Alan

I wish you only First-world problems

I found myself complaining recently about being given an upgrade, on an international flight, only to have it taken away because they double booked the seat. In reality, I would have preferred to never haven gotten the upgrade, as I lost my original exit row seat in the process. While expressing my dissatisfaction with how it was being handled, I realized how ridiculous it was to be complaining about this, truly a first-world problem. I started thinking about how many of our other daily “problems” would be really hard to justify to someone in a developing nation.

Listen to this new, 6-minute episode for some perspective, not to make us feel bad, rather to make us feel really good about what we already have. Read More

Brian Franklin – The Niche: Vows and Speeches

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I thought I didn’t like a lot of things, until I did

I was a picky eater as a child, really picky. It’s amazing how many foods I eat now that I wouldn’t even try back then. That’s actually true of a lot of things in our lives, things we’ve never even tried, but think we don’t or wouldn’t like. What is that making us miss out on? What could we be accomplishing or enjoying, if we’d just remove that roadblock, one that we’re putting there by ourselves.

Listen to this new, 5-minute episode for my thoughts on how you can recognize and remove these roadblocks from your path. Read More

Bill Cates – 5 Things that don’t make you different

I saw an article on LinkedIn by my friend Bill Cates titled: “5 things that don’t make you different”, and the title intrigued me. In reading through them, I was struck by how many of these companies in the wedding and events industry are using, thinking it shows how they’re different, when they don’t. So, I asked Bill to come on and talk through these with me so we can give you some ideas on how to tweak what you say, to really show what makes you different. Read More

Should you charge for appointments and tours?

Everyone hates no-shows on appointments and tours, but is charging the solution? I saw a conversation on Facebook started by a venue owner, Corbin Mock. Obviously frustrated by couples making appointments and then not showing up, this started a serious of comments. While I agree with the premise, I have some ideas on this subject.

Listen to this new, 8-minute episode for my thoughts on how you might approach this. Read More

Andrew Leavitt – The Niche: Wedding Weatherman

Every once in a while, I come across someone who’s carved out a really unique niche in the wedding and events industry. I met Andrew at a WeddingPro COR event and when he told me he provides weather tools for wedding professionals, I was intrigued. Of course weather is a big factor for weddings and events, but why are the apps on our phones not giving us the full picture and how does Andrew, and his team of 20 meteorologists, help couples better prepare for the weather on their wedding day (or weekend), anywhere in the world? Listen to this episode to find out, and to hear some real weather stories. Read More

Are they commissions or kickbacks?

Every so often I see someone posting on Facebook, complaining about another vendor asking for a commission when they refer business. It’s always such a controversial subject and one that I’ve been addressing for years. As a matter of fact, I did two webinars on this, one with just venues and caterers and one with all suppliers. The links are below. Read More

Brian Lawrence – Getting your website ready for engagement season

As the holidays approach it’s always a good time to take a look at our websites to see what we can do to help them convert better. For this, I’ve invited my good friend and go-to for websites and SEO, Brian Lawrence of Local Traffic Builder. Whether your site is current, starting to get dated or needs to be scrapped, this episode will give you some ideas on how to improve with the traffic you’re already getting. Read More

Is your networking transactional?

When you go to a networking event or conference, are you deciding who to talk to, or whom to meet based upon what they can do for you, or what you can get from them? Or, are you leaving yourself open to other kinds of value by not having any expectations when you meet new people.

Listen to this new 8-minute episode for my thoughts on networking and value. Read More

They can’t ask for what they don’t know exists

Are you giving your customers what they’re asking for, or are you challenging their assumptions with results and experiences that they couldn’t have imagined? One way to differentiate yourself is to show customers things they haven’t asked for, which to them are new and unique, even if you’ve done them before. I mention a book – The Challenger Sale – and there’s a link to it below.

Listen to this new 6-minute episode for ideas on how to use this concept to close more sales. Read More