Welcome to the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of wedding industry entrepreneurs and help you take your business to new heights! Join fellow wedding business entrepreneurs as we uncover the strategies, insights, and stories of successful wedding professionals who have built thriving businesses in this dynamic and competitive market. Each week, your host, Brandee Gaar, a seasoned industry expert and CEO of Blush by Brandee Gaar, brings you exclusive interviews with ...
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247 Why I Became a Coach (and why I'm SO passionate about business education for wedding pros)
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18:22
In this episode of the Wedding Pro CEO podcast, I reintroduce myself and share my journey from corporate event planning to running a thriving wedding business. I open up about the challenges I faced, the wrong turns I took, and the valuable lessons I learned along the way. And it's Summertime! We are midway through the year! How are your business g…
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246. If I wanted to book more weddings in 2024, I'd do this.
19:17
19:17
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19:17
Sales plateaued? In this episode we dive into transforming your sales funnel with strategic texting! One student saw her conversion rate soar from 19% to 58% in just one month. Tune in to learn the exact steps to humanize your brand, effectively follow up with leads, and stand out from the competition. Don’t miss these actionable tips to boost your…
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245. Your Small Thinking is Keeping You Small
36:35
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36:35
In this episode of the Wedding Pro CEO podcast, I share my opening keynote from the 2024 Wedding Pro CEO Summit, focusing on the theme "If you wanted to, you would." We tackle how to overcome industry challenges like stress and undervaluing your time, and dive into prioritizing revenue-generating tasks and setting ambitious goals. =================…
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244. Are WeddingPro and Zola Wasting Your Money?
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8:42
In this episode, I dive into the big question many wedding pros face: should you invest in paid advertising on listing sites like The Knot and WeddingWire, or focus more on organic marketing? Drawing from a recent WeddingPro article, my own experiences, and real-life examples from my students, I'll break down the conversion rates and effectiveness …
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243. The Reality of AI in Wedding Planning
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Welcome back Wedding Pros! In this podcast episode, I react to an article, headline reads: We used ChatGPT as our wedding planner — it saved us $5,000 (eye roll) So today I want to reiterate the irreplaceable value of professional wedding planners and debunk myths about using AI for wedding planning. Join me for my take on those real scenarios wher…
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Do you run paid ads? This episode is dedicated to all my fellow wedding pros who’ve ever wondered about the right time to start leveraging Google Ads. I’m thrilled to share not just my own experiences, but also the deep insights from Mark Chapman of the I Do Society. In an increasingly digital marketplace, wedding pros can unlock immense value by e…
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241. Understanding the FTC's Non-Compete Ban w/ Paige Griffith
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41:41
In this episode, we unpack the recent FTC ban on non-compete agreements and its implications for wedding industry professionals. Returning guest and legal expert Paige Griffith, of the Legal Paige, helps to unravel the complexities of this regulation, providing practical advice on protecting your business amidst these changes. We discuss alternativ…
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240. Venue Wisdom: Sales Strategies Wedding Pros Cannot Live Without w/ Shannon Tarrant
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41:44
In this episode of the Wedding Pro CEO podcast, I'm thrilled to bring you insights from wedding venue marketing expert Shannon Tarrant, creator of: Venue Help Desk: Expert consulting and support for venue managers. Together, we explore the nuanced challenges venue owners face and unpack targeted strategies to attract ideal clients and boost sales e…
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239. From Ghosted to Booked: Transform Your Inquiry Responses and Win Clients
17:37
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17:37
Hey fellow Wedding Pros! Are you tired of losing leads and feeling like your emails are just floating into the abyss? In this episode of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast I'll share a crucial, yet simple tweak to your sales strategy that's helped my team close five figures every month! It's all about adding a personal touch and how a shift from standardi…
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238. Making Your Business Your #1 Client w/ Tanisha Lee
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33:20
Hey there CEO! In this podcast episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Tanisha Lee, the renowned "Systems Queen," who shares her expert insights on utilizing systems and AI to streamline operations and enhance client experiences for wedding industry professionals. We discuss practical strategies to overcome the typical tech challenges and improve you…
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237. Ghosting, Bookings, and Building Your Team: Mind Blowing Q1 Review
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21:24
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21:24
Hey there, wedding pros! In this episode I dive deep into the secrets behind those quarter one business recaps you've seen floating around. I'm all about those numbers, and let me tell you, there's so much more to them than meets the eye. Join me as we analyze leads, consultations, and bookings in a way that actually makes sense for your business. …
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236. Consistent Lead Generation: Ads in the Wedding Industry Just Got Easier
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44:04
In this episode I chatted with Whitney Hodges and Daniela Justus, the brilliant minds behind Wedding Industry Ads and Summit speakers at this years Wedding Pro CEO Summit, June 3 - 6, 2024, at the Line Hotel, in Austin Texas. https://brandeegaar.com/summit We dove into the world of Google and Meta ads and let me tell you, the insights we uncovered …
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235. 5 Steps to Take When an Employee Quits Your Wedding Business
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29:02
Hey Wedding Industry Pros! Are you feeling overwhelmed by the emotional toll of employee resignations? Trust me, I've been there. But here's the thing: it's not the end of the world. Join me on my podcast where I walk you through a five-step process to handle resignations like a pro, whether they're friendly or not. Let's ditch the overwhelm and bu…
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234. Mastering Conflict Resolution in the Wedding Industry w/ Jen Trotter
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48:46
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jen Trotter, a bridal beauty expert and conflict resolver, to explore the complexities of dealing with drama, conflict, and chaos in the wedding industry, emphasizing the significance of effective conflict management. Jen and I share practical tips and insights on enhancing communication skills, managing team…
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233. You're Running a Business. Treat it Like One.
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Today we dive deep into the importance of profitability for our wedding businesses. Without profit, our businesses lack purpose. It's a heart-to-heart conversation aimed at helping you navigate the challenges of balancing creative fulfillment with the financial health of your business. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://bran…
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232. Should You List Pricing on Your Website?
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23:42
In this episode i'm diving into the BIG question: to list or not to list your pricing on your website. I've shifted from being on the fence to a firm believer in showcasing your rates. It's all about transparency and connecting with your ideal clients right from the start. This podcast is bursting with practical tips to help you strategically posit…
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231. Quick Pricing Strategy for Wedding Pros
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In today's episode, I focus on the importance of embracing the pricing question from potential clients. I emphasize the significance of understanding it as a buying question, providing insight from my Accelerator program coaching calls and a personal anecdote about designer shopping in New York. I encourage wedding professionals to view the pricing…
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230. Pricing Your Services for Success [Power Hour Coaching Call]
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Imagine transforming your business from DIY-focused messaging that attracts budget-conscious clients to a premium brand that commands top dollar. That's exactly what Felicia did, skyrocketing her sales from $400 to an astonishing $14,000 in just one month with the right strategies. This isn't about working harder; it's about working smarter. Whethe…
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229. 15 Best Marketing Ideas [that will actually make you money!]
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58:08
I'm beyond excited to dive deep into an episode that's packed with marketing gold just for you. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on my very own playbook to share 15 game-changing marketing strategies that are guaranteed to boost your revenue this year. All the resource links mentioned in this episode will be found on the Show Notes Blog, linked …
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228. The 4 Buyer Types and How to Close Them w/ Kenda Laney
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I would like to introduce you to my Business Coach for 2024, Kenda Laney. We talk about the 4 buyer types and how understanding these can boost marketing and sales outcomes. The 4 buyer types are: Driver, Analytical, Expressive, and Amiable. Each has unique characteristics and behaviors that influence their buying decisions. We tied these buyer typ…
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227. You're Using Instagram Wrong. Do This Instead.
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This episode dives into the importance of using Instagram strategically as a wedding professional to fill your lead funnel. Rather than viewing Instagram as a gallery for pretty photos that requires random posting, it should be utilized as a powerful sales tool to constructively engage with potential clients who are researching vendors. My discussi…
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226. How to Generate More Leads and Close More Weddings
1:33:25
1:33:25
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Today's episode is a little bit different because I am replaying the live workshop that I recently hosted. (February 1, 2024) We had 1200 wedding pros register for this workshop, We had so much fun on this webinar, where I share with you the concept of the "engagement boom" expected in 2024 and how we as wedding professionals can truly take advanta…
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225. Flower Power: From Farm to Flourishing Business w/ Sydney Garvey
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20:06
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20:06
Sydney Garvey's story is a testament to the power of implementing the course work inside of the Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator. She transitioned from flower farming to opening a brick-and-mortar florist shop while expanding her wedding services. The key moment that activated the growth was her realization that the business side of the wedding industry…
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224. Wedding Photographer to CEO: Cayla Cummings' Scaling Journey
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22:50
What can the Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator do for my Photo and Video Business? In this episode, I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Cayla Cummings, a phenomenal luxury wedding photographer and videographer from Texas. We dived deep into Cayla's journey of creating a thriving multiple six-figure wedding business and her scaling success. She o…
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223. From $47k to $150k+ in Just Months w/ Accelerator Student Madeline Hockley
25:13
25:13
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25:13
In this podcast episode, my guest, Canadian wedding planner, Madeline Hockley shares her journey from an overwhelmed wedding entrepreneur to a thriving wedding pro CEO. Despite her initial skepticism, Madeline testifies to the significant positive impact that the program has had on her business, expressing the major shift in mindset that was requir…
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222. Stop Getting Ghosted and Start Getting BOOKED!
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17:40
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17:40
I'm super excited to bring you this podcast episode, which is a special sneak peek into a live mastermind call from my Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator. We're tackling a big issue that's all too familiar in our industry: the dreaded client ghosting. In this episode, I take you right into the heart of our vibrant, real-time discussion, where we dissect t…
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221. What Worked, What Didn't & What I'll Be Doubling Down on in 2024
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38:02
In this reflective, in and outs episode, I take listeners behind the scenes of my 2023 business year, discussing the highs and lows and lessons learned. From the success of the Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator program to failing to meet our expected revenue targets, it was a year of both growth and challenges. Notably, the key lesson learned was to unde…
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220. Why You Aren't Hitting Your Goals (and what to do instead!)
30:09
30:09
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30:09
Brandee Gaar explores the transformative power of strategic planning and goal setting. She introduces the "Big Ass Calendar," a tool for visualizing and organizing the entire year, emphasizing the importance of seeing big-picture plans. Brandee stresses the need for SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) in three key area…
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219. The Simple Way to Maximize Your Productivity in the New Year!
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37:14
In this episode of the Wedding Pro CEO podcast, host Brandee Gaar welcomes health consultant Tanessa Shears for a lively discussion on entrepreneurial health. Brandee and Tanessa focus on simple everyday solutions such as sufficient sleep habits and morning coffee intake and the role it plays in our overall output. Tanessa, will open your eyes, as …
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218. Copywriting Strategies: Unlock Post-Wedding Profits! w/ Prerna Malik
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32:49
Brandee Gaar talks with Prerna Malik, an incredible copywriter and co-founder of Content Bistro, on how to create post-wedding campaigns to increase the lifetime value of clients. Prerna, a recognized conversion copywriter, emphasizes leveraging five potential post-wedding campaigns: Review and Referral, Upsell, Cross-Sell, Flash Sale/Seasonal Sale…
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217. Avoid these 5 Pitfalls in Wedding Industry Marketing w/ Tayler Cusick Hollman
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Marketing expert Tayler Cusick Hollman, discuss five marketing mistakes commonly made by wedding industry professionals, in the latest episode of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast with host Brandee Gaar. They uncover key challenges such as the pitfalls of mimicking others' strategies without context, making assumptions about clients without thorough rese…
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216. "How do you calculate full service planning?" and other Q&A
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Brandee Gaar, answers questions from her audience about the wedding industry. She provides insights and advice on topics such as calculating fees, grassroots vendor networking, dealing with unfavorable personalities, and building a team. Brandee shares personal experiences and tips to help wedding professionals build profitable businesses they love…
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215. Five A.I. and Automation Tools for Wedding Pros w/ Dawn Richardson
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41:20
Brandee Gaar chats with Dawn Richardson, an expert in integrating technology into the wedding industry. Dawn shares her journey from IT and software engineering to wedding photography, eventually leading to her current role in helping wedding professionals embrace technology. The focus of the discussion is on Dawn's top five recommended tools that …
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214. Unlocking Corporate Events: A Profitable Path for Wedding Pros w/ Susan Southerland
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Discover how to expand your wedding business into the lucrative world of CORPORATE EVENTS with insights from Susan Southerland, a seasoned wedding and event business entrepreneur. Learn how corporate events can stabilize your cash flow and create new revenue streams. Don't miss out on Susan's upcoming course to kickstart your corporate event planni…
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213. "I want to hire but I'm afraid!" CEO Q&A
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Brandee Gaar hosts a Q&A style session on the Wedding Pro CEO podcast. She plans to include this format in the future, addressing questions from her Wedding Pro CEO community. Let us know if this provides you valuable content. The question this week prompts discussion of the benefits and challenges of hiring an associate planner but applies to all …
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212. Surprising Instagram Strategy That Turns Followers into Paying Clients
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28:09
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28:09
In this episode, Brandee explores the world of Instagram chatbot automation and how wedding industry entrepreneurs can use it to supercharge their lead generation during engagement season. Check out ManyChat Here: https://manychat.com/creators ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/the-surprising-instagram-strate…
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211. Master Authentic Leadership w/ Ashley Ebert
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28:49
Today, we're diving deep into understanding your leadership style with the incredible Ashley Ebert. If you've ever wondered about your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, this episode is for you! Ashley introduces a four-quadrant model based on extroversion/introversion and task/people orientation, which categorizes individuals into four leadersh…
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210. Instagram vs. TikTok - What Really Matters for Wedding Pros
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14:23
In the latest episode, we're diving into the world of social media, specifically TikTok vs. Instagram. We've done the legwork and tested the waters, and Brandee is sharing her valuable insights on a single post that she shared on both Instagram and TikTok. This one post not only grabbed attention but also converted into 50 additional signups to her…
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209. 2024 Wedding Industry Predictions: What Lies Ahead
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19:45
On today's episode Brandee offers practical solutions for wedding pros to prepare for the upcoming engagement season. First, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong online presence through consistent marketing efforts. Second, she emphasizes the need for a robust sales funnel and provides her email funnel as a free resource. Lastly, s…
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208. Crafting A Spending Plan that Can Save You Thousands!
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24:56
On today's episode of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast, Embark on a journey to financial empowerment with Brandee where she walks you through the secret to creating a budget, aka a spending plan, that could save you thousands and significantly boost your wedding business revenue. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT at the end of the episode!!! ========================…
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207. 3 Red Finance Flags Every Business Owner Should Recognize w/Danielle Hendon
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Today I am chatting with CFO Danielle Hendon about important financial insights for wedding industry professionals. The episode covers three key financial red flags that entrepreneurs should be aware that you can easily identify and create a simple strategy to correct. ========================= EPISODE SHOW NOTES BLOG: https://brandeegaar.com/insta…
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206. Instagram Gold: Organic Strategies for Wedding Pros w/ Nina Addeo
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35:50
Hey there, CEOs! Welcome to another episode of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast. Today we're diving deep into Instagram strategies with Nina Addeo. These helpful strategies are specifically tailored for wedding professionals. If you're looking to elevate your Instagram game, (bio, tags, geotags, etc.) this episode is a must-listen! =====================…
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205. Closing Consultations: Aligning with Your Client's Vision
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29:01
Hey there, CEOs! Today I am talking with Clint Hufft, host of the Wedding MBA Podcast, about my presentation at this year's Wedding MBA in Las Vegas this November 2023. Clint kindly had me on the Wedding MBA Podcast and this week we are sharing that episode with you. We emphasize the value of the event, particularly the networking opportunities it …
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204. Digital Detox: How to Organize the Backend of Your Wedding Biz
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Hey there, CEOs! Dive into my conversation with Becca Mai, a business strategist and wedding planner, as she offers tangible tips to streamline your business backend. From organizing your inbox and cloud storage to the importance of SOPs, Becca breaks down strategies to make your business more efficient and profitable. Don't miss out on these actio…
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203. How to Grow Your Wedding Business 30% Faster
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30:44
Hey there, CEOs! Today, we're diving deep into the heart of what keeps us stuck in our businesses. If you've ever felt like you're in that "messy middle" or "blooming onion" phase, this episode is a must-listen. Join me as I chat with mindset and financial coach, Andrea Liebross, about breaking through barriers and redefining success. =============…
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202. Healthy Money Mindset Strategies for Wedding Business Owners w/ Erinn Bridgman
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36:50
Hey there, CEOs! Today's episode just may awaken a new attitude toward your finances! I had an absolutely game-changing chat with the brilliant Money Mastery Coach, Erinn Bridgman. We dived deep into the world of financial mindset, and let me tell you, it's not just about the numbers!! Erinn shared some golden nuggets on why the Dave Ramsey approac…
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201. The Perfect Time to Join: Exclusive Insights into the Growing Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator
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I can't wait to unveil the incredible growth and transformation opportunities within the Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator. Imagine a path to success that's not just attainable but designed just for you, the hardworking wedding industry entrepreneur! As you step into this specially tailored program, get ready to see your business transform and reveal you…
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200. The Art of Growth: Inside Casey Cannon's Unique Approach to Scaling Her Wedding Business
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In a world filled with unexpected twists, Casey Cannon's journey took an extraordinary turn. Little did she know that her path would veer from travel photography to the fully involved realm of event planning. As she stepped into the shoes of a family friend and retiring wedding planner, Casey's life transformed, revealing her true calling and passi…
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199. From Solo Hustler to Team-Driven Success: Sammy Kesner's Business Evolution
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Sammy Kesner of Jackson and June Events. Sammy's journey from a public health graduate to a thriving wedding planner is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is filled with determination, creativity, and a passion for the wedding industry that shines through every word. ===========…
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198. From Overwhelmed to CEO: The Transformation Journey of a Wedding Pro w/ Julie Rupert
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In this episode, we discuss the challenges Julie faced as her business grew rapidly. From handling 13 weddings in 2020 to a staggering 55 in 2022, Julie found herself overwhelmed and on the brink of burnout. But instead of giving up, she decided to take a leap and invest in her education by joining the Wedding Pro CEO Accelerator. =================…
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