feedback once you have it? Listening to your customers is certainly a great way to improve your business, but not all businesses are doing it. In this week's episode of the This Week In Weddings podcast, we're chatting with a wedding industry veteran who has mastered asking for client feedback and shares steps for acting when that feedback isn't as perfect as you would hope. About our guest:  After over 17 years in the wedding industry, Keith often jokes that he still works his high school job.  Starting in a formal wear shop in high school he has worked in many areas of the industry including photography, video, tuxedos, suits, photo booths, DJs, invitations and wedding dresses.  Currently COO of Classic Photographers, he is considered an expert in customer service and digital marketing, marrying his traditional knowledge of the wedding industry with digital marketing technology.  Classic Ph