Wedding Business Solutions

Are you ever going to change the way you respond to inquiries?Are you still responding to inquiries the same way you did years ago? Have you ever wondered if pushing for that phone call or venue tour might be costing you leads? In this episode, I share insights from secret shopping over 750 wedding businesses and ask: What would happen if you slowed down, adapted to digital natives, and made it easier for couples to respond? I’ll talk through new ways to keep the conversation going, how to avoid getting ghosted, and why asking the right question—at the right time—makes all the difference.Listen to this new 9-minute episode for practical tips on changing your inquiry responses, adapting to today’s couples, and improving your lead conversions.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/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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 making the most of your time at conferences, or are you just showing up and blending into the crowd? What if approaching networking with a spirit of service could transform not only how others see you, but what opportunities come your way? In this episode, Rob Ferre and I dig into why being known for generosity and involvement can do more for your business than any cold call ever could. From practical advice for introverts to the power of giving without expectations, we explore how real value comes from relationships—especially the ones you don’t see coming.Listen to this new episode for ideas on how intentional networking and genuine service can open doors in your business and leave a lasting impact on your community.About: Rob Ferre, CSP is a professional speaker, emcee, and entertainer from Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 20 years of experience, he’s entertained and presented to audiences around the world—from Des Moines to Dubai. After three years working for Disney, Universal Studios, and Nickelodeon in Orlando, Rob founded his own entertainment company, Life of the Party, in 2007.A sought-after voice in the wedding and event industry, Rob has spoken at major conferences including Wedding MBA, The Special Event Show, WeddingWire World, and the Destination Wedding Planners Congress. He’s a proud member of WIPA, ADJA, and NSA (where he also served as chapter president), and holds the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation—earned by only the top 15% of speakers worldwide.Level up and grow with Rob Ferre - an exceptional speaker, emcee, and entertainer.IG @RobFerreRobFerre.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/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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

Would adding a reviews page actually boost your SEO, or should you focus on placing testimonials throughout your site instead? Are your visitors really clicking to see your reviews page, or are those testimonials better shared in context? In this episode, I break down the real impact of reviews pages versus integrated testimonials, and what that means for both your SEO and your customers’ trust.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for smart strategies on using testimonials for better SEO and stronger social proof that drives results.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/would-adding-a-reviews-page-help-your-seo-podcast-transcript/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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

In this episode, Mark Chapman, President of The I Do Society and a wedding industry expert, shares insights on whether to DIY your advertising or hire a pro. He discusses the crucial balance between time and money, illustrating how to recognize when a task is too complex to tackle alone. Mark emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, explains the value of DIY Advertising Kits, and highlights how mastering advertising skills can enhance overall marketing strategies.

Should your business consider switching to a single-page site, or is sticking with multiple pages still the way to go? How does a one-page site affect SEO, mobile usability, and the overall client experience? In this episode, I dig into the pros and cons, offering questions you should consider before updating your website—and hint at ways to simplify navigation while maximizing results for your business and clients.Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insights on choosing the right website structure for your business, optimizing for both search engines and user experience, and determining if a single-page site is right for you.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/are-one-page-websites-coming-back-podcast-transcript/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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

Can you turn a super-niche service into a thriving business? What happens when you’re no longer the “add on” vendor, but become someone’s main event? In this episode, I get real about niching down, finding your ideal clients, and pricing your work for value—not just time. How do you move from side hustle to full-time, and what hard lessons do you wish you’d learned sooner? Let’s talk about the art (and business) of being visible, valued, and truly appreciated.Listen to this new 38-minute episode for real-world strategies to own your niche, attract clients that appreciate you, and build a wedding business around your creative passion.About Brittany: Brittany Branson is a destination live wedding artist and creative coach based in the Washington, DC area. Since 2015, she has transformed couples’ most meaningful moments into timeless works of art for clients across the U.S. and beyond, with features in Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, The LA Times, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. With a background in arts administration and a Master’s in Arts Management from George Mason University, Brittany blends creativity and strategy to help fellow artists grow their businesses. A devoted animal lover, she donates a portion of every project to the local rescue where she and her husband adopted their dogs, Bolt and Ginger.Contact BrittanyWebsite: www.ByBrittanyBranson.comSpeaking: www.ByBrittanyBranson.com/speakingInstagram: @ByBrittanyBransonIf 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/brittany-branson-live-event-painting-podcast-transcript/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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

What happens when something gets damaged at your venue or event space? Should you always ask for a security deposit, or only if you’ve had trouble before? How do you decide what kind of damage is “just wear and tear” versus something you should actually charge for? In this episode, I dig into the uncomfortable reality of damages, the importance of clear contracts, how to be fair with clients, and why security deposits might be good business—even if most guests never cause a problem.Listen to this new 6-minute episode for practical advice on protecting your business from damages, being clear with customers, and making security deposits work to everyone’s benefit.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/handling-damages-should-you-take-a-security-deposit-podcast-transcript/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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 excited about something in your business or personal life that makes the work feel a little less like work? Have you thought about how new tools, like AI, might help you enjoy more of the fun parts of your job, while making the “hard” parts easier? In this episode, I share what I’m excited about, including launching my AI alter ego and seeing how AI tools can transform how we handle inquiries, free up time, and focus on what we love most in our businesses and lives.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for inspiration to embrace what excites you and discover how new tools can make your business—and life—more enjoyable.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/what-are-you-excited-about-podcast-transcript/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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

Abed Elsamna - What are AI Agents and should you use them for your business?Are you letting AI work for your wedding business, or is it still just a mysterious buzzword? What if an intelligent agent could answer leads, schedule appointments, and handle objections—without you lifting a finger? In this episode, I interview Abed Elsamna to break down exactly what AI agents are (and aren’t), how they’re different from chatbots, and why they’re about to transform how you run your business. What pain points could you solve by handing off repetitive tasks? And are you ready for a world where every lead gets instant, personalized attention—while you focus on what actually sets you apart?Listen to this new episode for real-world scenarios, key differences between AI agents and chatbots, and a look at the future of automating your sales process—without losing your personal touch.About Abed:Abed Elsamna is the founder and CEO of VenueX AI, a platform transforming how wedding and event venues sell. Its AI agents engage leads the moment they inquire, follow up and book tours on auto-pilot—helping venues focus on doing what they do best - hosting world class events.Visit www.venuexai.com to learn moreIf 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/abed-elsamna-what-are-ai-agents-and-should-you-use-them-for-your-business-podcast-transcript/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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 hesitant to try something new because it feels difficult—or is it just unfamiliar? What if you started thinking about your challenges not as “hard” or “easy,” but as “unfamiliar” or “familiar”? In this episode, I share how reframing your mindset can make learning and growth feel more achievable, whether you’re mastering a new skill in your wedding business or tackling something outside your comfort zone.Listen to this new 7-minute episode for a mindset shift that helps you embrace the unfamiliar, keep moving forward, and find mastery in the areas that matter most to you.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/unfamiliar-or-familiar-not-difficult-or-easy-podcast-transcript/Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events. 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