Podcast Transcripts & Articles

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

Is it procrastination or indecision that’s stopping them from making a decision?

I just finished reading (listening) to a great book, for the second time, called “The JOLT Effect”. It’s from the same authors as “The Challenger Sale”, a book I’ve mentioned here before on the podcast. They bring up a very interesting concept that oftentimes, they’re convinced that you’re a good fit for them and their needs, yet they still say No. It could be indecision that’s holding them back and you might be making it worse for them by how you’re handling it.

Listen to this new, 9-minute episode to see how you can identify their indecision and help them move forward, rather than having them rethink it when they already liked you! Read More

Meghan Ely – PR for your wedding business

I love having interesting guests on, especially friends that have so much to share. Meghan has pivoted from doing weddings at a 5-star hotel to being one of few people in the world that specialize in helping wedding businesses, like yours, with PR (Public Relations).

Listen to this new episode for ideas you can use, right away, to help get your wedding business more visibility outside your advertising and social media efforts. Read More

Are things slowing down a bad thing?

I’ve been predicting for about 2 years that things would be slowing down as things went from pandemic lockdowns to the next normal. Yet some people are freaking out that their inquiries have slowed down. After the craziness that so many of us felt in 2022, is a slowdown actually a good thing?

Listen to this new, 7-minute episode for a little reality check and perspective on where things are and if that’s good or bad for you and your business. Read More

Is making it easier for you, making it harder for your customers?

Have you ever been a customer where you encountered a store or business’ policy that just made you scratch your head? Too often companies do things that make things easier for them and their employees, without realizing that they’re making it harder for the most important people… their customers. Are you doing that?

Listen to this new, 8-minute episode to see if you have rules or policies that need to be reevaluated, so you can reduce the friction for your couples and clients. Read More