Wedding Business Solutions

Stop selling to a guaranteed minimumAre 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-demand dates. I'll share strategies for repositioning your pricing conversations and making sure you're attracting clients who want the full value you provide, not just a bargain.Listen to this new 6-minute episode for fresh strategies to stop underselling yourself and start converting more clients at the prices you deserve.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into the pitfalls of selling to a guaranteed minimum dollar amount—a common practice among venues and caterers. I talk about how leading with a minimum or starting price sets client expectations at the lowest level, which can actually hurt your sales and limit your potential. Instead, I suggest that you focus on selling the unique results and experiences you provide, and only bring up the minimum if it becomes necessary later in the conversation. I also share strategies for offering your best packages on the most popular dates and explain why posting only your lowest prices leads to low-budget inquiries. My goal in this episode is to help you elevate your sales conversations and book more profitable events.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

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 this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I delve into the topic of tipping at events, inspired by a question from Mary Lee in Connecticut. As tipping culture seems to be everywhere these days, I explore whether having a tip jar or utilizing QR codes for services like Venmo is appropriate when the host hasn't prepaid tips for bartenders. I stress the significance of having a discussion with the event host about their tipping preferences and ensuring everything is handled professionally. I also share my thoughts on the confusion surrounding service charges versus gratuities, noting how perplexing these can be for both guests and event planners.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

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 engage with couples effectively and turn casual browsers into your next clients.About Mark:  Mark Chapman is the President of The I Do Society and the wedding industry's leader in paid advertising. His team helps your wedding business reach and convert your ideal couple with Google Ads, Meta Ads and TikTok Ads.      For more information visit: http://theidosociety.com/     Have a free, 30-minute discovery call with Mark, click this link and mention my name: https://calendly.com/the-i-do-society/membership-inquiry-meeting  If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

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 customer expectations and minimizing friction during interactions.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into an online debate that caught my attention. It all started with a wedding planner asking a restaurant about options for a rehearsal dinner. Instead of addressing the planner's questions about buyouts and capacity, the restaurant suggested setting up a call. This reminded me of a similar experience I had, where a call was suggested without directly answering my query. I explore different perspectives on communication and emphasize the importance of respecting customers' preferred methods. This episode invites you to rethink how we handle customer interactions and the value of clear, direct responses.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

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.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into how you can use AI to boost your wedding and event planning business. Inspired by Olivia, a planner from Portugal, I discuss different AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, highlighting how each can help with content analysis and research. I share practical tips on using AI to enhance your website, improve SEO, and repurpose existing materials such as reviews and blog posts to appeal to a more modern audience. By providing detailed instructions to these tools, you'll achieve better results and gain powerful insights. Join me as I guide you through integrating AI into your wedding business and unlocking its full potential.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

Scott Faver - Transactional vs relational networkingIn 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 transactions and sharing insights on how to give without the expectation of receiving while knowing when to say no.Listen to this new episode for insights on creating lasting connections in the wedding industry and learning the value of relational networking.About Scott FaverAs The Game Master, he has trained 1,000’s of DJs throughout the US and Canada. He is a regular presenter at industry conferences including Wedding MBA, Marquee Chicago, Photo Booth Expo, which he has hosted for 8 years. And the co-host for 3 years the PBX \ MEX Hall of Fame awards show. A leader in the event industry, Scott developed EE: Event Ensemble, a local network of 2,000+ event professionals who gather to learn, network, and share referrals.Contact Scott: The Party Favers - DJ Scott Faverhttps://www.thepartyfavers.com AKA, for DJs, The Game MasterTraining for DJs to provide fun, unique, personalized entertainment for their clients' events.https://www.thegamemaster.bizEE: Event EnsembleNetworking, Education, and Referrals, exclusively for event industry professionals.https://www.facebook.com/groups/EventEnsemblehttps://www.eventensemble.comIf you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full trWant to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

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.Listen to this new 9-minute episode for practical tips on choosing a name that embodies your brand and resonates with your market.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I discuss how to choose an effective name for a new business. Rami, who owns a DJ company, reached out with this query. I emphasize that there is no perfect name, but a good one suits your market and reflects the services you offer. I highlight key considerations, such as whether you plan to sell the business in the future, the importance of securing a dot com domain, avoiding geographic specifics if you're planning to expand, and the importance of keywords for SEO. I also suggest using AI tools for brainstorming name ideas and advise checking for existing similar names to avoid confusion.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

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 conversions, and ensuring every inquiry is treated as a valuable opportunity.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I explore how approaching leads with a defeatist attitude can impact our sales success. Drawing inspiration from Mike Weinberg’s "New Sales Simplified," I discuss the detrimental effect of assuming negative outcomes with potential clients, like expecting ghosting or price shopping. It's crucial to approach each lead positively and tailor our communication to align with clients' preferences. By reducing customer friction, such as ensuring easy contact methods and adapting to generational changes, we can enhance engagement. I urge fellow wedding business professionals to shift their mindset, valuing and converting the leads we already have, rather than just seeking more, ultimately improving our sales outcomes.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

Alayna Thomas is a GenZ Retention Strategist and thought leader in workplace dynamics. She unpacks the complexities of communicating with Gen Z, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing genuine connection. Alayna discusses how understanding generational differences can transform client relationships in the wedding industry. She shares insights on optimizing engagement through personalized experiences and adapting communication strategies to meet the needs of young clients, ensuring businesses resonate with a multi-generational audience.

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 sales by enhancing your follow-up strategies and engaging effectively with those who have already reached out.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I delve into the results from shopping 306 companies in 2024. I highlight that 85% of these businesses responded to inquiries, which is a slight improvement from last year. I emphasize the importance of keeping initial communication concise, as only 44% of the companies managed to fit their first response on one smartphone screen. Additionally, I discuss the critical need for persistent follow-up, pointing out that many businesses lose potential clients by not reaching out multiple times. My advice is to focus on enhancing follow-up strategies to convert more leads without increasing advertising costs.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362 I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com