Own Your Business

Navigating the current challenges in the wedding industry can be daunting. The discussion highlights the importance of adaptable marketing strategies and smart financial decisions. Listeners learn how to confront industry-specific obstacles and explore practical methods to thrive in tough economic times. A personal anecdote illustrates different responses to difficulties, leading to actionable insights. Emphasis is placed on sustainability and managing expenses to build resilience for the future.

In this discussion, Julie Novack, the CEO and co-founder of PartySlate, shares her expertise on wedding planning dynamics. She reveals key insights into the online behavior of couples and what content they seek when researching venues. Julie emphasizes the importance of a strong digital presence, clear pricing, and visual storytelling to attract clients. The conversation also covers evolving market trends influenced by financial factors and how AI is changing the landscape of wedding planning, urging industry professionals to adapt to stay relevant.

Today's wedding client is not interested in yesterday's celebrations - and today's wedding business owner should adapt accordingly.But how do you change things up? What areas do you focus on? How do you know if it will work?Well, there's not one simple answer for any or all businesses to these questions. It depends very much on a number of different factors, but they all start with knowing yourself and what you stand for and what you want. If you don't know these things you can’t take the first step, let alone reach success.In this episode of Own Your Business, I bring on Elizabeth McKellar, the founder and principal planner for The Nouveau Romantics, to discuss what it's like to operate your business with a sense of integrity and authenticity.Learn to think deeply about yourself and your business, so you can avoid the mistakes she made and capitalize on the wisdom she’s gained along the way.

In this discussion, common myths in the wedding industry are tackled head-on. Discover why 'faking it' isn’t the path to success and how mastery of business fundamentals is crucial. Pricing strategies are explored, debunking myths around raising prices without value. The importance of transparency and knowing your audience before rebranding is highlighted. Additionally, blending practicality with intuition is emphasized, showing how mental and physical health can significantly elevate business performance.

Discover how storytelling can transform your marketing and sales strategies. Learn the three key elements of a compelling narrative and six ways to incorporate stories into your communications. Explore the vital role of authentic anecdotes that resonate with potential buyers amidst today's digital noise. Understand how effective storytelling enhances engagement during client interactions and improves information retention. Get actionable tips to start crafting narratives that your audience wants to hear.

Last week I sat down with Rock Paper Coin for a conversation about pricing. We covered a range of topics, including how to talk about budget with potential clients.It reminded me how hard it can be to talk about the topic of money - from both sides of the conversation: couples and vendors. Money matters are hard for most people. So today I thought it would be a good idea to bring back this oldie, but goodie from the podcast way back in 2021.Originally episode 12, this podcast is the one I refer 1:1 clients to more than any other for “homework” after our session if we talk about about discovery calls.Confidence is often about competence. Competence is knowing what you’re doing. Take the next 20 minutes to get the skills you need to talk about budget with potential clients.

Katy and I want to take a minute to provide a PSA to business owners, copywriters, and VAs.Don’t steal other people’s stuff.In our world as copywriters, that means intellectual property. Art. Writing. We see businesses crib our clients’ website copy all the time, which is baffling. It’s like taking someone’s photo and passing it off as your own in a portfolio. Who does that?You’d be surprised. Tune in to today’s podcast for a conversation on a topic no one wants to talk about: Plagiarism.

Gracie Felix, co-owner of Felix Wedding Films and a documentary filmmaker from Atlanta, joins Mary Beth, a wedding venue owner in upstate New York, Catherine Taylor of Willem Fields Photography, and Tasha Bracken from Tasha Bracken Events. They delve into their impressive transitions into luxury markets, sharing invaluable insights on targeting affluent clients. The panel discusses the importance of mentorship, continuous improvement, and understanding ideal clients through data. Personal anecdotes and actionable tips highlight the path to business growth and client engagement.

What’s holding you back from reaching your full potential as a business owner? From getting more inquiries?From booking better clients?From charging more for your services?From success at the next level of luxury?In today’s episode, Katy and I talk about what is NOT holding you back - and what is really at the root of the issue for most wedding business owners.Quick note before we begin, February 24, 2025 is the opening day for enrollment in Sway, our 12-month mastermind that walks you through every aspect of your sales and marketing so you can elevate your business to the next level of luxury - whatever that looks like to you.Check out more at www.ideactionconsulting.com, or hit me up on IG in the DMs.

One of my favorite parts of being a business coach is hearing success stories from our clients. No journey is the same as another, but they tend to follow a similar arc.Feel the call of something more in your professional lifeBoot strap to get the business startedDIY it until you hit a ceiling or find the courage to invest in your businessBring in an expert to guide you through the tough stuffGain confidence in yourself and competence with your skillsSee success and feel satisfiedToday, I bring on Erika Aileen, one of our Sway Mastermind members to share her journey over the past several years - not just with us, but as a business owner searching for the right direction and guidance. If you feel like you’re on the verge of something - whatever that is for you - and you want to feel inspired, and even get a few strategies to try out, well, tune in. This is one of my favorite client case studies I’ve done for the podcast.