In this episode, I dive into the big question many wedding pros face: should you invest in paid advertising on listing sites like The Knot and WeddingWire, or focus more on organic marketing? Drawing from a recent WeddingPro article, my own experiences, and real-life examples from my students, I'll break down the conversion rates and effectiveness of different lead sources. You'll gain practical tips on tracking lead conversion, blending paid and organic strategies, and making data-driven decisi...
Jun 11, 2024•6 min
Welcome back Wedding Pros! In this podcast episode, I react to an article, headline reads: We used ChatGPT as our wedding planner — it saved us $5,000 (eye roll) So today I want to reiterate the irreplaceable value of professional wedding planners and debunk myths about using AI for wedding planning. Join me for my take on those real scenarios where human expertise makes all the difference. Please follow the podcast for weekly insights that will help you ditch the overwhelm and build a profitabl...
Jun 04, 2024•8 min
Do you run paid ads? This episode is dedicated to all my fellow wedding pros who’ve ever wondered about the right time to start leveraging Google Ads. I’m thrilled to share not just my own experiences, but also the deep insights from Mark Chapman of the I Do Society. In an increasingly digital marketplace, wedding pros can unlock immense value by expanding their advertising strategies beyond traditional methods. Platforms like Google Ads, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and TikTok offer unique op...
May 28, 2024•39 min
In this episode, we unpack the recent FTC ban on non-compete agreements and its implications for wedding industry professionals. Returning guest and legal expert Paige Griffith, of the Legal Paige, helps to unravel the complexities of this regulation, providing practical advice on protecting your business amidst these changes. We discuss alternative contract clauses like confidentiality and non-solicitation agreements to safeguard your trade secrets and client lists. ========================= EP...
May 21, 2024•40 min
In this episode of the Wedding Pro CEO podcast, I'm thrilled to bring you insights from wedding venue marketing expert Shannon Tarrant, creator of: Venue Help Desk: Expert consulting and support for venue managers. Together, we explore the nuanced challenges venue owners face and unpack targeted strategies to attract ideal clients and boost sales effectiveness. Tactics and tips all wedding pros will learn from. Whether you're directly involved in venue management or part of the wider wedding ind...
May 14, 2024•40 min
Hey fellow Wedding Pros! Are you tired of losing leads and feeling like your emails are just floating into the abyss? In this episode of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast I'll share a crucial, yet simple tweak to your sales strategy that's helped my team close five figures every month! It's all about adding a personal touch and how a shift from standardized emails to a more personalized approach, specifically texting, can significantly enhance your client engagement. ========================= EPISODE ...
May 07, 2024•15 min
Hey there CEO! In this podcast episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Tanisha Lee, the renowned "Systems Queen," who shares her expert insights on utilizing systems and AI to streamline operations and enhance client experiences for wedding industry professionals. We discuss practical strategies to overcome the typical tech challenges and improve your business model. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/238 ========================= JOIN THE WEDDING PRO CEO AC...
Apr 30, 2024•31 min
Hey there, wedding pros! In this episode I dive deep into the secrets behind those quarter one business recaps you've seen floating around. I'm all about those numbers, and let me tell you, there's so much more to them than meets the eye. Join me as we analyze leads, consultations, and bookings in a way that actually makes sense for your business. I'm also tackling those pesky issues like ghosting and what it truly means when you're turning away business because you're already booked. It’s time ...
Apr 23, 2024•19 min
In this episode I chatted with Whitney Hodges and Daniela Justus, the brilliant minds behind Wedding Industry Ads and Summit speakers at this years Wedding Pro CEO Summit, June 3 - 6, 2024, at the Line Hotel, in Austin Texas. https://brandeegaar.com/summit We dove into the world of Google and Meta ads and let me tell you, the insights we uncovered are game-changing. If you've ever felt intimidated by the thought of running ads for your wedding business, this episode is going to turn that fear in...
Apr 16, 2024•42 min
Hey Wedding Industry Pros! Are you feeling overwhelmed by the emotional toll of employee resignations? Trust me, I've been there. But here's the thing: it's not the end of the world. Join me on my podcast where I walk you through a five-step process to handle resignations like a pro, whether they're friendly or not. Let's ditch the overwhelm and build a profitable business we love together! ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/235 ========================= J...
Apr 09, 2024•27 min
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jen Trotter, a bridal beauty expert and conflict resolver, to explore the complexities of dealing with drama, conflict, and chaos in the wedding industry, emphasizing the significance of effective conflict management. Jen and I share practical tips and insights on enhancing communication skills, managing team dynamics, and ensuring client satisfaction. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/234 ========================= ...
Apr 02, 2024•47 min
Today we dive deep into the importance of profitability for our wedding businesses. Without profit, our businesses lack purpose. It's a heart-to-heart conversation aimed at helping you navigate the challenges of balancing creative fulfillment with the financial health of your business. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/233 ========================= JOIN THE WEDDING PRO CEO ACCELERATOR!!! Transform From Overwhelmed Business Owner to Confident CEO: https://...
Mar 26, 2024•16 min
In this episode i'm diving into the BIG question: to list or not to list your pricing on your website. I've shifted from being on the fence to a firm believer in showcasing your rates. It's all about transparency and connecting with your ideal clients right from the start. This podcast is bursting with practical tips to help you strategically position your pricing, overcoming the fear of being undercut by competitors or losing potential clients. It's all aimed at helping you work smarter, not ha...
Mar 19, 2024•21 min
In today's episode, I focus on the importance of embracing the pricing question from potential clients. I emphasize the significance of understanding it as a buying question, providing insight from my Accelerator program coaching calls and a personal anecdote about designer shopping in New York. I encourage wedding professionals to view the pricing question positively and engage in dialogue with potential clients to determine the best fit. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https...
Mar 12, 2024•7 min
Imagine transforming your business from DIY-focused messaging that attracts budget-conscious clients to a premium brand that commands top dollar. That's exactly what Felicia did, skyrocketing her sales from $400 to an astonishing $14,000 in just one month with the right strategies. This isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter. Whether you're new to the business or looking to scale, it's all about aligning your marketing, messaging, and pricing with the value you provide. And guess...
Mar 05, 2024•38 min
I'm beyond excited to dive deep into an episode that's packed with marketing gold just for you. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on my very own playbook to share 15 game-changing marketing strategies that are guaranteed to boost your revenue this year. All the resource links mentioned in this episode will be found on the Show Notes Blog, linked just below. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/229 ========================= JOIN THE WEDDING PRO CEO ACCELERA...
Feb 27, 2024•56 min
I would like to introduce you to my Business Coach for 2024, Kenda Laney. We talk about the 4 buyer types and how understanding these can boost marketing and sales outcomes. The 4 buyer types are: Driver, Analytical, Expressive, and Amiable. Each has unique characteristics and behaviors that influence their buying decisions. We tied these buyer types to real-world examples in the wedding industry, explaining how understanding these varying customer profiles can help businesses tailor their marke...
Feb 20, 2024•37 min
This episode dives into the importance of using Instagram strategically as a wedding professional to fill your lead funnel. Rather than viewing Instagram as a gallery for pretty photos that requires random posting, it should be utilized as a powerful sales tool to constructively engage with potential clients who are researching vendors. My discussion covers multiple strategies including reframing your mindset, optimizing your profile to stand out, always sell without sounding overly promotional,...
Feb 13, 2024•13 min
Today's episode is a little bit different because I am replaying the live workshop that I recently hosted. (February 1, 2024) We had 1200 wedding pros register for this workshop, We had so much fun on this webinar, where I share with you the concept of the "engagement boom" expected in 2024 and how we as wedding professionals can truly take advantage of it to elevate our businesses. I would love for you, podcast listeners, to be able to hear the webinar, to understand the strategies that lead to...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 31 min
Sydney Garvey's story is a testament to the power of implementing the course work inside of the Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator. She transitioned from flower farming to opening a brick-and-mortar florist shop while expanding her wedding services. The key moment that activated the growth was her realization that the business side of the wedding industry needed more attention than the creative aspects. We discussed the importance of delegation and empowering team members to handle different aspects of...
Feb 01, 2024•18 min
What can the Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator do for my Photo and Video Business? In this episode, I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Cayla Cummings, a phenomenal luxury wedding photographer and videographer from Texas. We dived deep into Cayla's journey of creating a thriving multiple six-figure wedding business and her scaling success. She opened up about the significant benefits she's experienced since joining our high-level WPCEO mastermind program. Our conversation was incredibly encou...
Jan 31, 2024•20 min
In this podcast episode, my guest, Canadian wedding planner, Madeline Hockley shares her journey from an overwhelmed wedding entrepreneur to a thriving wedding pro CEO. Despite her initial skepticism, Madeline testifies to the significant positive impact that the program has had on her business, expressing the major shift in mindset that was required, along with her growth and success in numbers since joining the program. We dive into the importance of real community, mindset shifts, and strateg...
Jan 30, 2024•23 min
I'm super excited to bring you this podcast episode, which is a special sneak peek into a live mastermind call from my Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator. We're tackling a big issue that's all too familiar in our industry: the dreaded client ghosting. In this episode, I take you right into the heart of our vibrant, real-time discussion, where we dissect this challenge and emerge with practical, effective solutions that work. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/sto...
Jan 23, 2024•15 min
In this reflective, in and outs episode, I take listeners behind the scenes of my 2023 business year, discussing the highs and lows and lessons learned. From the success of the Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator program to failing to meet our expected revenue targets, it was a year of both growth and challenges. Notably, the key lesson learned was to understand why goals weren't met and to formulate a strategy to fix it in the following year. With a renewed focus on education and growth in 2024, I am e...
Jan 16, 2024•36 min
Brandee Gaar explores the transformative power of strategic planning and goal setting. She introduces the "Big Ass Calendar," a tool for visualizing and organizing the entire year, emphasizing the importance of seeing big-picture plans. Brandee stresses the need for SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) in three key areas: personal, business, and revenue. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/why-you-arent-hitting-your-goals-and-wh...
Jan 09, 2024•28 min
In this episode of the Wedding Pro CEO podcast, host Brandee Gaar welcomes health consultant Tanessa Shears for a lively discussion on entrepreneurial health. Brandee and Tanessa focus on simple everyday solutions such as sufficient sleep habits and morning coffee intake and the role it plays in our overall output. Tanessa, will open your eyes, as she underscores the significance of quality sleep and explains the science behind our daily caffeine fix. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES...
Jan 02, 2024•35 min
Brandee Gaar talks with Prerna Malik, an incredible copywriter and co-founder of Content Bistro, on how to create post-wedding campaigns to increase the lifetime value of clients. Prerna, a recognized conversion copywriter, emphasizes leveraging five potential post-wedding campaigns: Review and Referral, Upsell, Cross-Sell, Flash Sale/Seasonal Sale, and Anniversary campaigns. Prerna also stresses the common mistakes and best practices, which can make these efforts more successful. ==============...
Dec 26, 2023•31 min
Marketing expert Tayler Cusick Hollman, discuss five marketing mistakes commonly made by wedding industry professionals, in the latest episode of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast with host Brandee Gaar. They uncover key challenges such as the pitfalls of mimicking others' strategies without context, making assumptions about clients without thorough research, relying solely on referrals, neglecting to showcase tangible proof of business, and the misconception that effective marketing comes at no cost....
Dec 19, 2023•45 min
Brandee Gaar, answers questions from her audience about the wedding industry. She provides insights and advice on topics such as calculating fees, grassroots vendor networking, dealing with unfavorable personalities, and building a team. Brandee shares personal experiences and tips to help wedding professionals build profitable businesses they love. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/how-do-you-calculate-full-service-planning ========================= JOIN...
Dec 12, 2023•27 min
Brandee Gaar chats with Dawn Richardson, an expert in integrating technology into the wedding industry. Dawn shares her journey from IT and software engineering to wedding photography, eventually leading to her current role in helping wedding professionals embrace technology. The focus of the discussion is on Dawn's top five recommended tools that can streamline how wedding businesses operate, enhancing client experiences, saving time, and generating leads. ========================= EPISODE SHOW...
Dec 05, 2023•39 min
