Wedding Business Solutions - podcast cover

Wedding Business Solutions

Alan Berg, CSP, Global Speaking Fellowwww.weddingbusinesssolutions.com

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 conversion or just plain common-sense ideas for your wedding business, the episodes here, whether monologue or dialogue are just the thing to get you motivated to help more couples have great weddings, and more profits for you . . . . . . . . . You can read full transcripts of each episode at podcast.AlanBerg.com . . . . . . . . . Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast so you'll know about the latest episodes. And if you have a question, comment or suggestion for topic or guest, please reach out at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com . . . . . . . . . And if you don't get his email updates for new episodes, as well as upcoming workshops and Master Classes, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com . . . . . . . . . If you'd like to find out about Alan's speaking, sales training, consulting or website review services, you can reach him at Alan@AlanBerg.com or visit Podcast.AlanBerg.com ------- Note: I invite my guests on for the value they provide to you, my listeners. Occasionally I have a guest on where I'm an affiliate or have a relationship that may involve compensation for me. My first priority is the value to you and therefore I don't sell placement or guest spots on my podcast.

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Episodes

The 4 Steps to More sales!

The 4 Steps to More sales! Are you missing out on bookings by skipping important steps? What if the reason you’re getting ghosted is because you’re rushing couples or communicating on your terms, not theirs? In this episode I break down the four-step sales cycle—getting attention, receiving an inquiry, starting the conversation, and finally making the sale. Could making small changes to how you follow up or begin conversations be the key to getting more “yes” answers? Listen to this new 8-minute...

Jul 02, 202510 min

Use Is, not Was in your reviews!

Have you ever wondered how the wording of your reviews impacts how clients perceive your business? Are you missing opportunities to make your services feel relevant and current just by using the wrong tense? In this episode, I explore why using “is” instead of “was” in your reviews can build more trust, show off your ongoing excellence, and even improve your marketing. What subtle shifts can you make in your review requests to ensure your reputation feels as fresh and vibrant as your service? Li...

Jun 25, 20256 min

Kevin Townsend - Weddings in New Zealand!

Kevin Townsend - Weddings in New Zealand What if your wedding business had to navigate strict lockdowns, shifting markets, and unique cultural expectations—would your sales process survive? How do you attract the right clients and keep your venue calendar full when economic tides turn? In this episode, I share what weddings are really like in New Zealand, including how refining inquiry forms, understanding cultural differences, and using data-driven decisions are helping venues thrive amidst cha...

Jun 23, 202547 min

My GPS gets me where I'm going, but I don't know where I am!

How often do you rely on a tool—like GPS or AI—to get you results without really understanding how you got there? Is it always okay to follow directions blindly, or are there times you need to know the “why” behind the answer? In this episode, I explore the risks and benefits of trusting our tools, the importance of understanding processes (at least a little), and when it’s safe to be hands-off versus when you need to dig deeper before you hit “go.” Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insigh...

Jun 18, 20258 min

Should you include planning tips in your follow-up emails?

Should you include planning tips in your follow-up emails? When is the right time to start sharing helpful advice with prospective clients? Could offering planning tips too soon be hurting your response rate, or does it add value and set you apart? In this episode, I dive into how to balance giving value with keeping your follow-ups focused and effective, plus ways to make your content truly helpful—without coming off as salesy or overwhelming. Listen to this new 7-minute episode for practical s...

Jun 11, 20259 min

Shane McMurray - How do tariffs and supply chain issues affect wedding businesses?

Shane McMurray - How do tariffs and supply chain issues affect wedding businesses? What if your costs doubled overnight? What happens to your business when tariffs and supply chain issues change in a heartbeat? Are you relying too much on a single supplier? In this episode, I talk about the unpredictable nature of tariffs, how they impact different segments of the wedding industry—from bridal shops to service providers—and what proactive steps you can take, like contract updates and diversifying...

Jun 09, 202525 min

Interpreting the silence!

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, and share actionable ways to keep the conversation (and your confidence) going until you have real answers. Listen to this new 8-minute episode for a f...

Jun 04, 20259 min

Are you building a business to sell?

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 systems. Are your processes strong enough for someone else to step in, or is everything dependent on you? I’ll give you key points to consider if you eve...

May 28, 20258 min

Mimi Brown - A Pivot from DJ to Professional Speaker

When 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—revealing how moments of mentorship, purposeful practice, and embracing “the business side” can transform your trajectory whether you’re behind the mic, run...

May 26, 202525 min

They don't want to talk on the phone!

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 where they are — not where we wish they were. Are your habits hurting your chances, or can a simple adjustment make all the difference? Listen to this new...

May 21, 202511 min

Should you charge a lot more for an event that's far away, or just say no?

Should 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 this episode, I share my perspective on how distance, motivation, and honest decision-making come together, with real-world examples and a simple rule t...

May 14, 20256 min

Tom Chelednik - The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study

Tom 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 response process? Find out how shifts in the economy, generational preferences, and wedding planning technology are impacting booking trends—and what you ...

May 12, 202535 min

Don't make it so obvious that you're using AI!

Don'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 can you make sure your content truly feels like yours? I’ll share insights on better prompt engineering, editing for authenticity, and why starting with...

May 07, 20257 min

When should you lower your rate?

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 to come off your rate. I’ll challenge you to ask yourself: Is it ever smart to say yes to a price cut if you’re not getting something valuable back? ...

Apr 30, 202511 min

Clint Elkins - How will inflation, tariffs and supply issues affect us this year and beyond!

Are 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 hit your bottom line. You’ll hear how natural disasters, labor markets, and even global events ripple through catering and events, and learn fresh wa...

Apr 28, 202527 min

Stop selling to a guaranteed minimum!

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 from the bottom up may be holding your business back, and how shifting your approach can help you book clients at higher rates—especially on those in...

Apr 23, 20257 min

Tipping at Events, what's acceptable?

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 this new 7-minute episode for insights on managing tipping expectations and modern solutions for gratitude gestures at events. Episode Summary: In thi...

Apr 16, 20258 min

Mark Chapman - What's different about online advertising now?

Are 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 website can make lasting impressions on prospective clients. Listen to this new episode for insights into how modern advertising tactics can help you eng...

Apr 14, 202545 min

Who was right and who was wrong?

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 evolving communication landscape in the wedding industry. Listen to this new 9-minute episode for insights into aligning your communication style with custo...

Apr 09, 202510 min

Using AI in your wedding and event business

Are 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 new 9-minute episode for insights on harnessing AI to optimize and update your content, making it resonate with the clients you want to attract. Episo...

Apr 02, 202511 min

Scott Faver - Transactional vs relational networking

Scott 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 are you counting on immediate returns? In this episode, Scott Favor and I delve into the art of networking, emphasizing the power of relationships over...

Mar 31, 202530 min

How do you choose a good name for a business?

How 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 finding a good business name that speaks to your target audience and meets your future goals, whether expanding or selling your business down the road. Lis...

Mar 26, 202512 min

Are you approaching your leads with a defeatist attitude?

Are 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 an opportunity until proven otherwise. Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insights on transforming your approach to leads, improving your sales ...

Mar 19, 20259 min

Alayna Thomas - Do you really understand Gen Z?

Alayna 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 diverse clients' and employees' needs. Listen to this new episode for insights on bridging generational gaps and enhancing communication with Gen Z clien...

Mar 17, 202537 min

We shopped 306 companies in 2024 - want to hear how they did?

We 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 how improving these can help close more deals without spending more on leads. Listen to this new 10-minute episode for insights on boosting your sale...

Mar 12, 202512 min

Are you doing purposeful practice?

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 improve your skills and grow beyond where you are today. Listen to this new 9-minute episode for insights on setting goals just beyond your reach to en...

Mar 05, 20259 min

Cara Silletto - Employee Retention/Culture

Cara 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 communication. Discover how viewing your workforce through a fresh lens can change the way you retain talent and make your workplace more attractive. ...

Mar 03, 202539 min

Stop marketing like it's 2005!

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 rates. Listen to this new 9-minute episode for insights on modernizing your communication style and turning more inquiries into booked clients. Episode Su...

Feb 26, 202510 min

So you got a bad review... now what?

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 emotional health. Listen to this new 13-minute episode for insights on handling bad reviews, maintaining a positive brand image, and the importance o...

Feb 19, 202515 min

Janice Litvin - Learn How to Banish Burnout!

Janice 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 implement practical strategies to maintain your passion without the risk of burning out. Join us as Janice Litvin shares insights from her Banish Burno...

Feb 17, 202540 min
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