Wedding Business Solutions

For my Series: ”The Pivot” I’m inviting wedding and event pros to come and talk about how and why they made their pivots, into the industry, out of the industry and within the industry. For this episode, I invited my good friend, and fellow speaker, Rob Ferre, to talk about his pivot from being a wedding and event DJ, to MC, game show host and more. Rob is still doing weddings and events, but he’s also finding a new niche to supplement his event work. Listen to this new bonus dialogue episode for ideas on how you can find your pivot.About Rob:Rob Ferre is an entertainer, speaker, DJ, and game show host from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. He founded his entertainment company Life of the Party in 2007 after training for 3 years in the family entertainment capital of the world, Orlando Florida. Where he worked for Disney, Universal Studios, and Nickelodeon as a game show host and DJ. He has been speaking to and entertaining audiences for over 20 years. He is one of the most sought-after speakers in the wedding and event industry. Over the last three years Rob has spoken to audiences live in Italy, Armenia, Dubai, and all over the continental United States. In the last year, he has presented to over 100 audiences virtually. During the 2020 season, he was the Halftime Game Show Host for the NBA's Utah Jazz. Rob is a proud member of the Wedding Industry Professionals Association, American Disc Jockey Association, and the National Speakers Association where he serves as the Past President of NSA Mountain West. Links: RobFerre.comIG: @RobFerre 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.comPlease 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 Want to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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

This is a quote I read on the Forbes.com website by Micah Solomon – “The answer is Yes. Now, what was the question?” It’s such a powerful way to approach the customer experience. However, too often people’s first reaction is to say “no”, or to resist anything that’s outside your normal procedures. “No” can be a powerful word in sales, but in the customer experience you want to default to “yes” whenever possible, and even sometimes when the ‘yes’ the customer wants isn’t possible. Listen to this new 12-minute episode and find out how to have less confrontation and happier customers.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.comPlease 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 Want to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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

I was consulting with a client and his sales team the other day and I asked them to tell me, in 7 seconds or less, what it is that they do. After stumbling over their words they realized that they couldn’t do it. It’s called an ‘elevator-pitch’ because the theory is that you have to be able to explain to someone what you do, while in an elevator, before they get to their floor. Many people think that their elevator-pitch can be 30 seconds. That’s way, way too long. Listen to this 9-minute episode and find out how to craft your elevator pitch so you’ll be ready, whether at a wedding show or on line at the grocery store when someone asks “What do you do?”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 Want to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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

Nil Saltuk has created a unique niche within the wedding and event world, providing products for inclement weather. In this new episode for my series “The Niche”, Nil and I discuss how she created her niche, or rather how it came to her. All of us are presented with opportunities, not all of us have the vision to see them, or the will to capitalize on them. Listen to this new episode and hear how you can capitalize on the opportunities that come your way, so you can carve out your own niche!About Weather or NotWeather or Not is a perfect example of a niche business. Focusing only on personal accessories to keep events protected from Mother Nature, Weather or Not is very focused on their mission: help people celebrate comfortably and safely by providing resourceful solutions delivered with integrity.President & Owner, Nilufer (“Nil”) Saltuk, was inspired by the custom of hospitality from her Turkish roots. As a former wedding planner, she designed events where the weather could really ruin her plans. Thus, she was inspired to start the same trend here in the United States.Weather or Not has you covered - in sun, rain, cold - whether you need to protect your guests during their experience or help them just get from point A to point B.Contact & Links to find out more about Nil and Weather or NotWebsite: weatherornotaccessories.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeatherOrNotAccessoriesPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wonaccessories/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weatherornotaccessories/Email: info@weatherornotaccessories.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.comPlease 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 woWant to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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

In my over 25 years in and around the wedding and event industry I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs. We’ve survived economic downturns, the 9/11 tragedy, the housing crash and now the pandemic. Some of you have been around for all of these, and some of you got in later. Every time there’s a downturn there’s talk about the “new normal.” The thing is that it’s not just a new normal it’s the next normal. Listen to this 11-minute episode and see what I mean and how you can use this to gain a new perspective.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.comPlease 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 Want to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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

One question I get asked over and over in my consulting and sales training is how to stand out and show how you’re different than your competitors. However, when I dig into how you’re presenting yourselves, I see a lot of the same things. You’re selling ‘what’ you do and not ‘why’ they should hire you. Very often I can take someone’s web page or marketing piece, remove that company’s name and replace it with a competitor’s, and that competitor can fulfill everything written. So, want to know how to sell your ‘why’? Listen to this 10-minute episode and find out.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.comPlease 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 Want to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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

For this bonus episode I invited my good friend Ron Ruth to join me to talk about the customer experience. Through Ron’s speaking and training, and his lifelong addiction to all things Disney, Ron has some great perspective on how you can create a better experience for your couples and customers, right from the start. Join us for this discussion that was so compelling, there’s going to be a part II later!With over 15 years experience in corporate management and 30 years as a small business owner in the wedding industry, Ron Ruth is celebrated as a fun and inventive Customer Experience Design speaker and business coach. Ron teaches entrepreneurs How to Speak Fluent “WOW!,” the language of the high-spending, loyal, raving customers they want most…a language that translates into never competing on price, again.Ron Ruth, Keynote Speaker | Customer Experience DesignWorkshop & Brainstorming FacilitatorRonRuth.comJoin Ron On These Social Channels:https://www.facebook.com/ronruthkc/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronruth/https://twitter.com/ronruthkchttps://www.instagram.com/ronruthkc/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.comPlease 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 Want to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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

Many wedding and event pros think that taking responsibility for mistakes, especially those out of their control, makes them seem weak. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Accepting responsibility is actually a sign of strength. After all, when you’re the customer, do you like businesses to pass the buck or try to lay blame on you when things go wrong? I’ll bet you don’t. Listen to this 9-minute episode and hear how you can show your strength when something goes wrong, and still make the customer happy!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 Want to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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 make your business decisions? Do you gather and analyze carefully curated data? Or do you go by what “feels” right – going with your gut? The truth is that even data-driven analysts have that inner voice that helps them decide the right way forward. In this 11-minute episode I’ll help you understand that pros and cons of just going with your gut when making important business 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 Want to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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

Inspiration for my episodes comes from all around. I caught a video of my good friend Bill Hermann talking about investing in yourself and I just had to have him on the Wedding Business Solutions podcast. We talked about the ways you can invest in yourself, personally and professionally. We’re not just talking about monetary investments. There are many ways you can invest in yourself and your future. Listen to this episode and hear some spirited conversation and ways you can move yourself forward.Bill Hermann is a nationally touring and highly sought-after Wedding Entertainer and Master of Ceremonies. Bill is the owner and sole performer at Bill Hermann Entertainment. www.billhermann.com and creator and founder of The Entertainment Experience, an international performance training company that trains and coaches performers and event producers in the art and skill of “Experience Design” and delivering an authentic performance. Experience Design is executing what happens at an event that breaks predictability, generates anticipation, creates enthusiasm and participation in a narrative while surprising and delighting guests and clients alike. www.billcreates.comBill is a veteran of the entertainment industry who continues to train as a stage, film, commercial and a voice over actor. Bill has also had the good fortune to work on his craft as an improvisational comic, a singer, a character print model, a radio personality, a professional speaker a mobile DJ and now a teacher, coach and trainer.Bill was the founding president of The Midwest Association of Professional Disc Jockeys and a over his many years as an industry leader he has been published in many industry publications and served on several leading industry association advisory boards. Bill has also been featured over the years on KARE 11 TV, KSTP TV, WCCO TV, WCCO Radio, KSTP Radio, KTMY - MY Talk 107.1, KOOL 108, KDWB, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Women Inc. Magazine, DJ Times, Mobile Beat Magazine, Inc. MagaWant to see about joining an upcoming mastermind (bring together some industry friends to have me spend a day with you all) - or arranging one of your own (yes, I'll come to you!)? 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