If weddings are all or part of your business, then the Wedding Business Solutions podcast is for you. You’ll hear ideas to help you sell more, profit more and have more fun doing it from Alan Berg CSP, FPSA. He’s the author of 13 books, who’s been included, for the 3rd year in a row, as one of the “Top 100 Speakers To Watch in 2025”, by Motivator Music on LinkedIn. He's also one of only 44 Global Speaking Fellows in the world! Whether it’s ideas for closing the sale, improving your website conversion or just plain common-sense ideas for your wedding business, the episodes here, whether monologue or dialogue are just the thing to get you motivated to help more couples have great weddings, and more profits for you . . . . . . . . . You can read full transcripts of each episode at podcast.AlanBerg.com . . . . . . . . . Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast so you'll know about the latest episodes. And if you have a question, comment or suggestion for topic or guest, please reach out at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com . . . . . . . . . And if you don't get his email updates for new episodes, as well as upcoming workshops and Master Classes, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com . . . . . . . . . If you'd like to find out about Alan's speaking, sales training, consulting or website review services, you can reach him at Alan@AlanBerg.com or visit Podcast.AlanBerg.com ------- Note: I invite my guests on for the value they provide to you, my listeners. Occasionally I have a guest on where I'm an affiliate or have a relationship that may involve compensation for me. My first priority is the value to you and therefore I don't sell placement or guest spots on my podcast.
What are creative ways to get new inquiries?
Are you making the most of the inquiries you already get, or are you chasing new leads without first maximizing what’s in front of you? Do you know if your responses, follow-up, and online profile are actually helping—or quietly hurting—your ability to convert interest into bookings? In this episode, I dive into creative strategies for getting more inquiries, but also challenge you to loo...
Mark Caravaggio - Having the difficult conversations
How do you handle difficult conversations with clients or fellow pros when plans go sideways? What happens when a customer comes at you with both barrels, or when conflicting expectations create tension behind the scenes? In this episode, I talk with Mark Caravaggio about practical ways to navigate confrontation, lead with empathy, and set clear boundaries, both before and during ...
The 4 Steps to More sales!
Are you missing out on bookings by skipping important steps? What if the reason you’re getting ghosted is because you’re rushing couples or communicating on your terms, not theirs? In this episode I break down the four-step sales cycle—getting attention, receiving an inquiry, starting the conversation, and finally making the sale. Could making small changes to how you follow up or begin conversations be th...
Have you ever wondered how the wording of your reviews impacts how clients perceive your business? Are you missing opportunities to make your services feel relevant and current just by using the wrong tense? In this episode, I explore why using “is” instead of “was” in your reviews can build more trust, show off your ongoing excellence, and even improve your marketing. What subtle shifts can you make in your review requests to ensu...
Kevin Townsend - Weddings in New Zealand
What if your wedding business had to navigate strict lockdowns, shifting markets, and unique cultural expectations—would your sales process survive? How do you attract the right clients and keep your venue calendar full when economic tides turn? In this episode, I share what weddings are really like in New Zealand, including how refining inquiry forms, understanding cultural differences, and ...
How often do you rely on a tool—like GPS or AI—to get you results without really understanding how you got there? Is it always okay to follow directions blindly, or are there times you need to know the “why” behind the answer? In this episode, I explore the risks and benefits of trusting our tools, the importance of understanding processes (at least a little), and when it’s safe to be hands-off versus when you need to dig deeper be...
Should you include planning tips in your follow-up emails?
When is the right time to start sharing helpful advice with prospective clients? Could offering planning tips too soon be hurting your response rate, or does it add value and set you apart? In this episode, I dive into how to balance giving value with keeping your follow-ups focused and effective, plus ways to make your content truly helpful—without coming off as salesy or o...
Shane McMurray - How do tariffs and supply chain issues affect wedding businesses?
What if your costs doubled overnight? What happens to your business when tariffs and supply chain issues change in a heartbeat? Are you relying too much on a single supplier? In this episode, I talk about the unpredictable nature of tariffs, how they impact different segments of the wedding industry—from bridal shops to service providers—and what proa...
Interpreting the silence!
What does it really mean when you don’t hear back from a potential client—is it rejection, a fake lead, or just something else taking priority in their life? Are you letting the “story you tell yourself” block future business? In this episode, I dig into how we interpret client silence, challenge some common assumptions, and share actionable ways to keep the conversation (and your confidence) going until yo...
Are you building a business to sell?
Are you building a business you can one day sell, or are you creating a lifestyle business that revolves around you? What happens to your company when you’re ready to walk away? In this episode, I explore the true value of your business beyond the physical assets—like your brand, your relationships, and your systems. Are your processes strong enough for someone else to step in, or is everything d...
When is it time to pivot in your wedding business, and how do you know which risks are the right ones to take? What happens when you follow a passion out of your comfort zone, or invest in your own potential before it’s obvious to everyone else? In this episode, I sit down with Mimi Brown to unpack the journey from DJ to professional speaker—revealing how moments of mentorship, purposeful practice, and embracing “the business side”...
They don't want to talk on the phone!
Are you getting ghosted by clients when you push for a phone call? Have you considered that today’s couples might prefer messaging, texting, or emailing over talking on the phone? In this episode, I explore what happens when we add friction to our communication process and the importance of meeting clients where they are — not where we wish they were. Are your habits hurting your chances, o...
Should you charge a lot more for an event that's far away, or just say no?
Should you take on that event that’s hours away—or is it better to just walk away? What happens if you charge a much higher fee and the client actually says yes? Will the extra cash make up for the inconvenience, or will you regret saying yes just because of the price? In this episode, I share my perspective on how distance, motivation, and honest decisi...
Tom Chelednik - The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study
What would your business look like if you froze it for two years—would you still be thriving, or would your unchanged methods leave you behind as couples’ expectations shift? Are you adapting fast enough to connect with today’s couples and am I missing out on leads by not updating my website or response process? Find out how shifts in the economy, generational preferences, and weddin...
Don't make it so obvious that you're using AI!
Are you unintentionally telling the world your content isn’t original? Could the green check marks and other default AI icons be giving you away? In this episode, I explore how to use AI as a tool without sacrificing your unique voice. What little details scream “I used AI!” to your clients, and how can you make sure your content truly feels like yours? I’ll share insights on ...
When should you lower your rate?
Are you giving away your profit just because a client asked for a discount? What are you really getting in return when you lower your price? In this episode, I dig deep into the difference between discounting and negotiating, explain why price integrity matters, and share how to determine if and when it's truly okay to come off your rate. I’ll challenge you to ask yourself: Is it ever smart to s...
Are your rising costs really out of your control? Are tariffs, inflation, and supply chain chaos just the new normal, or are there ways to get ahead of them? In this episode, I bring on Clint Elkins to dig into what’s really happening with food costs, supply challenges, and the hidden factors that set your prices—plus how to spot trends before they hit your bottom line. You’ll hear how natural disasters, labor markets, and even glo...
Stop selling to a guaranteed minimum
Are you selling to a guaranteed minimum? What message are you sending when you lead with starting prices or minimums in your pitch? Could you be underselling your services by focusing on the lowest number your clients have to hit, rather than the unique results you deliver? In this episode, I explore why selling from the bottom up may be holding your business back, and how shifting your approach ...
Tipping at Events, what's acceptable?
Tipping at events: What’s acceptable in today’s culture? Is it okay to have a tip jar if the host hasn't prepaid gratuities? How about a QR code for digital tips? Join me as I explore the nuances of tipping at events, addressing these questions and offering guidance on navigating this delicate topic.
Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insights on managing tipping expectations and m...
Are you still advertising like it’s 2005? Have you considered the shift towards AI and platforms like TikTok for attracting today’s couples? In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of advertising for wedding professionals and how Performance Max and other strategies can amplify your reach. Explore how your engagement strategy on your website can make lasting impressions on prospective clients.
Listen to this new episode f...
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