Today is the final part of our summer series, where I have been sharing content that is usually reserved for my wedding pro members. Today we hear from Barbara Nixon as she shares her tips and advice on how to stop holding yourself back!

Find out more about Barbara

Want to join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge? Click here.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Time Stamps:

Introduction to Mindset and Comfort Zone (00:00:00)

Discussion on how the subconscious brain prioritizes safety, leading to a false sense of comfort.

Overview of the Podcast Episode (00:01:05)

Becca introduces the episode's focus on actionable strategies for wedding business owners.

Wedding Pro Members Lounge (00:01:07)

Details about the members lounge and its training resources for wedding business owners.

Training Categories Explained (00:02:01)

Becca outlines the different sections of her training platform: Build, Grow, and Advance.

Importance of Mindset in Business (00:02:01)

Discussion on how mindset affects business success, beyond just practical tips.

Introduction of Barbara Nixon (00:03:42)

Barbara shares her background as a success coach and experience in helping business owners.

Interactive Session Invitation (00:04:57)

Barbara encourages audience participation and sharing their experiences in the wedding industry.

Barbara prompts listeners to reflect on how they hold themselves back in their businesses.

Discussion on Imposter Syndrome (00:08:35)

Barbara explains imposter syndrome and its impact on self-perception in business.

Frustration of Holding Back (00:10:33)

Exploration of the exhausting nature of self-doubt and its effects on business ambitions.

The Quest for Freedom (00:13:28)

Barbara discusses the desire for freedom in business and the need to overcome self-imposed limits.

Understanding the Subconscious Mind (00:15:29)

Insight into how the subconscious mind keeps individuals in their comfort zones for safety.

Comfort Zone vs. Familiarity (00:16:27)

Barbara redefines comfort zone as familiarity and explains its implications for personal growth.

Common Blocks to Success (00:17:22)

Introduction to common mental blocks that hinder business growth, setting the stage for solutions.

Hiding or Playing Small (00:18:17)

Discussion on the common block of not being visible and its impact on business.

Overcoming Self-Doubt (00:19:21)

Sharing personal experiences of self-doubt and the struggle to market oneself effectively.

The Importance of Visibility (00:20:22)

Encouragement to recognize the need for visibility in business and the fear of judgment.

Personal Story of Nerves (00:22:41)

Becca shares a story about her nerves before a webinar and a lesson learned from her daughter.

Shifting Focus to Service (00:24:40)

Realization that serving others is more important than personal fears in business visibility.

The Need for Visibility (00:25:41)

Emphasis on the necessity of being visible for potential clients who need services.

Identifying Blocks (00:28:27)

Encouragement to recognize personal blocks and their physical manifestations in the body.

Making Another Choice (00:29:24)

Advice on how to make different choices when encountering self-imposed blocks.

Common Excuses (00:31:06)

Discussion on the nature of excuses and how they can prevent business growth.

Recognizing Excuses vs. Reasons (00:32:22)

Game to differentiate between real reasons and excuses that hold back progress.

Focus Shift to Benefits (00:34:19)

Using a hypothetical scenario to illustrate how focusing on benefits can overcome excuses.

Overcoming Self-Imposed Limitations (00:37:25)

Discussion on stretching comfort zones and recognizing personal growth in business.

Spotting the Block (00:38:21)

Identifying mental blocks that prevent action and focusing on benefits of tasks.

Busy vs. Productive (00:39:19)

The difference between being busy and being productive; importance of focusing on impactful tasks.

The 8 to 20 Ratio (00:40:16)

Emphasizing the need to spend 80% of time on tasks that drive results.

Batching Tasks (00:41:21)

Encouragement to batch similar tasks together for increased efficiency and focus.

Avoiding Broken Record Tasks (00:42:30)

Identifying tasks that are repeatedly postponed and recognizing their importance.

Embracing Imperfect Action (00:44:11)

Encouragement to take action despite imperfections and avoid perfectionism.

Accountability and Support (00:46:08)

Highlighting the value of accountability from peers in overcoming challenges.

Identifying Inner Critic (00:48:06)

Discussion on recognizing and naming the inner critic to create distance from negative thoughts.

Taking Fast Action (00:50:50)

Importance of acting quickly on tasks to prevent overthinking and hesitation.

Prioritising Impactful Tasks (00:52:33)

Advice to focus on the most impactful tasks first to gain momentum in business.

It's summer 2024 and over the month of August I am sharing training usually reserved for my members only! Today I am sharing one of my post popular videos - a training session all about how to convert digital wedding enquiries with Alan Berg. I love his straight forward, simple attitude and I think you will too.

This is one of two training sessions that Alan has recorded for the members lounge. If you would like to listen to the other one, why not consider becoming a member?

Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Find out more about Alan

Time Stamps:

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

Becca introduces the podcast and highlights actionable tips for wedding business owners.

Guest Introduction (00:01:02)

Becca welcomes Alan Berg, noting his expertise and the focus of today's session.

Alan's Background (00:03:14)

Alan shares his 25+ years of experience in the wedding industry and his journey.

Location Discussion (00:03:59)

Alan describes his home in New Jersey and its agricultural charm.

Transition to Presentation (00:04:36)

Becca hands over to Alan for his presentation, setting the stage for insights.

Overview of Enquiry Response (00:05:16)

Alan outlines the importance of effective communication after receiving inquiries.

Understanding Client Behavior (00:06:12)

Alan discusses why potential clients may not call and their digital habits.

The Importance of Conversation (00:08:50)

Alan emphasizes continuing the conversation started by potential clients.

Eight Tips Introduction (00:09:44)

Alan introduces eight tips for converting inquiries into sales.

Tip 1: Real Conversations (00:09:44)

Encourages genuine conversation, reflecting personal voice in communications.

Tip 2: Quick Responses (00:10:39)

Stresses the importance of responding quickly to inquiries to secure clients.

Tip 3: Mirroring Tone (00:11:46)

Advises matching the tone of the client's inquiry for better rapport.

Tip 4: Mirroring Energy (00:12:41)

Encourages reflecting the excitement level of the client in responses.

Tip 5: Concise Communication (00:13:36)

Recommends keeping initial replies short to fit on a smartphone screen.

Tip 6: Answer Relevant Questions (00:15:33)

Advises against volunteering information unless clients ask specific questions.

Tip 7: End with a Question (00:17:22)

Stresses the importance of concluding messages with a question to elicit responses.

Tip 8: Avoid Dead Ends (00:17:22)

Warns against ending messages with statements that do not encourage replies.

Introduction to Low Commitment Questions (00:18:15)

Alan explains the importance of low commitment questions to engage potential clients effectively.

Client Response Example (00:19:07)

Alan shares a successful Facebook Messenger interaction demonstrating prompt client engagement.

Short and Friendly Replies (00:19:58)

Highlighting concise and enthusiastic responses that maintain client interest without overwhelming them.

Avoiding Attachments in Communication (00:20:49)

Alan advises against sending attachments, emphasizing the importance of conversational communication.

Consequences of Sending Attachments (00:21:41)

Discussing how attachments can hinder responses and complicate the communication process.

Importance of Following Up (00:22:37)

Alan stresses the need to persistently follow up with inquiries to avoid losing potential sales.

Understanding Client Responses (00:24:37)

Exploring the different types of responses from clients and the significance of not giving up.

The Impact of Subject Lines (00:27:10)

Alan emphasizes crafting engaging subject lines to improve email open rates and client engagement.

Strategies for Effective Follow-Up (00:28:55)

Providing actionable follow-up strategies to maintain client interest and communication flow.

Creative Follow-Up Examples (00:30:49)

Alan shares unique follow-up tactics that can capture client attention and prompt responses.

Using Humor in Follow-Ups (00:32:27)

Highlighting the effectiveness of humor in follow-up emails to re-engage clients who have gone quiet.

Client Engagement Strategies (00:37:33)

Alan discusses the importance of conversational tone and responding promptly to client enquiries.

Discussing Pricing with Clients (00:38:29)

Alan outlines four effective ways to communicate pricing to potential clients.

Price Range Communication (00:39:21)

Alan explains how to present price ranges to clients to avoid miscommunication and set expectations.

Understanding Client Budgets (00:41:00)

Alan emphasizes the need to ask about budgets after providing pricing ranges for transparency.

Resources and Upcoming Workshops (00:42:49)

Alan shares resources available on his website, including workshops and recommended books.

Promotional Offer for Books (00:43:46)

Alan promotes his books with a discount code for listeners interested in purchasing.

Closing Remarks and Membership Invitation (00:44:37)

Becca encourages joining the members lounge for ongoing training and access to past resources.

Today I am addressing the 10 mistakes wedding venues are making and how to fix them. Whether you work in a venue, own a venue or are working as a wedding pro, this episode is for you. I cover a wide range of topics from pricing to show rounds and everything in between.

Want a training session for your venue team? Get in touch.

Time Stamps:

Not being transparent on pricing (00:00:00) Becca discusses the importance of transparent pricing on venue websites and the impact on couples' decision-making.

Hidden costs (00:02:40) Becca emphasizes the negative impact of hidden costs and the importance of upfront pricing to avoid surprising couples.

Complicated booking or inquiry processes (00:08:59) Becca highlights the need to simplify and streamline booking and inquiry processes for better customer experience.

Poor customer service interactions on reception (00:11:05) Becca discusses the impact of front desk staff on couples' first impressions and suggests ways to improve customer service.

Signage or poor arrival instructions (00:12:46) Becca emphasizes the importance of clear arrival instructions and signage for a stress-free experience for couples visiting the venue.

Negative culture amongst staff (00:17:08) Becca discusses the impact of a negative staff culture on customer experience and suggests ways to address it.

Recommended supplier list (00:18:52) Becca talks about the importance of regularly updating and refreshing recommended supplier lists for venues.

Refreshing Your Supplier List (00:19:54) Importance of regularly reviewing and updating the recommended supplier list for venues.

Proactively Engaging with Local Wedding Professionals (00:20:46) The significance of building positive relationships with local wedding professionals and organizing events to engage with them.

Creating Opportunities for Local Wedding Professionals (00:22:41) Hosting networking events and photo shoots at the venue to engage with the local community and professionals.

Selling the Dream Experience (00:24:36) Emphasizing the importance of providing a positive and memorable experience during venue tours, similar to the wedding day.

Visualizing the Dream Venue Setup (00:27:11) Strategies for helping couples visualize the wedding setup, including open events and using visual boards in each room.

Avoiding Over-Apologizing (00:29:01) The impact of over-apologizing and how to focus on positive features rather than highlighting the venue's shortcomings.

Emphasizing the Positives (00:32:35) Turning potential negatives into positives and proactively addressing any objections during venue tours.

Recap of Venue Mistakes (00:33:25) A summary of the key mistakes venues should avoid, including transparency in pricing, customer service, signage, and supplier list management.

This week has been a moment in history - but as a small business owner how do we respond in times of national tragedy?

In today's episode I explore how we navigate these difficult moments and share some tips to help you make a plan.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Are you ready to move your wedding business forward? Do you know you need help but you are not sure where or how to get it? In today's episode I am going to share all the resources I have available to you, and how I can help you move your wedding business forward.

Here's a list of resources mentioned in today's episode:

1. Free Facebook Group
2. Wedding Pro Members Lounge
3. Pinterest Course
4. Invisible - Irresistible course
5. Wedding Business Retreat
6. One to One

Feel free to DM me on Instagram for more details on anything in today's episode.

As wedding show / expo season approaches many of you are preparing to exhibit your business! In today's episode I am sharing one of my signature keynote talks, to help you prepare for the show season and to make sure you are making the most of that investment. I want you to sell more at the wedding shows this season.

If you want more help I also have a FREE 3 part video series all about how to do better at wedding shows:

https://go.beccapountney.com/wedshow

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Today I'm sharing with you the cheapest way to advertise and grow your wedding business - networking.

I know you don't have a huge marketing budget, especially when you are starting out, so in today's episode I'm going to be sharing the secrets of how to use networking to grow your wedding business for success.

I am going to be showing you why networking matters, and sharing ways and places to help you take action and start growing your network.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Mentioned in today's episode:

Swoosh Events

Splendid Ceremonies by Steph

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Need some help in your wedding business? Our new service allows my team to manage your social accounts, create you a new website or complete one off admin tasks for you. Get in touch to find out more at: www.weddingproagency.co.uk

Today I'm talking with Heidi Thompson about all things marketing! We talk about how to create a marketing plan which helps you avoid overwhelm and get results in your wedding business!

We also talk about Heidi's upcoming 'Book more weddings' summit which you can sign up for here - it starts August 22nd 2022:

Click to grab your free summit ticket!

Find out more about Heidi here:

https://evolveyourweddingbusiness.com/

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Need some help in your wedding business? Our new service allows my team to manage your social accounts, create you a new website or complete one off admin tasks for you. Get in touch to find out more at: www.weddingproagency.co.uk

In today's episode I am going to be sharing 6 mistakes you are probably making in your wedding business and how you can fix them. I work with wedding pro's from around the world, and yet I see lots of things they have in common when it comes to your mistakes!

Grab a paper and pen, and take a listen to today's episode.

If you enjoyed today's episode please consider leaving a rating and a review below and hit the subscribe button so that you get the latest episode every single Thursday!

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Do you think you are successful? What does success mean to you and how will you know if you have achieved it in your wedding business?

Today I am talking to business mentor and coach Anna Lundberg about how you can redefine success in your life and business! It's a great chat and will leave you feeling a whole lot better about your accomplishments!

Take the success check here: https://www.onestepoutside.com/success

Listen to Anna's podcast here: https://onestepoutside.com/reimagining-success-podcast/

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Need some help in your wedding business? Our new service allows my team to manage your social accounts, create you a new website or complete one off admin tasks for you. Get in touch to find out more at: www.weddingproagency.co.uk

Today I'm talking to wedding pro lounge member Jesse from Jesse Lawrence photography. He shares his journey of going from one of the cheapest wedding photographers around to charging his worth. We talk about why diversity matters to him and how he knows his ideal client inside out.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Visit Jesse's website: https://www.jlawrence-photography.co.uk/

Follow Jesse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlawrence_photo/

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Need some help in your wedding business? Our new service allows my team to manage your social accounts, create you a new website or complete one off admin tasks for you. Get in touch to find out more at: www.weddingproagency.co.uk

EEEK the 6 week summer holiday is nearly upon us, and if you are anything like me, you have a mild sense of panic! How are you going to run your wedding business whilst also having children at home!

I get it - it's the same here which is why I've recorded this podcast! In today's episode I'm going to be sharing some tips to help you keep your wedding business running over the summer and I'm going to be totally honest about how it goes in my house!

You've got this!

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Need some help in your wedding business? Our new service allows my team to manage your social accounts, create you a new website or complete one off admin tasks for you. Get in touch to find out more at: www.weddingproagency.co.uk

Are you ready to understand how to grow your wedding business with Instagram? Today I am joined by THE Instagram expert herself, Sue B Zimmerman.

In today's episodes we discuss the different 'Instagram neighbourhoods', we review some of my members Instagram accounts (eeek) and Sue drops SO many great Instagram tips and tricks and throws in a few free resources too!

Whatever area of the wedding industry you are in - Instagram is definitely a marketing tool you need to be using!

Click to find Sue on Instagram 'The Instagram Expert'

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

1. How to create a boss bio
2. Instagram neighbourhoods cheat sheet
3. Link tree video

Here are the links to the accounts Sue reviewed in today's episodes:

J Lawrence Photography (wedding photographer)

Pink Peony Wedding (wedding stationer and stylist)

JN Sounds (wedding DJ)

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Need some help in your wedding business? Our new service allows my team to manage your social accounts, create you a new website or complete one off admin tasks for you. Get in touch to find out more at: www.weddingproagency.co.uk

In today's episode I am chatting with founder of Visualist Cherie Yang. We talk through how she founded Visualist, where she sees technology fitting in with our wedding planning couples and how automation can improve your customer service.

If you want to be forward thinking in your wedding business and keeping on top of trends in technology, this episode is well worth a listen.

Find Visualist on Instagram

Want to try Visualist for yourself? Use the code BECCA to get a one month free trial and $300 worth of credit to test out the features.

Time Stamps:

Understanding the Entrepreneurial Journey (00:00:00) Cherie discusses the importance of early-stage entrepreneurs being involved in their vision and its realization.

Introduction and Background (00:01:07) Becca introduces Cherie and they discuss their first meeting in Las Vegas and their growing relationship.

Cherie's Career Evolution (00:02:16) Cherie traces her career journey from being a corporate lawyer to a brand strategist and how it led her to found Visualist.

Challenges in Existing Systems (00:06:39) Cherie and Becca discuss the limitations of existing platforms for wedding professionals and the need for a more comprehensive solution.

Practical Implementation of the Idea (00:07:57) Cherie explains the practical steps she took to bring her idea to life, emphasizing the importance of understanding the customer's pain points.

Importance of Understanding Systems (00:12:13) Cherie discusses the importance of having a basic understanding of systems to make informed decisions and adapt to changes.

Visualist's Value Proposition (00:15:34) Cherie details how Visualist assists wedding professionals in managing client, design, and admin workflows, emphasizing the platform's collaborative and organizational features.

Integrating Technology for Today's Couples (00:21:42) Cherie explains the importance of integrating technology for today's couples, emphasizing convenience, accessibility, and productivity.

Technology for Creative Professionals (00:24:04) Discussion about the need for technology that caters to the creative mind and workflow, saving time and enhancing client satisfaction.

Standing Out at Wedding MBA (00:26:15) Strategies used to stand out at a crowded exhibition, including a manicure station, unique merchandise, and attending a pre-event mixer.

Networking and Learning at Wedding MBA (00:34:12) The value of attending Wedding MBA for learning, networking, and exposure to international perspectives in the wedding industry.

Building a Supportive Community (00:36:14) The importance of creating a community of fellow entrepreneurs for support, advice, and mental well-being.

Special Offer for Listeners (00:39:22) Details of a special offer for listeners to sign up for Visualist with a free trial and credits, and the approachability of the Visualist team.

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer Support!

Looking for support with your wedding business or venue this season? I have put together some options for you. Wedding Pro Agency: Hand over some of your admin tasks to my team to give you some time back this summer. From social media posting to website updates, email sequences and crm set up, there are lots of ways we can help you. One to One support: I have two spaces to offer one to one support from June - August to help keep you in track. If you are interested, drop me an email: becca@beccapountney.com

Wedding Pro Agency

Today's wedding pro podcast episode is a little bit different! This is one to download and save to your phone so you can use it whenever it's needed!

As a wedding business owner you may find it hard to switch off, relax and get to sleep - if that's the case then this episode is for you.

Last month in the wedding pro members lounge I invited Kath from Relax with Kath in to run a sleep and relaxation session for my wedding business members. I've decided to take that session and turn it into a podcast so that you can access it whenever you need to relax!

Please don't listen to this episode while driving - instead find somewhere comfy and take some time to relax with this sleep meditation.

Click to find out more about Relax with Kath

Click to join the wedding pro members lounge

If you want to do things a little bit differently in your wedding business then this episode is for you. Today we are talking about gamification and how it can be implemented into your wedding business. From making wedding fairs and expos more fun for potential couples through to getting more interaction online - Kimba is full of great ideas for you.

Want to hear more from Kimba? She has recorded more great sessions inside of my members lounge:

Join today: go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Want to purchase Kimba's gamification template package? You can use my affiliate link below:

Click here to purchase the templates.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Since starting her wedding business in 2010 Maria has gone on a huge journey, taking something she loved doing and turning it into a profitable business!

In today's episode I am interviewing my wedding pro member Maria about her business journey and I'll be finding out what made her start to take her business seriously and what an impact that has made on her wedding business and her life.

Ready to start taking your wedding business in a more serious direction? Why not become a member of my Wedding Pro members lounge just like Maria:

You can find all the details below...

go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Find Maria here:

Website: https://www.bombonierebymaria.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bombonierebymaria/

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

In today's episode we will be taking a deep dive into your sales process and I will help you identify any leaks!

If you want to get more enquiries and make more sales in your wedding business then this episode is definitely for you.

From initial discovery right through to referring you onto a friend, I'm going to walk you step by step through the sales process.

Download the sales funnel worksheet here: www.wedpropodcast.com

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Want to get your wedding business in front of over a million potential customers? In today's episode I interview Nikita Thorne from Guides for Brides to find out about the platform and to ask some difficult questions about how it could benefit you and your wedding business.

Find out more about Guides for Brides: https://www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/advertise

Discover Wedding Safe: https://weddingsafe.co.uk/

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Its no secret that I LOVE Pinterest and it's a really powerful marketing tool for your wedding business - but do you know how it works?

In today's episode I'm going to be helping you to understand the Pinterest platform better and I will be sharing some simple tips to help you reach thousands of potential customers!

Want to get even more help? Join my FREE Pinterest challenge:

Mon 13th - Thurs 16th June 2022

Sign up here: www.wedpropodcast.com

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Ever get that uncomfortable feeling when you make a business decision and then think did I do the right thing?

Last week I spoke at the IADWP conference in Turkey and it was the most incredible experience, but I would be lying if I said I didn't have that feeling for a moment when I stepped off the plane.

In today's episode I'm going to be sharing about what I learnt out in Turkey and how that can help you in your wedding business.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Rachel from Veiled Productions is my longest serving client, she owns a successful wedding videography business and recently got married herself! Whilst planning her own wedding Rachel realised she was picking up lots of advice along the way that she could use to improve her own business, and in today's interview she wants to share that with you too!

You can find out more about Rachel and Veiled Productions here:

https://www.veiledproductions.co.uk/

Want to get access to my inner circle of wedding pros? Why not join the Wedding Pro members lounge! Even better you can use the coupon code PODCAST and get the first month for just £1.

go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

In today's episode we also mention Studio Ninja!

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Facebook communities can be a great way to grow your wedding business and your network... but are you using them to their full potential?

In today's episode I am sharing my insider knowledge about how you should be using these various groups to become more established and better connected!

Want to try out my wedding pro members only community? As a podcast listener you can use the discount code: PODCAST to get the first month for just £1!

Join the community here: go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Today I'm talking about why blogging is still an important marketing tactic for your wedding business!

I am going to be sharing why I think blogging matters for wedding business owners and venues just like you and I'm also going to be sharing some top tips to help make the whole process easier for you to get going with.

If you or your venue would be interested in a more in-depth 2 hour interactive blogging workshop with me, just get in touch!

Email: becca@beccapountney.com

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Today I'm chatting with Emmy Award winning comedian turned wedding speech writer Beth Sherman. She shares her personal story of getting into comedy, her tips on how as pros and venues we can improve our guests experiences of giving a speech and her insight into how we can all bring more personality and humour into our businesses.

Click to find out more about Beth

Connect with Beth on Linkedin

Find out more about Authentically Funny Speeches.

Time Stamps:

Comedy Writing and Stand-Up (00:00:00) Beth shares her background in comedy writing and stand-up, influenced by her family and love for comedy.

Transition to Working in Entertainment (00:02:43) Beth discusses her transition into working in writers' rooms for comedy variety shows and developing the skill to be funny in someone else's voice.

Starting the Wedding Speech Business (00:08:58) Beth shares how she started her business, initially taking on work through Upwork and finding her passion for helping people with speeches.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Support (00:11:16) Beth discusses her pragmatic parents and the importance of hard work and determination in pursuing her career in comedy writing.

Working in the Wedding Industry (00:16:35) Beth talks about the meaningful experiences and emotional support involved in working with clients for wedding speeches.

Growth Strategies for Wedding Speech Business (00:17:05) Beth explains the evolution of her business, from using Google ads to focusing on content marketing through YouTube for lead generation.

The Dads are the Higher Ticket Clients (00:21:36) Beth discusses how the fathers of the bride tend to be her higher ticket clients due to their age and financial capacity.

The Pressure of Wedding Speeches (00:23:32) Becca and Beth talk about the pressure on non-professional speakers at weddings, and Beth shares her opinions on delivering successful wedding speeches.

Setting Speakers Up for Success (00:24:20) Beth explains how wedding professionals can set up speakers for success, including providing clear instructions and positioning the speaker for better visibility.

The Importance of Clear Audio (00:31:11) Beth emphasizes the importance of clear audio for speeches, highlighting the impact on delivering jokes and connecting with the audience.

Using Humor in Social Situations (00:34:40) Becca and Beth discuss the role of humor in social interactions, providing tips on using humor to build connections in various settings.

Listening to Customers (00:40:18) Beth reflects on the importance of listening to customer needs and preferences when creating products and packages for her business.

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer Support!

Looking for support with your wedding business or venue this season? I have put together some options for you. Wedding Pro Agency: Hand over some of your admin tasks to my team to give you some time back this summer. From social media posting to website updates, email sequences and crm set up, there are lots of ways we can help you. One to One support: I have two spaces to offer one to one support from June - August to help keep you in track. If you are interested, drop me an email: becca@beccapountney.com

Wedding Pro Agency

Today I am chatting with award winning wedding planner Hannah Rose events about her leap from working full time in hotels to go out on her own... and lets just say the timing wasn't exactly perfect!

Hannah is one of the biggest action takers I know and you can't fail to be inspired by what she has to say!

In today's episode we talk about my Wedding Pro members lounge! If you want to be part of that community, just like Hannah, take a look below:

go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Find out more about Hannah:

www.hannahroseweddings.co.uk

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Owning your own wedding business is great - but if we are honest sometimes it can all get too much and we start to feel exhausted and overwhelmed! In today's episode I'm going to be sharing with you some ideas to help you avoid getting to this point, and some advice for if you are already there!

Need additional help? Take a look at the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/

Want to join my Wedding Pro members community where I can support you to grow your business? Take a look below:

go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

I'm a HUGE Disney fan and in today's episode we are going to be looking at what we can learn from the Disney company in order to improve our own wedding business! If you are a wedding business owner it can be easy to focus inward... but there is a lot to be learnt from these large corporations.

In today's episode I am going to be sharing 5 things we can all learn from Disney, including my favourite phrase - Disney never discount, so why should you?

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Is there a perfect age to start your wedding business?

In today's episode I am interviewing successful wedding florist Sophie Ayres - who started her wedding business at just 21! We discuss the highs and the lows of owning your own business, and she shares the advice she wishes she knew sooner.

Want to becoming a wedding pro member just like Sophie? Here are the details of about how to join my inner circle:

https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Find out more about Sophie here:

http://www.safloristry.co.uk/

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Every good film or tv show has a trailer or advert to tell you what is coming up! In this mini bonus episode I am going to give you some information about the upcoming podcast episodes, and what to look out for over the coming weeks!

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

I know.... I'm not supposed to be back until Thursday but here's a little bonus episode about how you can support the show!

Want to support the show financially and be part of the best wedding industry community on the internet? Why not take a look at my Wedding Pro's members lounge:

Join the members lounge here:

https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

You know you need to post regularly on social media... but your mind just goes blank! It's impossible to think up new ideas and you are running out of content!

If that is you then you need today's episode as I will be sharing 7 social media post ideas that you can implement today!

Want my eyes on your new schedule? Make sure you join my Wedding Pro Facebook group and post your schedule for me to take a look.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

We all make mistakes when we first set up our wedding business! We have a great idea, but more often than not we dive in, without really knowing what we are doing!

When I started my wedding business in 2013, I made some mistakes.... quite a few actually! I've never shared them, until now, so take a listen to today's episode, so you don't make the same mistakes as I did!

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

The Wedding Industry is made up of a wide variety of people, each unique and creative in their own ways! I am all about collaboration over competition and want you to work with as many different wedding business owners as you can, to help move forward!

Every now and then however.... we come across some wedding pro's, that we really don't want to be like and in today's episode I am going to share 6 of them with you!

From the no action moaner to the used car salesman, how can you avoid these pitfalls in your own wedding business.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Are you a wedding business owner who is passionate about what you do... but wants some help to grow? I'm here to help!

In the Wedding Pro's who are ready to grow I'm going to be sharing actionable tips, inspiration and motivation to help you turn your passion into a profitable business that you love!

I'm your host Becca Pountney - wedding business consultant, speaker and marketing expert and I'm here to help you every step of the way!

You can also join me and 100's of other likeminded wedding business owners in my free wedding pro community:

www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Today I'm chatting with Braden Drake, founder of Not Your Average Law Firm. He takes two typically dry subjects - finance and law and makes them a whole lot more fun. We discuss the importance of understanding legal and financial matters for wedding business owners. Braden talks about hiring practices, the necessity of comprehensive contracts, and the significance of separating personal and business finances.

Find Braden on Instagram

Check out his podcast

Join the FB group

Time Stamps:

(0:00:00) Hiring and managing employees, freeing up time for business growth.

(00:00:24)  Introduction to the podcast and guest, Braden Drake.

(00:01:23) Initial conversation and welcome to the podcast.

(00:02:02) Making boring subjects exciting, sharing enthusiasm.

(00:02:50) Discussing the start of Braden's journey in law and numbers.

(00:03:30)  Law school experience, comparison to "Legally Blonde."

(00:04:37) Graduating and starting own business with financial support.

(00:05:57)  Transition from working with creatives to the wedding industry.

(00:07:44) Helping wedding industry professionals with legal and financial matters.

(00:08:37)  Mission behind helping businesses with legal and tax matters.

(00:10:26)  Common contract mistakes and the importance of having contracts.

(00:11:13)  Essential elements to include in client contracts for wedding suppliers.

(00:14:27) Common mistakes in accountancy, importance of separate finances.

(00:15:54) Setting aside money for taxes and profits, utilizing auto-savings.

(00:17:36)Personal approach to managing profits and savings for specific goals.

(00:18:15)  Encouraging proactive tax payments and automation.

Automating Savings (00:18:29) Braden discusses the benefits of automating savings and the psychology behind it.

Tax Deductions and Credits (00:19:19) Braden explains the difference between tax deductions and tax credits, using examples to clarify.

Transparency in Finances (00:21:08) Becca praises Braden's transparency in discussing his own finances and the benefits of normalizing such conversations.

Pricing and Mistakes (00:22:59) Braden shares insights about pricing services based on actual numbers and learning from business mistakes.

Being Unapologetically Yourself (00:24:10) Braden talks about finding confidence in being himself and the benefits it brings to his business.

Hiring and Business Growth (00:26:10) Braden and Becca discuss the importance of hiring and growing a team in business expansion.

Closing and Contact Information (00:27:39) Becca shares details on how to connect with Braden and concludes the podcast episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer Support!

Looking for support with your wedding business or venue this season? I have put together some options for you. Wedding Pro Agency: Hand over some of your admin tasks to my team to give you some time back this summer. From social media posting to website updates, email sequences and crm set up, there are lots of ways we can help you. One to One support: I have two spaces to offer one to one support from June - August to help keep you in track. If you are interested, drop me an email: becca@beccapountney.com

Wedding Pro Agency

Today I am chatting with one of my founding Wedding Pro members Kevin Lines. What I love about Kevin is the way he keeps his work life varied with a mix of corporate work and wedding photography. He has a 'family first' mindset whilst also striving to bring in more income - it's a great conversation.

Visit Kevins Website

Follow Kevin on Instagram

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time Stamps:

The journey to photography (00:00:00) Kevin discusses the importance of family and his background in photography, leading up to his career in press photography.

Transition to wedding photography (00:08:16) Kevin shares how he initially didn't want to do weddings but ended up enjoying it, leading to his first clients and the snowball effect.

Marketing strategies (00:10:25) Kevin discusses his unconventional approach to marketing, emphasizing the power of word of mouth and personal connections over traditional advertising.

Differences between corporate and wedding photography (00:18:11) Kevin explains the differences in corporate and wedding photography, how he found corporate photography connections, and the importance of networking.

Corporate Photography Challenges (00:20:21) Kevin discusses the challenges of corporate photography, including the limited creativity and the need to provide a defined brand style for clients.

Setting Rates in Corporate Photography (00:23:13) Kevin explains the process of setting rates for corporate photography, including considerations for day rates, half-day rates, and adjusting based on the client's budget.

Balancing Work and Family (00:26:35) Kevin shares his strategies for balancing work and family, including blocking out days for family time and limiting weekend work.

Benefits of Community Membership (00:31:28) Kevin highlights the benefits of being part of a community, such as sharing business issues with like-minded professionals and building a network for support.

Avoiding Comparison in Business (00:34:37) Kevin emphasizes the importance of not comparing oneself to competitors and focusing on individual strengths and unique selling points.

Conclusion and Contact Information (00:35:38) Becca and Kevin wrap up the conversation, and Kevin shares his website for those interested in reaching out to him for advice or enquiries.

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer Support!

Looking for support with your wedding business or venue this season? I have put together some options for you. Wedding Pro Agency: Hand over some of your admin tasks to my team to give you some time back this summer. From social media posting to website updates, email sequences and crm set up, there are lots of ways we can help you. One to One support: I have two spaces to offer one to one support from June - August to help keep you in track. If you are interested, drop me an email: becca@beccapountney.com

Wedding Pro Agency

Ever wonder how to make your wedding clients feel special? In a recent 2024 study by Wedding Dates they found that 74% of couples responded to say they felt like a number and not made to feel special by their wedding suppliers. In today's episode I am talking to founder of 'Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress' Nadine Bozeman about how we can ensure we give out clients the best experience so they feel seen and special every single time.

Follow Nadine on Instagram

Grab Nadine's private podcast resource.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Time Stamps:

Growing a Successful Alterations Business (00:00:00) Nadine discusses the importance of creating a memorable experience for brides during their appointments and consultations.

Introduction to Nadine Bozeman (00:00:54) Becca introduces Nadine Bozeman, founder of Sweet Francis Sewing Company, and her journey from a middle school teacher to a successful bridal seamstress.

Nadine's Chicken Therapy (00:01:41) Nadine shares the story of how she unexpectedly became a chicken owner and the joy she finds in spending time with her chickens.

Early Passion for Sewing (00:03:30) Nadine talks about her childhood interest in sewing, quilting, and how she transitioned from teaching to pursuing sewing as a business.

Transition from Teaching to Entrepreneurship (00:05:19) Nadine discusses her exit strategy from teaching and the shift towards building her alterations business.

Growth of the Alterations Business (00:06:58) Nadine shares the journey of transitioning from a part-time bridal seamstress to establishing a thriving brick-and-mortar alterations business.

Knowing When to Make the Leap (00:11:02) Nadine discusses the decision-making process and timing of leaving her teaching job to focus on her alterations business full-time.

Focus on Wedding Dress Alterations (00:16:40) Nadine explains her decision to specialize in wedding dress alterations and the higher value of bridal services.

Building Relationships in the Wedding Industry (00:17:54) Nadine shares her initial apprehension in approaching bridal shop owners and the importance of building relationships within the wedding industry.

Perfect Timing (00:19:44) Nadine discusses how a serendipitous meeting with a shop owner led to business growth and meaningful relationships.

Professional Boundaries (00:20:35) Nadine highlights the importance of establishing professional boundaries and controlling client communication channels.

Valuing Creative Work (00:23:43) Becca and Nadine discuss the undervaluation of creative skills in the industry and the need for fair pricing.

Client-Centric Approach (00:28:52) Becca shares a statistic about couples feeling undervalued, prompting Nadine to discuss her client-centric approach and branding consistency.

Creating Memorable Experiences (00:30:18) Nadine emphasizes the importance of creating a memorable and personalized experience for clients through various sensory elements.

Fulfilling Expectations (00:36:24) Becca and Nadine discuss the importance of meeting client expectations and delivering on promises made in marketing.

Post-Dress Delivery (00:38:06) Nadine discusses the final interactions with clients and the significance of leaving a lasting impression after the dress is delivered.

The gift-giving strategy (00:39:05) Nadine shares her approach to giving gifts to brides and collaborating with local businesses to enhance the bridal experience.

The impact of saying no (00:41:37) Nadine emphasizes the importance of learning to say no in business, drawing from her experience and the need for control.

Connecting with Nadine (00:43:29) Becca and Nadine discuss how to reach out to Nadine, her podcast, and a private podcast series for bridal seamstresses.

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer Support!

Looking for support with your wedding business or venue this season? I have put together some options for you. Wedding Pro Agency: Hand over some of your admin tasks to my team to give you some time back this summer. From social media posting to website updates, email sequences and crm set up, there are lots of ways we can help you. One to One support: I have two spaces to offer one to one support from June - August to help keep you in track. If you are interested, drop me an email: becca@beccapountney.com

Wedding Pro Agency

The power of word of mouth networking is something I talk about frequently and in today's episode I talk to Kevin Dennis about how he has used it to build his own wedding business. From networking meetings to wedding days, Kevin builds connections everywhere, and his business has benefited as a result.

Kevin Dennis is the editor of Wedding IQ and the owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Helping out and building relationships (00:00:00) Kevin discusses the importance of helping others and building relationships in the wedding industry.

Introduction and background of Kevin Dennis (00:00:53) Becca introduces Kevin Dennis, his background, and his experience in the wedding industry.

Starting in the wedding industry (00:02:19) Kevin Dennis shares his journey into the wedding industry, starting as a DJ in high school and transitioning into his own DJ service.

Challenges and changes in the industry (00:06:51) Kevin discusses the significant changes in the industry, particularly the evolution of DJing from vinyl to digital.

Keys to success in the wedding business (00:07:58) Kevin emphasizes the importance of relationships and networking as key factors in his business success.

Building relationships and networking (00:10:30) Kevin discusses the significance of belonging to associations, local groups, and getting involved in the community for building relationships.

Effective networking and relationship-building (00:13:20) Kevin advises on the importance of genuine networking, listening to others, and taking time to build relationships.

Practical tips for networking (00:15:42) Kevin provides practical tips for effective networking, including feeling comfortable, bringing a wingman, and researching the guest list before attending an event.

The importance of personalization in networking (00:16:55) Emphasizing the impact of personalizing interactions and avoiding generic approaches at networking events.

The significance of business cards (00:17:28) Highlighting the enduring value of business cards and the impression they create in networking.

Professional email addresses and first impressions (00:18:37) Stressing the importance of using professional email addresses and the impact it has on initial perceptions.

Challenges in networking events (00:19:29) Discussing challenges such as alcohol-related issues and inappropriate behavior at networking events.

Etiquette and behavior at networking events (00:21:07) Addressing the importance of open communication and respectful behavior while networking.

Respect and professionalism at venues (00:22:15) Emphasizing the need for respect and professionalism while working at event venues.

Collaboration and respect for venue rules (00:25:10) Highlighting the significance of respecting venue rules and fostering collaborative relationships.

Welcoming new members in networking events (00:28:36) Discussing strategies to welcome and integrate new members into networking events.

Building relationships on the wedding day (00:29:57) Exploring the importance of building relationships with other suppliers and venues on the wedding day.

Collaboration with similar industry professionals (00:33:28) Highlighting the benefits of collaborating with professionals in the same industry and fostering positive relationships.

Referrals and Relationships (00:34:45) Discussion on the power of referrals, building relationships with competitors, and mutual support in the industry.

Collaboration in the Wedding Industry (00:35:38) Highlighting the healthy collaboration among wedding coordinators and photographers, emphasizing the benefits of working together.

Building Trust and Networking (00:36:37) Emphasizing the importance of trust-building, networking, and referring business to competitors for mutual benefit.

Embracing Change in Business (00:38:48) Kevin shares insights on being open to change, evolving with the industry, and the value of adapting to new ideas.

Conclusion and Networking Tips (00:41:16) Encouraging listeners to learn from the episode, build better relationships, and be courageous in networking while sharing contact information.

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer Support!

Looking for support with your wedding business or venue this season? I have put together some options for you. Wedding Pro Agency: Hand over some of your admin tasks to my team to give you some time back this summer. From social media posting to website updates, email sequences and crm set up, there are lots of ways we can help you. One to One support: I have two spaces to offer one to one support from June - August to help keep you in track. If you are interested, drop me an email: becca@beccapountney.com

Wedding Pro Agency

Today I'm challenging the idea that there are too many people in the wedding industry. Despite the influx of new people entering our industry, I don't want you to see this as a negative, instead I am encouraging you to embrace collaboration over competition.

In this episode I am going to talk through and respond to some of the negative comments I am hearing and I am going to share my tips for standing out in a crowded wedding market.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Time Stamps:

The competition challenge (00:00:00) Addressing the perception of a saturated wedding market and the impact of increased competition on standing out.

Local competition concern (00:00:59) Reflecting on the survey results showing local competition as a significant challenge for wedding professionals and the speaker's perspective on collaboration over competition.

Benefits of increased suppliers (00:02:52) Discussing the positive impact of more suppliers entering the industry, using examples of commercial spaces and the normalization of new wedding services.

Maintaining professionalism (00:07:17) Strategies for maintaining professionalism amidst new entrants, including embracing newcomers and emphasizing one's own credentials and experiences.

Dealing with price wars (00:10:51) Addressing concerns about price wars, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's own numbers, avoiding the race to the bottom, and educating clients on the value provided.

Standing out in a crowded market (00:15:06) Encouraging differentiation and finding a unique selling point to stand out in a crowded market, highlighting the need to avoid being the "vanilla" option.

Diversifying business sources (00:17:39) Advising on the importance of diversifying business sources and not relying solely on one venue or supplier recommendation.

Building Relationships with Venues (00:18:41) Tips for wedding professionals to go above and beyond for venues and benefit from collaboration.

Embracing New Competition (00:19:33) Encouragement to welcome new professionals, learn from fresh ideas, and embrace the industry's growth.

Dealing with Price Competition (00:20:31) Strategies to handle competitors offering lower prices and reassurance about the value of quality service.

Surviving and Thriving Amid Competition (00:21:27) Reassurance that businesses offering poor quality or extremely cheap services won't survive in the long run.

Reframing the Perception of Competition (00:23:21) An exercise to reframe the way wedding professionals view their direct competition and identify areas for improvement.

Leveraging Competition for Growth (00:25:13) Using the strengths and weaknesses of competitors to set goals and refine marketing messaging.

Community and Collaboration (00:26:11) Encouragement to build relationships and collaborate with other wedding professionals for mutual success.

How can you ensure that you have a brand that stands out amongst your wedding business peers? Is your brand attracting the right kind of wedding couples? How important are colours when it comes to your wedding brand?

Today I'm chatting with Emily Foster Creative about all things branding for your wedding business. Emily specialises in creating branding and websites for wedding professionals to help them attract their ideal couples.

Whether you are just starting out, considering a rebrand or want reassurance that you are on the right path, this episode is for you.

Grab a copy of Emily's free colour guide resource

Visit Emily's website

Find Emily on Instagram

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Time Stamps:

Feeling Burnt Out (00:00:00) Recognizing signs of burnout and the need to niche down further or rebrand.

Introduction and Background (00:00:30) Introducing the podcast and the guest, Emily Foster, a branding and website designer.

Personal Background and Career Journey (00:01:19) Emily Foster shares her journey from working in agencies to starting her own branding and website design studio.

Importance of Branding (00:04:47) Discussion on the comprehensive nature of branding beyond just logos and colors.

Examples of Strong Branding (00:06:01) Examples of strong branding from big corporations like Coca-Cola and Starbucks.

Common Branding Mistakes (00:08:39) Identifying common branding mistakes made by wedding professionals and how to avoid them.

Importance of Business Name (00:14:09) Discussion on the significance of business names and their impact on branding and SEO.

Humorous Anecdote about Business Names (00:18:23) An amusing anecdote about the similarity between wedding business names and strip club names.

Assessing Branding Effectiveness (00:19:04) Determining when it's time for a brand refresh based on confidence and other factors.

Feeling Insecure in Your Business (00:19:14) Recognizing signs of needing a rebrand, like insecurity in showing off your business and pricing surprises.

Attracting the Right Clients (00:20:35) Identifying the need to niche down or rebrand to attract the right clients and avoid burnout.

Alleviating the Fear of Change (00:22:17) Addressing the fear of rebranding and the benefits of intentional brand direction and launch strategy.

Color Psychology and Branding (00:26:16) Exploring the influence of colors on emotions and actions, and the intentional use of color in branding.

Choosing Brand Colors (00:29:25) Discussing the process of selecting brand colors based on brand strategy and client preferences.

Future-Focused Branding (00:34:33) Designing a brand for future business goals, considering long-term objectives and elevating the brand.

Challenges of Rebranding (00:37:20) Managing expectations and recognizing the time and effort required for a rebrand to yield results.

SEO and Domain Transition (00:39:21) Becca discusses the impact of domain name changes on SEO and the importance of proper transition strategies.

Setting Boundaries (00:40:33) Becca and Emily share insights on the importance of setting boundaries in business and the impact it has on productivity and client expectations.

Connecting and Resources (00:42:04) Emily shares her contact details and a brand colors freebie, discussing how it can help in DIY branding and color psychology.

Closing Remarks (00:43:11) Becca reflects on the conversation with Emily, urging listeners to consider rebranding and seeking help to move their businesses forward.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Need some help in your wedding business? Our new service allows my team to manage your social accounts, create you a new website or complete one off admin tasks for you. Get in touch to find out more at: www.weddingproagency.co.uk

Today I'm chatting with former Wedding Planner and current owner of the Refine Collective Amber Anderson. She shares her own story of starting a Wedding Planning Business and shares insights and learning's from along the way. Amber also shares her story of a recent health crisis and what it's taught her about life and business.

Visit Refine for Wedding Planners

Find Amber on Instagram

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Time Stamps:

00:00 The Power of Education in Business Growth

00:32 Introducing Becca Pountney and the Podcast's Mission

00:59 Special Guest Amber Anderson: A Journey from Fitness to Wedding Planning

01:32 Networking and Creativity: The Selfie Museum Event

03:13 Amber's Business Beginnings and Learning Curves

06:02 The Importance of Networking and Choosing the Right Clients

10:43 Navigating the World of Business Education and Mentorship

15:18 Radical Honesty and Problem Solving in the Wedding Industry

19:37 Self-Care, Health Challenges, and Business Adjustments

31:34 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs

With almost every aspect of your wedding business now happening online, it's more important than ever to protect your business from scammers. In today's episode from the members lounge archive you will hear from Paul Newton - Wedding Magician, Speaker and author of Mental Theft. He walks you through some of the common scams, and how to ensure you stay protected!

Follow Paul on Instagram

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Risks

01:00 Meet Your Host: Becca Pountney

01:30 Special Series Announcement

01:59 Introducing Paul Newton

03:46 Paul Newton's Background and Expertise

06:08 The Importance of Password Managers and Multi-Factor Authentication

06:56 The Birth of Mental Theft

14:38 Real-World Cybersecurity Threats

16:41 Supplier Scam Explained

21:11 Hacking Physical Buildings

24:23 The Security Guard's Routine

24:50 An Unexpected Opportunity

25:35 Exploring the Shed

28:07 Discovering the Key Box

29:38 The Truck Heist

33:16 Lessons from the Heist

36:45 Magic Trick Interlude

38:00 Insurance Scams Exposed

40:37 Chip and Pin Warning

44:19 Conclusion and Invitation

Today I'm chatting with social media manager and content creator Emily Rochotte! We talk all things content, and dive deep into why it's time for your wedding business to be on TikTok. We also talk about outsourcing work to others and the recent evolution of social media in the wedding industry.

Grab a copy of Emily's outsourcing checklist here.

Website: https://emilyrochotte.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrochotte/

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@emilyrochotte

Want to get further training from Emily? Join the Wedding Pro Members lounge now to access her TikTok session:

https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Time stamps:

00:00 Reflecting on the Journey: From Cringe to Growth

00:16 Meet Becca Pountney: The Voice Behind the Wedding Pros Podcast

00:45 Introducing Emily Rochotte: A Social Media Manager.

01:57 Emily's Path into the Wedding Industry

03:21 The Importance of Social Media in Wedding Business Marketing

06:00 Content Creation Tips for Wedding Professionals in 2024

09:02 Overcoming the Challenge of Limited Images

11:39 Staying Fresh and Innovative in Content Marketing

13:13 The Essential Guide to TikTok for Wedding Pros

18:53 Embracing Imperfection in Content Creation

19:20 Navigating the Post-COVID Wedding Industry Landscape

20:03 The Long Game of Social Media Marketing

22:16 Staying Consistent with Content During Busy Seasons

26:18 The Importance of Marketing for Fully Booked Businesses

28:34 When and How to Consider Outsourcing Your Social Media

33:02 Understanding Your Brand for Effective Marketing

35:00 Final Thoughts and the Value of Knowing Your Business

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Mentioned in this episode:

TikTok Training inside the Wedding Pro Members Lounge!

Want more indepth training on using TikTok in your Wedding Business? Join Emily and myself inside of the Wedding Pro Members Lounge for a full masterclass. Not yet a member? Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get your first month for just £10.00!

Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Today I'm chatting with Bernadette Chapman. Having spent 21 years in the wedding industry and being the sole founder of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners, recently Bernadette has made some big business decisions. We dive deep into how she has stepped away from the career she loves, the state of the wedding industry in 2024 and how we can all strive to be better at the business of weddings.

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Time stamps:

Procrastination and Subconscious Resistance (00:00:00) Explanation of why people procrastinate and resist change due to subconscious fear.

Introduction to Bernadette Chapman (00:00:24) Becca Pountney introduces Bernadette Chapman, a veteran in the wedding planning industry, and discusses her experience and insights.

Starting a Wedding Planning Business in the Pre-Internet Era (00:01:36) Bernadette Chapman shares her experience of starting a wedding planning business before the internet era, including the challenges and lack of resources.

Challenges of Getting First Clients (00:05:04) Discussion about the challenges of getting the first wedding planning clients and the unexpected experience of Bernadette's first wedding.

Launch of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (00:10:07) Bernadette discusses the reasons for launching the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners and its impact on the industry.

Common Mistakes in Wedding Planning Business (00:12:42) Insights into the common mistakes wedding planners make, including overemphasis on aesthetics and the importance of training and education.

The Misconception of Instant Success in the Wedding Industry (00:15:37) Discussion about the misconception of instant success in the wedding industry and the importance of hard work, experience, and adaptation.

Importance of Onboarding for a Smooth Client Experience (00:19:26) Bernadette emphasizes the importance of onboarding for creating a positive first impression, setting boundaries, and automating processes for a smoother client experience.

The importance of quick response and automation (00:22:04) Clients' expectations for immediate answers, automation systems, and quick processes in the wedding planning business.

Efficient onboarding process (00:24:01) Creating a smooth and quick onboarding process for clients, including proposal, contract, deposit, and welcome email.

Using systems to streamline processes (00:25:16) Discussion about using software and systems to automate processes, making it easier for clients to pay and streamline operations.

Challenges and decision to close the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (00:27:20) The emotional impact and reasons behind the decision to close the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners after 21 years, including the need for joy and the toll of emotional support.

Reflections on entrepreneurship and business decisions (00:32:06) The pressure to grow a business, the importance of finding joy in one's work, and the freedom to create a business that aligns with personal values.

Moving forward and building connections (00:39:08) Plans for business consultancy, in-person workshops, and coffee mornings focused on building connections and helping wedding businesses scale.

Understanding and overcoming procrastination (00:41:18) Insights into recognizing and addressing subconscious barriers leading to procrastination in business ventures.

The mindset and procrastination (00:42:41) Discussion on the mindset and procrastination leading to lack of confidence and the importance of delegating tasks.

Overcoming procrastination (00:43:53) Speaker 2 shares personal strategies for overcoming procrastination and the importance of self-reflection.

Recognizing imperfection (00:44:54) The importance of recognizing imperfection and overcoming imposter syndrome in business.

Promoting business outside social media (00:45:28) The availability of a free workbook for promoting businesses outside of social media and the importance of exploring other marketing strategies.

Today I am sharing my top tips for preparing your wedding business for the future. There will likely come a time when you need to outsource your tasks or grow a team, so today I am sharing my top tips to ensure your wedding business or venue is ready to take that leap.

In today's episode I mention:

The Wedding Pro Business Builder course

The Wedding Pro Agency

Scribe plugin

Enji

Step 1: Brand Guide (00:00:57) Creating a comprehensive brand guide including logo, color codes, fonts, and brand voice.

Step 2: Templates (00:06:34) Using templates for social media graphics and ensuring they are easily accessible in Canva.

Step 3: Password Manager (00:09:07) Implementing a password manager, such as LastPass, for secure and efficient sharing of login details.

Step 4: Organizing Image Files (00:12:45) Organizing image files in a cloud-based system with a structured folder hierarchy and including relevant details for each image.

Organizing Image Files (00:17:52) Becca emphasizes the importance of organizing image files into a cloud-based system and subfolders for efficient outsourcing.

Clear Processes (00:18:55) Becca discusses the necessity of documenting regular tasks using a tool called Scribe, simplifying the outsourcing process.

Clear Plan and Objectives (00:19:44) The importance of having clear objectives and a marketing calendar for effective outsourcing is highlighted.

Marketing Calendar (00:22:22) Becca stresses the need for a marketing calendar to facilitate targeted and effective content creation for outsourcing.

Key Performance Indicators (00:26:43) Understanding and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential for monitoring the effectiveness of outsourcing tasks.

Recap of Eight Steps (00:31:13) Becca summarizes the eight essential steps for preparing a business for outsourcing tasks, emphasizing the importance of taking it one step at a time.

Today I am welcoming back the head of strategy for Guides for Brides - Nikita Thorne. This time we are not talking about wedding directories - instead we are talking about her recent experience of planning her own wedding, and how it's changed the way she thinks about wedding business marketing.

Find out more about Guides for Brides

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Time stamps:

Instagram vs TikTok (00:00:00)

Comparison of social media platforms and potential content strategies.

Chat with Nikita (00:01:02)

Discussion with Nikita Thorne about wedding planning experiences and changes in views.

Budget and Surprises (00:02:34)

Reflection on wedding expenses and unexpected investments.

Upselling and Trends (00:04:30)

Discussion on upselling and last-minute additions to wedding budgets.

Initial Wedding Planning Steps (00:06:20)

The first steps taken after getting engaged, including guest lists and venue inquiries.

Venue Availability (00:09:45)

Challenges and ease of obtaining venue availability information.

Choosing a Venue (00:11:43)

The importance of marketing and customer service in selecting a wedding venue.

Narrowing Down Suppliers (00:13:56)

Criteria for selecting trustworthy suppliers and the importance of online presence and responsiveness.

Supplier Response Time (00:16:57)

The impact of fast or slow supplier response times on decision-making.

The excitement curve (00:17:43)

The diminishing excitement after inquiry and the importance of fast responses.

Pricing transparency (00:18:23)

The impact of not having prices on listings or websites for wedding services.

Importance of timing for reviews (00:23:34)

The challenges of leaving reviews after the wedding and the impact of timing on getting reviews.

TikTok as a marketing platform (00:28:41)

The growing influence of TikTok in wedding planning and its potential impact on marketing strategies.

Adapting to new social media trends (00:30:28)

The need to adapt to new social media platforms like TikTok for marketing to younger generations.

Couples Taking Longer to Inquire (00:35:56)

Couples are taking longer to make decisions, impacting the wedding industry's advertising and booking patterns.

Changing Trends in Engagement (00:38:23)

Engagement and wedding planning trends are shifting, with more spread-out inquiries and a longer-term strategy needed.

Utilizing Wedding Planning Platforms (00:41:07)

Couples use wedding planning platforms in diverse ways, emphasizing the need for consistent and accessible information.

Importance of Transparent Pricing (00:41:42)

The significance of transparent pricing and the need to regularly review and synchronize pricing across all advertising platforms.

Today I am chatting with founder of Wedding Dates and Wed Pro Ciara Crossan. Earlier this year Wedding Dates released their 2024 Wedding Industry Report and it was a great read. They surveyed over 1000 couples to find out more about the wedding planning landscape and discovered what frustrates them the most.

In this episode I find out more about Ciara's journey and we digest the latest findings and how you can use that data in your own wedding business / venue.

Download the 2024 UK Wedding Report

Download the 2024 Ireland Wedding Report

Find out more about Wedding Dates and Wed Pro

Time Stamps:

Using TikTok for Wedding Business (00:00:00) Ciara discusses using TikTok for sharing expertise, tips, and personalization in the wedding business.

Introduction and Background (00:00:27) Becca introduces Ciara Crossan, CEO and founder of Wedding Dates, and discusses her background and the platform's growth.

The Inception of Wedding Dates (00:01:58) Ciara shares the background and inception of Wedding Dates, including the idea's origin and early development.

Challenges Faced as a Female Tech Founder (00:05:27) Ciara discusses the challenges she faced as a female tech founder and the resilience required to overcome them.

Experience on Dragon's Den (00:09:03) Ciara shares her experience on the Dragon's Den TV show, highlighting the preparation and the positive impact it had on her.

Hiring and Building a Team (00:13:07) Ciara discusses the challenges and benefits of hiring and building a team, emphasizing the importance of culture and longevity.

Wedding Dates UK Industry Report (00:16:11) Ciara talks about the purpose and history of the industry report, explaining the motivation behind its creation.

The survey and report (00:17:02) Ciara discusses the motivation behind conducting surveys and creating industry reports to share with wedding venues and suppliers.

The importance of data (00:18:29) Ciara explains the significance of conducting separate reports for the UK and Ireland and the value of the data for understanding industry trends.

Incentivising survey participation (00:20:00) Ciara reveals the strategy of offering a prize to incentivize couples to participate in the survey.

Couples' feelings during wedding planning (00:21:04) Ciara discusses the surprising statistic that over 70% of couples felt underwhelmed during the wedding planning process and the opportunity it presents for wedding professionals.

Common frustrations and challenges (00:26:04) Becca and Ciara discuss common frustrations reported by couples, such as pricing transparency and slow response times, and how wedding pros can address them.

Resistance to change (00:29:58) Ciara explains the resistance to automation and price transparency as a fear of change and the importance of self-care in the industry.

TikTok for Wedding Inspiration (00:33:16) Couples' use of TikTok for wedding inspiration and how businesses can utilize the platform effectively.

Trust Factor in Wedding Businesses (00:34:18) The importance of trust in wedding businesses, particularly in relation to staff turnover in venues.

Tech Solutions for Wedding Businesses (00:35:09) Addressing the challenges of education and tech overwhelm in embracing changes in wedding businesses.

Wedding Venues Management Software (00:35:35) Introduction and explanation of Wedge Pro, a software designed to support wedding venues in managing leads, follow-ups, reporting, and benchmarking.

Onboarding and Training for Venue Software (00:38:12) Discussion about providing onboarding and training services for venues to help them effectively utilize the management software.

Team Buy-In for Venue Software (00:39:52) Importance of getting the team on board with using venue management software and the benefits of integrating with other systems.

Community and Networking in Business (00:42:13) The significance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals in business.

Engagement on Social Media (00:43:22) Promotion of the company on LinkedIn and Instagram, encouraging wedding professionals to follow for industry insights and advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Need some help in your wedding business? Our new service allows my team to manage your social accounts, create you a new website or complete one off admin tasks for you. Get in touch to find out more at: www.weddingproagency.co.uk

Today I'm chatting with Wedding Industry legend - Terrica. Not only does she lead a team of planners within her wedding planning business, Cocktails and Details, she's also a powerhouse in the wedding industry speaking world. Her approach to education is to keep it real, which is exactly what we are doing in today's episode.

Find out more about Terrica

Want to meet other likeminded wedding pro's so that you can share ideas, network and help each other out? Then why not go ahead and join my free Wedding Pro community over on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weddingprosreadytogrow/

Find out more about how I can help you grow your wedding business over on my website or Instagram page:

www.beccapountney.com

www.instagram.com/beccapountney

Time Stamps:

The journey to becoming a wedding planner (00:01:05) Terrica's background, education, and passion for the wedding industry, and her experiences at wedding conferences.

Starting out in the wedding industry (00:02:59) Terrica's decision to become a wedding planner, her first client experience, and the importance of practical experience.

Struggles and lessons learned in the wedding planning journey (00:06:18) The struggles of not investing in the business earlier, the importance of brand presence, and the value of feedback and tough love.

Personal experiences in wedding planning (00:10:39) Highs and lows of wedding planning, including a memorable wedding and dealing with challenging situations.

Challenges faced as an African-American wedding planner (00:14:58) Terrica's experiences and struggles as an African-American wedding planner in the deep south of the USA.

Embracing confidence and authenticity (00:16:46) Terrica's transition to being unapologetically herself, the importance of education, and the value of being who she needed when she started.

Advice for building confidence in the wedding industry (00:20:24) Terrica's tips and advice for professionals struggling with confidence in their wedding businesses.

The comparison syndrome (00:20:30) Discussion on the negative impact of comparing oneself to competitors on social media and the importance of focusing on one's unique strengths.

Building competence and confidence (00:21:22) Encouragement to identify and focus on one's unique strengths to build competence and confidence, rather than getting caught up in comparison and imitating others.

Diversifying the industry and promoting inclusion (00:28:14) Terrica's passion for diversifying the wedding industry and promoting diversity and inclusion, including her involvement in programs and initiatives to support historically underrepresented individuals.

Common pitfalls in wedding planning (00:26:04) Discussion on the common mistake of offering bloated services, leading to lower profits and burnout, and the importance of focusing on maximizing profit with minimal effort.

Unity through community initiative (00:30:47) Terrica's initiative aimed at making the wedding industry more diverse and inclusive, providing resources and guidance for promoting diversity and inclusion.

Valuing one's worth in the business (00:34:02) The importance of recognizing one's worth and charging appropriately for services, leading to financial success and sustainability in the wedding business.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro Business Builder

My signature programme the Wedding Pro Business Builder is LIVE and you will want to take a look at it! Find all the details on the link below: https://go.beccapountney.com/businessbuilder

Wed Pro Biz Builder

Today I'm chatting with Wedding Cake creator and business mentor - Lauren Smy. We talk about her journey to wedding business success and the advice she has for cake makers and new wedding business owners. Lauren also shares her own personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD, and how that has impacted her business.

Find out more about Lauren's cake coaching

Find out more about Lauren's ADHD coaching

Time Stamps:

Pricing (00:00:00) Lauren discusses the common mistake of not charging enough to cover the cost of running a business, including time and money spent on behind-the-scenes activities.

Introduction and Background (00:01:00) Becca introduces Lauren, founder of The Honeybee Wedding Cake Company, and discusses Lauren's journey in the wedding cake industry.

Starting the Cake Business (00:01:52) Lauren shares how she started making cakes for friends during her maternity leave and transitioned into setting up a proper business, Honeybee Bakes, which later evolved into The Honeybee Wedding Cake Company.

Transition to Making Wedding Cakes (00:03:37) Lauren explains her transition from making birthday cakes to specializing in wedding cakes, driven by her passion for creating sugar flowers and a desire to focus on the wedding industry.

Gaining Confidence in Cake Making (00:04:31) Lauren discusses the challenges and learning experiences she faced when transitioning from making celebration cakes to creating high-quality wedding cakes, emphasizing the importance of confidence and perfectionism.

Finding Clients (00:06:59) Lauren shares her early strategies for finding clients, including leveraging social media platforms like Facebook and engaging in word-of-mouth marketing within her local community.

Networking and Building Relationships (00:09:22) Lauren highlights the significance of networking with other wedding suppliers and building relationships within the industry, emphasizing the value of word-of-mouth marketing and collaborative partnerships.

Transition to Business Coaching (00:10:22) Lauren explains her motivation for transitioning from making cakes to helping other cake makers with their businesses, driven by a desire for community, a background in business studies, and a need to address pricing and confidence issues within the industry.

Common Mistakes in Cake Businesses (00:14:16) Lauren discusses common mistakes in cake businesses, focusing on pricing complexities, lack of confidence, and the failure to account for the costs of running a business, including time spent on behind-the-scenes activities.

Importance of Photography (00:17:13) Becca and Lauren discuss the significance of high-quality photography for cake makers, emphasizing its impact on attracting clients and the need for professional images to showcase their products effectively.

Taking Quality Pictures of Cakes (00:18:03) Tips on capturing high-quality cake photos, including lighting, venue considerations, and collaboration with photographers.

Personal Transition and Business Expansion (00:19:53) Lauren's personal journey, discovering her ADHD, and transitioning from coaching cake makers to working with entrepreneurs with ADHD.

Formal ADHD Diagnosis (00:22:17) Lauren's decision to seek a formal diagnosis for ADHD and the importance of self-awareness and acceptance.

Strategies for Business with ADHD (00:23:27) Discussion on practical strategies and self-compassion in managing business challenges with ADHD.

Future Plans and Community Support (00:26:31) Lauren's current work with entrepreneurs with ADHD, plans for a group program or membership, and the importance of community support.

Business Evolution and Outsourcing (00:27:48) The evolution of businesses, the value of seeking support, and the importance of not doing everything alone.

Contact Information (00:28:39) Details on where to find Lauren's cake community and ADHD coaching services.

Closing Thoughts on Business Growth (00:29:10) Reflections on the importance of following passions and moving businesses forward.