If weddings are all or part of your business, then the Wedding Business Solutions podcast is for you. You’ll hear ideas to help you sell more, profit more and have more fun doing it from Alan Berg CSP, FPSA. He’s the author of 13 books, who’s been included, for the 3rd year in a row, as one of the “Top 100 Speakers To Watch in 2025”, by Motivator Music on LinkedIn. He's also one of only 44 Global Speaking Fellows in the world! Whether it’s ideas for closing the sale, improving your website c ...
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Alan Berg, CSP, Global Speaking Fellow Podcasts
Interpreting the silence! What does it really mean when you don’t hear back from a potential client—is it rejection, a fake lead, or just something else taking priority in their life? Are you letting the “story you tell yourself” block future business? In this episode, I dig into how we interpret client silence, challenge some common assumptions, a…
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Are you building a business to sell? Are you building a business you can one day sell, or are you creating a lifestyle business that revolves around you? What happens to your company when you’re ready to walk away? In this episode, I explore the true value of your business beyond the physical assets—like your brand, your relationships, and your sys…
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Mimi Brown - A Pivot from DJ to Professional Speaker
25:01
25:01
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25:01When is it time to pivot in your wedding business, and how do you know which risks are the right ones to take? What happens when you follow a passion out of your comfort zone, or invest in your own potential before it’s obvious to everyone else? In this episode, I sit down with Mimi Brown to unpack the journey from DJ to professional speaker—reveal…
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They don't want to talk on the phone! Are you getting ghosted by clients when you push for a phone call? Have you considered that today’s couples might prefer messaging, texting, or emailing over talking on the phone? In this episode, I explore what happens when we add friction to our communication process and the importance of meeting clients wher…
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Should you charge a lot more for an event that's far away, or just say no?
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5:32Should you charge a lot more for an event that's far away, or just say no? Should you take on that event that’s hours away—or is it better to just walk away? What happens if you charge a much higher fee and the client actually says yes? Will the extra cash make up for the inconvenience, or will you regret saying yes just because of the price? In th…
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Tom Chelednik - The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study
34:43
34:43
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34:43Tom Chelednik - The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study What would your business look like if you froze it for two years—would you still be thriving, or would your unchanged methods leave you behind as couples’ expectations shift? Are you adapting fast enough to connect with today’s couples and am I missing out on leads by not updating my website or resp…
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Don't make it so obvious that you're using AI!
6:51
6:51
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6:51Don't make it so obvious that you're using AI! Are you unintentionally telling the world your content isn’t original? Could the green check marks and other default AI icons be giving you away? In this episode, I explore how to use AI as a tool without sacrificing your unique voice. What little details scream “I used AI!” to your clients, and how ca…
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When should you lower your rate? Are you giving away your profit just because a client asked for a discount? What are you really getting in return when you lower your price? In this episode, I dig deep into the difference between discounting and negotiating, explain why price integrity matters, and share how to determine if and when it's truly okay…
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Clint Elkins - How will inflation, tariffs and supply issues affect us this year and beyond!
26:36
26:36
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26:36Are your rising costs really out of your control? Are tariffs, inflation, and supply chain chaos just the new normal, or are there ways to get ahead of them? In this episode, I bring on Clint Elkins to dig into what’s really happening with food costs, supply challenges, and the hidden factors that set your prices—plus how to spot trends before they…
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Stop selling to a guaranteed minimum Are you selling to a guaranteed minimum? What message are you sending when you lead with starting prices or minimums in your pitch? Could you be underselling your services by focusing on the lowest number your clients have to hit, rather than the unique results you deliver? In this episode, I explore why selling…
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Tipping at Events, what's acceptable? Tipping at events: What’s acceptable in today’s culture? Is it okay to have a tip jar if the host hasn't prepaid gratuities? How about a QR code for digital tips? Join me as I explore the nuances of tipping at events, addressing these questions and offering guidance on navigating this delicate topic. Listen to …
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Mark Chapman - What's different about online advertising now?
45:02
45:02
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45:02Are you still advertising like it’s 2005? Have you considered the shift towards AI and platforms like TikTok for attracting today’s couples? In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of advertising for wedding professionals and how Performance Max and other strategies can amplify your reach. Explore how your engagement strategy on your web…
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Who was right and who was wrong? In today's fast-paced digital world, how do we navigate communication preferences between businesses and clients? Are vendors right in pushing for phone calls, or should they adjust to the digital native’s preference for emails and texts? This episode challenges the traditional approach and sheds light on the evolvi…
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Using AI in your wedding and event business
11:21
11:21
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11:21Are you leveraging AI to enhance your wedding planning business? Could AI breathe new life into your content by refining your website's words for younger audiences or rejuvenating your old blogs? In this episode, I explore practical ways to utilize AI for repurposing your content, ensuring it speaks directly to your target audience. Listen to this …
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Scott Faver - Transactional vs relational networking
29:36
29:36
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29:36Scott Faver - Transactional vs relational networking In the world of networking, are you building meaningful relationships, or are your interactions purely transactional? Discover the importance of relational networking and how it can benefit your wedding business. Are you approaching your connections with genuine interest and a giving spirit, or a…
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How do you choose a good name for a business?
11:38
11:38
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11:38How do you choose a good name for a business? When starting a new business, the quest for the perfect name can be daunting. Is there really such a thing as the perfect name? How important is it to secure a dot com for your brand? Should your personal name be part of the company? In this episode, I explore these questions and share insights on findi…
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Are you approaching your leads with a defeatist attitude?
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8:34
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8:34Are you approaching your leads with a defeatist attitude? Are you approaching your leads with a defeatist attitude? What assumptions are you making about potential clients before the conversation even begins? In this episode, I discuss how your mindset can impact sales success and share strategies to stop expecting the worst, turning each lead into…
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Alayna Thomas - Do you really understand Gen Z?
37:06
37:06
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37:06Alayna Thomas - Do you really understand Gen Z? Are you truly connecting with your multi-generational wedding clients and employees, or are assumptions holding you back? Are you providing the "why" behind your services? This episode unpacks the pitfalls of generational stereotypes and emphasizes starting conversations to tailor your approach to div…
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We shopped 306 companies in 2024 - want to hear how they did?
11:59
11:59
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11:59We shopped 306 companies in 2024 - want to hear how they did? Secret shopping 306 companies revealed some startling insights: Are you part of the 15% not replying at all, or sending emails too long to keep attention? What happens if you follow up more than five times? In this episode, I discuss the importance of follow-up frequency and quality, and…
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Are you doing purposeful practice? Are you just going through the motions or truly engaging in purposeful practice? In this episode, I explore how intentional practice differs from mere repetition. Are you setting achievable yet challenging goals just outside your current abilities? Tune in as I delve into how you can apply purposeful practice to i…
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Cara Silletto - Employee Retention/Culture
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38:31
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38:31Cara Silletto - Reducing Turnover by Rethinking Retention Is your team turnover causing disruption to your business? Are you thinking about why your staff might be leaving voluntarily? In this episode, Cara Silletto and I explore the myths around employee retention and share insights on reducing turnover by bridging generational gaps and enhancing …
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Stop marketing like it's 2005! Are you still reaching out to potential clients like it's the early 2000s? Are you adjusting your marketing approach to align with the evolving digital habits of Gen Y and Gen Z? In this episode, I dive into adapting your digital strategy to meet the needs and expectations of today's couples for better conversion rate…
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So you got a bad review... now what? Confronting a bad review can be daunting. Did you honestly assess the situation? Are you responding out of emotion, or are you considering the persistent quality of your overall feedback? In this episode, I dive into strategies for addressing unfavorable feedback effectively while maintaining professionalism and…
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Janice Litvin - Learn How to Banish Burnout!
40:11
40:11
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40:11Janice Litvin - Learn How to Banish Burnout! Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the persistent demands of work, even if you love what you do? Are there moments when stress feels unmanageable, hinting that burnout might be just around the corner? In this episode, we dive into how to recognize early signs of burnout, reframe your stress reactions, and i…
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How do you sell a new product or service, without photos or reviews?
6:44
6:44
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6:44How do you sell a new product or service, without photos or reviews? Are you struggling to gain traction with a new product or service due to a lack of reviews? How can you effectively communicate your value without prior customer feedback? In this episode, I discuss strategies like showcasing your work through compelling visuals, leveraging peer f…
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Failure IS an option What have you tried new this year? Are you letting fear of failure stop you from taking chances? In this episode, I dive into why failure isn't the end, but rather a stepping stone to success. Learn how unexpected outcomes can sometimes surpass your original goals and lead to growth. Listen to this new 6-minute episode for insp…
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Carolyn Strauss - How do you keep your energy up in the middle of wedding season?
37:28
37:28
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37:28Carolyn Strauss - How do you keep your energy up in the middle of wedding season? Are you struggling to maintain your energy during back-to-back wedding events? Do you ever feel overwhelmed and forget the importance of each unique wedding day? In this episode, Carolyn Strauss shares invaluable tips on staying energized and present, emphasizing the …
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Marketing is like a relay race! Are you dropping the baton in your marketing efforts? How many potential clients are you losing at each stage of learning about your services? In this episode, I explore why a seamless handoff is crucial in every touchpoint of your marketing, from your website to your social media. Discover the steps to ensure you’re…
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Stop asking ‘how are you doing?’ How often do you start a conversation with "How are you doing?" without truly caring about the answer? What if there were better ways to start a conversation that would lead to more meaningful interactions? In this episode, I delve into why this question often falls flat and suggest alternative approaches to improve…
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Fausto - Does the Pantone color of the year really matter?
37:12
37:12
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37:12Fausto - Does the Pantone color of the year really matter? In this insightful episode, we unravel the significance of Pantone's color of the year for wedding professionals. How much does this annual announcement impact the choices of brides and designers alike? Are your clients seeking the latest color trends, or are these nuances primarily influen…
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Get in the habit of following up now, while it's quieter!
7:03
7:03
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7:03Get in the habit of following up now, while it's quieter! Is following up on leads falling by the wayside when you’re busy with weddings and events? Are you struggling to maintain that crucial connection with potential clients? In this episode, I discuss techniques to build the habit of following up, and ensuring that you stay on top of leads even …
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Are you still making the phone number required on your contact form?
10:28
10:28
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10:28Are you still making the phone number required on your contact form? Are you losing potential leads because your contact form requires a phone number? Do you know the impact this might have on your business? In this episode, I delve into why requiring a phone number can turn away potential clients and how you can adapt to meet modern communication …
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Paul Daniels Jr - Dyslexia is a Superpower!
29:21
29:21
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29:21Paul Daniels Jr - Dyslexia is a Superpower! Have you ever thought about how differently wired minds can bring unique, valuable perspectives to your business? What if you could predict potential issues before they even arise, simply by seeing what others miss? In this episode, Paul Daniels joins me to uncover the hidden superpowers of dyslexia and n…
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Don't make resolutions, take actions! Are your New Year's resolutions setting you up for success or failure? Can you break down your goals into actionable steps? In this episode, I discuss shifting from making resolutions to taking focused actions that drive real results. Learn how to prioritize tasks and turn aspirations into daily habits that sti…
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Is the art of networking lost on Gen Y and Gen Z?
8:43
8:43
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8:43Is the art of networking lost on Gen Y and Gen Z? Are the younger generations missing out on the benefits of traditional networking, or are they just doing it differently? How can we bridge the gap between generations in professional associations and networking groups? In this episode, I explore these questions and discuss how new approaches to net…
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Elizabeth Solaru - How to start and build a luxury brand!
33:24
33:24
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33:24Elizabeth Solaru - How to start and build a luxury brand! Are you struggling to connect with luxury clients? Do you know how to position your offerings to make mid-range options more appealing? In this episode, Elizabeth Solaru and I dive deep into the art of targeting luxury clients, pricing strategies, and effective networking techniques. Learn h…
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Are you focused on sales or profits? Are you caught up in the race to increase sales, or are you strategically focusing on boosting your profits? In this episode, I dive into the importance of understanding the difference between sales and profits. What are the true costs of your services? Are you maximizing profitability on high-demand dates? How …
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Are you ready for engagement season? Engagement season has kicked off—are you prepared? Do your profiles have recent reviews, and are your photos up to date? How about your website's content? In this episode, Alan Berg outlines a checklist to ensure you're ready to capture the influx of newly engaged couples. Don't let outdated information cost you…
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Beth Sherman - We laughed, we cried... of yeah, it was the wedding speech!
37:33
37:33
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37:33Beth Sherman - We laughed, we cried... oh yeah, it was the wedding speech! How do you navigate the art of wedding speeches to ensure they are memorable and engaging? Are your speeches concise and filled with genuine details? Do you know how to incorporate humor effectively without alienating your audience? In this episode, we explore the importance…
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Asking how much doesn't mean they can't afford you!
13:49
13:49
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13:49Asking how much doesn't mean they can't afford you! Have you ever considered that when customers ask, “How much do you charge?” it might not be a red flag but rather a common starting point for a conversation? Are you missing out on business opportunities because you don't provide pricing information up front? In this episode, I explore the importa…
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How do you get motivated? We all know there are things we need to do but sometimes don't feel like doing. Do you struggle with internal motivation or do you rely on external stimuli? In this episode, I dive into finding your driving force, the importance of pushing through resistance, and ways to stay accountable to your goals, whether personal or …
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Inclusive Wedding Summit - Brian Lawrence & Brenda Ferrarini
27:02
27:02
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27:02Inclusive Wedding Summit - Brian Lawrence & Brenda Ferrarini About the Inclusive Wedding Summit: On January 22, 2025, two seasoned trailblazers in the wedding world—Brian Lawrence, a celebrated author, speaker, and expert in web design and SEO, and Brenda Ferrarini, owner of Elegant Bridal Productions, one of the largest wedding show producers in t…
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Market to your customer, not to yourself! Are you marketing through your own lens or to your target audience? Are you ensuring your advertising resonates with your ideal customers, or are you letting personal biases skew your strategy? This episode dives into the importance of focusing your marketing efforts on your audience's preferences rather th…
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How can you embrace change? Change is inevitable, but how do you handle it? Do you fear the unknown or see it as an opportunity? In this episode, I dive into the psychology of change resistance and offer strategies to not only accept change but to thrive in it. What steps can you take today to make change your ally in business? Listen to this new 1…
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Don Mamone - Understanding Gender today and in the future!
35:03
35:03
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35:03Don Mamone - Understanding Gender today and in the future! Are your assumptions about others hindering genuine connections? How can you shift from judgment to curiosity to learn more about those around you? In this episode, Don Mamone and I dive into understanding gender, inclusivity, and breaking away from biases rooted in personal experiences. Di…
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Why I'm attending 4 Speaker Conferences this year!
7:36
7:36
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7:36Why I'm attending 4 Speaker Conferences this year! Ever wondered why it's crucial to attend conferences even if you're a seasoned expert? Are you missing out on potential game-changing insights and connections? In this episode, I delve into the unexpected benefits that conference attendance can bring, from mastering new tools like AI to forging inv…
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Who are you ghosting? Have you ever stopped to think about the people you're ghosting in your inbox? Why do we let certain conversations slip while juggling our daily priorities? In this episode, I dive into the notion that we all ghost someone, not out of disinterest, but because other things take precedence. Could there be a parallel in how your …
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Ryan Angott & Regine Regencia - Myths and Truths about Virtual Assistants
39:10
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39:10Ryan Angott & Regine Regencia - Myths and Truths about Virtual Assistants Are you struggling to find the right fit for your team? Have you considered the impact of language and local dialects on sales? In this episode, we dive into the world of virtual assistants, discussing how to identify the perfect candidate for your business needs. Learn how t…
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That time the wedding company wouldn't get on the phone!
9:53
9:53
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9:53That time the wedding company wouldn't get on the phone! Are you meeting your customers where they are, or are you frustrating them with rigid communication methods? In this episode, I share a recent personal experience from my son’s wedding planning drama, and we explore the importance of adapting to your clients' preferred communication channels.…
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So, my son got married. Want to hear the story?
15:09
15:09
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15:09So, my son got married. Want to hear the story? Are you easily accessible to your clients? Are you ensuring seamless communication to prevent day-of issues? In this episode, I share the story of my son's wedding and highlight crucial lessons about the importance of communication and responsiveness in the wedding business. Listen to this new 13-minu…
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