Podcast Transcripts & Articles

If you can’t walk a mile in their shoes, at least take a few steps

You’ve probably been told that you should walk a mile in the shoes of your customers, to see what’s it’s like for them when shopping for a service or product like yours. But can you really walk a mile in their shoes if you’re not the same demographic, with no prior experience shopping for a product or service like yours? I don’t think so, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t at least take a few steps as they do.

Listen to this new, 9-minute episode for some ideas on how to gain more of their perspective, to make it easier for them to do business with you. Read More

Curiosity or FOMO?

I’ve always had a curious mind, liking to know how things work. Is that the same as FOMO – fear of missing out? I don’t think so. If we’ve been presented with an opportunity, and had a chance to make a decision whether or not to participate or try something, the FOMO comes before the decision is made, not after. If we didn’t know about an opportunity and find out after when it’s too late, that’s not FOMO. You missed out not because you had a choice.

Listen to this new, 7-minute episode for some thoughts on how you can view your own curiosity versus FOMO. Read More

Terry Brock – ChatGPT, AI and your business!

Have you heard of ChatGPT? It seems to be all over the place these days in the news and in discussions online and off. It’s next-level AI (Artificial Intelligence) is even making Google play catch-up. I wanted to know more, so I invited my friend, and tech guru, Terry Brock to join me to fill us all in on what it is, where to find it, how to use it for our businesses… and the potential downsides to be aware of.

Listen to this new episode to get your intro to, or more advanced knowledge of ChatGPT and other AI tools. Read More

Can your business survive without social media?

Is that a controversial headline for you? It’s the title of the only presentation I do solely on Social Media. I touch on social media in many of my trainings and talks, but I stay away from talking about the platform of the moment, because that can change in the blink of an eye. And, as you are reading this, some platform you’re using has adjusted some algorithm that may affect what you do there.

Listen to this new, 10-minute episode for a little perspective and a reality check, and see if you can either gain back some precious time, or get a better ROI. Read More

Letting Go of Perfection

This is another listener suggestion, from Walter in New Jersey. He knows that he’s a perfectionist, but it sometimes gets in the way of getting the work done on time, especially when it involves other wedding/event pros. Can you relate? When we know we can do better, we want to do better. If we have an unlimited timeline, as when making art for yourself, that’s fine. But when your timeline is restricted, and when others are affected by you not getting your part done, that’s when problems can occur.

Listen to this new, 8-minute episode and see if I can help you let go, at least a little, of your need for perfection every time. Read More

Ben Herman – Do you have a system for your business?

I’m sure you know how to deliver the products and services for you business, and you probably have a system to help you get it right, every time. You’ve likely honed that system over time, as you gained more experience. Do you also have a system for running your business? That’s a completely different set of steps and things you need to have a profitable business. Ben Herman has grown his successful entertainment business and now teaches others how to develop these systems for themselves. He even sells his system to others, so they can hit the ground running, even if they’ve been running for a while.

Listen to this new episode for some ideas on how you can develop systems for your business, especially if you have plans to grow and sell it someday. Read More

A tale of two cities

No, not the Charles Dickens story, this episode is a tale of the different experiences I had recently at two locations of the same brand. It got me thinking about the consistency, or inconsistency, between experiences your couples, clients and their guests might have, either when encountering different members of your staff, or at different events.

Listen to this new, 6-minute episode for an idea of where you can look for these inconsistencies, even if you’re a team of one! Read More

Are you studying to pass a test, or studying to learn?

One of the big complaints about our education system is that we’re just teaching our kids to pass tests. What about when you’re out of school and choosing to study a new skill. Are you trying to get to the end of the book/course, or are you trying to achieve a level of mastery? Over the years, I’ve changed the way I approach learning. Have you?

Listen to this new, 6-minute episode for some perspective on how you can maximize your learning efforts. Read More

Do you really have any competition?

I often hear wedding and event businesses complaining about all of the new competitors in their market. I’m sure this is not limited to the wedding/event industry. Most businesses don’t want to see another competitor enter their market. Whether they’ve been in business longer than you, or are brand new, are they really competitors? What is your perspective on competition?

Listen to this new, 6-minute episode for my perspective on this, and hopefully it helps focus yours. Read More

How and when do you ask for reviews?

The event went great, the customer/couple is thrilled… but they didn’t post a review!! It’s frustrating, but it’s not their fault. Just like asking for the sale, asking for reviews is your responsibility. And if you’re not getting your happy customers to post reviews, it’s probably the way and timing of your asking. Read More