Wedding Business Solutions
If weddings are all or part of your business, then the Wedding Business Solutions podcast is for you. You’ll hear ideas to help you sell more, profit more and have more fun doing it from Alan Berg CSP, FPSA. He’s the author of 13 books, who’s been included, for the 3rd year in a row, as one of the “Top 100 Speakers To Watch in 2025”, by Motivator Music on LinkedIn. He's also one of only 44 Global Speaking Fellows in the world! Whether it’s ideas for closing the sale, improving your website conversion or just plain common-sense ideas for your wedding business, the episodes here, whether monologue or dialogue are just the thing to get you motivated to help more couples have great weddings, and more profits for you . . . . . . . . . You can read full transcripts of each episode at podcast.AlanBerg.com . . . . . . . . . Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast so you'll know about the latest episodes. And if you have a question, comment or suggestion for topic or guest, please reach out at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com . . . . . . . . . And if you don't get his email updates for new episodes, as well as upcoming workshops and Master Classes, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com . . . . . . . . . If you'd like to find out about Alan's speaking, sales training, consulting or website review services, you can reach him at Alan@AlanBerg.com or visit Podcast.AlanBerg.com ------- Note: I invite my guests on for the value they provide to you, my listeners. Occasionally I have a guest on where I'm an affiliate or have a relationship that may involve compensation for me. My first priority is the value to you and therefore I don't sell placement or guest spots on my podcast.
Latest episodes
Jun 9, 2025 • 25min
Shane McMurray - How do tariffs and supply chain issues affect wedding businesses?
Shane McMurray - How do tariffs and supply chain issues affect wedding businesses?What if your costs doubled overnight? What happens to your business when tariffs and supply chain issues change in a heartbeat? Are you relying too much on a single supplier? In this episode, I talk about the unpredictable nature of tariffs, how they impact different segments of the wedding industry—from bridal shops to service providers—and what proactive steps you can take, like contract updates and diversifying your supply chain, to stay resilient in uncertain times.Listen to this new episode for practical ideas on protecting your business, managing costs, and preparing your contracts for sudden market shifts.About Shane:Shane helps businesses grow profits, attract qualified leads, refine pricing, close more sales, and uncover key opportunities using unbiased, independent research on the wedding market. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, NPR, and more, and is trusted by government agencies, investors, and researchers. With a B.S. in IT, an MBA in E-Business, and over 30 years' experience in data and 20 years in wedding industry research, he deliver insights that identify your core customer and sharpen your marketing strategy.Link: https://wedding.report/Contact Shane: LinkedIn - Shane McMurrayText or call 520-906-8025If 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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
Jun 4, 2025 • 9min
Interpreting the silence!
Interpreting the silence!What does it really mean when you don’t hear back from a potential client—is it rejection, a fake lead, or just something else taking priority in their life? Are you letting the “story you tell yourself” block future business? In this episode, I dig into how we interpret client silence, challenge some common assumptions, and share actionable ways to keep the conversation (and your confidence) going until you have real answers.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for a fresh perspective on ghosting, tips for persistent follow-up, and practical advice on not letting silence steal your sales.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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
May 28, 2025 • 8min
Are you building a business to sell?
Are you building a business to sell?Are you building a business you can one day sell, or are you creating a lifestyle business that revolves around you? What happens to your company when you’re ready to walk away? In this episode, I explore the true value of your business beyond the physical assets—like your brand, your relationships, and your systems. Are your processes strong enough for someone else to step in, or is everything dependent on you? I’ll give you key points to consider if you ever want an exit strategy or simply want to create a business that runs smoothly whether you’re there or not.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for insights on how to future-proof your business—so it has value beyond just your own time and effort.Episode Summary:In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into a question that every wedding and event business owner should ask themselves: Am I building a business to sell, or am I creating a lifestyle business? I share my personal journey and explain why I chose to make my business centered around myself, with alanberg.com as the brand, instead of building something specifically to sell. I walk you through the differences between having physical assets versus selling your brand, reputation, and relationships. I also offer advice on how to make your business valuable to a potential buyer by creating strong systems and processes that aren’t solely dependent on you. Whether or not you plan to sell, this episode will get you thinking about your exit strategy and how to set up your business for long-term value.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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
May 26, 2025 • 25min
Mimi Brown - A Pivot from DJ to Professional Speaker
When is it time to pivot in your wedding business, and how do you know which risks are the right ones to take? What happens when you follow a passion out of your comfort zone, or invest in your own potential before it’s obvious to everyone else? In this episode, I sit down with Mimi Brown to unpack the journey from DJ to professional speaker—revealing how moments of mentorship, purposeful practice, and embracing “the business side” can transform your trajectory whether you’re behind the mic, running a team, or stepping on stage for the first time.Listen to this new episode for inspiration on making bold career pivots, building your unique value, and actionable tips for amplifying your impact in the wedding and event industry.About Mimi: Mimi Brown inspires individuals and organizations to communicate with clarity, lead with authenticity, and sell with confidence. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—a designation held by fewer than 800 speakers worldwide—she delivers dynamic programs that help professionals master the art and science of influence to achieve remarkable results in leadership, communication, and sales. Known for her relatable humor and compelling storytelling, Mimi engages audiences through 50–60 presentations annually for Fortune 500 companies and high-profile events. She is the host of the AMP Up Your Impact podcast and the author of three books, empowering professionals to amplify their success.Contact Mimi: LinkedIn | Youtube | InstagramIf 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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
May 21, 2025 • 11min
They don't want to talk on the phone!
They don't want to talk on the phone!Are you getting ghosted by clients when you push for a phone call? Have you considered that today’s couples might prefer messaging, texting, or emailing over talking on the phone? In this episode, I explore what happens when we add friction to our communication process and the importance of meeting clients where they are — not where we wish they were. Are your habits hurting your chances, or can a simple adjustment make all the difference?Listen to this new 9-minute episode for strategies on adapting your communication to match your clients’ preferences and increasing your booking success.@Uptin Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdljlfORJO/)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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
May 14, 2025 • 6min
Should you charge a lot more for an event that's far away, or just say no?
Should you charge a lot more for an event that's far away, or just say no?Should you take on that event that’s hours away—or is it better to just walk away? What happens if you charge a much higher fee and the client actually says yes? Will the extra cash make up for the inconvenience, or will you regret saying yes just because of the price? In this episode, I share my perspective on how distance, motivation, and honest decision-making come together, with real-world examples and a simple rule to follow the next time you’re tempted to say yes for the wrong reasons.Listen to this new 5-minute episode for practical advice on when to charge more for travel, when to turn jobs down, and how to protect your business (and peace of mind) from regretful “yes” decisions.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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
May 12, 2025 • 35min
Tom Chelednik - The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study
In this insightful discussion, Tom Chelednik, Director of Vendor Engagement at The Knot Worldwide, shares his extensive experience in the wedding industry. He emphasizes the critical need for wedding professionals to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, especially influenced by Gen Z. Key topics include enhancing guest experience through personalization, the transformative role of AI in wedding planning, and the importance of social reviews for effective marketing. Tom also reveals localized wedding insights, helping businesses strategize based on geographic spending trends.
May 7, 2025 • 7min
Don't make it so obvious that you're using AI!
Don't make it so obvious that you're using AI!Are you unintentionally telling the world your content isn’t original? Could the green check marks and other default AI icons be giving you away? In this episode, I explore how to use AI as a tool without sacrificing your unique voice. What little details scream “I used AI!” to your clients, and how can you make sure your content truly feels like yours? I’ll share insights on better prompt engineering, editing for authenticity, and why starting with your own words makes all the difference.Listen to this new 5-minute episode for practical tips on using AI to enhance your messaging—without losing your personal touch or professionalism.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into the risks of making it obvious that you’re using AI for your content. Lately, I’ve noticed a surge of AI-generated posts, especially on social media and websites, that give themselves away with little details—like those default green check mark bullet points from ChatGPT. I talk about how I use AI as a tool to improve my own and my clients’ content, but I always make sure to edit the output so it sounds natural and truly represents our voices. I share tips on editing, prompt engineering, and starting with your own content to keep things authentic. My goal is to help you use AI more effectively, so your business stands out for the right reasons—without losing that personal, professional touch.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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
Apr 30, 2025 • 11min
When should you lower your rate?
When should you lower your rate?Are you giving away your profit just because a client asked for a discount? What are you really getting in return when you lower your price? In this episode, I dig deep into the difference between discounting and negotiating, explain why price integrity matters, and share how to determine if and when it's truly okay to come off your rate. I’ll challenge you to ask yourself: Is it ever smart to say yes to a price cut if you’re not getting something valuable back?Listen to this new 9-minute episode for a clear framework on when to say yes, when to hold your ground, and how to protect your profits while still serving your clients.Episode Summary: In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I tackle the question: "When should you lower your rate?" I break down the important differences between discounting and negotiating, and explain why I believe you should only offer a discount if you’re getting something of value in return—like a higher guest guarantee, cash flow benefits, or contracted future work. I share why I prefer to add value instead of just cutting prices, as every dollar discounted comes straight out of your profit. I also discuss how cultural expectations might affect your approach to pricing and discounts. Ultimately, I encourage you to protect your pricing integrity, make thoughtful business decisions, and never feel pressured to lower your rate unless there’s a clear and valuable reason to do so.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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
Apr 28, 2025 • 27min
Clint Elkins - How will inflation, tariffs and supply issues affect us this year and beyond!
Are your rising costs really out of your control? Are tariffs, inflation, and supply chain chaos just the new normal, or are there ways to get ahead of them? In this episode, I bring on Clint Elkins to dig into what’s really happening with food costs, supply challenges, and the hidden factors that set your prices—plus how to spot trends before they hit your bottom line. You’ll hear how natural disasters, labor markets, and even global events ripple through catering and events, and learn fresh ways to adapt, save, and thrive even in volatile times.Listen to this new episode for insights on controlling costs, navigating unpredictable markets, and strategies venues and caterers can use to stay profitable in a changing world.About Clint: As US Food’s largest client, SB Value has over 28k locations and $10 Billion in buying power to help caterers, concessionaires and culinary professionals get the best prices for their food and supplies.https://www.wegrowvalue.com/https://www.facebook.com/wegrowvaluehttps://www.instagram.com/wegrowvalueContact Clint: clint@wegrowvalue.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 transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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
