Wedding Pros who are ready to grow - with Becca Pountney

Are wedding directories dead? With Nikita Thorne

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Show notes:

This week on the podcast I spoke to Nikita Thorne, an esteemed strategist at Guides for Brides, we delve into the necessity of understanding our target audiences as wedding businesses. Nikita addresses the misconceptions surrounding wedding directories, elucidating their ongoing relevance and the strategies to leverage them effectively in a digital age dominated by AI.

Why wedding businesses need directories more than ever

GuidesforBrides

Time stamps:

00:00 - Understanding Audience Engagement on Social Media

02:28 - The Impact of AI on the Wedding Industry

11:47 - The Evolution of AI in Marketing

20:24 - The Evolution of Social Media Marketing

26:33 - The Evolution of Wedding Marketing Strategies

34:20 - Learning from American Speakers: Insights and Perspectives

41:41 - The Importance of Networking in the Wedding Industry

44:24 - Navigating Industry Connections and Networking Opportunities

How data can move our wedding businesses forward. With Ciara Crossan

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Didn't get a Wed Pros Live ticket? Get on the waiting list!

Show notes:

This week I'm catching up with Ciara Crossan, throughout the episode, we explore the significance of utilising technology, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, to streamline operations and enhance client interactions. We addressed the necessity of data driven decision making, as understanding market trends and client preferences can significantly impact a business's success.

Ciara's Instagram

WedPro Instagram

WedPro Tiktok

Time stamps:

00:23 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies

02:03 - The Evolution of Wed Pro and the Wedding Industry

10:36 - The Importance of Authenticity in Business

23:57 - Navigating Chaos in the Wedding Industry

24:07 - The Birth of an Idea

38:44 - Understanding Wedding Trends and Marketing Strategies

46:45 - The Importance of Networking at Industry Events

48:45 - The Power of Connection and Community

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

The truth about getting visible with Renee Dalo

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Not got a ticket? Get on the Wed Pros Live waiting list!

Show notes:

This week I spoke to Renee Dalo about how vital it is for wedding professionals to embrace visibility, especially in an evolving digital landscape dominated by social media platforms. We also discussed habits that business owners can adopt for the most success.

Renee's website

Renee's Instagram

Renee's Tiktok

Time stamps:

00:09 - Introduction to Wedding Business Growth

04:48 - Shifts in the Wedding Industry

11:00 - Visibility and Authenticity in Business

17:01 - The Impact of Visibility on Social Media Engagement

23:50 - The Importance of Content Creation Structure

29:07 - Embracing the 1% Better Mindset

31:02 - The Importance of Morning Routines and Microhabits

38:02 - Building Community at Conferences

41:39 - The Importance of Energy and Connection at Events

48:05 - Embracing Authenticity in Business

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

Is traditional press still relevant to the wedding industry? With Meghan Ely

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Final Wed Pros Live tickets!

Show notes:

Meghan Ely, from is back on the podcast to chat about how the wedding industry is shifting and what that means for your visibility in 2026. We dive into buyer behaviour, the evolving role of press, styled shoots, and why “purposeful visibility” matters more than ever. Plus, Meghan shares what makes a great speaker, why in-person events still count, and the one thing she wishes she’d learned sooner in business.

Meghan's Instagram

OFD consulting

Time stamps:

00:06 - The Importance of Understanding Your Audience

06:12 - The Impact of Celebrity Engagements on Wedding Trends

10:50 - Shifts in the Wedding Industry

19:10 - The Evolution of Wedding Industry Marketing

23:51 - The Importance of Purposeful Visibility

34:20 - The Importance of Great Speakers at Conferences

40:51 - Finding Balance in Professional Commitments

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

Does the legal stuff really matter? With Leah Weinberg

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Last Wed Pros Live tickets!

Show notes:

This week I'm chatting to Leah Weinberg, an accomplished lawyer and wedding planner. Leah delved into the necessity of having well-drafted contracts that can safeguard wedding businesses against unforeseen complications. We discussed the importance of understanding intricacies of legal documents. We explore actionable strategies to ensure that wedding professionals are not only compliant with legal obligations but are also equipped to navigate the complexities of client relationships.

Leah's Instagram

Leah's law firm's Instagram

Weingberg legal website

Time stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Wedding Business Essentials

02:26 - The Evolution of a Wedding Lawyer

13:59 - Understanding Legal Protections for Small Businesses

21:12 - Understanding Client Disputes and Effective Contract Management

28:23 - Understanding the Relevance of Legal Expertise for Wedding Professionals

36:41 - The Importance of In-Person Networking

38:20 - The Comparison Trap in Business

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

How do we stay relevant to a tech generation with Anshika Arora

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Last few Wed Pros Live tickets!

Show notes:

This week I spoke to Anshika Arora, a wedding industry expert and founder of a CRM platform, about why wedding professionals need to rethink how they show up for Gen Z couples, who now make up over 50% of the wedding market. We talked about how technology is transforming the wedding planning experience, from the need for more interactive and authentic communication on websites and social media to being upfront about pricing.

Anshika's Instagram

Anshika's LinkedIn

Time Stamps:

02:00 - Transitioning into the Wedding Business Landscape

03:26 - Understanding Gen Z in the Wedding Industry

25:00 - Launching a New Conference: Becca's Journey

39:54 - The Power of Networking in Business

42:54 - Exploring Networking and Technology in Weddings

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

How to get your wedding business to show up boldly on Instagram. With Elizabeth Marberry

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Last Wed Pros Live tickets!

Show notes:

This week I'm chatting to Elizabeth Marberry. We discussed the critical role of social media in modern business, particularly focusing on Instagram marketing strategies that are essential for wedding professionals. Elizabeth shared her journey of growing her brand through use of social media, transitioning from traditional marketing methods and using platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Elizabeth's Instagram

Simple & Proven Ways to *Finally* Make Money on Instagram

Elizabeth's podcast

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Building Connections Through Storytelling

03:42 - Starting the Journey into the Wedding Industry

20:27 - The Power of Storytelling in Social Media Marketing

29:21 - Transitioning Through Life's Seasons

44:43 - Exploring New Places: Elizabeth's First Trip to Ireland and London

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

Can you run your own paid ads? With Mark Chapman

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Show notes:

This week I spoke to Mark Chapman, President of the I Do Society and the wedding industry's leading expert in Google Meta and TikTok ads. We discussed the significance of paid advertising strategies in 2026, emphasising the evolving landscape of social media and the pivotal role of short-form video content.

Find out more about the DIY Ads courses use code BECCA for a discount

Get your tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Time stamps:

00:11 - The Impact of Live Events on Personal Growth

04:17 - Navigating the New Era of Wedding Business Marketing

10:03 - The Evolution of Wedding Advertising Strategies

22:53 - Deciding Where to Allocate Advertising Resources

26:09 - The Shift in Advertising Strategies

39:27 - The Impact of AI on Advertising

40:51 - Transitioning to In-Person Events

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

Becoming the CEO of your wedding business with Mycah Bain

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

This week I'm chatting to wedding photographer Mycah Bain. We discussed her philosophy that success in the wedding industry is not solely defined by financial metrics but rather by the joy and fulfilment derived from her work. She reflects on her early career, the challenges of burnout, and the pivotal decisions that led her to establish a balanced approach to business.

Visit Mycahs website

Follow Mycah on Instagram

Get your tickets for Wed Pros Live

Time stamps:

00:14 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies

00:29 - Embarking on the Journey of Wedding Photography

11:48 - Embracing Change: The Journey to Self-Care and Business Growth

17:33 - Transitioning to a Team-Based Business Model

31:24 - Understanding Money Mindset

37:52 - Embracing Change: The Role of AI in Business

40:26 - Defining Your Dream Life

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

The Future of Wedding Venues with Daisy Bradley

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Show notes:

This week I'm speaking to Daisy Bradley about the evolution of the wedding industry, focusing on the operational challenges and marketing strategies that define success for venues like Post Barn. Daisy recounts her personal journey through the hospitality sector, and now the wedding industry. Daisy highlights the significance of fostering a strong team culture that prioritises client relationships, ensuring that every couple feels a personal connection to the venue and its staff.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Building Connections in Wedding Business

01:24 - The Journey to the Post Barn

11:33 - Embracing Change in the Wedding Industry

24:01 - Building Relationships with Suppliers

36:41 - The Changing Landscape of Wedding Planning

44:43 - Navigating Wedding Planning: The Evolving Landscape

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

Are you and your wedding business aligned? With Lina Orsino-Allen

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Are you and your wedding business aligned? Today I'm catching up with Lina Orsino-Allen, half of Lina and Tom Photography. Lina's ethos is to see you grow a soul led business that can thrive without burnout. I've known Lina as part of the wedding industry for nearly 10 years, so it's an absolute pleasure to have her on the podcast today.

Lina will also be part of my real wed pro panel at Wed Pros Live London - we hope to see you there!

Follow Lina on Instagram

Visit Lina and Toms website

Lina Della Luna website

Book your ticket for Wed Pros Live.

Chapters:

00:00 - Rediscovering the Joy in Wedding Businesses
09:39 - The Journey into Wedding Photography
10:40 - Building Confidence in Your Photography Business
24:52 - Navigating Desperation in the Wedding Industry
34:12 - The Shifting Landscape of Client Relationships
44:33 - Navigating Business Burnout and New Beginnings
53:10 - Embracing Intuition in Business

Mentioned in this episode:

Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Growing your wedding business in 2026

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Planning on growing as a wedding business in 2026? Entering the new year today I want to reflect upon 2025 and set new goals for the year ahead. The wedding industry has a lot in store for us in 2026, lets prepare together and get ready for a successful year!

Time Stamps:

00:11 - Reflecting on 2025 and Embracing 2026
07:29 - Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026
18:08 - Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026
26:08 - Setting Intentions for 2026
33:35 - Setting Audacious Goals for 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Merry Christmas 2025

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas - thanks for all your support this year!

Chapters:

00:00 - Christmas Reflections
01:07 - Christmas Day Traditions
01:28 - Board Games: A Family Tradition
02:37 - Christmas Traditions and Celebrations
03:11 - The Essence of Christmas: Family and Connection
03:42 - Embracing the Holiday Spirit

Why getting your time back matters - With Colleen Carswell

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Do you feel like you never have enough time to get everything done in your business? Do you truly know what you use your time doing right now? Today I'm chatting with Colleen Carswell, CEO of Structured to Scale about how to audit your time, and become more effective in your wedding business.

Download the time audit

Follow Colleen on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:03 - The Importance of Time in Business

03:00 - The Journey of a Wedding Planner

16:08 - Understanding Time Audits for Business Efficiency

22:51 - The Importance of Time Management and Delegation

32:31 - Breaking the Productivity Mindset

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

Navigating the 'experience era' with Julie Comfort

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

We are living in an 'experience era' where events need to go deeper than just logistics and design. Today I'm chatting with Experience Designer - Julie Comfort about her work in this field.

As founder of The Experiential Wedding - she works alongside couples and planners to design the experience for their event, ensuring the event is remembered long after it has finished.

Find out more: https://www.theexperientialwedding.com/

The retreat: https://www.theexperientialwedding.com/workshops

Time Stamps:

00:00 - The Importance of Experience Design in Wedding Planning

06:15 - Exploring the Journey to Experience Design

10:48 - Creating Meaningful Experiences at Weddings

21:20 - Creating Memorable Wedding Experiences

28:23 - The Importance of Experience Design in Weddings

35:51 - Introduction to Experience Design in Weddings

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

Lessons learnt in Las Vegas in 2025

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

It's that time of the year where I recap everything I learnt this year during my trip to Las Vegas (and San Francisco). Wedding MBA is one of my favourite times of the year, you can't help but be inspired when speaking at the worlds biggest wedding industry conference. I share all the lessons learnt on my travels and you will hear from some of the speakers and sponsors of my new event Wed Pros Live about why they think Wedding Industry Conferences are ALWAYS worth attending.

Attend Wedding MBA 2026 (Use code Becca at checkout)

Attend Wed Pros Live in Ireland or London in 2026

Time Stamps:

00:14 - Recap of Lessons from Vegas

02:24 - Lessons from Vegas: The Importance of Premium Service

15:54 - Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Importance of Community

25:18 - The Importance of Content Creation

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live London has sold out!

Want to join the Ireland event or join the wait list for Wed Pros Live 2027? Head to the link below.

Wed Pros Live 2026

Scaling your wedding business to new heights with Samantha Gilchrist

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to start scaling your wedding business to new heights? Today I am chatting with the founder and CEO of the Gilchrist collection -Samantha Gilchrist. It's one of the most inspiring conversations I have ever had as she shares her journey from wedding photographer to owner of 12 wedding venues in the UK and USA.

Find out more about the Gilchrist Collection

Follow Samantha on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Evaluating Team Performance in Small Businesses

01:01 - The Journey to Wedding Photography

12:04 - Transitioning from Photography to Venue Ownership

29:15 - Transitioning to Multiple Venues

36:03 - Expanding Horizons: Entering the American Wedding Market

Mentioned in this episode:

Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

How to maximize ROI at a wedding show.

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Sonia Bhayani - sales and partnership director at the National Wedding Show. We discuss why wedding shows still have a place in 2025 and beyond and how the National Wedding Show is staying current. We talk about how to approach wedding shows and the best ways to ensure you get the return on investment when you exhibit.

Find out more about the National Wedding Show

Download my Wedding Show Checklist

Time Stamps:

00:25 - Introduction to Wedding Business Marketing

05:02 - Discovering the Wedding Show Experience

07:02 - The Importance of Wedding Shows

13:21 - Understanding Demographics in Wedding Shows

24:58 - Mistakes to Avoid at Wedding Shows

31:51 - Preparing for a Successful Show: Stand Design and Strategy

34:05 - Opportunities for Engagement at Wedding Shows

43:47 - Understanding Exhibitor Support and Costs

47:50 - Keeping the Show Fresh: Innovations for Future Events

Mentioned in this episode:

Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Transforming Wedding Venues from the top down - with Richard Kidner

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This week I am chatting all things venues, from a different perspective. I'm interviewing General Manager of Mulberry House Richard Kidner about running a team and keeping the venue current and attractive to couples. Culture starts from the top - and it's clear that at Mulberry the team want to succeed. We also discover the role technology and automation has played in the Mulberry house sales process, and the time the team have got back as a result.

Time stamps:

00:02 - Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Autonomy

04:12 - The Role of a General Manager in Hospitality

14:03 - The Importance of Team Culture in Hospitality

19:27 - Marketing Review and Business Growth

27:53 - The Impact of Automation on Customer Experience

Mentioned in this episode:

Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

What will the marriage law reform mean for you? With Russell Sandberg

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Here in the UK there are potential big changes on the horizon when it comes to how you can get legally married. There is a lot of conflicting information out there so I wanted to try and get to the heart of what all this means for you. I spoke with Professor of Law at Cardiff University Russell Sandberg to try and get a clearer understanding about the possible changes in the law and what it could mean to our industry.

Follow Russell on Instagram for updates

Read Russell's book

Read the Law Commission information

Time Stamps:

00:16 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies

08:07 - Understanding Marriage Law Reform

18:26 - The Debate on Celebrant Types in Marriage

22:51 - The Role of Celebrants in Wedding Law Reform

Mentioned in this episode:

Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Why new connections matter - with Dave Startin

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Dave - founder of Love me Do Wedding Films and co-founder of the Happily Ever After Christmas party for Wedding Pros. I wanted to find out more about Dave, his industry growth and why he decided to get the industry together to celebrate at Christmas!

Get your tickets for the party using code PODCAST for a discount

Love Me Do Wedding Films

Follow Happily Every After Party on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:13 - Introduction to Wedding Business Growth

06:27 - Transition to Wedding Filmmaking

10:45 - Mistakes and Lessons Learned in Videography

18:47 - Transitioning to New Opportunities in Wedding Videography

22:07 - The Importance of Networking in the Wedding Industry

28:58 - Planning the Happily Ever After Party

Mentioned in this episode:

Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

What's working for Wed Pros on TikTok right now?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to embrace the world of TikTok? Today I am chatting with my very own content creator Simona about what's working right now in the world of TikTok and Instagram Reels. She shares what she's done with my account to increase my visibility and how she's helping Wedding Pros and Venues grow their accounts too.

Join TikTok Pro this November

Follow Simona on Instagram and TikTok

Follow me on Instagram and TikTok

Time Stamps

00:09 - Introduction to Wedding Business Marketing
02:59 - Transitioning to Content Creation
11:00 - The Evolution of TikTok Strategies
15:59 - Transitioning to TikTok: Challenges and Solutions
19:34 - The Opportunity of TikTok for Wedding Businesses
25:42 - Navigating the Challenges of TikTok Engagement
34:21 - Success Stories on TikTok Pro

Mentioned in this episode:

Last few tickets for Wed Pros Live!

Want to join me for Wed Pros Live in London or Ireland this March? There are only a few tickets remaining. Kilkenny: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Does the wedding industry need regulation? With Alison Hargreaves

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Founder of Guides for Brides and Beyond Weddings Alison Hargreaves. Having spent over 30 years in the wedding industry she started to think about how she could give back. Our industry is vastly under regulated and Alison could see the need for businesses to show couples they could be trusted. This week she officially hosted the launch of the UK Wedding Association, a not for profit organisation designed to bring the industry together. Today I am diving deep into what the association is all about and why I think you should get involved.

Join the UK Wedding Association here.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Business

06:34 - The Evolution of the Wedding Industry

11:44 - The Importance of Trust in the Wedding Industry

14:55 - Building a Collaborative Industry Standard

26:22 - Joining the Association: A Step-by-Step Guide

34:13 - Understanding Membership Fees and Industry Support

42:05 - The Role of Associations in the Business Community

Embracing TikTok as a wedding pro - with Ruth Melton

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Ruth Melton, The Wedding and Event Director of Elms Barn. We chat about her experience of working with us over the summer as she took our TikTok Pro course and how it's impacted her venue for the better. We also discuss shifts she is seeing in the wedding industry and how you can make it on to her recommended suppliers list!

Want to join the next round of TikTok Pro this November? The sign up is now open:

Find out more about TikTok Pro

Find Elms Barn on TikTok or Instagram

Visit their website

Timestamps:

00:00 - Facing the Uncertainty of July

04:09 - The Journey to Wedding Management

09:48 - Shifts in the Wedding Industry

19:15 - Transitioning to TikTok Strategies

25:28 - Understanding TikTok: Lessons from the Training

32:33 - Transitioning Content Strategies

43:51 - Navigating the TikTok Experience: Insights and Surprises

55:33 - Maintaining TikTok Presence Without Burnout

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live 2026

Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Bonus - We won - here's our award winning entry!

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

We did it - officially the best wedding industry podcast - in fact the best business podcast! We won Gold in the business category of the 2025 British Podcast awards.

To celebrate here's my reflections on the evening and a chance for you to listen to our award winning entry!

With thanks to Ciara Crossan, Ian Ramirez, Anshika Arora and Michelle Miles who all featured in our entry.

Time Stamps

00:01 - Reflections on our win
01:42 - Celebrating Success and Future Directions
06:13 - The Importance of Imagery in Multicultural Marketing
13:55 - The Importance of Price Transparency in Sustainable Marketing

10 things to do when wedding enquiries are low

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

2025 has been a difficult year for many wedding business owners and venues - but how do you respond when enquiries are not at the level you are expecting? Today I am bringing you 10 suggested actions you can take when you find yourself in this situation.

Time stamps:

00:27 - 10 Tips for Improving Inquiry Levels in Your Wedding Business

05:15 - Proactive Strategies for Wedding Business Success

09:45 - Reigniting Cold Leads

17:23 - Proactive Business Strategies During Quiet Times

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live 2026

Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Becoming a Long Haul Leader with Chris Ducker

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Burn out in the wedding industry is real - but it shouldn't be a badge of honour. We see people come and go in this industry, but you shouldn't be at the point of breaking before you take a break.

Today on the podcast I am joined by one of my own personal business mentors - Chris Ducker. He shares his own journey of building a business that led to burn out - and what it has taught him about lasting the long haul. This message is for all of us - are you putting in the steps you need to become a Long Haul Leader.

Buy Chris' book on Amazon today

Follow Chris on Instagram

Follow Becca on Instagram

*Don't forget to tag us in a post or story before the end of September for the chance to win a copy of Chris' book!*

Time Stamps:

00:00 - The Importance of Taking Breaks

00:18 - Understanding Burnout: A Personal Journey

12:13 - The Importance of Hobbies in Recovery

14:28 - The Importance of Hobbies and Work-Life Balance

20:47 - Realigning Business and Life for Long-Term Success

25:52 - The Importance of Focus and Avoiding Distractions

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live 2026

Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Turning magic into a business with Revilo Twist Magic

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with magician Oli Couchman, the man behind Revilo Twist Magic. We talk about how magic came into his life, how you enter the magic circle, and how he quit his job to work full time doing what he loves. Oli shares tips on networking, what's working for him right now and why you need to be proactive in your sales strategy.

Find Oli on Instagram

Visit the Revilo Twist Website

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time stamps:

00:08 - Networking Strategies for Wedding Professionals

02:08 - The Journey into Magic

08:39 - Taking the Leap: Transitioning to Full-Time Magic

12:30 - The Evolution of a Wedding Entertainer

22:55 - Networking and Client Engagement Strategies

29:13 - Navigating Challenges in the Wedding Industry

31:17 - Navigating Vulnerability in Business

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live 2026

Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Are Wedding Shows Dead? With Just For Your Occasion

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with two of my clients - Tara and Adam, founders of Just For Your Occasion. Since starting their business 3 years ago, they have gone from 0 wedding per year to over 150 - what is the secret to their success? Wedding Shows! Hear their story from getting started, to realising the constant need for change. It's an honest, candid conversation from business owners who are right in the middle of their growth journey.

Join the Wed Pros Members Lounge

Just for Your Occasion Website

Find them on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies

04:52 - Transitioning from Nursing to the Wedding Industry

07:11 - Starting a Business: The Journey Begins

20:53 - Navigating Wedding Fairs: Strategies and Insights

28:29 - The Transition to Full-Time Business

36:30 - The Importance of Continuous Learning in Business

41:41 - Adapting Strategies for Wedding Fairs

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Join the best kept secret club in the Wedding Industry! The Wedding Pro Members Lounge is the learning and support community you have been looking for. Monthly expert masterclasses and a full library of past training, weekly check in calls and monthly goal setting - plus the most supportive community you could ask for. As a podcast listener you can get the first month free - just use the code PODCAST at the checkout.

Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Keeping your creativity alive with Nick Rutter

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Multicultural wedding photographer Nick Rutter. With over 17 years in the wedding industry, Nick is known for his natural, creative and colourful photography. We talk about his journey so far, the lessons he's learnt along the way and how he challenges himself to keep his creativity alive.

Follow Nick on Instagram

Visit Nicks website

Time Stamps:

00:30 - Starting a Journey in Multicultural Weddings

00:38 - The Journey of a Wedding Photographer

15:51 - The Journey of Learning and Growth in Photography

19:30 - Breaking into Multicultural Wedding Photography

26:43 - Exploring New Perspectives in Photography

38:07 - Shifting Trends in Wedding Photography

45:37 - The Impact of Social Media on Photography Business

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live 2026

Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live now and join me for a day you won't forget! Ireland: Monday 23rd March 2026 London: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Wed Pros Live

Part 4 - Is your customer service up to scratch?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

You've made the sale, but that's just the start of the journey! How can you offer exceptional customer service so that your customers rave about you to their friends? Today is the final part of our 4 part summer series where we talk about how to excel when it comes to boundaries and customer service.

Time Stamps:

00:04 - The Next Steps After the Sale

01:35 - Setting Boundaries and Expectations in Customer Service

12:00 - Surprise and Delight in Customer Service

16:06 - Dealing with Difficult Customer Situations

22:32 - Effective Customer Service Strategies

Part 3 - Making the sale!

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The enquiry lands in your inbox.... now the question is, can you turn it into a sale? Today I am going to be sharing best practices and top tips to help your conversion rate increase. Limit ghosting and time wasters and start getting higher quality sales in your wedding business.

Want us to help build your CRM? See the Wedding Pro Agency info here.

Try out BriteBiz for your business

Time Stamps:

00:04 - Understanding the Customer Journey

03:58 - The Customer Journey: Response Time and Automation

14:34 - Automating Customer Interactions and Follow-Ups

23:05 - Next Steps in the Sales Call Process

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro Agency

Need help and support this summer? Let us take some of the marketing tasks off your hands so you can remain consistent all summer long. From blog post writing to content creation, email marketing to website updates and even building out your CRM system, we can help. Get in touch to find out more.

Wedding Pro Agency

Part 2 - Getting the enquiries!

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This August on the podcast I am walking you through a step by step analysis of the customer journey. Today in part two we talk about getting the enquiries. People may know you exist, but are you doing enough to turn those viewers into enquirers!

Time Stamps:

00:07 - Understanding Client Engagement in Wedding Businesses

01:04 - Understanding the Inquiry Stage of the Customer Journey

04:42 - Marketing Strategies for Wedding Professionals

08:09 - Understanding the Importance of Testimonials in Business

11:10 - Understanding the Customer Journey

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live in London

Join the wedding education event of the year as I bring Wed Pros Live to London. Join us on Wednesday 25th March 2026 at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London for a full day of high energy, high level wedding education. Get your tickets now!

Wed Pros Live 2026

Your wedding business customer journey part 1 - discovery

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This August I am recording a special mini series here on the podcast all about the customer journey funnel. This is what I do with my one to one clients, so I am going to give you an insight into that process so you can work on it too.

This week we are talking about the discovery part of the funnel - this is the point where potential couples come across your business. Are you standing out from the crowd?

Book a discovery call to talk about working 1-1

Find out more about the members lounge

Time stamps

00:05 - Introduction to Customer Journey in Wedding Business

00:47 - Introduction to the Customer Journey

04:57 - Exploring Marketing Strategies

07:42 - Understanding Marketing Channels for Weddings

11:18 - Identifying Client Sources and Patterns

Learning to say no in your wedding business with Michelle Jacobs

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Destination Wedding planner Michelle Jacobs owner of Elegante by Michelle J. She discusses her wedding industry journey so far and shares her learnings including learning to say no in your wedding business.

Follow Michelle on Instagram

Visit her website

Time Stamps:

00:17 - Starting Your Wedding Business Journey

01:43 - Michelle's Journey into Wedding Planning

10:50 - Beginning the Journey: From Catering to Wedding Planning

19:20 - The Reality of Wedding Planning

32:03 - The Importance of Networking in Wedding Planning

39:54 - Embracing Technology in Wedding Planning

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live in London

Wed Pros Live 2026

Taking a leap of faith to launch a conference with Becca Pountney

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

I did it - I took a leap of faith and launched a wedding industry conference called 'Wed Pros Live'. Next year my brand new wedding conference will be arriving in London - but how did it come about? What makes it different and what happens behind the scenes to make it happen? I share all in today's episode!

Get your tickets to Wed Pros Live!

Time Stamps:

00:37 - Introducing Wed Pros Live 2026

06:53 - Announcing Wed Pros Live: A New Wedding Conference in the UK

09:08 - Creating an Inclusive Event Experience

17:58 - Introducing the Speaker Lineup

24:30 - Ticket Pricing and Sponsorship

Wedding Business Strategies Inspired by Disney with Ashley Ebert

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Ashley Ebert, owner of the Abundance Group about all things Disney! When we discovered our shared love of the happiest place on earth, I knew I had to get her on the podcast to discuss all things Disney - and what we can learn in our wedding businesses. We discuss innovation, customer service, suprise and delight and attention to detail.

Whether you are a Disney lover like us or not, there is something to learn from today's episode!

Visit the Abundance Group website

Follow Ashley on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:01 - Embracing Competition and Innovation

10:59 - The Magic of Disney: Lessons for Business Owners

17:50 - Creating Magic: Lessons from Disney for the Wedding Industry

35:31 - The Magic of Generosity and Pixie Dust

Booked and Busy - How to increase your conversion rate with Simon Clarke

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest stumbling blocks for Wedding Business owners is conversion rate. If you get the enquiry but can't make the sale, something is going wrong. Today I am chatting with founder of Hampshire Event DJS about how he has ensured his conversion rate is one of the best in the industry. We talk about his radio background, his rise from DJ to one of the most trusted DJ teams in Hampshire and his new adventure into the world of tech.

Visit Simons website

Check out the DJ Teams tech / music selection tool

Follow Hampshire Event DJS on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:14 - Transitioning to Wedding Marketing Strategies

00:28 - The Journey from Radio to DJing: Lessons Learned

09:05 - Building a Resilient Business Model in the DJ Industry

19:36 - Building a Strong Team of DJs

22:15 - Understanding Marketing Strategies for DJs

32:56 - Understanding Conversion Rates

39:20 - Understanding the Psychology of Music Choices for Events

44:22 - Setting Expectations for a Successful Wedding DJ Experience

46:32 - Understanding the DJ's Perspective

How to smash the income ceiling by building a team - with Boujee music

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

When you work alone, it doesn't take long to be fully booked - there are only so many weddings one person can attend in a year - so how do you continue to grow? Today I chat with Tim and Lizzie, the husband and wife team behind Boujee music. We discuss the growth of the business, what it's really like working with a romantic partner, and how they keep the boundaries between work and pleasure.

Follow Boujee Music on Instagram and TikTok

Visit the website

Book tickets to Wed Pros Live 2026

Time Stamps:

00:03 - The Impact of Live Music

06:24 - Beginning the Journey of Bougie Music

07:20 - Transitioning from Duo to Agency

16:10 - Navigating Challenges: The Impact of COVID on Business and Family Life

28:52 - Working Together: Strengths and Trust in Business Partnership

31:14 - Navigating Personal and Professional Boundaries

How to prevent wedding business burnout with Becky Harley

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Wedding Photographer turned Zentangler - Becky Harley. Having hit burn out herself, Becky wanted to evaluate her time and work out how to look after herself amidst the chaos of life. Today we talk about Burnout, Balance and Business.

Visit the Ivy's Corner Website and take a free Zentangle lesson

Click here to see how my own tangle turned out after taking Becky's free lesson.

Follow Ivy's corner on Instagram and Youtube

Time Stamps:

00:10 - Managing Pressure Points in Wedding Planning

00:45 - Introduction to Burnout and Balance in Business

12:55 - Recognizing Burnout: Personal Experiences and Signs

17:43 - Finding Space for Self-Care and Mindfulness

34:09 - The Influence of Zentangling

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live in London

Wed Pros Live 2026

Live from The Royal Horseguards hotel - a wedding business panel

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am sharing the recording from a live panel discussion that took place a few weeks back at The Royal Horseguards Hotel. Alison Hargreaves interviewed myself and Elizabeth Solaru about the state of the industry, writing a book and our thoughts on luxury. I also announced my brand new event for 2026 - Wed Pros Live.

Get a ticket for Wed Pros Live

Buy my book 'Done is Better than Perfect'

Buy Elizabeths book 'The LUXPreneur'

Find out more about the Royal Horseguards Hotel

Follow Alison from Guides for Brides on Linked in

Find Elizabeth on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:01 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies

02:51 - Introduction to the Panel Discussion

13:05 - Authenticity in Business Values

15:41 - Navigating Luxury in the Digital Age

26:38 - Navigating Luxury and Mid-Premium Markets

29:27 - Exploring Luxury and Experience

35:17 - Facing the Uncomfortable Truths of Business Ownership

43:07 - Understanding Market Trends in Business

48:39 - Taking Your Business Seriously

Your pricing questions answered!

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am talking all about pricing! How much should you charge? Should you discount? How do you raise your pricing? How should you show your pricing on your wedding business website? In today's episode I am giving you my thoughts on it all!

Want to talk about your pricing questions?

Book a one to one

Join the members lounge

Book for Wed Pros Live 2026

Time stamps were unavailable for this episode

Mentioned in this episode:

Wed Pros Live in London

Wed Pros Live 2026

Should my wedding business use paid ads? With Mark Chapman

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Should my wedding business use paid ads? This is a question I get asked a lot! Whether you are considering Google Ads or boosting some social media posts - this episode is for you. Today I am chatting with the President of 'The I Do Society' Mark Chapman to get all the info you need before dropping a big budget on paid ads.

Find out more: https://theidosociety.com/

Follow Mark on Instagram

Join the Summer of Tiktok:

Training programme

FREE 30 day content calendar

Wedding Pro Agency help

Time Stamps:

00:10 - Introduction to Wedding Business Marketing

05:30 - The Evolution of Wedding Advertising

07:57 - Navigating Advertising Strategies in Uncertain Economic Times

18:33 - Understanding the Value of Advertising Spend

22:33 - Understanding Client Needs in Advertising

30:23 - Understanding TikTok as an Entertainment Platform

35:40 - The Rise of ChatGPT in Marketing

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer of Tik Tok!

Join the Summer of TikTok from training to the agency - there is something for you.

TikTok Pro

Do you need TikTok for your wedding business?

Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am talking to you all about TikTok and Reels and why it's time for you to be paying attention to them. This summer is the perfect time for you to capture that all important content - so what's holding you back? In this episode I break down my own TikTok journey over the last two months and what I have learnt so far. Ready to dive in to your own summer of TikTok? The links you need are below:

Get your FREE 30 day content plan

Join the Summer of TikTok Pro

Want us to capture content for you? Email support@beccapountney.com

Follow me on Tiktok and Instagram

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge.

Time Stamps:

00:02 - Understanding TikTok for Wedding Businesses

01:40 - Embracing TikTok: The New Frontier for Wedding Businesses

13:23 - Understanding Audience Differences in Social Media

15:43 - Transitioning Strategies for Social Media Success

22:10 - Batching Content for Efficiency

29:43 - Introducing the Summer of TikTok

Live at the 30th anniversary of Guides for Brides

Thu, 22 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Last week I was invited to a special sustainable party at the Bodleian Library in Oxford to celebrate 30 years of Guides for Brides.

I interviewed some of the event suppliers and guests to find out about how they made the event fully sustainable and how we can all learn from that. I also got the exclusive on a brand new wedding industry initiative - 'The UK Wedding Association'.

This special episode was also filmed and you can watch it in full over on youtube.

Click to watch the video.

Discover more about The UK Wedding Association

Thanks to all of the guests on today's episode:

Alison Hargreaves - Guides for Brides

Michelle Miles - The Sustainable Wedding Alliance

Melissa Bennett - Oxford Fine Dining

Claudia Fox - Green Fox Bakery

Perry Bushell - The Bodleian Library

Libby Clark - Libby Clark Photography

Ashleigh Beechers - Magical Memories Photobooths

Tim Sentance - Boujee Music

Oliver Couchman - Revilo Twist

Nikita Thorne - Guides for Brides

Huge thanks to James Walton for the tech support - That Event Company

Time Stamps:

01:57 - Sustainability in the Wedding Industry

09:48 - Sustainability in Wedding Planning

17:40 - Sustainability in Wedding Venues

22:20 - Sustainable Practices in the Event Industry

Copywriting strategies for wedding pros with Jennie Hawkins

Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what makes good copy? How do you use words to sell your wedding business and stand out from the crowd? Today I am chatting with wedding industry copywriter Jennie Hawkins who is going to be sharing her top tips with you.

Visit Jennies website

Find Jennie on Instagram

Get the FREE SEO blogging checklist

Time Stamps

00:02 - Understanding What Makes You Different

07:01 - From Horses to Tesla: A Journey in Marketing

11:10 - Transitioning into the Wedding Industry

22:08 - Understanding Copywriting and SEO Strategies

30:10 - Highlighting Your Unique Selling Proposition

Mentioned in this episode:

Summer of Tik Tok!

Join the Summer of TikTok from training to the agency - there is something for you.

TikTok Pro

Why you should never stop learning with Vikki Richman

Thu, 08 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with wedding planner Vikki Richman about why you should never stop learning in your wedding business. She talks about her journey into the industry and the many things she has learnt along the way.

Follow Vikki on Instagram or Facebook

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Embracing Continuous Learning

03:56 - The Journey to Becoming a Wedding Planner

12:09 - The Importance of Communication in Planning

17:11 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning in Business

28:13 - The Importance of Community in Wedding Planning

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

How to take 3 weeks out of your wedding business

Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Last week I got back from the USA having taken a full three weeks out of the business. No access to emails, no social media and time to be completely present with my family. This is the most time I have had off since 2016 and wow was it needed. I know it feels scary to walk away, but today I share how I made it happen.

Need support? Join the Wedding Pros Members lounge

Time Stamps

00:12 - Taking a Break: My Three-Week Holiday Experience

02:21 - Preparing for a Holiday: The Importance of Planning Ahead

09:42 - Preparing for a Digital Detox: Strategies for Boundaries

12:24 - Lessons Learned from Taking a Break

18:01 - The Importance of Being Present

Why making calls isn't scary - with Anthony Stears

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with the Telephone Assasin - Anthony Stears. In an age where we tend to avoid picking up the phone, Anthony shares why we don't need to be scared and how we can make an impact with a simple phone call. Don't be skeptical... just give it a listen.

The Telephone Assassin Website

Find Anthony on Linkedin

Anthony's phone number: 0800 008 7597

Buy his book

Time Stamps:

00:15 - Establishing Credibility in Communication

01:51 - The Rise of the Telephone Assassin

24:10 - The Art of Phone Conversations in Sales

41:12 - The Evolution of Sales Conversations

How safe is your wedding business? With Liz Sexton

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting to founder of Stress Free Hire and the Venue Styling Academy Liz Sexton. She takes us back over her 30 year career in the wedding industry and talks about some of the less glamorous sides of the business that we should all be paying more attention to.

Find Liz on Instagram and drop her a DM to get a copy of her free resources

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Setting the Stage for a Perfect Wedding

06:59 - Navigating Change in the Wedding Industry

17:33 - The Evolution of Wedding Planning

21:44 - The Importance of Community Support in Business

26:31 - Transitioning to Venue Styling Education

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

The Wedding Industry Report 2025 - with Ciara Crossan

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Ciara Crossan, Founder of Wedding Pro and Wedding Dates. Each year they release an excellent wedding industry report that I LOVE. In today's episode we dive deep into the stats to see what you should be paying attention to in 2025.

Download the 2025 UK wedding pro by wedding dates report

Download the 2025 Ireland wedding pro by wedding dates report

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time Stamps:

00:05 - The Importance of Virtual Tours in Wedding Planning

00:37 - Introduction to the 2025 Wedding Industry Report

11:08 - The Rise of Gen Z and Marketing Strategies

21:38 - The Impact of AI on Wedding Planning

33:23 - The Rise of Ghosting in Wedding Planning

37:37 - Understanding Ghosting in the Wedding Industry

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Mistakes Wedding Venues are Making - Shannon Tarrant

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Want to know the mistakes wedding venues are making? Shannon Tarrant is here to help. With 20 years experience in the wedding industry and running her businesses The Venue Help desk and Wedding Venue Map, Shannon has seen it all! We talk about mistakes venues are making, but also about how wedding pros can work better with venues, and avoid begging to be on the recommended supplier list.

Follow Shannon on Instagram

Venue Help Desk

Wedding Venue Map

Work with Becca

Time Stamps:

00:11 - Introduction to Wedding Business Marketing

09:07 - Navigating the Wedding Venue Landscape

15:51 - The Vendor-Venue Dynamic

26:27 - Engaging with Vendors: Strategies for Venues

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Wedding Business hacks to save you time!

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am talking about the time saving hacks I use in my own wedding business. As a busy mum and entrepreneur I am always looking for more efficient ways to operate, and as my word of the year is boundaries, I am finding ways to be better at separating work and life too.

In today's episode I talk about re-purposing content, setting up business Whatsapp, storing passwords and even auto filling information on your phone.

Want weekly hacks and updates from me? Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge.

Find all the ways you can work with me here

Here are the links I mention in today's episode:

Whatsapp for business

Air landline

Snap insta

Last Pass

Time Stamps:

00:12 - Time Management for Wedding Pros

02:10 - Effective Time-Saving Hacks for Your Wedding Business

11:22 - Managing WhatsApp for Business: Keeping Personal and Professional Separate

17:34 - Setting Up Text Replacement on Your iPhone

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

West End to Wedding Singer - with Rebecca Cole

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with one of my members - Rebecca Cole. Rebecca has an amazing background in the entertainment industry and has spent the last decade working as a wedding singer. We chat about navigating a career change, a young family and keeping up with the industry changes.

Find Rebecca on TikTok, Facebook or Instagram

Visit Rebecca's website

Find out about the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time Stamps:

00:10 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies

06:18 - Transitioning to Wedding Singing

08:44 - Starting a Career in Wedding Singing

20:51 - Navigating Work and Family Life

31:56 - Navigating the Wedding Industry: Community Over Competition

34:26 - Navigating the Challenges of Wedding Business

Which wedding business CRM is right for me? With Rachel Parker

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Choosing a CRM (or customer relationship management) tool for your wedding business or venue is a way to streamline your processes and save yourself time. However trying to decide which tool and price point is right for you can be a complete minefield. In today's episode I am talking to Rachel Parker who not only works as part of my team but also owns her own VA business.

At the end of last year I set Rachel a research project - to compare 3 of the most popular wedding industry CRM's systems and in today's episode we discuss her findings. We talk about the features they have, the pros and cons to each, the pricing and who they would work best for. If you have been considering a CRM or want to see if yours is the best option for you, then dive into today's episode to find out.

Find out more about how the Wedding Pro Agency can help you get set up.

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Please note all the links below are affiliate links:

Check out BriteBiz (and get 25% off your first two months)

Check out Dubsado

Check out Aisle Planner - Use code Becca

Follow Rachel on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:28 - Introduction to CRM for Wedding Businesses

04:32 - Understanding CRM: A Comprehensive Overview

08:31 - Introduction to CRM Systems for Wedding Professionals

14:15 - Pros and frustrations with Aisle Planner

20:31 - Pricing and Project Management in Aisle Planner

24:44 - Transitioning to Dubsado: A New Perspective on Project Management Tools

30:22 - Exploring Dubsado's Features and Limitations

37:20 - An Overview of Dubsado's Features and Pricing

44:21 - Integration Features of BriteBiz

50:22 - Limitations with BriteBiz

01:00:01 - Getting Started with CRM Systems

01:06:12 - Building a Community in the Wedding Industry

Is your wedding business inclusive? With Anna Langley

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Is your wedding business inclusive? What does that even mean? Today I am chatting with Anna Langley, cofounder of His Day and author of the Wedding Industry Inclusivity Toolkit.

We discuss how we can all do more to be inclusive and how to avoid tokenism in our marketing. There is something for all of us to reflect on in today's discussion as we all strive to do better in this area.

Look at Anna's Inclusivity Toolkit

Follow Anna on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Understanding Inclusivity in Business

08:52 - Understanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Wedding Industry

21:22 - Understanding Inclusivity in the Wedding Industry

24:03 - Navigating Inclusivity in Marketing

36:46 - Introduction to the Toolkit for Inclusivity

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Webinar series - Fast Track to Wedding Business Success

Join me this March for a FREE webinar series all about how to fast track your wedding business success in the new consumer culture we live in. Live webinars daily from Tues 18th - Thurs 20th March 2025 7:30pm UK I 3:30pm EST. Sign up for your FREE space and to access the recordings

Free Webinar series

The Marketing Theme Park - what's changed in 2025.

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

This year I invented a brand new term to describe the marketing landscape in 2025 - introducing The Marketing Theme Park™. We are no longer living in a consumer culture that reflects the traditional marketing funnel, so it's time to embrace a new marketing era. In today's episode I walk you through my concept and explain how you can make changes in your wedding business to reflect it.

Want to share the concept wider? Feel free but please credit me!

Want me to speak on stage at your event? Get in touch!

Time Stamps:

00:01 - The End of the Marketing Funnel

03:09 - Understanding the Marketing Theme Park

12:05 - Navigating the Attention Economy

14:25 - Navigating the Marketing Theme Park

24:50 - Navigating the Marketing Theme Park

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Webinar series - Fast Track to Wedding Business Success

Free Webinar series

How to change your venue open day with Ian Ramirez

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Wedding Venue Owner and speaker Ian Ramirez about all things venues. From how to change your venue open day model to how to build better relationships with suppliers we cover it all. I love Ian's approach to his venue and how he is breaking the mould when it comes to marketing.

Follow Ian on Instagram

Discover the Venue Help Desk

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Strategies for High Impact with Low Effort

01:29 - The Journey into the Wedding Industry

10:45 - Shifts in Wedding Trends

13:17 - Vendor Relationships in the Wedding Industry

21:35 - The Evolution of Venue Marketing

29:56 - Goodbye to the Open House

35:42 - Transforming Venue Tours: From Observers to Participants

41:24 - Starting a New Venture: The Venue Help Desk

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Webinar series - Fast Track to Wedding Business Success

Free Webinar series

Low cost marketing strategies with Craig Peterman

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Want to market your wedding business but low on cash? In today's episode I am chatting with wedding photographer Craig Peterman about the low cost marketing strategies he has used to find success.

Follow Craig on Instagram

Visit Craigs website

Time Stamps:

00:06 - Building a Referral Network

08:48 - Low Cost Marketing Strategies for Wedding Businesses

15:38 - Exploring Connections and Networking in the Wedding Industry

25:53 - Exploring Income Growth Strategies in Wedding Photography

Why brand photography is essential with Gillian Devine

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am discussing why brand photographer is essential with Gillian Devine. We discuss Gillians own journey, why she thinks brand photography matters and she shares tips to help you get the most out of your next brand shoot.

Watch the FREE 5 day marketing course

Find Gillian on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Understanding Visual Marketing

04:33 - The Evolution of a Brand Photographer

11:32 - Navigating Personal and Professional Growth

12:50 - The Journey to Spain and Beyond

28:45 - The Importance of Brand Photography

30:14 - The Importance of Brand Photography

Turning Live Painting into profit with Lucy Mcloughlin

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with The Live Event artist - Lucy Mcloughlin about how she turned her passion for live painting into profit. Lucy travels the world working with clients and brands many would dream of, all whilst juggling a busy family life. Listen to her inspiring story in today's episode.

Follow Lucy on Instagram

See her painting of me

Visit Lucy's website

Time Stamps:

00:03 - Finding Your Passion

04:32 - The Impact of Parental Support on Creative Careers

10:22 - Becoming a Live Event Artist

16:16 - Beginning the Journey: Securing the First Clients

21:42 - Overcoming Rejection in Creative Pursuits

26:30 - Reflections on Career Highlights

34:19 - Balancing Business and Family Life

41:16 - The Importance of Networking and Continuous Learning

How sustainable is your wedding business? With Michelle Miles

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In 2025 you need to pay more attention to your wedding business sustainability. Today I am chatting with Michelle Miles from the Sustainable Wedding Alliance about why couples are starting to ask questions on your sustainability and how you should be responding. There is no judgement here and Michelle shares practical ways we can all do one extra thing to move our businesses in the right direction:

Check your domain host and whether it's green now

Buy your summit ticket for 5th February 2025

Use code BP25 to get a discount

Follow the Sustainable Wedding Alliance

Time Stamps:

00:04 - Building Trust Through Transparency

06:18 - The Birth of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance

19:36 - The Growing Awareness of Sustainability in Weddings

30:48 - The Journey Towards Sustainable Choices

Selling with confidence with Maria Bayer

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Sales can be something that we shy away from in the wedding industry, but Maria is here to help us change our mindset. In today's episode she walks us through how to change our attitude, have more confidence and close that sale. If you want a business, not a hobby then sales is an essential ingredient for success.

Join Maria's sales programme

Join Maria's Challenge

Follow Maria on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:07 - Understanding Emotional Buying Decisions

05:51 - The Journey to Embracing Sales

13:51 - Understanding Sales: Shifting Perspectives

18:02 - Building Client Relationships Through Process and Value

33:26 - Establishing Boundaries in Sales

Mentioned in this episode:

Work with me in 2025

Want to work with me in 2025? Here's 3 ways we can work together: 1) One to One with an in-person marketing workshop or online strategy session 2) Work with us at the Wedding Pro Agency 3) Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge for 2025

Wedding Pro Members Lounge

It's never too late to change career with Toastmaster John

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with one of my Wedding Pro Members - Toastmaster John. John is quite the character and when I first met him I knew he was not your 'stereotypical' toastmaster. Today we talk about his varied career, the work he put into becoming a Toastmaster and how he is embracing social media - including TikTok!

Visit Johns Website

Find John on Instagram

Find John on Tiktok

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time Stamps:

00:07 - Introduction to Wedding Marketing

02:46 - The Journey to Toastmaster

18:21 - The Evolution of Toastmasters

27:02 - The Importance of Education in Wedding Business

Mentioned in this episode:

Work with me in 2025

Wedding Pro Members Lounge

2025 wedding business marketing trends!

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am sharing 2025 wedding business marketing trends. As we start 2025 I wanted to give you a round up of the marketing strategies that are hot as we enter the new year. From AI to shifts in social media marketing, I cover it all. Lets get your marketing year off to a strong start.

Buy the planathon replay

Join the Members Lounge for additional training.

Time Stamps:

00:19 - 2025 Marketing Trends in the Wedding Industry

04:22 - Embracing AI in Marketing Strategies

09:49 - The Rise of WhatsApp in Marketing

13:04 - Shifts in Social Media Marketing for 2025

20:44 - The Rise of Personalization in Marketing

Mentioned in this episode:

Work with me in 2025

Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Happy Christmas - go and have fun!

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Have a very Happy Christmas, go watch a Christmas Movie and eat far too much chocolate!

See you in the New Year!

Finding your hyper niche - with Jen Sulak from Weirdo Weddings

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am talking with Jen Sulak about how she found her hyper niche in the wedding industry with her brand 'Weirdo Weddings'. Originally known as 'Pink Light Images', Jen went through a transformational time in 2020 and realised she needed to lean further into her authentic self, and Weirdo Weddings was born.

In this episode we discuss how to 'niche' well, how to show up yourself online and why you need to find your people in the wedding industry.

Find Jen on Instagram

Time stamps:

00:08 - Building a Cohesive Brand Identity

04:22 - Overcoming Intimidation in the Wedding Industry

10:27 - The Journey into Wedding Photography

17:42 - Embracing the Weirdo Weddings Niche

25:01 - Finding Your Niche and Doing the Work

27:56 - Embracing Creativity and Niche Marketing

34:50 - Embracing Authenticity and Overcoming Fear

42:01 - Finding Your Community

Mentioned in this episode:

Work with me in 2025

Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Moving your wedding business to Spain! With Denise Whelan

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with one of my Wedding Pro Members - Denise Whelan. Denise tells the story about how she transformed her life and her career almost by accident. She now lives in Spain and works as a wedding celebrant and destination wedding planner and is loving life in the sunshine. Her story is inspiring and she has lots of learnings to share along the way.

Visit Denise's website

Find Denise on Instagram.

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Navigating Difficult Relationships

01:12 - Denise's Journey into Weddings

14:45 - Transitioning to Wedding Planning in Spain

19:20 - Embracing Opportunities in Destination Weddings

25:11 - Navigating the Highs and Lows of the Wedding Industry

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

From teaching to a wedding in Vegas - with Amanda Wheal

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with wedding celebrant Amanda Wheal fresh from her trip to Wedding MBA in Las Vegas. She shares how she went from a career as a teacher to being part of a wedding in Las Vegas. We talk about why she now embraces every new experience and the value she puts on wedding education. It's a fantastic conversation and she shares lots of learnings too!

Want to head to Wedding MBA next year in Vegas? Use code BECCA at the checkout for a great discount on your ticket:

www.weddingmba.com

Visit Amandas Website

Follow Amanda on Instagram and Facebook

Time Stamps:

00:05 - Introduction to Wedding Business Strategies

01:53 - Amanda's Journey into the Wedding Industry

09:32 - The Journey to Las Vegas: Embracing New Experiences

19:56 - Exploring the Wedding Industry

29:11 - Networking and the Power of Interviews

34:51 - Unexpected Moments on Stage

39:44 - Discovering Las Vegas: Highlights and Experiences

Mentioned in this episode:

2025 Planathon

Join my for a 3 hour session on Zoom to get you 2025 ready! This years planathon will be on Tuesday 10th December, with a replay also available.

2025 Planathon

Behind the scenes of Wedding MBA 2024!

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

It's time to go behind the scenes of Wedding MBA 2024.

It's less than 2 weeks since I returned from Las Vegas for this years Wedding MBA and I am still buzzing. This conference is like no other with the biggest and best wedding educators teaching and sharing their insights. In today's episode I share some of my highlights and leanings as well as bringing you the opinions of some of the attendees from both the US and the UK.

It was such a privilege to speak at this years event on 'Business First Impressions', if you were in my session - thanks for being there!

If you are thinking of attending next years event in Vegas, the tickets are already available from the link below. Use the code BECCA to get a great discount.

https://www.weddingmba.com/

Thinking of heading to Vegas? Look at the guide I put together for people considering the trip last year.

Time Stamps:

00:12 - Reflections from Wedding MBA 2024

04:27 - Exploring New Tech Tools in the Wedding Industry

07:36 - Key Themes Emerging from the Wedding MBA Conference

10:50 - The Impact of Automation and Personal Touch on Customer Experience

14:23 - Embracing New Ideas and Taking Action

15:15 - Guest Interviews

Mentioned in this episode:

2025 Planathon

Join my for a 3 hour session on Zoom to get you 2025 ready! This years planathon will be on Tuesday 10th December, with a replay also available.

2025 Planathon

Getting your wedding business 2025 ready!

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

It's time to get your wedding business 2025 ready. As engagement season approaches it's the perfect time to get your goals set, your website updated and your prices sorted. In today's mini episode I run through a checklist to help you ensure you are ready.

Time Stamps:

00:07 - Preparing for the Engagement Season

01:02 - Preparing Your Wedding Business for the Next Season

06:57 - Planning for 2025: Reflecting on Services and Strategies

12:25 - The Importance of Education in Business Planning

16:21 - Taking Time for Yourself: The Importance of Breaks

Understanding the luxury wedding market - with Elizabeth Solaru

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Do you ever wonder how to make it in the luxury wedding sector? Today I am chatting with Elizabeth Solaru - founder of Elizabeths Cake Emporium and author of 'The Luxpreneur'. We talk about her story, the different types of luxury and the highs and lows of working with luxury clientele.

Buy Elizabeths book

Visit her website

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Luxury Mindset

01:24 - Journey into Cake Making

02:44 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

06:08 - Strategies for Client Acquisition

14:46 - Understanding Luxury Branding

15:08 - The Five Pillars of Luxury Brands

20:56 - Creating Luxury Experiences

27:34 - Types of Luxury Clients

30:48 - Finding Luxury Clients Online

34:34 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

45:44 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

46:22 - Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

Understanding the South Asian Wedding market - with Anshika Arora

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with founder of Eternity and South Asian Wedding specialist Anshika Arora. In this episode we talk about the opportunities that lie in the South Asian Wedding market, how to set your business apart and how to embrace and understand different cultures and their wedding traditions.

Check out Eternity

Use discount code Becca10

Find out more about the Revive Wedding Symposium

Follow Eternity on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:00 - Understanding Your Audience
00:42 - Meet Anshika Arora of Eternity
01:46 - Anshika's Journey into the Wedding Industry
02:56 - The Gap in the South Asian Wedding Market
10:27 - Challenges in Planning Multicultural Weddings
13:03 - Marketing to Multicultural Couples
18:10 - Revive Symposium for Asian Weddings
21:13 - Evolution of Eternity: A New Planning Tool
28:29 - Feedback from Couples and What's Next

Writing a wedding business book - the full behind the scenes

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow my book is officially published and it has been quite the journey to get there. In today's episode I take you behind the scenes of the rollercoaster ride that has been getting this book out into the world, and I even read some extracts to wet your appetite.

Done is better than perfect is available to order now:

https://beccapountney.com/book/

Use the code PODCAST to get free shipping to the UK and discounted shipping worldwide.

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to My Book Journey

00:08 - Why I Wrote This Book

00:16 - Behind the Scenes: The Writing Process

01:09 - The Challenges of Writing a Book

05:19 - The Importance of Mindset

12:05 - Finding My Writing Style

19:01 - The Role of an Editor

21:27 - Getting Endorsements and Feedback

27:38 - Launching the Kickstarter Campaign

33:55 - The Final Steps to Publication

40:00 - Conclusion and Next Steps

Why you should say goodbye to email newsletters

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

One thing that makes me sigh is when your website says 'sign up to our email newsletter'. Today I am going to share with you why this strategy doesn't work, and how to give your email marketing a revamp. We are going to look at email marketing strategies that work, and how you can implement them in your wedding business.

Follow me on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Email Marketing
00:08 - The Problem with Newsletters
00:48 - Why Email Marketing Outperforms Social Media
01:17 - Understanding Deliverability and Reach
03:18 - Alternatives to Traditional Newsletters
04:29 - Effective Strategies for Collecting Emails
11:28 - The Importance of Value in Email Marketing
19:11 - Implementing Competitions and Quizzes
20:29 - Creating Engaging Content for Your Audience
28:06 - Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Show Success workbook

Got a Wedding Show coming up? Make sure you have a strategy in place. Download my free wedding show success workbook, and get a special price on my 3 part video training series about how to get the most out of your next show.

Wedding Show success workbook

Meeting of the Wedding Minds - Live from London

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today's episode is a special one as it was recorded LIVE from the Biltmore Hotel in Mayfair. The first ever live edition of the podcast was a panel discussion titles 'meeting of the wedding minds. Our host for the evening was Alison Hargreaves, founder of Guides for Brides and joining me on the panel were two renowned Wedding Industry educators from the US - Renee Dalo and Leah Weinberg.

Our live audience submitted questions and we covered a wide range of topics from getting reviews to attracting American customers. We dived deep into trends and talked about the books we have all been writing.

Thanks to:

The Biltmore Hotel for hosting us

Visualist for sponsoring the event and giving everyone a gift bag

Dave Hadley for the official photos

Rebecca Cole for singing on the evening

Smart Light and Sound for the equipment

Follow my Instagram

Follow Leah on Instagram

Follow Renee on Instagram

Follow Guides for Brides on Instagram

Time Stamps:

00:38 - Intro to the Podcast and Event

00:00 - Moving Reviews to New Platforms

03:53 - Trends in Wedding Planning

04:48 - Marketing Insights for Wedding Businesses

07:24 - Navigating Client Expectations

08:37 - The Importance of Email Marketing

11:02 - Strategies for Gathering Customer Reviews

17:45 - Building Relationships with Preferred Suppliers

32:48 - The Power of Authenticity in Business

32:53 - Panelists Share Their Book Journeys

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Show Success workbook

Wedding Show success workbook

The AI Revolutionising the Wedding Industry with Bailey Readings

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Bailey Readings, a young entrepreneur and AI expert. He shares his remarkable journey from starting a cookie cutter business at just 14 years old to launching Automated Flow, a company that leverages AI to streamline business processes.

We talk about the way AI is evolving, the power of chat bots and how you can start embracing AI in your wedding buisiness.

Want Baileys free AI prompt cheat sheet? Go ask Becca Bot for it by typing the key words 'AI Cheat Sheet'.

Click here to find Becca Bot

Follow Bailey on Linkedin

Time Stamps:

00:00 - Introduction to AI in Business

00:48 - Meet Bailey Reddings: A Young Entrepreneur

05:14 - The Journey from Cookie Cutters to AI

07:04 - Understanding AI and Its Impact

10:47 - What is Becca Bot?

11:58 - Creating Becca Bot: Behind the Scenes

15:26 - The Future of AI and Chatbots

25:18 - Practical Ways to Use AI in Your Business

29:55 - Conclusion and How to Access the Cheat Sheet

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Show Success workbook

Wedding Show success workbook

What to do when you are shortlisted for a wedding award - Damian Bailey pt 2

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

I'm back for part two of my conversation with Damian Bailey, founder of The Wedding Industry Awards. In this episode we discuss how to make the most of the awards process from the moment you are shortlisted through to the awards night itself. If you missed part 1 you can listen to it here.

Find out more about The Wedding Industry Awards

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to the Episode

00:00 - Building Excitement on Social Media

00:13 - Engaging with Your Audience Before the Event

00:31 - The Importance of Posting During the Event

07:39 - Maximizing Opportunities as a Finalist

04:31 - How to Announce Your Shortlisting

10:41 - Crafting Your Social Media Strategy

19:22 - Networking Tips for the Awards Night

04:13 - Preparing for the Awards Ceremony

51:23 - What to Do After the Awards

59:28 - Key Takeaways for Future Awards Participation

01:07:12 - Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Show Success workbook

Wedding Show success workbook

Is your wedding business truly accessible? With Lisa Heywood

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

When was the last time you reflected on how accessible your wedding business is? In today's episode I am chatting with Ceilidh caller Lisa Heywood about how she's ensuring her wedding business is making strides to being truly accessible to all. In today's episode Lisa shares her insights and challenges us all to think more about what we are doing to be truly inclusive.

Find out more about Lisa

Follow Lisa on Instagram

Lisa has also provided some great resources to help you:

10min video about the social model of Disability

Understanding Disability blog series

Disabled Eliza talking about planning a wedding as a wheelchair user

Lucy Edwards talks about planning as a blind bride-to-be

Celebrant Kathryn talks about planning her accessible wedding

Time stamps:

Starting the Conversation (00:00:00)

Becca discusses the importance of asking about access requirements on booking forms.

Introduction of Guests (00:00:25)

Becca introduces herself and Lisa, highlighting Lisa's expertise in accessible barn dances.

Lisa's Background (00:01:41)

Lisa shares her journey into the barn dance business, influenced by her family's ceilidh band.

Difference Between Barn Dances and Ceilidhs (00:02:35)

Lisa explains the distinctions and similarities between barn dances and ceilidhs.

What a Barn Dance Involves (00:03:32)

Lisa describes the setup and flow of a typical barn dance event.

Lisa's Day Job (00:04:58)

Lisa discusses her work with Drake Music, focusing on accessibility in the music industry.

Understanding Disability (00:06:20)

Lisa introduces the social model of disability, emphasizing societal barriers over individual impairments.

Defining Accessibility (00:07:51)

Lisa explains accessibility as the removal of barriers for disabled individuals to access services.

Making Wedding Businesses Accessible (00:09:27)

Lisa shares practical steps for wedding businesses to enhance accessibility.

Booking Form Questions (00:11:26)

Lisa discusses the importance of including access requirement questions on booking forms.

Starting the Conversation (00:12:43)

Lisa emphasizes the need for open communication about access needs with clients.

Overcoming Fears in Conversations (00:14:25)

Lisa advises on avoiding assumptions and using respectful language when discussing disability.

Language and Terminology (00:15:42)

Lisa provides guidance on using appropriate language regarding disability.

Avoiding Tokenism (00:18:06)

Becca shares an experience at a theme park, highlighting the pitfalls of superficial accessibility measures.

User Experience in Accessibility (00:21:44)

Discussion on providing an equal experience for disabled individuals in the wedding industry.

Planning for Accessibility (00:22:21)

Importance of considering customer journeys and accessible entrances in event planning.

Disability Admin Challenges (00:23:28)

Challenges faced by wheelchair users when accessing venues and transportation.

Tokenism vs. Genuine Accessibility (00:24:32)

Need for authentic accessibility measures before marketing services as inclusive.

Examples of Accessible Weddings (00:25:53)

Sharing experiences of making adjustments for wheelchair users at weddings.

Excitement in Accessibility (00:28:12)

Encouraging a positive outlook on making events inclusive for everyone.

Learning About the Social Model (00:29:25)

Importance of understanding the social model of disability for better accessibility.

Anticipatory vs. Bespoke Access (00:31:19)

Distinction between general accessibility measures and tailored solutions for specific needs.

Asking the Right Questions (00:32:12)

Importance of including accessibility questions on booking forms to tailor services.

Representation vs. Tokenism (00:34:01)

Discussion on the importance of genuine representation in marketing without falling into tokenism.

Final Takeaway on Conversations (00:37:36)

Encouragement to start conversations about accessibility and make disabled individuals feel special.

Resources for Learning (00:38:49)

Mention of various resources for further learning about accessibility and disability inclusion.

Personal Insights on Business (00:39:40)

Reflection on the importance of individuality and values in the wedding business.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Turning a farm into a wedding venue with Stefania Bennett

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

When Stef married a farmer she didn't realise that owning a wedding venue would be on the cards. Having held her own wedding on the farm, she realised there was a huge opportunity to open up the farm to more couples. Now Stef runs a successful wedding venue and today she shares her story. We talk about the highs and lows of running a venue, the importance of business training and a training opportunity she has coming up in October!

Join the training day on October 2nd at Bennetts Willow Barn.

Use the code BECCA for a discount on your ticket

Follow Bennetts Willow Barn Weddings on Instagram

Time Stamps:

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)

Stef shares her thoughts on learning and the importance of attending paid events for growth.

Stef's Background (00:00:53)

Stef discusses her journey from solicitor to wedding venue owner and her personal wedding experience.

Transition to Farming (00:01:43)

Stef explains her decision to leave law due to family needs and her husband's farming career.

Life on the Farm (00:04:47)

A glimpse into the busy daily life of Stef's family on the farm and its demands.

Starting the Wedding Venue (00:06:53)

Stef recounts how her wedding led to opening the farm for other weddings and events.

Diversification of the Farm (00:07:11)

The initial diversification into glamping and the planning of their wedding venue.

Building the Venue (00:09:07)

Stef describes the construction of the yurt for their wedding and subsequent bookings.

Creating a Unique Experience (00:10:13)

The venue's laid-back approach and how it caters to couples' desires for personalization.

Flexibility in Weddings (00:12:03)

Stef emphasizes the importance of flexibility in wedding planning and making it personal.

Highs and Lows of the Business (00:14:49)

Stef reflects on the rewarding moments and challenges faced in the wedding industry.

Relationships with Local Suppliers (00:17:43)

Stef discusses the significance of networking with local suppliers and building strong partnerships.

Tips for Suppliers (00:20:51)

Stef offers advice on how local suppliers can approach venues and build rapport.

Introduction to Supplier Relationships (00:20:58)

Stef discusses the importance of genuine connections with suppliers rather than cold outreach.

The Need for Training and Development (00:23:08)

Stef emphasizes the necessity of training for informed decision-making in business.

Understanding Business Numbers (00:24:29)

Stef highlights how knowing business numbers is crucial for evaluating performance and making improvements.

Upcoming Training Day Announcement (00:26:15)

Becca announces her visit to Bennett's Willow Barn for a training day in October.

Details of the Training Day (00:26:31)

Stef outlines the schedule and topics for the interactive training day, including networking opportunities.

Importance of Networking (00:28:56)

Becca stresses the value of building relationships and networking within the wedding industry.

Ticket Pricing and Discounts (00:30:28)

Stef shares ticket prices for the training day and a discount code for listeners.

Future Plans for Bennett's Willow Barn (00:31:43)

Stef discusses plans to consolidate and improve the venue while enjoying recent successes.

Reflection on Business Numbers (00:33:02)

Stef expresses a wish to have prioritized understanding numbers earlier in her business journey.

Behind the scenes of the Wedding Industry Awards with Damian Bailey

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am taking you behind the scenes of TWIA (aka as the Wedding Industry Awards) with the founder Damian Bailey. As a wedding photographer himself he has set up the most successful wedding awards in the UK. Today I ask him the questions you all want to know the answers to, so you can decide if entering the awards is for you.

Entries close on Monday 23rd September, voting closes on Monday 30th September 2024.

Click here to enter

Follow TWIA 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 Introduction and Personal Development

00:22 Meet the Host: Becca Pountney

00:51 Guest Introduction: Damien Bailey

01:35 Damien's Journey into the Wedding Industry

02:43 The Birth of the Wedding Industry Awards

03:01 Balancing Photography and Awards

04:49 The Impact of Winning an Award

08:05 Evolution of the Wedding Industry Awards

13:21 The Awards Entry Process

27:30 The Importance of Community in Content Creation

28:11 Engaging Audiences Through Awards

28:38 Handling the Fear of Not Winning

28:57 Content Opportunities at Award Events

30:38 The Judging Process Explained

36:09 Tips for a Strong Award Entry

40:42 The Value of Attending Award Events

42:26 Qualifying for National Awards

45:08 Balancing Mental Health and Award Participation

48:52 Final Thoughts and Deadlines

6 things I have learnt over the summer break!

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

It's September and I am back and today I am talking about 6 things I have learnt over the summer break! From outsourcing to being honest, I share what's been going on in my world for the last 6 weeks and the lessons you can implement into your wedding business!

Join the Members Lounge

Discover the Wedding Pro Agency

Time stamps:

Introduction to Summer Learnings (00:00:00)

Becca introduces the episode and shares her reflections on summer experiences.

The Importance of Taking a Break (00:01:51)

Discusses the necessity of taking proper breaks to avoid burnout and gain fresh perspectives.

Outsourcing Tasks for Efficiency (00:04:10)

Shares her experience with outsourcing tasks to manage time better and achieve goals.

People Often Don’t Read Emails (00:07:42)

Highlights the common issue of email skimming and the importance of clear communication.

Being Authentic in Business (00:10:55)

Encourages authenticity in marketing and sharing real experiences with clients.

The Reality of Owning a Business (00:12:59)

Reflects on the challenges of running a business and balancing work with family life.

Taking Control of Your Business (00:16:50)

Discussion on the importance of setting boundaries and not letting clients control your business.

Setting Boundaries with Clients (00:17:53)

Advice on saying no to unreasonable client requests and maintaining control over your business.

Evaluating Your Business Relationships (00:18:51)

Encouragement to reassess working relationships and say no to undesirable venues or suppliers.

Recap of Summer Lessons (00:19:43)

Summary of key lessons learned during the summer, emphasizing the importance of breaks and self-care.

Effective Communication Strategies (00:20:31)

Tips on improving communication with clients, including the need for follow-up and alternative contact methods.

Authenticity in Business (00:21:27)

Reminders about being honest and authentic in business, and the value of community support.

Final Thoughts on Business Control (00:21:27)

Reiterating the importance of taking back control and setting personal boundaries in business.

How to stop holding yourself back with Barbara Nixon

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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.

How to convert digital wedding enquiries with Alan Berg

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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.

Protecting your wedding business online - with Paul Newton

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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

How to plan a styled shoot with Natalie Stevenson

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Over the month of August I am digging into the archives of the Wedding Pro Members Lounge to bring you some great training that has previously been for members only! This week you will here a great session from wedding photographer Natalie Stevenson all about how she transformed her own business with styled photo shoots.

Click here to follow Natalie on Instagram

Click here to join the Wedding Pro Members lounge

Time stamps:

Introduction to Styled Shoots (00:00:00)

Natalie discusses the benefits of styled shoots and how they can enhance wedding photography.

Becca's Introduction (00:00:20)

Becca introduces herself and outlines the episode's focus on styled shoots and networking.

Natalie's Background (00:02:08)

Natalie shares her background as a fine art wedding photographer and her excitement about styled shoots.

Natalie's Photography Journey (00:03:22)

Natalie recounts her journey into photography and her passion for styled shoots.

First Wedding Experience (00:05:51)

Natalie describes her first experience photographing a wedding in Las Vegas at age 16.

Traveling and Launching Business (00:06:57)

Natalie talks about her travels and launching her photography business after returning home.

Organizing Styled Shoots (00:08:09)

Natalie explains the concept of styled shoots and their collaborative nature.

First Destination Shoot in Mexico (00:09:09)

Natalie shares her experience organizing her first styled shoot in Mexico amidst challenges.

Overcoming Challenges (00:10:11)

Natalie discusses the obstacles faced while planning the styled shoot and the importance of perseverance.

Benefits of Styled Shoots (00:12:19)

Natalie highlights the various benefits styled shoots can provide for wedding professionals.

Creating Your Ideal Client (00:13:35)

Natalie emphasizes the importance of aligning styled shoots with the ideal client’s vision.

Purpose of Styled Shoots (00:14:34)

Natalie explains the significance of having a clear purpose for each styled shoot.

Planning and Concept Development (00:15:39)

Natalie discusses the initial planning stages, including concept creation and mood boards.

Finding Inspiration (00:16:52)

Natalie encourages finding inspiration outside traditional wedding resources for unique styled shoots.

Setting the Budget (00:19:10)

Natalie outlines the importance of budgeting for various expenses related to styled shoots.

Team Collaboration (00:20:18)

Natalie stresses the importance of assembling a team that aligns with the shoot's purpose.

Engaging with Suppliers (00:22:28)

Natalie provides tips on how to effectively reach out and collaborate with suppliers for styled shoots.

Planning for Styled Shoots (00:23:37)

Tips on involving suppliers and estimating setup times for effective shoot planning.

Venue Considerations (00:24:45)

Strategies for approaching aspirational venues and creating standout content.

Finding Models (00:25:53)

Advice on sourcing models, including using social media and agencies for better results.

Logistics for Destination Shoots (00:27:25)

Key logistical considerations for planning destination shoots, including travel and local support.

Creating a Shoot Plan (00:28:12)

Steps to develop a comprehensive shoot plan to ensure all suppliers are aligned.

Preparing for Shoot Day (00:30:26)

Essential tips for a successful shoot day, including packing and time management.

Post-Shoot Follow-Up (00:32:42)

Importance of timely photo delivery and maintaining communication with suppliers.

Submitting to Blogs (00:33:51)

Guidelines for submitting styled shoots to blogs and enhancing acceptance chances.

Building Relationships with Blogs (00:35:02)

Strategies for fostering long-term relationships with blogs for better exposure.

Final Tips for Success (00:36:08)

Key reminders for making styled shoots successful, including purpose and inspiration.

How to brand your wedding business like Air BnB - Summer series pt 1

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

This August I'm letting you behind the curtains to see inside the Wedding Pro Members Lounge, my private members club for wedding business owners. Every month we have an amazing guest expert training, so I have been digging into the members lounge archives to share some of the training's with you.

Today you will here from branding expert Danny Matthews about 'how to brand your business like Air B and B.'

Find Danny on Instagram

Want to be part of the Wedding Pros Members lounge to get the best month training every month?

Click here to join now

Time Stamps:

Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)

Becca introduces the podcast's special series, highlighting the Wedding Pro Membership and its training programs.

Overview of the Wedding Pro Success Ladder (00:00:50)

Becca explains the three stages of the training program: build, growth, and advanced, tailored for different business earnings.

Introduction of Guest Expert Danny (00:01:47)

Becca introduces Danny, who will discuss branding and how to create a standout brand in the wedding industry.

Danny's Instagram Handle (00:02:24)

Danny shares his Instagram handle, emphasizing his unique name and inviting audience interaction.

Discussion on Branding Like Airbnb (00:03:05)

Danny begins discussing branding strategies, using Airbnb as a case study for effective communication and positioning.

Importance of Consumer Behavior Changes (00:05:07)

Danny highlights shifts in consumer behavior and the need for businesses to adapt their marketing strategies accordingly.

Context of Danny's Work (00:07:15)

Danny shares his experience working with diverse businesses, from small firms to high-growth startups, and the impact of media.

Consumer Buying Habits Over the Years (00:09:37)

Danny prompts the audience to reflect on how their purchasing behaviors have changed since 2019.

Shift to Subscription Services (00:10:39)

Danny discusses the growing trend of subscription services and how it has changed his own buying habits.

Adapting Business Models (00:12:42)

Danny encourages businesses to explore new models, such as fixed-price packages, to diversify income streams.

Conscious Purchasing Decisions (00:13:39)

Danny asks the audience if they have become more aware of their purchasing habits and the origins of their products.

Sustainability in Consumer Choices (00:14:50)

Danny emphasizes the increasing consumer focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing in their purchasing decisions.

Trends in Secondhand Purchasing (00:17:14)

Danny notes the rise of secondhand marketplaces during the pandemic, reflecting changing consumer values towards consumption.

Shift from Consumption to Participation (00:18:15)

Danny discusses the transition from mere consumption to becoming part of a community or tribe in purchasing behaviors.

Introduction to the Electric Vehicle Community (00:19:22)

Danny shares a humorous anecdote about connecting with another electric vehicle owner, highlighting community identity.

Shift in Consumer Identity (00:20:22)

Discussion on how consumer purchases now reflect personal identity and broader societal values beyond mere consumption.

Learning from Big Corporations (00:21:33)

Danny emphasizes the importance of observing larger companies for marketing strategies based on consumer behavior data.

Colgate's Marketing Transformation (00:22:34)

Colgate shifted from product-focused advertising to emotional storytelling during the pandemic, creating impactful "smile stories."

Airbnb's Marketing Strategy Change (00:24:57)

Airbnb transitioned from buying customers with ads to brand storytelling, cutting their marketing budget by 50%.

Understanding Branding (00:26:15)

Danny defines branding as the underlying reasons people buy, emphasizing its importance over traditional advertising.

Elements of Effective Branding (00:28:35)

Danny breaks down branding into strategy, messaging, behaviors, and visual identity, stressing their interconnectedness.

The Role of Storytelling in Branding (00:30:45)

Storytelling invites customers into a narrative, enhancing emotional connections and encouraging future purchases.

Long-term vs. Short-term Marketing (00:34:06)

Danny contrasts immediate returns on investment from ads with the long-term benefits of building a brand through storytelling.

Extreme Personalization in Marketing (00:37:24)

Danny highlights a trend toward extreme personalization in wedding services, exemplified by custom songs from Song Finch.

Creating Relatable Client Stories (00:38:30)

Encouragement to share clients' personal stories to foster engagement and connection with potential customers.

Taking a Stand in Marketing (00:40:26)

Danny advises businesses to express opinions on popular culture to attract like-minded clients and build a strong brand identity.

Closing Remarks and Membership Invitation (00:40:33)

Becca invites listeners to join the Wedding Pro Membership for ongoing training and resources.

Sometimes good things DO come for FREE - with Heidi Thompson

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with author, wedding coach and marketing strategist Heidi Thompson. We talk about how the marketing landscape is changing and what couples expectation is in 2024 vs a few years ago. We also discuss her upcoming FREE Book more weddings summit and I ask her the awkward questions you don't want to.

Click to get your FREE summit ticket now

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 the Episode (00:00:00)

Discussing the importance of standing out to attract the right clients.

Meet the Host and Guest (00:00:23)

Becca introduces herself and Heidi, highlighting their expertise in wedding marketing.

Reflecting on Past Episodes (00:01:14)

Discussion of Heidi's previous appearance on the podcast two years ago.

Introduction of Becca Bot (00:01:35)

Becca shares about her new website tool, Becca Bot, for easy podcast episode access.

Marketing Shifts in Two Years (00:03:07)

Heidi discusses the changes in wedding marketing strategies since the pandemic.

Couples’ Research Behavior (00:04:57)

Exploring how couples are conducting more in-depth research when choosing vendors.

Referrals and Client Choices (00:06:38)

The shift in how referrals are perceived and acted upon by couples.

Importance of Standing Out (00:08:35)

The necessity for wedding professionals to clearly present their unique offerings.

Avoiding Price Competition (00:09:21)

Strategies for standing out without resorting to lowering prices.

Understanding Clients’ Needs (00:10:45)

Emphasizing the importance of addressing actual client problems in marketing.

Overview of the More Weddings Virtual Summit (00:11:30)

Heidi introduces the structure and purpose of the upcoming summit.

Summit Dates Announcement (00:12:34)

Sharing the dates for the More Weddings Virtual Summit.

Addressing Free Summit Concerns (00:13:30)

Heidi explains the rationale behind offering the summit for free.

Maximizing Summit Participation (00:17:18)

Tips on how attendees can get the most value from the summit.

Success Stories from Past Summits (00:20:01)

Heidi shares examples of attendees who have successfully implemented strategies learned at the summit.

Overcoming Fear of Change (00:21:16)

Discussing the importance of trying new techniques to improve client follow-up and reduce overwhelm.

Managing Overwhelm (00:21:55)

Heidi shares strategies for dealing with overwhelming information from educational events.

Brain Dumping Strategy (00:22:03)

The process of organizing thoughts and tasks to reduce anxiety and create actionable plans.

Identifying Action Steps (00:25:12)

Importance of focusing on actionable steps rather than just consuming information passively.

Prioritizing Education During Busy Seasons (00:26:21)

Addressing the challenge of continuing education during peak wedding seasons and its importance.

Maximizing Summit Experience (00:27:01)

Heidi explains how the summit's flexible schedule accommodates busy professionals worldwide.

Finding Useful Information (00:24:03)

Tips on selecting relevant sessions and avoiding distractions during the summit.

Summit Highlights (00:30:47)

Heidi shares standout sessions and topics that attendees should look forward to at the summit.

The Value of Resources (00:36:23)

Encouragement to utilize available resources and consultations to enhance business growth.

Summit Dates Reminder (00:37:25)

Final reminder of the summit dates and the potential benefits of attending.

The Ongoing Journey of Business (00:38:12)

Heidi reflects on the continuous nature of business growth and learning without a finish line.

Behind the scenes of Wedding MBA with Shannon Underwood!

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Wedding MBA is the largest wedding industry conference in the world! Taking place in Las Vegas every November, it's the only way to see all of the best wedding industry educators in one room.

Today I'm chatting to Shannon Underwood - Vice President and conference director of Wedding MBA. She takes us behind the scenes of the event and shares why you should be there!

Want to join me in Vegas? Use the code BECCA at the checkout for a huge discount!

Click to get your ticket now!

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 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:47 Meet Shannon Underwood: Wedding MBA Insights

01:55 The Origins of Wedding MBA

02:56 Growth and Evolution of Wedding MBA

06:53 The Importance of Education and Exhibitors

08:28 Networking and Hands-On Learning

09:16 Who Attends Wedding MBA?

15:48 Maximizing Your Wedding MBA Experience

22:24 Social Events and Networking Opportunities

27:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

Why you need KPI day in your wedding business!

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

2024 has been the year of tracking the stats in my wedding business and using the data to make business decisions. Ever since Tayler from Enji introduced me to the concept of KPI day, it's become a regular part of my month and I want it to be part of yours too! In today's episode I am taking you behind the scenes of my own stats and sharing the numbers in your.

Join our monthly lounge calls in the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Join Enji to track your KPI's using my affiliate link

Buy the Wedding Pro Planner

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:

Adoption of KPIs (00:00:00) Becca discusses her adoption of KPIs to monitor business progress and the impact on decision-making.

Use of Energy Platform (00:01:49) Becca explains her use of the Enji platform for social media scheduling, marketing campaign planning, and KPI tracking.

Monthly Lounge Calls (00:02:45) Becca talks about the impact of monthly lounge calls for wedding pro members and the review of KPIs during these calls.

Tracking Social Media Following (00:03:28) Becca details the tracking of social media following for her business and wedding blog on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Website Analytics (00:06:57) Becca discusses tracking website analytics, including monthly visitors, and the impact on website improvements.

Email List Subscribers (00:09:27) Becca explains the tracking of email list growth and its influence on email marketing strategies.

Podcast Performance (00:11:09) Becca discusses tracking podcast downloads, episode performance, and attribution links to measure the podcast's impact on business.

Vicinity Weddings Applications (00:13:46) Becca explains the tracking of applications for Vicinity Weddings and its financial viability for her business.

Financial Tracking (00:16:17) Becca details the tracking of income and costs using spreadsheets for a detailed financial overview.

Sales and Income Tracking (00:17:53) Becca discusses tracking sales by category, analyzing peaks and troughs, and comparing sales across different periods.

Costs and Profit (00:18:47) Becca emphasizes the importance of monitoring costs, setting cost targets, and analyzing cost percentages to maximize profit.

Cost Analysis and Adjustments (00:19:37) Becca explains how she reviews and categorizes costs, tracks them using QuickBooks, and makes adjustments based on cost percentages.

Monthly Sales and Cost Overview (00:20:22) Becca shares a detailed breakdown of her monthly costs and sales, highlighting the impact of high costs and the importance of tracking expenses.

Monthly KPI Lounge Calls (00:22:01) Becca introduces her monthly lounge calls, where members review their KPIs, set targets, and discuss their progress.

KPI Planner and Tracking (00:23:28) Becca describes her KPI planner, which includes tracking social media, website analytics, email subscribers, and podcast numbers.

Business Reflection and Goals (00:24:11) Becca emphasizes the importance of reflecting on business performance, tracking feelings, and setting goals for personal and professional development.

Financial and Enquiry Goals (00:25:03) Becca discusses setting financial and enquiry goals, tracking sales and enquiries, and analyzing the source of enquiries.

Personal Development and Connection Tracking (00:27:29) Becca encourages tracking personal development, networking, and relationship building to improve the wedding business.

Celebrating Wins and Setting Targets (00:29:16) Becca highlights the importance of celebrating wins, learning from mistakes, and setting targets for the month ahead.

Building a wedding business empire with the 'eventpreneur' Toby Burns.

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am joined by Wedding DJ, turned 'Eventpreneur' Toby Burns. CEO of the 'Silent Disco Company' Toby now has a team of employees and an international customer base. In today's episode he shares his journey and talks about how he believes customer service and innovation have transformed his own business and life.

Find out more about The Silent Disco Company

Watch Toby over on Youtube

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 from wedding DJ to entrepreneur (00:00:00)

Toby discusses his transition from a children's entertainer to a niche wedding DJ in the Jewish and Arab wedding market, leading to his eventual founding of the Silent Disco Company.

Spotting an opportunity and scaling the business (00:00:57)

Toby shares his entrepreneurial journey, from recognizing an opportunity in the event space to scaling it into a successful business, including the decision to start the Silent Disco Company.

Innovation and customer feedback in business development (00:16:33)

Toby emphasizes the importance of innovation and customer feedback in evolving and growing the business, highlighting the role of customer feedback and continuous improvement in business success.

DJ'ing and Dry Hire (00:19:13)

Toby talks about still enjoying DJ'ing nd the business model, including dry hire and in-house DJs.

Innovation and Product Development (00:19:54)

Toby discusses the importance of simplicity and innovation in product creation, citing the example of a karaoke product.

Challenges Faced during COVID-19 (00:22:00)

Toby reflects on the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the events industry, and the mental strain it caused.

Staffing Challenges and Recruitment (00:25:52)

Toby talks about the challenges of managing a team, recruitment processes, and the importance of retaining the right employees.

Hiring Process and Employee Categorization (00:27:36)

Toby explains the detailed hiring process for senior management and the categorization of employees based on performance.

Mental Strain of Business Ownership (00:33:47)

Toby reflects on the mental strain of being a business owner and the importance of seeking advice from fellow entrepreneurs.

Conclusion and Call to Innovate (00:36:11)

Becca concludes the interview, emphasizing the need for innovation and action in business.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

Venue relationships, FSA guidelines and business success with Krissy Quinton

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Krissy Quinton, founder of Primrose cakes. After building a successful wedding cake business herself, Krissy now supports newer cake makers in the practicality of setting up a cake business. From food hygiene to FSA guidelines, we cover it all today - and whether you are a cake maker or not, there's a lot in this episode for you!

Get the toxic flowers free download

Find Krissy on Instagram

Visit Primrose Cakes

Time stamps:

Starting a Cake Business (00:00:54) Krissy's journey from a teacher to starting her cake business, experiences with getting recommended at venues, and involvement in the new guidance from the Food Standards Agency.

Transition from Teaching to Cake Making (00:01:57) Krissy's transition from teaching to cake making, self-taught cake decorating, and formal training.

First Customers and Cake Making (00:03:03) How Krissy got her first customers, started with celebration cakes, and added weddings to her business.

Getting Recommended at Venues (00:07:34) Krissy's process of getting recommended at venues, the challenges, and the importance of pushing oneself.

Transition to Full Self-Employment (00:10:20) Krissy's transition from teaching to full self-employment, managing the risk, and navigating the decision.

Struggles in the Cake Business (00:12:50) Krissy's struggles with customer ghosting, balancing quiet and busy spells, and the personal impact of business decisions.

Guidance on Using Flowers on Cakes (00:19:05) Krissy's involvement in the new guidance from the Food Standards Agency on using flowers on cakes and her interest in teaching others about it.

The guidance from the Food Standards Agency (00:19:59) Krissy shares her involvement in providing feedback on the guidance about using flowers on cakes.

Top line advice on using flowers on cakes (00:20:48) Krissy provides tips on using fresh flowers and foliage on food, including knowing the flowers and using organic ones.

Responsibility of cake makers (00:23:04) Krissy emphasizes the cake maker's responsibility in ensuring the safety of the flowers and foliage used on the cake.

Expected date for the guidance release (00:24:50) Krissy discusses the expected release date of the guidance and clarifies that it's not a law but a soft guidance.

The importance of branding and marketing (00:25:42) Krissy talks about the significance of branding and marketing in her business and the changes she implemented.

Resources for cake makers (00:27:45) Krissy shares her website and free downloads, including information on toxic flowers and foliage not to be used on cakes.

10 mistakes wedding venues are making

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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.

Automation, tech and entrepreneurship with Cherie Yang

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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

Bringing humour into your wedding business with Beth Sherman

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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!

Wedding Pro Agency

Let's make contracts and accounting fun with Braden Drake

Thu, 30 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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!

Wedding Pro Agency

Corporate jobs, family life and wedding photography with Kevin Lines

Thu, 23 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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!

Wedding Pro Agency

How to make your wedding clients feel special with Nadine Bozeman

Thu, 16 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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!

Wedding Pro Agency

The power of word of mouth marketing - with Kevin Dennis

Thu, 09 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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!

Wedding Pro Agency

Are there too many people in the wedding industry?

Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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.

Creating a stand out Wedding brand with Emily Foster

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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

Networking, Education and taking care of you - with Amber Anderson

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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

Is your Wedding Business on TikTok - with Emily Rochotte

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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

Stepping out of your comfort zone with Bernadette Chapman

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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.

Preparing your Wedding Business for the future

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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.

Being the bride, not the business owner with Nikita Thorne

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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.

What's frustrating your wedding couples with Ciara Crossan

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Confidence with Terrica

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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

Unleashing Your Wedding Business Potential - with Lauren Smy

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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.

Being unapologetically you - celebrating 100 episodes of the podcast!

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this special 100th episode, the tables are turning and I'm being interviewed by Hannah Rose about the highs and lows of the last decade.

I share my journey from television to wedding videography and then to marketing, highlighting the challenges and successes along the way. We discuss the inception of the podcast, memorable guests, and there's even some surprise messages too.

Thanks for being part of this journey - here's to the next 100 episodes!

Time Stamps:

Be Yourself (00:00:00) Becca emphasizes the importance of being authentic and confident in marketing.

The Journey (00:01:50) Becca shares her background and how she transitioned from television and radio to the wedding industry.

Networking and Marketing (00:05:59) Becca discusses her approach to networking and how she transitioned from videography to marketing in the wedding industry.

Starting the Podcast (00:08:33) Becca explains the reasons behind starting her podcast and the initial concerns she had.

Guest Insights (00:11:09) Becca reflects on the valuable advice and insights gained from her podcast guests.

Pinch Me Moments (00:12:21) Becca shares two memorable moments from her podcast journey, including meeting a well-known Instagram expert.

Staying Positive (00:14:01) Becca discusses her positive outlook, personality traits, and how she maintains positivity in her personal and professional life.

Personal and Professional Balance (00:16:59) Becca reflects on whether she is the same person at home and at work, emphasizing consistency in her personality.

Being True to Yourself (00:17:11) Becca discusses her consistent personality and how she encourages her children to pursue their dreams.

Motivation Beyond Money (00:18:16) Becca shares her spiritual beliefs and how they drive her to be generous and make a positive impact.

Finding Strength in Faith (00:20:26) Becca recounts a spiritual experience in Cyprus and the impact of faith during challenging times.

Dealing with Business Setbacks (00:21:37) Becca reflects on trusting others, facing business challenges, and learning from difficult experiences.

Navigating the Impact of COVID-19 (00:23:51) Becca shares the emotional toll of COVID-19 on the wedding industry and her efforts to support her community.

Maintaining Authenticity in Business (00:27:49) Becca discusses the challenges of staying true to herself in an industry driven by monetary success.

Balancing Chaos and Work (00:30:14) Becca reveals the chaotic nature of her daily life and the importance of time management.

Future Plans and Goals (00:32:06) Becca announces her plan to write a book and sets a hard deadline for its completion.

Top Tip for Business Success (00:33:41) Becca emphasizes the importance of authenticity in achieving success in business.

The importance of being yourself (00:33:52) Encouragement to embrace individuality and stop using it as an excuse for lack of success.

Visibility and self-promotion (00:34:53) Advice on the importance of showcasing one's achievements and skills in the wedding industry.

Comparing oneself to others (00:35:49) Discussion on the dangers of comparing oneself to others and the value of self-assessment and progress tracking.

Celebrating Becca's 100th episode (00:36:32) Messages from colleagues and friends congratulating Becca on her podcast's milestone and expressing gratitude for her mentorship.

Impact of Becca's work (00:39:24) Heartfelt messages from individuals expressing gratitude for Becca's guidance and influence on their careers.

Conclusion and gratitude (00:40:17) Becca's appreciation for the messages and her desire to continue helping others find success in the future.

How to handle tricky wedding client relationships with Jen Trotter

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting to Bridal Makeup artist and conflict resolution expert Jen Trotter. We talk though her story from solo makeup artist to building a team as Lip Service Makeup and she shares her expect tips on handling tricky wedding clients.

Jen advises on handling client frustrations, avoiding defensiveness, and using empathetic phrases. She also cautions against over-apologising and discounting services. It's a great episode with so many practical tips and pieces of advice.

Find out more about Jen Trotter

Time Stamps:

Building a Bridal Beauty Team (00:00:00) Starting a bridal beauty team and the importance of gradual growth and course correction.

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:29) Becca Pountney introduces the podcast and its focus on actionable tips and strategies for wedding business owners.

Jen Trotter's Background (00:01:37) Jen Trotter's introduction and her experience as a bridal beauty expert in Dallas, Texas.

Skincare and Sun Allergy (00:01:58) Jen Trotter's skincare secret and her avoidance of the sun due to allergies.

Transition to Bridal Makeup (00:03:25) Jen Trotter's transition from modeling and TV presenting to becoming a professional makeup artist, particularly in the wedding industry.

Working with a Team (00:07:59) Jen Trotter's decision to build a team for her bridal beauty business and the process of transitioning from full-time work to focusing on her business.

Recruiting and Quality Control (00:11:58) Strategies for building and maintaining a reliable and high-quality team for a bridal beauty business.

Importance of Communication and Conflict Management (00:15:10) Jen Trotter's expertise in communication and conflict resolution, emphasizing the significance of managing communication and reducing conflict in a business.

Practical Ideas for Managing Conflict (00:20:12) Advice on identifying and addressing potential sources of conflict and chaos in a business, focusing on improving processes and customer experiences.

Fixing Issues in Contracts (00:20:58) Jen discusses the importance of addressing contract issues and the need for a toolbox to handle client issues effectively.

Dealing with Client Frustrations (00:22:07) Jen explains the importance of addressing client frustrations and providing reassurance and solutions.

Differentiating Real and Fake Problems (00:22:58) Jen discusses the need to differentiate between real and fake problems and how to handle them effectively.

Managing Emotions and Communication (00:25:55) Jen emphasizes the importance of managing emotions, using effective communication, and avoiding unnecessary apologies.

Utilizing Manipulation for Positive Outcomes (00:32:27) Jen shares phrases and strategies to manipulate conversations positively and influence client perceptions.

Avoiding Over-Apologizing and Using Effective Communication (00:36:09) Jen advises on avoiding over-apologizing and using alternative phrases to communicate effectively with clients.

Differentiating Us and Them Problems (00:40:45) Jen discusses the need to take responsibility for client relationships and differentiate between genuine client issues and toxic clients.

Jerk Clients and Communication Issues (00:42:39) Dealing with difficult clients and recognizing communication issues in business.

Learning from Business Mistakes (00:43:33) Reflecting on past business mistakes and learning from them.

Taking Control of Your Business (00:44:13) Importance of maintaining control over business decisions and contracts.

Building a Successful Brand (00:46:18) Protecting and growing a brand through strategic business decisions.

Achieving Excellence in Business (00:47:03) Recognizing the impact of business changes on achieving excellence.

Connecting with the Speaker (00:48:05) Information on how to connect with the speaker and share feedback.

Reflection on the Conversation (00:48:42) Reflecting on the conversation and the value of learning to deal with difficult situations.

What do wedding couples want in 2024?

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am sharing the insights that have come out of the latest UK Wedding Report from Bridebook and the Knots recent proposal report. I am looking at the date to answer the question what do wedding couples want in 2024?

Download the full UK Wedding Report

Download the Knot Proposal report

Want help getting in front of couples? Take my FREE visibility Bootcamp.

Time Stamps:

Introduction to industry reports (00:00:00) Explanation of the importance of industry reports and the intention to analyze two specific reports.

Caveats of reading industry reports (00:00:53) Guidance on how to interpret industry reports and the potential biases in the data.

Insights from UK Wedding Report 2024 (00:03:16) Highlights from the UK Wedding Report, including increased wedding spending, the influence of Gen Z, and the importance of Instagram for couples.

Importance of price transparency (00:06:04) Emphasis on the significance of price transparency for wedding business and the impact on couples' decision-making.

The role of personality in decision-making (00:08:58) Discussion on the importance of personality and comfort with suppliers, outweighing price considerations for couples.

Personalization trend (00:10:02) The increasing importance of personalization in weddings and the potential for wedding businesses to offer personalized services.

Shift in wedding day preferences (00:11:00) Insights into the declining popularity of Saturday weddings and the opportunities for wedding businesses in weekday weddings.

Challenges for couples and simplifying the process (00:12:51) Identification of pricing and overwhelm as significant challenges for couples and the need to simplify the booking process.

Sources for finding suppliers (00:15:32) Insights into the main sources used by couples to find wedding suppliers, including Google, social media, and word of mouth.

Empowering Couples (00:16:18) Tips for empowering couples to share and recommend wedding businesses through gifts, networking, and word-of-mouth.

Sustainability in Weddings (00:17:12) The increasing importance of sustainability in weddings, including eco-conscious choices and the need for businesses to promote sustainability efforts.

Destination Weddings (00:18:33) The rising popularity of destination weddings, particularly in Italy, and the opportunities it presents for businesses in this market.

Proposal Trends (00:20:21) The growing trend of pre-engagement wedding planning and the increasing demand for elaborate proposals, creating potential opportunities for wedding suppliers.

Pricing and Social Media Presence (00:22:15) The importance of transparent pricing, addressing overwhelm, and maintaining a strong online presence to attract potential clients.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

How do we define Success and Fulfillment in the Wedding Industry?

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Ben Chernivsky, a wedding photographer and founder of Gifyyy, a portable photo booth company. Ben shares his journey from disinterest in weddings to becoming a successful wedding photographer and entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges of work-life balance, his midlife awakening, and the importance of living authentically. Ben reflects on his work addiction, and his decision to prioritize family.

Today we go deep into many subjects that some of you may find difficult, so please take care whilst listening.

Find out more about Gifyyy

Follow Ben on Instagram

Visit Head Heart Man 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:

The intro (00:00:00) Becca Pountney sets the stage for a deep and important conversation, addressing potential triggers and encouraging open dialogue about mental health.

Introduction of Ben (00:01:10) Becca introduces Ben, a wedding photographer and the founder of Gifyyy, a portable photo booth, and expresses excitement about their conversation.

Ben's journey into wedding photography (00:02:39) Ben shares his unexpected entry into the wedding photography industry and his initial disinterest in weddings, leading to his eventual passion for the craft.

Growth of Ben's wedding photography business (00:06:56) Ben discusses the expansion of his wedding photography business, including the number of weddings and photo booth rentals, and the balance with family life.

Building a team (00:07:59) Ben emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the need for a team to achieve success in the wedding industry, acknowledging the support he received from mentors and coaches.

The decision to take on a team (00:09:15) Becca and Ben discuss the pivotal moment when Ben realized he needed to expand his team due to overwhelming demand and the emotional toll of turning down opportunities.

Taking responsibility for business decisions (00:12:49) Ben emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for the decisions made in one's business, particularly when hiring and managing a team.

Creation of Gifyyy (00:15:21) Ben shares the conscious decision to commit to the wedding industry for ten years and the development of Gifyyy, a portable photo booth, as a specialized addition to his photography business.

The journey of Gifyyy (00:19:22) Ben discusses the portability and success of his Gifyyy photo booth business, its global reach, and his approach to managing it as a side hustle.

Personal and professional transitions (00:20:36) Ben reflects on his life plan, goals, and the significant changes and self-discovery he experienced around the age of 35-40, including examining his family background and addiction to work.

Reevaluating success and life balance (00:27:10) Ben shares his definition of success, emphasizing the importance of balancing career, financial stability, and personal fulfillment, and overcoming past struggles with the concept of family first.

Importance of financial planning (00:31:58) Ben discusses the lack of focus on future financial planning in the wedding industry, the need for financial education, and the complexities of personal relationships with money and success.

Challenging industry norms (00:35:56) Ben addresses the industry's focus on superficial success, the importance of substance and integrity in business, and the necessity of engaging in conversations about business and financial planning.

Normalizing future planning (00:39:03) Becca Pountney emphasizes the need to normalize conversations about future plans in the wedding industry, including long-term career goals and life transitions, to encourage new perspectives and ideas.

Mistakes and Growth (00:40:16) Discussion on the importance of making mistakes and the impact on personal growth and development.

Unexpected Paths (00:41:09) Exploration of how unexpected opportunities and decisions can lead to unforeseen success and personal evolution.

Evolution and Destiny (00:42:17) Reflection on personal and professional evolution, and the realization that destiny may unfold in unforeseen ways.

Connecting and Reaching Out (00:43:01) Information on how to connect with Ben and his various businesses, including Gifyyy and his personal projects.

Closing Remarks (00:44:37) Closing thoughts and encouragement for listeners to engage in deeper conversations and seek support when needed.

Why Budget-Savvy Doesn't Mean Cheap with Jessica Bishop

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Jessica Bishop, the founder of The Budget Savvy Bride, about the importance of price transparency in the wedding industry and why budget-savvy doesn't mean cheap. We dispel the myths associated with budget weddings and chat about the benefits of vendors being transparent with their pricing to avoid misunderstandings with potential clients. We talk about the value of sharing expertise, networking, and considering free marketing opportunities to reach the right audience.

Find out more about the Budget Savvy Bride

Listen to the Bouquet Toss 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

Transparency and Pricing (00:00:00) Importance of transparency in pricing and dispelling misconceptions about budget weddings.

Introduction to Jessica Bishop (00:00:57) Becca introduces Jessica Bishop, founder of The Budget Savvy Bride, and her website's purpose.

Jessica's Wedding Planning Experience (00:02:06) Jessica shares her personal experience planning a budget-friendly wedding during the recession and creating The Budget Savvy Bride website.

Evolution of The Budget Savvy Bride (00:03:34) The evolution of The Budget Savvy Bride website and its resources for couples, including real wedding galleries and free printables.

Vendor Directory and Services (00:06:38) Introduction of the vendor directory, the Savvy Wedding Guide, and the aim to connect couples with vendors.

Dispelling Myths About Budget Weddings (00:07:18) Clarifying that being budget-savvy does not mean being cheap and the importance of making informed financial decisions.

Serving Budget-Conscious Couples (00:10:32) Discussing ways for vendors to serve budget-conscious couples without undervaluing their services.

Importance of Price Transparency (00:15:13) Emphasizing the importance of price transparency for vendors and the benefits it offers to both vendors and couples.

Displaying Prices for Couples (00:18:21) Suggestions for vendors to display starting prices or average investment to pre-qualify couples.

Transparency in Pricing (00:18:55) Importance of public pricing to avoid awkward situations and ghosting, and the potential embarrassment for couples.

Real Wedding Cost Breakdown (00:20:13) Detailed breakdown of wedding costs, the granular approach, and the value of transparency for vendors and couples.

Revolutionizing Styled Shoots (00:22:02) Advocating for price breakdowns in styled shoots to provide realistic cost expectations for couples.

Budget Savvy Marketing for Wedding Pros (00:26:24) Tips for budget-savvy marketing, including working with niche publications, free promotion strategies, and leveraging affiliate relationships.

Expanding Vendor Directory (00:30:30) Discussion on featuring weddings from around the world and the potential expansion of the vendor directory to other territories.

Comparison of Wedding Costs (00:31:49) Conversation about potential differences in wedding costs between the US and the UK, and the attractiveness of the UK market for destination weddings.

Value of Building a Good Team (00:33:58) The importance of delegating and building a good team in business to avoid burnout.

Connecting with The Budget Savvy Bride (00:34:36) Information about the primary website, social media platforms, and the podcast of The Budget Savvy Bride.

Disappointment, Copycats and Rejection - the darker side of the wedding industry

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today isn't about the shiny side of your wedding business, today I'm drawing back the curtain on some of the darker sides of the wedding industry.

I share my own learnings on all sorts of topics from rejection, negative reviews, betrayal, copycats and more. This is the stuff that doesn't get talked about enough but yet it's likely at some point you will experience some of it.

If something from this episode resonates with you? Reach out and let me know, you don't need to do business alone!

Want an amazing, inclusive wedding business community to be part of? Take a look at the Wedding pro members lounge - a place where you can be yourself.

Find out more about the members lounge.

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

Crickets: Facing Slow Inquiries (00:01:03) Strategies for handling slow business inquiries and staying proactive.

Disappointment: Dealing with Rejection (00:02:55) Coping with disappointment when opportunities or clients do not go as expected.

Complaints: Managing Negative Feedback (00:09:05) Strategies for handling complaints from clients and dealing with negative reviews.

Copycats: Dealing with Imitation (00:14:23) Understanding and coping with situations where competitors imitate or copy ideas.

Dealing with Negative Experiences (00:18:42) Speaker shares personal experiences of feeling let down and discusses the importance of protecting oneself from negative situations.

Protecting Yourself in Business (00:19:31) Strategies for protecting oneself in business, including setting boundaries, trusting gut feelings, and building confidence.

Personal Situations Taking Over (00:24:06) Managing unexpected personal situations that impact business, including health issues, loss, and relationship problems.

Making Poor Financial Decisions (00:29:46) Discussing the reality of making poor financial decisions in business and offering advice on learning from mistakes and budgeting.

Exhaustion and Burnout (00:32:35) Addressing the issue of exhaustion and burnout in business, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and taking time off.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

How to set healthy wedding client boundaries with Megan Gillikin

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Wedding Planning Coach Megan Gilliken about how to set healthy wedding client boundaries. A self proclaimed 'people pleaser' Megan has had her fair share of unhealthy working relationships, and now wants to share her story of how she made changes in her own wedding planning business. We explore strategies for boundary-setting in your wedding business and stress the importance of maintaining professionalism, even when dealing with difficult clients or negative reviews.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Boundary Setting Toolkit

Episode 62: How to Respond to Negative Online Reviews

Episode 226: Is it you or is it them? How to know when to fire “THAT” client

Find out more about Megan here

Follow Megan on Instagram

Time stamps:

Boundaries and Client Experience (00:00:00) Importance of setting boundaries to serve clients well and maintain longevity in the industry.

Introduction to Megan Gillikin (00:00:34) Background of Megan Gillikin, former wedding planner, and founder of The Planners Vault.

Megan's Journey into Wedding Planning (00:03:57) Unexpectedly purchasing a wedding planning business and the challenges faced in rebuilding the brand.

Overcoming Boundary Challenges (00:07:47) Mistakes made due to being a people pleaser and the impact on client relationships and work-life balance.

Strategies for Implementing Boundaries: Website (00:10:54) Using website messaging and an FAQ section to attract ideal clients and repel non-ideal clients.

Strategies for Implementing Boundaries: Contract (00:13:18) Incorporating professional vendor, communication, client abuse, and availability clauses into the contract.

Strategies for Implementing Boundaries: Onboarding (00:16:07) Utilizing welcome guides and videos to set expectations and communicate boundaries with new clients.

Strategies for Implementing Boundaries: Self and Mindset (00:18:35) Reflecting on personal boundaries, identifying challenges, and implementing a quarterly reboot to maintain boundaries.

Setting Boundaries with Clients (00:21:07) Strategies for setting boundaries with clients, including communication methods and managing client expectations.

Emotional Investment in Clients (00:22:22) Managing emotional investment in clients, maintaining professionalism, and setting boundaries to avoid becoming overly involved.

Firing a Client (00:26:51) Strategies for handling difficult clients, including the decision to fire a client, contractual considerations, and managing negative reviews.

Responding to Negative Reviews (00:32:01) Dealing with negative reviews, professional responses, and understanding the impact of negative feedback on the business.

Learning to Focus on Personal Growth (00:37:36) Advice on overcoming imposter syndrome and focusing on personal growth in the wedding business industry.

Resources for Setting Boundaries (00:38:45) Information about a boundary setting toolkit and other resources for wedding planners to effectively set and maintain boundaries.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Breaking down the stereotypes of second time weddings with Catherine Ramm

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Catherine Ramm, owner of Dorset Dried Flowers, as she discusses her personal experiences as a second-time bride. We delve into the importance of inclusivity and empathy within the industry, particularly for second-time brides and older couples.

Catherine shares anecdotes from her own wedding, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges she faced, and we discuss how these experiences can inform and help wedding pros offer a better solution.

Find out more about Catherine here:

https://www.dorsetdriedflowers.co.uk/

Follow Catherine on Instagram

Time stamps:

The celebration of second marriages (00:00:00)

Embracing second marriages, considering ideal clients, and celebrating love at any age.

Introduction to the podcast (00:00:32)

Becca Pountney introduces the "Wedding Pros Who Are Ready to Grow" podcast and its purpose.

Catherine's journey into the wedding industry (00:01:50)

Catherine Ramm shares her accidental entry into the wedding industry and the start of her dried flower business.

Finding the first wedding client (00:03:16)

Catherine's first wedding client found her on Etsy, leading to her first wedding styling experience.

Challenges and joys of serving clients nationwide (00:05:20)

Catherine discusses the mix of local and nationwide wedding styling, highlighting the challenges and joys.

Catherine's love story and recent marriage (00:06:45)

Catherine shares the heartwarming story of meeting her now-husband and their unique proposal and wedding experience.

Navigating the wedding industry as a second-time bride (00:09:58)

Catherine discusses the challenges and experiences of being a second-time bride in the wedding industry.

The wedding dress experience (00:12:08)

Catherine shares her positive experiences and the importance of being open-minded when choosing a wedding dress.

Negative experiences in wedding planning (00:15:05)

Catherine recounts a negative experience during the wedding registry appointment and the impact it had on her and her partner.

Learnings for wedding professionals (00:19:19)

Becca reflects on the shared experiences and emphasizes the importance of understanding and accommodating diverse couples in the wedding industry.

Understanding the Overwhelm (00:20:00)

The importance of understanding and empathizing with overwhelmed wedding couples.

Learning from the Client Experience (00:21:16)

Insights gained from being a bride and how it can improve one's own wedding business.

Sticking to Your Vision (00:23:14)

Encouraging brides to be assertive in making their wedding their own, learning from past regrets.

Communication and Expectations (00:25:09)

The need for clear communication and asking the right questions to understand the couple's vision.

Representation and Niche Market (00:26:09)

The importance of representing diverse demographics in the wedding industry and identifying niche markets.

Support for Second-Time Brides (00:29:24)

The value of providing support and resources for individuals getting married for the second time.

Lessons learnt from 10 years as a wedding photographer - with Sam Gavins

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with one of my wedding pro members - Sam Gavins. Sam has been a wedding photographer for the last ten years, and today we dive deep into her story. We discuss Sam's journey from nursing to photography, her initial struggles with the business aspect of the industry, and how the Wedding Pro Members Club helped her overcome these challenges. Sam also shares her experiences in getting on recommended supplier lists and building relationships with wedding event coordinators. Listen to hear more about Sam and the lessons learnt from 10 years as a wedding photographer.

Find out more about Sam

Find Sam on Instagram

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Time stamps:

The start of the business side (00:00:21) Discussion about the challenges and hurdles of the business side of being a wedding photographer.

Getting into photography and early experiences (00:01:48) Sam's love for photography from a young age, her experience with photography in school, and receiving her first proper camera.

Transition from nurse to photographer (00:03:44) Sam's decision to pursue photography as a business after having children and encouragement from others, overcoming imposter syndrome.

The struggle of affording equipment (00:09:41) Sam discusses the challenge of not having enough money to buy her own camera equipment and having to borrow lenses from a friend's film business.

The importance of investing in education and community (00:10:56) Becca and Sam discuss the significance of continuously learning and stretching oneself in the wedding photography industry.

Building relationships with venues to get on recommended supply lists (00:13:38) Sam shares her strategy of offering help and building relationships with venues to get on their recommended supply lists.

The Future of Sam's Business (00:19:43) Sam discusses her plans and aspirations for the future of her photography business, including a desire to go to Las Vegas and continue doing what she loves.

The Challenges of Next Year (00:20:39) Becca encourages listeners not to lose hope for the upcoming year, despite the challenges many are facing. She advises against dropping prices and emphasizes the potential for big budget weddings in the future.

The Importance of Support and Asking for Help (00:21:26) Sam highlights the value of joining a business group for support and knowledge, as well as the importance of asking for help and not being afraid of rejection. Becca reinforces the idea of asking for opportunities and collaborating with others in the industry.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Navigating your wedding business niche with Jenae Cartwright

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Jenae Cartwright of Cake and Crumble about navigating your wedding business niche.

When Jenae's daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease she started on a mission to find delicious treats that were safe for her to eat. In 2016 she launched a gluten free only bakery 'Cake and Crumble'.

In this episode we talk about how to own your niche and hear how Jenae has done exactly that.

The Cost of Being an Entrepreneur (00:00:00) Discussion on the hidden costs of being an entrepreneur, including the impact on personal life and mental health.

Introduction and Background (00:01:03) Becca introduces Jenae as the founder of Cake and Crumble, a gluten-free bakery, and shares their meeting in Las Vegas.

Meeting in Las Vegas (00:02:08) Jenae and Becca discuss their unexpected meeting in Las Vegas and the excitement of recognizing each other..

The first coffee shop experience (00:11:39) Jenae talks about her first interaction with a coffee shop owner, convincing her to try her gluten-free baked goods.

Approaching cafes and growing wholesale business (00:12:30) Jenae shares her advice on how to approach cafes and grow the wholesale side of the business.

Becoming the go-to person for gluten-free baking (00:14:37) Becca and Jenae discuss the importance of finding a niche and becoming known as the expert, using Jenae's gluten-free baking as an example.

The importance of personal development (00:22:44) Jenae discusses how personal development has been crucial for her business growth and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Dealing with competitors and building a sense of community (00:24:05) Jenae shares her perspective on competition, celebrating other bakers' success, and the importance of community over competition.

Future plans and focusing on wedding cakes (00:29:06) Jenae talks about her plans for the future, including focusing on luxury wedding cakes, traveling with wedding cakes, and potentially teaching.

Next Steps (00:30:45) - Moving into the education realm Jenae discusses her desire to move into the education realm, specifically focusing on creating a series on how to approach people and sit at a restaurant when living with gluten intolerance.

(00:32:12) - Super cook idea Becca and Jenae brainstorm the idea of Jenae becoming a "super cook" who advises and helps people in the gluten-free world.

(00:35:35) - Balancing cost and self-worth as a business owner Jenae talks about the importance of balancing the cost of running a business with caring for one's self-worth as a business owner and artist.

Should I have pricing on my wedding business website?

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

It's the question I get asked the most - 'Should I have pricing on my wedding business website?'

Today I am going to be tackling that question head on as I share my thoughts on the subject, ideas for displaying pricing and where you should be putting your pricing!

Want help planning your own pricing strategy? Get in touch about working together 1-1: 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

Time Stamps:

The importance of pricing transparency (00:00:00) Becca explains why it is important to have pricing on a website to avoid awkward conversations and help customers make informed decisions.

The negative consequences of not having pricing (00:01:53) Becca shares personal stories of awkward situations caused by the absence of pricing, emphasizing the need for transparency to prevent misunderstandings and embarrassment.

The misconception about attracting price shoppers (00:06:23) Becca addresses the misconception that putting prices on a website attracts price shoppers, explaining that it actually helps filter out potential customers who cannot afford the services and saves time for both parties.

The importance of transparent pricing for savvy shoppers (00:08:59) Becca discusses the benefits of putting prices on a wedding business website to attract informed buyers and deter time wasters.

Gen Z and the need for transparent pricing (00:10:55) Becca explains how the rise of Gen Z couples in the wedding market emphasizes the importance of transparent pricing due to their tech-savviness and preference for informed purchasing decisions.

Benefits of transparent pricing for planning and budgeting (00:15:06) Becca highlights how having clear pricing on a website helps couples plan and budget for their wedding, saves time by attracting qualified leads, and enables better financial planning for the business.

The price range explanation (00:18:29) Becca explains the importance of having a price range on the website and how to explain the pricing within that range during consultations.

The Goldilocks pricing strategy (00:19:23) Becca discusses the concept of the Goldilocks pricing strategy, where three price points are offered to show a range of options and benefits.

Transparency through approximate pricing (00:22:03) Becca suggests the idea of displaying approximate prices for bespoke services, allowing potential customers to make informed decisions based on their budget.

Putting Pricing Everywhere (00:27:14) Becca discusses the importance of putting pricing on various platforms such as follow-up emails, out of office messages, and social media.

Educating Customers on Pricing (00:28:03) Becca encourages wedding businesses to educate customers about pricing by providing rough budget ranges and discussing different cost-saving options.

Transparency in Pricing (00:28:56) Becca concludes the episode by asking listeners to reflect on whether their pricing is transparent enough and encourages them to leave a rating or review for the podcast.

Boosting confidence one bride at a time with Holly Carter

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Bridal Hair and Makeup artist Holly Carter of Carter Hair and Makeup. Today we talk about her business journey, how she instils confidence into her clients and the importance of outsourcing in your wedding business.

Find Holly on Instagram

Time stamps:

The journey into special effects makeup (00:01:57) Holly shares how she became interested in special effects makeup and her fascination with creating cuts and bruises.

Training in special effects makeup (00:03:24) Holly talks about her training in special effects makeup and her experience with learning the artistic side of creating cuts and bruises.

Transition to bridal hair and makeup (00:06:24) Holly discusses how she went from special effects makeup to working in weddings, including her early experiences and lack of knowledge in the bridal industry.

The journey to becoming a bridal hair and makeup artist (00:08:53) The speakers discuss how many people end up in the wedding industry by accident and share their own experiences of starting out in the industry without knowing what to charge or what they were doing.

Building confidence in hair and makeup skills (00:09:23) The speaker talks about how she decided to train in hair and gained confidence in doing bridal and special occasion hair up work. She also mentions assisting on fashion shoots and how that helped her build confidence in both hair and makeup.

Taking the leap to quit a part-time job (00:12:01) The speaker discusses the decision to quit her part-time job and focus on doing weddings full-time. She talks about the support from her husband and the motivation to prove herself. She also mentions having enough bookings to make the same amount of money as her part-time job.

The confidence boost (00:16:46) Becca discusses how she helps her brides feel confident and forget their worries on their wedding day.

Dealing with highs and lows in business (00:17:50) Holly and Becca talk about the emotional roller coaster of being a business owner and what keeps them motivated during the ups and downs.

The importance of investing in education and community (00:21:51) Holly and Becca discuss the value of learning from others and being part of a supportive community in the wedding industry.

The importance of self-comparison (00:24:55) The speakers discuss the value of comparing oneself to their past self rather than comparing to others in business.

Outsourcing and the benefits of delegation (00:26:10) They talk about the advantages of outsourcing tasks in business and the fear that comes with letting go of control.

Continuous learning and growth in the wedding industry (00:29:25) The importance of continuous learning and improvement in the wedding industry is emphasized, regardless of experience level.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Is it time for a wedding business rebrand? With Katie Lake

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In today's episode I am chatting with branding and web designer Katie Lake of Studio Lago design.

We talk about how to know when your wedding business needs a rebrand and the importance of having a website that reflects your work and speaks directly to your ideal customer.

Ask yourself during this episode - is it time for a wedding business rebrand?

Follow Studio Lago on Instagram.

The importance of reassessing your business (00:00:00) Katie discusses the need to reassess your business and realign your values and brand if necessary.

Introduction to Katie Lake and her business transition (00:01:03) Becca introduces Katie Lake, owner of Studio Largo Design, and discusses her transition from the wedding industry to offering branding and web design services.

Common mistakes in wedding business websites (00:06:26) Katie discusses common mistakes in wedding business websites, including lack of customization for ideal clients and lack of strategic planning for customer journeys.

Updating Your Website Strategy (00:09:47) Importance of having a website as the center of your business and strategies for updating it frequently.

Gaining an Outside Perspective (00:12:39) The importance of stepping out of your own perspective and seeking feedback from ideal clients and market research calls.

Knowing When to Rebrand (00:16:37) Considering the alignment of business goals, values, and vision before deciding if a rebrand is necessary, and focusing on the ideal client's perspective.

The visual rebrand process (00:19:30) Tips on aligning visual branding with ideal clients and creating mood boards.

Improving your website (00:21:14) Suggestions for updating and enhancing a website, including reflecting the brand visually and optimizing the home page.

Finding the right website designer (00:26:39) Considerations for selecting a website designer, including personal connection, experience, strategy, and budget.

The importance of running your business as a business (00:29:50) Katie emphasizes the need to see your business from an outsider perspective and run it with a clear business strategy.

Transitioning from winging it to running a proper business (00:31:12) Katie discusses the process of reframing everything and gaining clarity in order to run a business with confidence, rather than waiting for business to come.

Taking action to improve your website and brand (00:32:32) Becca encourages listeners to set goals, revisit their values, and evaluate if their website and brand are still aligned, and take action if necessary.

Lessons learnt at Wedding MBA!

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This year I flew out to Vegas for Wedding MBA 2023 and it was a blast! I caught up with my American educator friends, investigated new technology for all of you and met many new friends along the way. With 5800 delegates and SO much great education to choose from, Wedding MBA is one of the biggest wedding industry conferences in the world.

During this years event I caught up with the speakers, exhibitors and attendees to find out what they had been learning so I could share it with all of you!

Next years Wedding MBA is taking place from November 12th -14th 2024 - so who's coming with me to Vegas?

A huge thank you to all my contributors for this episode:

Goldsboro events center

Oduberg Law

Morningside Inn

The Wedding Summit Series

The Flower Cart Carrollton

The Budget Savvy Bride

The Venue RX

Lion Hills Vineyard

Wedding MBA

Time Stamps:

The importance of attending networking events (00:02:52) Becca highlights the importance of attending networking events and conferences to make connections and gain inspiration.

Exploring software options in the wedding industry (00:04:37) Becca discusses the expo at the conference and the importance of staying up-to-date with software trends and finding tools to make business operations easier.

The impact of visibility and unexpected recognition (00:07:19) Becca shares a personal experience of being recognized at the conference, emphasizing the importance of visibility and reminding listeners that people are seeing and being inspired by their work.

The importance of online presence (00:08:15) Clients judge your business based on your online presence, even if they don't engage with your posts.

Continuing education and personal development (00:09:09) Investing in education and learning from conferences and podcasts is crucial for business growth.

Implementing what you learn (00:10:04) Taking action and implementing the knowledge gained from conferences and trainings is essential for creating real change in your business.

Hear from the Wedding MBA attendees (00:13:00) Becca finds out what this years attendees and speakers learnt at Wedding MBA.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get more Leads Bootcamp

Join in with my FREE 'Get more Leads' Wedding Bootcamp. 11th - 13th April (Replays available) Sign up for FREE below: https://go.beccapountney.com/getleads

Striving to get to the top - With Wedding Photographer Stuart Wood.

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Do you ever look at the wedding pros who are at the top of their game and wonder how they got there? Wedding photographer Stuart Wood is well known for his fine art, high end fashion style wedding photography. Working at venues such as the Four Seasons and The Savoy and travelling the world shooting weddings - his career is thriving. In today's episode I ask the questions about HOW he got to this point, to debunk the 'overnight success' theory and to show you what's possible.

Find out more about Stuart

Follow Stuart 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:

Transitioning from Supermarket Manager to Photographer (00:02:07) Stuart discusses his journey from being a potential supermarket manager to pursuing his passion for photography.

Support and Taking the Leap (00:04:26) Stuart talks about the support he had from his family and the importance of embracing opportunities and taking risks.

Photographing Celebrities (00:07:26) Stuart shares his experience of reaching out to 250 celebrities and successfully photographing 25 of them, which changed his life and gave him valuable experience.

The transition to photography (00:09:42) Stuart discusses how he started in photography, his initial lack of creativity in weddings, and his journey to getting opportunities in the industry.

The big break with the BBC (00:10:41) Stuart shares his experience working on the set of Pride and Prejudice and how he got the main shot for the poster, leading to a significant breakthrough in his career.

Getting the Radio Times cover (00:11:38) Stuart talks about his goal of getting the Radio Times cover and finally achieving it in 2007 with a portrait of James Nesbitt in Jekyll's, highlighting the importance of persistence and hard work.

The transition to high-end weddings (00:19:57) Stuart discusses his decision to transition from regular wedding fairs to high-end venues like the Atelier, the Savoy, and the Four Seasons.

Opportunity at the Four Seasons (00:20:48) Stuart shares how he got the opportunity to photograph his team captain's wedding at the Four Seasons and how it led to becoming one of their recommended photographers.

Importance of relationships and representation (00:24:06) Stuart emphasizes the importance of building relationships, representing clients properly, and being professional in order to gain trust and recommendations from venues and clients.

The importance of branding and delivering quality (00:29:57) Stuart discusses the importance of having strong branding and delivering high-quality work to stand out in the luxury photography industry.

Challenging yourself and pushing boundaries (00:32:50) Stuart emphasizes the importance of getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks, and pushing yourself to deliver the best results for high-end clients.

Finding high-end clients through recommendations (00:36:46) Stuart explains that most of his high-end clients come through recommendations from wedding planners, venues, or previous clients, rather than through online searches.

The timestamp's title (time it starts) Stuart's Motivation (00:39:02) Stuart talks about how he realized that time was passing quickly and he is more motivated than ever to pursue his photography career.

Celebrating Success (00:39:56) Becca encourages Stuart to keep going and suggests celebrating his success by hosting a party at the Savoy or the Four Seasons.

Finding Stuart Wood (00:40:55) Becca discusses how to find Stuart Wood online by adding the word "photography" to the search and shares that she will include all of Stuart's links in the show notes.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

8 ways to grow your wedding business this winter

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

It's that funny time of year, enquiries are down, wedding season has slowed and the whole world is thinking about Christmas.

With 2 whole months until the end of the year, now is the time to get on top of the admin, build new business connections and get all the jobs done that you never have time for.

In this episode I am sharing 8 things you can do this winter to make a positive impact on your wedding business.

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

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:

Take a Break (00:00:56) Importance of taking a break during the quieter season to enjoy family time and recharge.

Don't Panic (00:01:44) Advice to not panic when inquiries are quiet and to ground oneself with logic and look at the facts.

Brush Up on Learning (00:03:18) Using the quieter season to learn new skills, brush up on knowledge, and invest in personal development.

Work on connections (00:09:39) Meeting up with other wedding professionals This topic discusses the importance of organizing meetups with other wedding professionals, whether it's for networking events or simply grabbing a cup of coffee.

Collaborate with venues (00:10:26) Connecting with wedding venues This topic suggests reaching out to wedding venues during the quieter season to build relationships and explore potential collaborations, such as taking photos, recording Instagram reels, or providing services for their events.

Automate processes (00:13:24) Automating business processes This topic highlights the benefits of automating business processes, such as email sequences and lead generation, during the quieter season to save time and improve efficiency in the future. It also mentions the possibility of outsourcing certain tasks and organizing files and finances.

Overcoming self sabotage in your wedding business with Camilla J Collins

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Do you struggle with being visible in your business? Whenever I speak on visibility - people always say they don't feel confident to put themselves forward and I want to help you change that feeling. Today I'm chatting to makeup artist and confidence coach Camilla J Collins about overcoming self sabotage in your wedding business.

We discuss everything from putting your face on social media to stopping comparisonitus.

Want to find out more about Camilla?

Watch her overcoming self sabotage masterclass

Read the book

Ready to be more visible in your wedding business? Take my free audio bootcamp and start taking action today!

Take the bootcamp

Time Stamps:

Gaining Experience and Building Confidence [00:00:00] The importance of gaining experience, building confidence, and finding what you enjoy in the wedding industry.

Camilla's Background in TV and Film [00:01:52] Camilla and Becca discuss their similar backgrounds in the television and film industry and how it led them to the wedding industry.

Transitioning from Assisting to Starting a Business [00:07:07] Camilla shares her journey from assisting other makeup artists to starting her own bridal business and getting clients.

Building Confidence and Gaining Experience [00:08:33] Importance of gaining experience, finding passion, and building confidence in the wedding industry.

The Importance of Doing the Work and Building Experience [00:09:18] The value of starting at the bottom, gaining experience, and learning from the ground up in the wedding industry.

The Highs and Lows of Being in the Wedding Industry [00:11:02] Discussion about the highs and lows, struggles, and learnings from working in the wedding industry.

The power within ourselves [00:17:14] Camilla discusses her motivation for writing a book about the beauty industry and the importance of building confidence from within.

Reasons behind self-criticism [00:18:37] Camilla explores the reasons why people often feel critical about their appearance, including lack of self-acceptance and societal pressures.

Comparison and the impact of social media [00:20:28] The conversation delves into the issue of comparison, particularly on social media, and how it affects self-confidence and self-image.

Building Confidence and Focusing on Yourself [00:26:25] The importance of focusing on your own strengths and not comparing yourself to others in the industry.

Importance of Showing Your Face [00:29:21] Why it is crucial to showcase your face and connect with people in the wedding industry.

Overcoming Self-Sabotage [00:32:43] Tips and resources for dealing with self-sabotaging behaviours and limiting beliefs that hold you back.

The importance of not listening to negativity [00:35:00] Discusses how negative comments can affect us and the importance of focusing on positive feedback instead.

The need for in-person networking [00:37:15] Talks about the importance of getting out of our comfort zones and connecting with people in person for business growth.

The importance of agility and not getting too attached [00:39:55] Discusses the need to embrace change and not become too attached to the way things are in order to progress smoothly.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

Lessons learnt from the Wedding Business Retreat

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Last week we ran our annual wedding business retreat. It was an amazing week, and importantly there were lots of learnings that I wanted to share with you. This weeks episode covers a wide variety of topics from customer service to listening to your business instincts.

Join me as I share with you all of the lessons learnt from this years wedding business retreat.

Want to be part of an amazing wedding business community to support your business as it grows? Take a look at my Wedding Pro Members Lounge.

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 impact of good customer service [00:04:00] Becca highlights the exceptional customer service experience at Beamish Hall and emphasizes its importance in creating a positive guest experience.

Recognizing the stage of your business and relevant training [00:07:11] Understanding that different stages of business require different levels of help and training, and the importance of focusing on what is relevant to your current stage.

The importance of convenience [00:11:02] People are willing to pay more for convenience, as shown by Becca's experience of ordering Starbucks coffee to the hotel.

Educating your audience [00:13:52] Offering simple tips and education in your content helps you stand out as an expert in your field.

Trusting your instincts [00:15:40] Don't doubt yourself or seek approval from others. Trust your gut instincts when making decisions for your business.

The importance of a supportive community [00:18:44] Becca emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and encouraging individuals in the wedding industry.

Benefits of finding your people [00:19:53] Becca encourages listeners to seek out like-minded individuals in the wedding industry to inspire and celebrate each other's successes.

Final thoughts and invitation to join a community [00:21:00] Becca concludes by urging listeners to find their people, be authentic, and not take business too seriously.

Should your wedding business be on TikTok with Meagan Culkin

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Maegan Culkin about all things Tik Tok! Why should you be paying attention to it and should your wedding be on TikTok in the first place?

We talk about what couples are looking for and how you can master the platform without ever having to dance.

Here's a link to all the resources mentioned in the episode

Get more training from Meagan

Find out more about the Wedding Pro Members Lounge.

Time stamps:

The Power of TikTok [00:00:00] Meagan discusses the benefits of using TikTok for wedding businesses, including building relationships with couples and showcasing personality.

Introduction to Meagan Culkin [00:00:56] Becca introduces Meagan Culkin, owner of Magnolia Collective, a wedding planning and design company, and discusses her experience in the wedding industry.

Meagan's Journey in the Wedding Industry [00:02:14] Meagan shares her background in the wedding industry, coming from a family with a history of wedding-related businesses, and her transition from other hospitality roles to starting her own business.

The Rise of TikTok for Wedding Planning [00:10:10] Discusses how brides turned to TikTok during the pandemic for advice and support from other couples.

Using TikTok to Educate and Connect [00:11:14] Explains how Meagan inserted herself into TikTok conversations to educate brides about wedding planning during COVID-19 and showcase examples of safe gatherings.

The Personalization and Benefits of TikTok for Wedding Businesses [00:18:56] Addresses the misconception that TikTok is only for dancing and highlights how wedding vendors can use the platform to capture and share behind-the-scenes content, educate couples, and build relationships.

The importance of detail images in wedding planning [00:21:16] Meagan discusses the significance of including detail images, such as shoes, in wedding design suites and the missed opportunity for exposure for photographers.

Tips for creating TikTok videos [00:22:32] Becca asks Meagan about the process of creating TikTok videos, including how polished they need to be and the apps she uses for editing.

Using TikTok and Instagram for marketing and conversion [00:29:30] Meagan shares her experience of booking clients through TikTok and Instagram, highlighting the return on investment and the potential for increased revenue through targeted ads.

The personality shines on TikTok [00:33:06] Discussion on how TikTok allows Meagan's personality to shine through and the potential of the app for wedding businesses.

Not everyone is your competition [00:33:30] Realizing that other wedding businesses are not competition and that there is enough work to go around.

Community over competition [00:34:50] Emphasizing the importance of supporting and collaborating with the wedding business community rather than viewing them as competition.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Authentic Marketing in your wedding business with Tayler Cusick Hollman

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I chat to Enji founder Tayler Cusick Hollman about how to implement authentic marketing in your wedding business. We talk all things marketing and discuss how the big brands like Barbie and Prime Energy Drinks are using marketing in their business.

What is authentic marketing? How can you improve your marketing and how can you make marketing your wedding business less overwhelming?

Try out Enji with my special affiliate link

Find Enji on Instagram

The Power of Experience [00:00:00] Tayler discusses how Barbie's marketing strategy was experiential and created a sense of participation.

Introduction to Authentic Marketing [00:01:04] Becca introduces the concept of authentic marketing and its importance in building a successful business.

Being Authentic in Marketing [00:04:14] Tayler shares her thoughts on being authentic in marketing and the importance of staying true to your own brand and vision.

The importance of writing an imperfect first draft [00:09:32] Tayler discusses the importance of allowing yourself to write an imperfect first draft and how even professional copywriters don't write the final draft straight away.

Finding your authentic mission and why [00:10:53] Tayler talks about the importance of asking "why" multiple times to uncover the deeper reasons behind your mission. They also discuss the misconception that being authentic means sharing everything online.

The danger of comparing yourself to others on social media [00:14:08] Becca shares a personal story about how her mom formed a false opinion of her based on what she posted on social media. They discuss the dangers of comparing oneself to others on social media and the need to remember that what is shared is not necessarily 100% reality.

The struggle of starting a business without a portfolio [00:19:43] Discussion on the challenges of digital marketing without a portfolio and the questionable practice of reposting images from other professionals.

Being authentic and moral in marketing [00:21:01] Encouragement to be a good person with a moral compass and avoid doing things that feel wrong or "icky" in marketing.

Determining where to start with marketing [00:22:20] Advice on identifying the marketing channels that align with your capacity and authentic marketing strategy, and the importance of focusing on 1 to 3 channels to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

The birth of a software [00:29:27] Tayler discusses how they were busy during COVID and took the opportunity to work on their business. They realized the consistent reason people came to them was to get advice on what to do, which led to the idea of creating a software that provides marketing strategies.

How the software works [00:32:14] Tayler explains that the software starts with a questionnaire to create a marketing strategy. It then generates a one-page visual marketing plan that helps users understand how different marketing pieces fit together. It is meant to provide a clear path for users to focus on and execute their marketing.

Marketing strategies and the power of mass marketing [00:36:59] Tayler discusses the marketing strategies used by Prime Energy Drinks, which heavily targets children. They explain the concept of mass marketing and the repeated exposure needed for someone to be ready to buy. They highlight the effectiveness of mass marketing while also acknowledging the ethical concerns of marketing to children.

The Barbie movie marketing [00:40:56] Discussion about the huge marketing campaign for the Barbie movie, including the impact it had and the experiential elements.

Marketing as an experiment [00:45:08] Emphasis on the importance of experimenting in marketing and the need to constantly adapt to changing trends and consumer behavior.

Nothing comes easy in business [00:47:16] The realization that building a successful business takes time, effort, and perseverance, and the need to not get discouraged by challenges and setbacks.

The goal of a six-figure business [00:49:23] Discussion on the idea that a six-figure business is not for everyone and how one's lifestyle and goals should determine their business objectives.

Invitation to check out the website [00:50:23] Information about the website "engcom" and an invitation to explore the tools and resources available, including a 14-day free trial.

Excitement about the conversation and tool [00:51:09] Expressing enthusiasm for the conversation and the usefulness of the "Enji" tool, encouraging listeners to try it out and provide feedback.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get more Leads Bootcamp

Join in with my FREE 'Get more Leads' Wedding Bootcamp. 11th - 13th April (Replays available) Sign up for FREE below: https://go.beccapountney.com/getleads

The Number 1 way to sell more weddings

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm talking all about why word of mouth marketing is THE most cost effective and successful way to promote your business.

I'm sharing why it matters, what you should be paying attention to and 5 actionable tips that you can implement into your wedding business today.

Word of Mouth marketing is the number 1 way to sell more weddings - so don't neglect it!

Join the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

Come to the Wedding Pro Party (Wed 4th October)

Join me at Balmer Lawn (Wed 18th October)

Time stamps:

The power of word-of-mouth marketing [00:00:00] Explanation of the effectiveness of word-of-mouth marketing and its impact on consumer trust.

Exemplary customer service [00:03:05] Importance of providing exceptional customer service to generate positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

The role of reviews and testimonials [00:07:46] Discussion on the significance of online reviews and testimonials in building trust and attracting potential customers.

Building Trust with Testimonials [00:09:57] Using testimonials in various ways to enhance marketing and build trust with potential clients.

The Power of In-Person Networking [00:13:02] The importance of attending in-person events and networking nights to build relationships and connections within the wedding industry.

Building Meaningful Relationships [00:16:31] How to build meaningful relationships with wedding professionals and venues in order to be recommended and receive referrals.

Building Meaningful Relationships [00:19:15] Tips on how to build meaningful relationships in the wedding industry, including giving more than taking and keeping in touch.

Tracking Results [00:21:04] The importance of tracking where inquiries are coming from and how to use that information to improve word-of-mouth marketing strategies.

The Power of Word-of-Mouth Advertising [00:22:52] Understanding the impact of word-of-mouth advertising, expressing gratitude to those who recommend your services, and the long-term benefits of building meaningful relationships.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Reaching Gen Z couples with your wedding business with Randi Bushell

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

For a long time we have been serving Millennial couples, but now we are starting to see more and more couples from Gen Z! What do Gen Z couples expect from their wedding planning and how can we serve them better?

In this episode I speak to Randi Bushell, founder of Merri about what Gen Z want, how technology can help and how you can be reaching Gen Z couples with your wedding business.

Click to find out more about Merri.

Find Merri on Instagram

Time Stamps:

Gen Z Communication Preferences [00:00:00] Explains how Gen Z prefers short, frequent communication compared to longer, drawn-out communication.

Introduction to Randi Bushell and Merri [00:01:00] Introduces Randi Bushell, founder and CEO of Merri, a 3D design tool for wedding pros.

The Inspiration Behind Merri [00:02:53] Discusses how Randi came up with the idea for Merri while planning her own wedding and bridging her e-commerce experience with the events industry.

The birth of the informed consumer [00:09:25] How the availability of information online changed the wedding industry and the role of wedding professionals.

The rise of the inspired consumer [00:10:42] The impact of Instagram and Pinterest on the wedding industry, and how millennials were influenced by visual content.

The emergence of the innovative consumer [00:11:49] The unique characteristics of Gen Z, their reliance on technology, and their desire for personalized and intentional experiences.

Setting up milestones and using project management tools [00:19:57] Explains the importance of identifying milestones and using project management tools to track progress and automate tasks.

Fast response times and communication preferences of Gen Z [00:23:28] Discusses the expectation of fast response times, the use of automation, and the preference for short, frequent communication methods like text messaging.

Tech enablement and the importance of technology in wedding planning [00:28:36] Explores how technology has become an integral part of everyday life for Gen Z and its impact on wedding planning, including automation and streamlining processes.

Topic 1: Aligning expectations and communication with clients [00:29:51] Discussion on the importance of automating response times, creating a roadmap, and using preset milestones to align expectations with clients and communicate effectively.

Topic 2: Benefits of Merri software for event planning [00:31:13] Exploration of how Merri software helps event planners, venues, and rental companies in finalizing floor plans, managing logistics, and providing a virtual showroom for rental companies.

Topic 3: Planning accordingly and setting realistic expectations [00:38:21] Advice on planning for longer timelines and higher costs in business endeavors, emphasizing the need to set realistic expectations and be patient in achieving success.

Note: The timestamps provided are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the podcast episode's actual duration.

The changing landscape of wedding planning [00:39:56] Discussion on how wedding planning is evolving over time and the challenges of adapting to new ways of doing things.

Tips for embracing the future of wedding planning [00:40:09] Advice on small steps that can be taken to embrace the changing landscape of wedding planning and stay ahead.

Recommendation to check out innovative software [00:40:09] Encouragement to explore a specific software that is mentioned in the podcast episode and is said to be mind-blowing.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Unmasking ADHD in your Wedding Business - with Nicole Winer

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In today's episode we dive into a topic that is increasingly coming up in conversations I have with clients - ADHD. How do you navigate running a business with ADHD? How can you better serve your neuro diverse couples?

In this episode I dive deep with Nicole Winer as she shares her own experiences of running a business whilst identifying as neuro diverse. It's time to start unmasking ADHD in your wedding business.

Listen to Nicole's Podcast

Find out more about Nicole

Find out more about ADHD

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:

Keeping the same format, content, and context, Change 'Speaker 1' to Becca: Understanding ADHD [00:03:10] Explanation of what ADHD is, its characteristics, and how it affects the brain's executive function.

ADHD in Women vs. Men [00:04:13] Discussion on how ADHD presents differently in women compared to men, including the role of hyperactivity and overthinking.

Unmasking ADHD and Dealing with Shame [00:07:15] Exploration of the shame and masking associated with ADHD, and the empowerment and strengths that can come from embracing it.

Unwinding coping mechanisms and stress responses [00:09:25] Becca discusses how masking and coping mechanisms developed in childhood can affect adult experiences, using migraines as a stress response example.

Fear of label and official diagnosis [00:10:21] Becca and Nicole discuss the fear and hesitation around seeking an official diagnosis for ADHD, and the importance of self-acceptance and self-knowledge.

Strengths and limitations of ADHD in business [00:13:11] Nicole highlights the strengths of ADHD in business, such as creativity and hyper-focus, but also discusses the limitations, such as the need for support in executing ideas and managing time.

The struggle of asking for help [00:18:34] Nicole discusses the importance of being vulnerable and asking for help when feeling overwhelmed or unsure.

Networking challenges for introverts [00:20:16] Nicole shares her personal experience as an introvert and how she navigates networking events and large groups of people.

Different approaches to success [00:25:51] Nicole emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to success and encourages listeners to define their own goals and paths.

The importance of community and support [00:27:47] Discussion on the significance of having a supportive community and the role it plays in personal growth and success.

Recognizing and supporting neurodiverse individuals in the wedding industry [00:30:47] Exploring how wedding suppliers and business coaches can be more inclusive and supportive of neurodiverse individuals in the wedding planning process.

Asking for and providing support to neurodiverse individuals [00:33:04] Emphasizing the importance of asking for and providing the necessary support and accommodations for neurodiverse individuals, and the impact it can have on their success and well-being.

The importance of accountability and asking for help [00:37:10] Nicole discusses how having more accountability and asking for help would have accelerated their progress and reduced shame.

Acknowledgment and gratitude for the guest [00:37:10] Becca expresses gratitude to Nicole for openly discussing the topic and acknowledges the value they bring to others.

Encouragement to explore the guest's podcast [00:38:09] Becca invites listeners to check out the guest's podcast, "Supercharge Your Business," and provides information on where to find it online.

Communicate, be brave and be nice - growing a successful wedding DJ Business with Mike Readings

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with DJ Mike Readings, I LOVE sharing my wedding pro members lounge stories, they are always fascinating - and Mikes is no different!

From working on a Disney Cruise to owning two successful entertainment companies, Mike has a huge amount of knowledge to share. Listen to his journey as he shares his experience of growing a successful wedding DJ Business.

Find out more about the Wedding Pro Members Lounge:

https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Find out more about Mike:

https://www.djmikereadings.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/dj_mike_readings

https://www.discofactoryuk.com/

Time Stamps:

Starting as a DJ [00:01:31] Mike shares how he started his journey as a DJ, buying gear and doing gigs in nightclubs and pubs.

Working for Disney [00:02:41] Mike talks about his time working for Disney on one of their cruise lines and how it sparked his passion for DJing.

Learning from Carphone Warehouse and Disney [00:04:47] Mike discusses how his experiences working at Carphone Warehouse and Disney have shaped his sales pitch and business approach.

The Disney Training Experience [00:09:18] Mike discusses his experience working for Disney, including the bizarre morning rituals and the impact it had on his entertainment skills.

Transitioning to Full-Time DJ [00:12:04] Mike talks about quitting his job at Carphone Warehouse and taking on window cleaning as a part-time job to pursue his DJ career.

Adapting During COVID-19 [00:16:34] Mike shares how he worked for Sainsbury's and did Zoom kids parties during the pandemic, and how it motivated him to take his business to the next level.

Building Relationships with Suppliers and Venues [00:24:45] Mike discusses his approach to building relationships with suppliers and wedding venues, emphasizing the importance of being nice, communicating effectively, and showing appreciation.

The Power of Communication [00:26:14] Mike highlights the significance of regular communication, particularly through a pre-wedding email, in ensuring a smooth and organized wedding day. He shares how this simple gesture can prevent uncertainty and build trust with venues and couples.

Simplicity and Gratitude in Building Relationships [00:28:55] Becca and Mike stress the simplicity of building relationships with venues and suppliers, emphasizing the value of saying thank you, being organized, and avoiding uncertainty. They discuss the impact of appreciation and positive feedback on business growth.

The importance of sending emails consistently [00:30:03] Mike discusses the importance of consistently sending emails and how he plans to outsource this task during busy seasons.

Advice for someone starting out in the wedding industry [00:30:47] Mike advises new wedding industry professionals to seek advice from experienced individuals rather than relying on family and friends.

The importance of having a life plan [00:34:34] Mike reflects on the importance of having a life plan, not just a business plan, and how he wishes he had thought about his future earlier in his career.

Stop the ghosting in your Wedding Business with Alan Berg

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Fed up of getting ghosted? This episode is here to help. I'm joined by wedding industry legend Alan Berg who is going to be sharing SO much great information about how to respond to directory enquiries and not get ghosted. It's time to stop the ghosting in your wedding business, because it's not a no until it's a no.

Find out more about Alan

Get £50 off tickets to Alans event in London

Buy Alans books. - Use coupon code 'podcast' for free shipping

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 members lounge

Find out more about the wedding pro members lounge: https://go.beccapountney.com/wedpro

Manage your time and create a winning week - with Carin Hunt

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Do you need to get organised in your wedding business? In today's episode I'm joined by Carin Hunt as she shares how to manage your time and create a winning week. From how to plan ahead, to creating focus days, this episode is guaranteed to help you be more organised and free you up for the things and people you love.

Grab a copy of the Weekly Focus Template

Find out about Carin's planner

Find out more about Celebration Pros.

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:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

Do you need a freelancer in your wedding business?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Do you feel like you have a never ending to do list? Are you struggling to get everything done? In today's episode I'm asking whether you need a freelancer in your wedding business?

In this episode I'm discussing how you know when you need a freelancer, how to find one and how to get the most out of them. If you are considering taking this route then this episode is for you.

Need help finding a freelancer? Speak to us at the Wedding Pro Agency.

Need help growing your wedding business? Check out my audio bootcamp.

Time stamps:

[00:00:57] Using freelancers in my business has been revolutionary. Becca discusses the benefits of hiring freelancers and when to consider it.

[00:02:55] When is the best time to hire a freelancer? Becca explains the importance of hiring a freelancer when your to-do list is overwhelming and you need help with tasks.

[00:04:42] Where to find freelancers? Becca suggests three options: asking colleagues for recommendations, using an agency like the Wedding Pro Agency, or finding someone yourself through local Facebook groups.

Finding the Right Freelancer [00:09:26] Tips on what to look for in a freelancer, including good communication skills and tech savvy.

Identifying Tasks for Freelancers [00:11:11] Exploring repetitive tasks that can be outsourced to freelancers, such as social media posting and email inquiries.

One-Off Projects for Freelancers [00:17:04] Discussing the option of hiring a freelancer for specific projects or tasks that don't require long-term commitment.

Streamlined systems for effective communication [00:19:53] Using Google sheets and drives to streamline communication and tasks between freelancers and the business owner.

Giving autonomy to freelancers [00:21:37] Trusting freelancers to complete tasks independently and respecting their expertise and abilities.

Setting realistic expectations and giving positive feedback [00:24:22] Setting realistic targets and expectations for freelancers, and providing positive feedback to encourage their continued excellent work.

The Wedding Pro Agency [00:27:42] Becca explains the concept of the Wedding Pro Agency, which connects wedding business owners with trained freelancers to help with tasks.

Providing Opportunities [00:28:35] Becca discusses how the Wedding Pro Agency provides work opportunities for individuals who may struggle to find employment in the traditional job market.

Interested in Working with the Wedding Pro Agency? [00:29:31] Becca invites listeners to reach out if they are interested in having the Wedding Pro Agency manage their social media, handle one-off tasks, or assist with other services mentioned in the episode.

Mastering SEO for your Wedding Business - with Sara Dunn

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Does SEO give you a headache? You want to rise to the top of Google but it just feels like an impossible challenge. In today's episode the fabulous Sara Dunn of Sara Does SEO is breaking it down for you. Her mission - to allow all wedding businesses to understand SEO, without the jargon. In this episode Sara breaks down mastering SEO for your wedding business.

Find out more about Wedding SEO Bootcamp

Find out about working with Sara

Discover Uber suggest

The Q&A Blog Exchange [00:00:00] Sara discusses the idea of a Q&A blog exchange between businesses to generate more content and links.

Introduction to Sara Dunn [00:01:09] Becca introduces Sara Dunn, a wedding specialist who helps wedding pros rank higher in Google.

Sara's Background and SEO for the Wedding Industry [00:01:52] Sara Dunn shares her background and how she got into SEO, specifically for the wedding industry.

Tip 1: Figuring out what people are searching for [00:09:55] Importance of brainstorming keywords and understanding what potential clients are searching for.

Tip 2: Using keywords on your website [00:13:15] The importance of using keywords on your website, including in headings, page text, and SEO titles.

Tip 3: Optimizing specific pages on your site [00:17:47] Avoiding the common mistake of repeating the same keyword throughout the entire website and instead focusing on optimizing specific pages.

Optimizing your homepage and blog content [00:17:57] Sara Dunn explains the importance of optimizing the homepage for the most important keyword and expanding on other related keywords through blog content.

The role of Google Business Profile in SEO [00:20:13] Sara Dunn emphasizes the significance of setting up a Google Business Profile to communicate important information about your business to Google and build trust.

The importance of backlinks in SEO [00:21:25] Sara Dunn discusses the importance of backlinks in SEO and how they indicate trust and authority, cautioning against buying low-quality links and suggesting guest blogging as a way to obtain high-quality links.

The importance of using tools for accurate SEO ranking [00:26:48] Using tools or an incognito window in Chrome is more accurate than Googling your keywords to check your ranking.

Understanding the Yoast plugin for SEO optimization [00:27:56] The Yoast plugin provides signals on how well your content is optimized, but it doesn't communicate with Google directly.

The Wedding SEO Bootcamp and its benefits [00:31:20] The Wedding SEO Bootcamp is a group program that teaches step-by-step SEO strategies tailored for the wedding industry.

00:35:26 - Note-taking for future reference Becca discusses the practice of making notes in her phone for helpful information that may not be immediately applicable.

00:35:41 - Revisiting information in the quiet season Becca mentions that some listeners may want to wait until the quiet season to revisit the information discussed in the episode.

00:36:13 - Sara's approach to SEO Becca expresses admiration for Sara's down-to-earth approach to search engine optimization and encourages listeners to check out her bootcamp and other resources.

How to diversify your wedding business income with Georgia Mcgilley

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with wedding photographer Georgia Mcgilley. Georgia is always looking to create new revenue streams into her wedding business and in today's episode I get her to break down her business journey and what that looks like in practice. We discuss all of her different ideas and why they have worked for her.

There are multiple ways your business can bring in revenue - so why not get creative!

Visit Georgia's website

Find Georgia on Instagram

Find out more about the next Styled Shoot workshop

Time Stamps:

Investing in the Business [00:00:00] Georgia discusses the importance of investing money in the business and how it helped her grow faster.

Introduction to Georgia McGill [00:00:59] Becca introduces Georgia as a wedding photographer with multiple income streams and discusses their previous collaborations.

Starting in the Wedding Industry [00:01:57] Georgia shares how she stumbled into the wedding industry and her journey from being a hobbyist photographer to starting her own business.

The benefits of style shoots [00:10:53] Discussion on the value of style shoots for photographers, building portfolios, and expanding networks.

Making the most of style shoot images [00:11:55] Exploring the various ways photographers can use style shoot images for marketing and branding purposes.

Benefits of attending a workshop [00:15:01] Advantages of attending a workshop over organizing one's own style shoot, including networking opportunities and building relationships with other photographers.

The importance of budgeting and investing in your business [00:20:03] Georgia discusses the importance of budgeting and investing in her business, including upgrading equipment and attending courses or networking events.

The value of planning and completing courses [00:21:21] Becca and Georgia emphasize the importance of planning and scheduling time to complete courses, rather than letting them fall by the wayside.

The benefits of diversifying income streams [00:26:08] Georgia shares how COVID-19 prompted her to diversify her income streams, leading to the growth of different aspects of her photography business and providing financial security.

[00:30:22] Wedding Content and Other Lifestyle Photos Discussion about the variety of content available on Georgia's website, including wedding photos and lifestyle images.

[00:31:43] Using Stock Photos Ethically Exploring how photographers can use stock photos to provide inspiration and tips to clients without pretending they are their own work.

[00:33:38] Future Plans: Workshops and Building Client Relationships Georgia's plans to expand her workshops to provide more educational opportunities for photographers and her goal of establishing long-term relationships with clients.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

The 'Gentle Sales system' for your wedding business with Carolyn Kulb

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Carolyn Kulb, the founder of The Bloom Poet, a boutique wedding floral and event design studio in Seattle. We dive into Carolyn's journey in the wedding industry, starting as a flower farmer and transitioning into the wedding floral business. We talk about the challenges she faced in the early years and the changes she made to make her business more profitable. Carolyn shares her gentle sales system and how she follows up with potential clients, providing valuable information even if they don't initially reply. Learn why you should pay attention to the Gentle Sales system for your wedding business.

Get a copy of Carolyn's '10 gentle sales email's' here.

Visit Carolyn's website

Find Carolyn 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:

The Gentle Sales System [00:01:03]

Carolyn discusses her successful gentle sales system that helps her book clients and avoid being ghosted.

Starting as a Flower Farmer [00:02:17]

Carolyn shares her journey of starting as a flower farmer and transitioning into the wedding floral business.

Challenges and Mistakes in the Early Years [00:05:26]

Carolyn talks about the challenges she faced in the early years, including marketing and sales mistakes, and how she overcame them.

The sustainability of wedding flowers [00:09:41]

Carolyn discusses the efforts her business makes to source sustainable and locally grown flowers for weddings.

Setting the minimum spend and pricing strategy [00:11:03]

Carolyn explains how she determined her minimum spend and pricing strategy based on factors such as supply chain, inflation, and the need for financial sustainability.

The customer journey and gentle sales system [00:14:38]

Carolyn walks through the steps of her customer journey, including website inquiries, automated emails, and personalized videos, to build trust and find the right clients.

The importance of transparency and building trust [00:19:08]

Carolyn discusses the importance of being transparent with clients and building trust by providing all the necessary information upfront.

Serving clients by providing information [00:19:51]

Becca and Carolyn talk about the value of providing clients with all the information they need to make an informed decision, and how it can save time for both parties.

Taking pressure off initial calls and focusing on helping the client [00:25:18]

Carolyn shares her approach to taking the pressure off sales calls by focusing on helping the client rather than closing the sale, and being prepared to refer clients to other vendors if necessary.

The initial sales call [00:29:28]

Carolyn discusses the process of the initial sales call, including discussing the couple's vision, needs, and budget.

Sending the questionnaire [00:30:19]

After the call, Carolyn sends the couple a questionnaire to gather more details about their wedding, including specific floral preferences.

Building relationships and getting referrals [00:35:40]

Carolyn explains how her gentle sales system leads to strong relationships with clients, resulting in positive reviews, referrals, and repeat business.

The challenges of running a wedding business [00:37:48]

Carolyn discusses the importance of learning business skills and the reality of spending more time on marketing and sales than on the craft itself.

Continual learning in the wedding industry [00:38:40]

Becca and Carolyn emphasize the importance of always learning and growing in the wedding industry.

Where to find Carolyn and her resources [00:38:51]

Carolyn shares her website, Instagram, and Facebook community where she provides resources and support for wedding professionals.

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

Overcoming Adversity and Scaling Your Wedding Business - With Kerry Curl

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Kerry Curl - former hair and makeup artist turned business coach. We talk openly about Kerry's wedding business success journey and how her business has evolved. We talk about overcoming adversity and scaling your wedding business for success. If you want an inspiring wedding business story - this is it!

Visit Kerry's website

Find Kerry 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:

The Start of Kerry's Journey [00:01:18] Kerry talks about how she got started in the wedding hair and makeup industry and her initial doubts and fears.

Transition to Full-Time [00:03:47] Kerry discusses how she transitioned from doing hair and makeup as a side hustle to making it her full-time career.

Mistakes in the Early Days [00:06:26] Kerry reflects on the mistakes she made in the early days of her business, including not having a website and approaching photographers without any authority or positioning.

The importance of cultivating relationships with venue managers and coordinators [00:09:41] Kerry discusses how she noticed that most of her leads were coming from recommendations and how she started building relationships with venue managers and coordinators to expand her reach.

The experience of hiring a mentor and the challenges faced [00:10:11] Kerry talks about her decision to hire a mentor, the initial skepticism in the industry, and her disappointing experience with her first mentor.

Learning from a bad mentoring experience and finding the right fit [00:13:20] Kerry shares how she didn't let her bad experience deter her from seeking the right mentor, the importance of finding the right person to work with, and how it made her a better mentor for her own clients.

The mindset shift [00:19:38] Kerry discusses the importance of shifting her mindset from being an individual artist to being a team leader.

Choosing the right team [00:20:15] Kerry talks about the process of selecting the right people for her team and the importance of building strong relationships with them.

Marketing mistakes and business growth [00:23:54] Kerry reflects on the highs and lows of her business journey, including the mistake of marketing her business to everyone and the importance of hiring a mentor for guidance.

The importance of personal branding [00:29:30] Tips on how to separate yourself from the competition and grow a personal brand in the wedding industry.

Acquiring business skills [00:30:40] The need for hair and makeup artists to acquire business skills in order to be successful.

Getting first clients without appearing desperate [00:31:34] Tips on how to attract clients without resorting to low prices or giving away services for free.

The highs and lows of entrepreneurship [00:39:41] Kerry discusses the challenges and rewards of being a female entrepreneur and the ups and downs of running a business.

The importance of getting help [00:40:48] Kerry shares her realization that getting help and outsourcing tasks can greatly contribute to scaling a business.

Wrapping up the conversation with Kerry [00:42:13] Becca expresses her enjoyment of the conversation with Kerry and looks forward to the next episode.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Threads - Should wedding pros be on the new social platform?

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week I am discussing Meta's brand new social media platform 'Threads'. One week into the platform I am going to share my thoughts on how it's working for the Wedding Industry right now. Asking whether you should be on there in the middle of a busy wedding season? Plus looking at how it could fit into your marketing strategy?

I am no expert (how could anyone be one week in) but I want to share my initial thoughts for any wedding business owners who feel lost in the world of Threads!

Find me on Threads

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

Threads: What is it? [00:01:42] An introduction to Threads, a new social media platform owned by Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and its similarities to Twitter.

Setting up Threads with Instagram [00:02:34] Instructions on how to set up Threads using your Instagram account and the features that are imported from Instagram.

Should wedding professionals be on Threads? [00:05:30] A discussion on whether wedding professionals should have a presence on Threads, the benefits of having an account, and the option to start fresh without importing followers from Instagram.

The Late Adopter [00:09:12] Late adoption of Instagram and its growth, importance of timing and distractions during wedding season.

Who is on Threads? [00:10:01] Discussion on the current user base of Threads, including marketers, business owners, and brands.

Using Threads for Networking or as an Influencer [00:12:53] Two approaches to using Threads: networking with other wedding professionals or becoming an influencer for couples seeking wedding planning advice.

Testing and Learning on Threads [00:18:32] Becca discusses the importance of testing different types of posts on Threads to see what works and resonates with people.

Starting Conversations on Threads [00:19:24] Becca explains the benefits of engaging in conversations with others on Threads and how it can increase visibility and reach on the platform.

Limitations of Threads [00:20:15] Becca discusses the current limitations of Threads, including the inability to search for topics or hashtags and the difficulty in finding local users.

Blue tick accounts on Threads [00:28:07] Discussion on the initial prominence of accounts with blue ticks on Threads and the uncertainty of its impact.

Threads as a relaxed platform [00:29:02] Exploration of Threads as a place to showcase true personalities and thoughts, with a focus on supplier-to-supplier interactions.

Speculations on future ads on Threads [00:29:52] Consideration of the eventual introduction of ads on Threads, and the potential demand for advertising on the platform.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

Lessons learnt in the Dominican Republic

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm sharing my experiences from speaking at the IADWP World Romance Travel Conference in the Dominican Republic.

I will be talking about what happened and the learnings I collected along the way which will help you grow your own Wedding Business.

From saying yes to having QR codes at the ready, we cover a lot of ground in today's episode.

Curious about the members lounge?

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

Title [00:00:10] Learning and Networking at the IAG World Romance Travel Conference Becca shares her experience and learnings from speaking at the conference in the Dominican Republic.

Title [00:01:59] Celebrating Wins of Wedding Pro Lounge Members Becca shares some wins from her wedding pro lounge members, including guest appearances on podcasts and securing big contracts.

Title [00:08:42] The Importance of Taking Breaks and Going on Holidays Becca emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and going on holidays for personal well-being and productivity.

Topic 1: Overcoming the Fear of Posting on Social Media [00:10:25] Encouraging others to overcome the fear of posting on social media by shifting the mindset from self-consciousness to an attitude of service.

Topic 2: Serving Others by Sharing on Social Media [00:11:29] Highlighting the importance of serving followers on social media by providing valuable content that solves problems, inspires, and helps them, as well as showing gratitude and promoting others.

Topic 3: Using Virtual Business Cards with QR Codes [00:15:21] Exploring the benefits of using virtual business cards with QR codes to provide customized information based on conversations and making it easier for people to connect and access relevant resources.

Title 1 [00:18:36] The Journey to Success Becca talks about the stepping stones and the long journey it takes to achieve success in the wedding industry.

Title 2 [00:19:40] Building Up to Big Opportunities Becca shares her own experience of starting small and gradually building up to speaking on big stages and international events.

Title 3 [00:22:21] Stop Worrying About What They Think Becca discusses the importance of not worrying about other people's opinions and focusing on one's own journey and goals.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get more Leads Bootcamp

Join in with my FREE 'Get more Leads' Wedding Bootcamp. 11th - 13th April (Replays available) Sign up for FREE below: https://go.beccapountney.com/getleads

How TikTok changed my Wedding Business - Interview with Jack Brierley

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with one of my Wedding Pro Members - Jack Brierley from JB performers.

Jack shares his business journey and his experience of utilizing TikTok to expand his business beyond London and reach a global audience. By offering custom recordings, he has found success on the platform, surpassing live wedding performances. Jack's journey teaches us the importance of finding ways to improve, and embracing new opportunities.

Find out more about Jack:

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Find out more about my members community the Wedding Pro Members Lounge

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:

Title [00:00:00] TikTok as the Way Forward for the Wedding Industry Discussion on the effectiveness of TikTok for the wedding industry.

Title [00:01:00] Jack's Musical Instruments Jack discusses the five instruments he can play and his habit of learning new instruments.

Title [00:03:08] Favorite Musicals and Dream Role Conversation about favorite musicals, including Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jack's dream role in The Book of Mormon.

Title [00:08:40] First Client and Wedding Performance The speaker talks about their first client, who was a musical theatre lover, and their experience performing at her wedding reception.

Title [00:10:16] Running a Musical Theatre Night The speaker discusses a business proposition to run a musical theatre and live night in London, inviting clients and friends to have a sing-along.

Title [00:11:16] Exhibiting at the National Wedding Show The speaker shares their experience of exhibiting at the National Wedding Show, including the first time being a learning experience and the second time being more successful with a strategy in place.

Title [00:18:01] Getting Complimentary Tickets for the National Show Speaker 2 shares a tip on how to get complimentary tickets to the national show for those interested in exhibiting.

Title [00:18:43] Using TikTok to Grow the Business Speaker 1 discusses how they started using TikTok to promote their business and offer custom recordings, leading to increased engagement and revenue.

Title [00:25:34] International Success with Recordings Speaker 2 mentions that the business has had clients from various countries, including Australia, Texas, New York, Colombia, and Iceland, showcasing the global reach and success of the recordings.

Title [00:26:27] Highlighting Different Parts of the World and the Love for Music The speakers discuss the joy of hearing everyone's stories and the love for music, including the main theme tune in Texas.

Title [00:27:05] Setting Up a Band and the Next Steps for Performers The founder of Performers expresses the desire to set up a band and focus on reception music, with plans to find a unique way to showcase the band.

Title [00:28:02] The Gap in the Market for Musical Theater Bands The speakers discuss the need for a band that specializes in musical theater songs and the growing popularity of musical theater in weddings and events.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

Reigniting the passion in your Wedding Business - with Clare Warren

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today is a special joint episode across my main podcast 'Wedding Pro's who are Ready to Grow' and my brand new bootcamp.

Not been through the bootcamp yet? Join for FREE right here:

https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Today I'm chatting with my client Clare Warren from Clare Warren Calligraphy about how she has gone from feel overwhelmed and out of love with her wedding business to finding the joy again.

Clare has recently graduated from my 'Wedding Business Builder' Programme so she talks in detail about her learnings and how it's impacted her life and her business.

Think it's time to enrol on the programme yourself? You can find all of the details here:

https://go.beccapountney.com/businessbuilder

Find out more about Clare:

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

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

Time Stamps:

Introduction [00:00:00] Becca introduces herself and her podcast, "The Wedding Pros Who Are Ready to Grow," and explains that she will be interviewing Claire Warren, a calligrapher and owner of Claire Warren Calligraphy.

Claire's journey in the wedding industry [00:03:43] Claire talks about her background in retail visual management and how she got into calligraphy. She also discusses how her business started as a side hustle on Etsy and grew into a full-time business.

Struggles and stumbling blocks [00:06:37] Claire talks about the struggles she faced while building her business, including juggling it with two small children and spending time on the wrong things. She also discusses moments of doubt and the importance of having a supportive community.

Finding Balance [00:09:28] Claire discusses the struggle of finding balance between creativity and making money in her calligraphy business.

Benefits of a Business Course [00:10:29] Claire talks about why she decided to take Becca's wedding pro business builder course and how it helped her navigate through different areas of her business.

Saying No and Valuing Time [00:14:39] Claire shares how the course helped her realize the value of her time and how to say no to projects that don't align with her business goals.

Pricing and Packages [00:19:32] Claire discusses how she struggled with pricing and how she used a spreadsheet to determine her worth. She also talks about how she created packages to make it easier for couples to understand her services.

Website Changes [00:24:46] Claire talks about how she made changes to her website, including adding a "book a call" button, to make it more professional and easier for potential clients to navigate.

Results [00:27:21] Claire discusses her first successful booking through her website and how it was a result of the changes she made to her pricing and website.

Claire's success story [00:28:21] Claire shares her success story after implementing changes from the course and how it has paid off.

Benefits of the Business Builder Course [00:29:18] Becca and Claire discuss the benefits of the Business Builder Course, including the value of the feedback and connections made with other wedding suppliers.

Claire's future plans [00:32:08] Claire shares her plans for the future, including exhibiting at a wedding show and becoming one of Norfolk's top wedding suppliers.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the FREE 'Get Visible and Book More Weddings' audio bootcamp now

Feeling stuck? This free training is designed to help you revaluate your wedding business and move forwards towards more bookings. Sign up for free here: https://go.beccapountney.com/bootcamp

Audio bootcamp

Owning your own wedding venue - With Donna Newman

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with the co- owner of The Granary at Fawsley - Donna Newman. We talk about how she ended up owning a wedding venue, the highs and the lows along the way and how she builds relationships with wedding pros that she recommends. We also talk about her experience of the Wedding Business Retreat that she attended last year and why she thinks you should book to join us in 2023.

Want to join this years Wedding Business Retreat? Book your room now:

https://go.beccapountney.com/retreat23

Find out more about the Granary at Fawsley:

Website

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:

Sharing experiences with other wedding businesses [00:00:00] Donna and Becca discuss the benefits of networking with other wedding businesses and learning from each other's experiences.

Donna's journey from civil service to wedding venue director [00:02:15] Donna shares how she went from working in the civil service to becoming the director of a wedding venue, and how her husband's background in hospitality played a role.

Growing the wedding business at The Granary at Fawsley [00:05:09] Donna talks about how they started doing weddings at The Granary at Fawsley, from starting with a bare agricultural barn to investing in it and getting all the proper licenses to become a wedding venue. They also discuss their approach to keeping the number of weddings they hold each year small and manageable.

Struggles of running a wedding venue [00:08:53] Donna talks about the challenges of running a wedding venue, including finding the right staff and dealing with the pandemic.

Establishing a successful wedding venue [00:10:01] Donna discusses how they have established themselves as a successful wedding venue and the recognition they have received.

Working with a partner [00:13:01] Donna talks about how she and her partner have made it work by separating their roles and keeping boundaries, and how their children are involved in the business.

Supplier Relationship [00:15:59] Donna and Becca discuss how they navigate the supplier relationship in the wedding industry, including how they find people to work with and how they build reciprocal relationships.

Benefits of Attending a Wedding Business Retreat [00:19:02] Donna talks about her experience attending a wedding business retreat and the benefits of being in a room with other wedding businesses, sharing experiences, and learning together.

Takeaways from the Wedding Business Retreat [00:21:13] Donna shares her biggest takeaways from attending the wedding business retreat, including the importance of consistency, time-blocking, and narrowing down priorities.

Taking a break [00:24:02] Becca and Donna discuss the importance of taking a break and having fun, especially for self-employed individuals.

Quality over quantity [00:25:21] Donna talks about their approach to keeping the number of weddings they hold each year small and manageable, while focusing on maximizing the quality of each booking.

Working on the business, not in it [00:27:00] Donna shares her realization about the importance of prioritizing working on the business side of things from day one, and not just focusing on the day-to-day operations.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Business Retreat 2023

Want to join us for the 2023 Wedding Business Retreat? I would love to see you there - just click the link below to find out more and reserve your room. www.weddingbusinessretreat.com

Why you should be attending wedding conferences - with Danielle Andrews

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Danielle Andrews, President and Co-Founder of the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada.

Danielle and I met at a Wedding Industry Conference we were both speaking at so we decided that we would discuss why attending conferences matters to your wedding business.

In the episode we discuss the importance of attending conferences, gaining hands-on experience, and keeping up with education in the industry.

Find out more about WPIC

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:

Importance of attending conferences [00:00:00] * Danielle and Becca discuss the importance of attending conferences to learn from others and improve event planning skills.
Danielle's journey in the wedding industry [00:01:00] * Becca interviews Danielle about her journey in the wedding industry, from planning her own wedding to starting her own institute.
Common mistakes in the wedding industry [00:07:05] * Danielle discusses the common mistake of "faking it til you make it" in the wedding industry and the importance of education and experience.

Importance of gaining experience [00:08:34] The speakers discuss the importance of gaining experience in the wedding industry and how it can be done through job shadowing and volunteering.

Building confidence and doing a photo shoot [00:10:15] The speakers talk about how experience and doing a photo shoot can help build confidence in the wedding industry.

Benefits of attending conferences [00:14:43] The speakers discuss the benefits of attending conferences, including networking, learning best practices, and experiencing different aspects of the industry.

Making the most of conferences [00:17:17] Tips on how to make the most of attending conferences, including researching seminars, networking, and attending non-wedding seminars.

Importance of positivity at conferences [00:21:27] The importance of being positive and open-minded at conferences, and how negativity can affect networking opportunities.

Recommendations for conferences [00:23:31] Recommendations for conferences based on niche, including Wedding MBA, Engage, DWP, and Love Mexico.

Importance of Education and Conferences [00:26:34] Danielle and Becca discuss the importance of education and conferences in the wedding industry, and how they constantly update their information to keep up with the changing trends and technologies.

Investing in Education [00:30:28] Becca and Danielle talk about the common mistake of dropping education when struggling with bookings, and how investing in education is an investment in your business that has a return on investment.

Aha Moments from Conferences [00:33:33] Danielle shares her recent aha moments from online trainings and in-person conferences, particularly in gaining inspiration for event design and learning about marketing through reels.

Learning Resources [00:34:11] Danielle and Becca discuss the importance of attending conferences and keeping up with education in the industry.

Imposter Syndrome [00:35:18] Danielle talks about her struggles with imposter syndrome and how gaining more information and building confidence would have helped her earlier in her career.

Conference Invitation [00:36:58] Becca invites listeners to join her at a conference in Las Vegas and talks about the importance of attending industry events.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Business Retreat 2023

Want to join us for the 2023 Wedding Business Retreat? I would love to see you there - just click the link below to find out more and reserve your room. www.weddingbusinessretreat.com

Making sustainability a priority - with RSA House

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Amanda, a wedding sales and marketing executive at RSA House.

Amanda talks candidly about the venue / supplier relationships and how to make a great impression.

We also discuss RSA House's commitment to sustainability and their new sustainable wedding package. RSA House are leading the way in sustainability and Amanda encourages all of us to consider implementing similar practices in our own businesses.

Find out more about RSA House

Contact Amanda:

weddings@rsa.org.uk

0207 4516950

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 [00:00:27] Becca introduces herself and the podcast, and welcomes Amanda from RSA House as a guest.

Amanda's career change [00:02:51] Amanda talks about her decision to leave the legal field and pursue a career in weddings.

RSA House post-pandemic [00:07:37] Amanda discusses how RSA House has been dealing with the pandemic and rebuilding their business, including promoting the quality of their venue and relying on feedback from couples.

Building relationships with suppliers [00:10:02] Discussion on how to build relationships with suppliers and the importance of aligning with the venue's values, particularly on sustainability.

Dos and Don'ts for suppliers on a wedding day [00:14:52] Tips for suppliers on how to make the wedding day run smoothly, including being on time, introducing themselves, and treating staff with respect.

Importance of kindness and courtesy in the wedding industry [00:17:54] The importance of being kind and courteous to every member of staff in the wedding industry, and how it can impact future relationships and opportunities.

The importance of sustainability in the events industry [00:19:17-00:23:37] The speakers discuss the importance of sustainability in the events industry and how venues and couples can make small changes to reduce waste and carbon footprint.

Suppliers' role in sustainability [00:24:21-00:27:44] The speakers talk about what suppliers can do to be more sustainable, including using eco-friendly products and transportation, and donating surplus food and flowers.

Sustainability package at RSA House [00:28:21] The speakers discuss the sustainability package offered at RSA House, which includes a bespoke menu with carefully curated options for reducing the carbon footprint of the event.

Sustainable Weddings Package [00:29:27] RSA House's sustainable weddings package, including locally sourced food and wine, and sustainable practices such as net zero waste and green energy.

Benefits of RSA House [00:30:39] All couples benefit from RSA House's sustainable practices, including green energy and LED lighting.

Working in the Wedding Industry [00:33:47] The joy and challenges of working in the wedding industry, and the importance of constantly learning and challenging oneself.

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

Dealing with emotional wedding clients - with Leah Weinberg

Thu, 25 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In today's episode, I chat with Leah Weinberg, a former wedding planner turned lawyer, about her book "The Wedding Rollercoaster" and the emotional side of wedding planning.

We discuss the importance of understanding the psychology behind weddings and really tuning in to clients' behaviour and emotions to provide better support and a more personalised experience.

We also chat about some of the tricky situations she's faced, like dealing with difficult family dynamics and incorporating cultural and religious traditions into her clients wedding days.

Check out Leah's book on Amazon

Follow Leah on Instagram

Oduberg

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 Inspiration for the Book [00:02:45] Leah Weinberg shares the story of how a conversation with a client inspired her to write her book, "The Wedding Rollercoaster."

The Psychology Behind Weddings [00:05:45] Leah Weinberg discusses the emotional side of wedding planning and the tough conversations that couples may have to navigate.

Why Couples Get Stressed [00:07:17] Leah Weinberg explains the various factors that contribute to the stress and emotion that couples experience during wedding planning, including family dynamics, money, and past relationships.

Understanding the Client's Experience [00:09:07] Importance of understanding the client's behavior and experience in the wedding industry.

Dealing with Difficult Emotions [00:12:11] Process for dealing with difficult emotions from clients and understanding one's own emotional intelligence.

Challenges Faced by Couples [00:16:58] Example of a couple from different cultural backgrounds and the challenges they faced in combining their traditions for the wedding ceremony.

Breaking down the planning process [00:22:05] Leah Weinberg shares her advice on how to help couples navigate the overwhelming process of wedding planning by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps.

Importance of context when asking personal questions [00:21:13] Leah Weinberg and Becca Pownall discuss the importance of providing context when asking personal questions to clients, especially when it comes to family dynamics and cultural or religious traditions.

Dealing with unexpected life events [00:24:38] Leah Weinberg shares a story of a couple who went radio silent during the planning process due to an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis, and how she handled the situation with empathy and professionalism.

The Wedding Rollercoaster [00:26:25] A former wedding planner turned lawyer shares a heartwarming story of a couple who decided to shave their heads in solidarity during the wedding planning process.

Creating Touchpoints [00:31:13] The importance of creating touchpoints and checkpoints during the wedding planning process to avoid miscommunication and ensure a positive experience for clients.

Becoming Emotionally Intelligent [00:33:32] Tips on how wedding professionals can become more emotionally intelligent and self-aware to better handle heavy emotional situations during the planning process.

Putting up emotional boundaries [00:35:09] The guest shares her experience of having to consciously put up emotional boundaries with clients and not take on their emotions. She also suggests meditation as a helpful tool.

Compartmentalizing work and personal life [00:36:51] The host and guest discuss the importance of compartmentalizing work and personal life, and not letting work emotions spill over into personal life.

Importance of reading "The Wedding Rollercoaster" [00:37:42] The guest talks about how her book is helpful for both couples and wedding vendors, and how it can improve communication and relationships between them. The host suggests making it a prerequisite for working with them.

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

Lessons learnt in Cyprus

Thu, 18 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am sharing all of the lessons that I learnt whilst at the IADWP Eurasia conference in Northern Cyprus. Whenever I travel and go to events I always bring back fresh ideas and inspiration to help you grow your wedding business. Today I am sharing some of the lessons I learnt along the way and how you can apply them to your business.

From investing in high-quality imagery, being confident in your unique selling proposition, and realizing the potential for money in the wedding industry there are lots of lessons for you to take away from todays episode!

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:

Knowing Your Niche [00:01:52] Importance of understanding your market and ideal client, using Northern Cyprus' niche of casinos as an example.

Not Listening to Everyone's Opinion [00:06:46] The danger of listening to everyone's opinion, using an example of a stranger's negative opinion affecting confidence in making a flight connection.

Lesson 1: Trust your gut [00:08:05] Importance of not always listening to others' opinions and trusting your instincts.

Lesson 2: The power of imagery [00:10:18] The importance of investing in high-quality imagery to up-level your brand and business.

Lesson 3: Stand out in a crowded market [00:14:53] The importance of identifying your unique selling points and setting yourself apart from the competition.

Knowing Your Niche [00:16:44] Importance of standing out from the crowd and being memorable by knowing your unique selling point.

Money in Weddings [00:17:32 - 00:19:51] Realization of the potential for high budgets in the wedding industry and the importance of not limiting oneself based on personal money mindset.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

From Bookbinding to Business - with Ali's Paper

Thu, 11 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This week I'm chatting to one of my Wedding Pro Members - Ali from Ali's Paper. She tells the story of moving and setting up her business here in the UK and the importance of a good community in all of it. We talk about the highs and lows of her business journey so far and what she's learnt along the way.

Find out more about Ali by visiting:

The Ali's Paper Website

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

Join the Wedding Pro Business Builder

Time stamps:

Starting a Business Journey [00:04:23]

Ali shares her journey of starting her business in different countries and the struggles she faced.

Incorporating Paper Items into Weddings [00:02:51]

Ali talks about how couples can incorporate her paper items into their wedding day.

Networking and Marketing Struggles [00:06:19]

Ali discusses her struggles with networking and marketing when starting her business in a new place.

Learning and Goal Setting [00:09:08]

The guest talks about the courses she took to improve her business and bookbinding skills, and how they helped her set clear goals.

Benefits of Styled Shoots [00:10:49]

The guest discusses how participating in styled shoots helped showcase her products and bring them to life, and how it benefited her business.

Importance of Learning and Community [00:15:08]

The guest talks about the importance of learning and community in business, and how being part of a group helped her understand the wedding industry and make connections.

Ali's journey [00:19:32]

Ali's struggles and successes in starting her business in different countries and overcoming language barriers.

Recommendation to check out Ali's work [00:19:32]

Encouragement to view Ali's work on her social media and website, including her planners.

Personal recommendation [00:19:32]

Becca's personal recommendation of Ali's planners and how they keep her family organized.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Streamlining Your Wedding Business with Jen Taylor

Thu, 04 May 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Jen Taylor - the primary wedding planner behind Taylor’d Events Group and the founder of Jen Taylor Consulting.

We discuss how to discover more freedom and abundance through systems, strategy, and workflow in your wedding business. From setting boundaries, to prioritising your own health - we have you covered.

Find out more about Jen:

Taylor'd Events

Jen Taylor Consulting

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:

*Starting a Wedding Planning Business [00:00:25]*

Becca Pownall introduces the guest speaker, Jen Taylor, who talks about how she started her wedding planning business, Tailored Events, in Seattle, USA.

*Dealing with Personal Challenges in the Wedding Industry [00:05:36]*

Becca and Jen discuss the personal challenges of working in the wedding industry, including dealing with clients who have experienced loss or are going through difficult times.

*Starting a Consultancy Business [00:07:40]*

Jen talks about how the unexpected loss of her husband led her to start her own consultancy business, Jen Taylor Consultancy, to help other creatives streamline their workflows and processes.

*Creating Standard Operating Procedures [00:08:29]*

Jen emphasizes the importance of creating standard operating procedures for a wedding planning business and how it can help streamline workflows and processes.

*Setting Boundaries and Expectations [00:13:46]*

Jen highlights the importance of setting boundaries and expectations with clients, family, and oneself to avoid burnout and maintain good health.

*Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries [00:15:09]*

Jen shares practical tips for setting boundaries, such as prioritizing time for oneself, putting up signs, and communicating clearly with clients about availability and meeting locations.

*Setting Boundaries [00:16:49]*

Becca and Jen discuss the importance of setting boundaries with clients, including communication preferences and availability, and how to communicate these boundaries effectively.

*Work-Life Balance [00:17:49]*

Jen shares tips for maintaining work-life balance while working from home, including setting specific hours and boundaries for personal time.

*Mental Health and Work-Life Balance [00:24:39]*

Jen talks about the importance of mental health and work-life balance in the wedding planning industry, and how it is becoming more accepted to seek help.

*Dealing with Clients Who Cross Boundaries [00:22:21]*

Becca and Jen talk about how to handle clients who push boundaries, including reminding them of best practices and warning them of potential consequences.

*Setting Boundaries and Expectations [00:26:49]*

Becca and Jen discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations with clients, and how it can lead to a more enjoyable work-life balance.

*Delegating Tasks and Finding Joy [00:30:08]*

Jen shares her experience of delegating tasks that she doesn't enjoy or that take away from her strengths, and how it has led to a more productive and enjoyable 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

Are you falling out of love with your wedding business?

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am chatting with Kelly Chandler, former wedding planner turned consultant. We talk about her own journey in the wedding industry and how to make changes when you feel like you have fallen out of love with your wedding business. We discuss the importance of delegating tasks, seeking help, and focusing on your strengths and passions.

Find out more about Kelly on her website:

https://www.kellychandlerconsulting.co.uk/

Ready to level up your wedding business this year? Take a look at my brand new signature programme:

The Wedding Pro Business Builder

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

Starting a Wedding Planning Business [00:01:48] Kelly Chandler talks about how she got into the wedding industry and started her own wedding planning business.

Transitioning from Wedding Planning to Consulting [00:07:18] Kelly Chandler discusses how she transitioned from wedding planning to consulting for wedding venues, and how this opportunity presented itself at the right time for her.

Falling Out of Love with the Wedding Business [00:05:34] Kelly Chandler talks about how she fell out of love with wedding planning and how it took her a long time to recognize it. She also discusses the changes in her life that coincided with this realization.

Signs of falling out of love with your business [00:07:49] Speaker 2 and Speaker 0 discuss signs that indicate falling out of love with one's business, such as reacting negatively to new inquiries and feeling unexcited about upcoming meetings.

Dealing with doubts and imposter syndrome [00:10:28] Speaker 2 and Speaker 0 talk about the internal monologue that can make it difficult to move on from a business and how to deal with doubts and imposter syndrome.

Using testimonials to combat self-doubt [00:13:01] Speaker 0 shares how she used testimonials to combat self-doubt and imposter syndrome when transitioning from wedding planning to consultancy.

Balancing Multiple Roles [00:15:34] Speaker 0 discusses how she balanced being a wedding planner and a venue consultant for two years before transitioning fully into venue consulting.

Recognizing the Need for Change [00:16:16] Speaker 2 asks for tips on how to redesign a business or start a new venture. Speaker 0 emphasizes the importance of recognizing the need for change and doing deep work to identify values and skills.

Shaking Up Business Services [00:19:19] Speaker 0 gives an example of how wedding planners can shake up their business by offering a more packaged service instead of a full planning service. She also emphasizes the importance of regularly doing deep work to reassess priorities and make changes accordingly.

Staying in love with your business [00:27:40] Kelly and Becca discuss how to keep things fresh and bring new ideas to the fore to stay in love with your business. Kelly emphasizes the importance of looking after oneself and taking breaks to innovate and grow.

Gratitude [00:25:50] Kelly and Becca talk about the importance of gratitude and acknowledging what one has. Kelly mentions that she writes down what she is grateful for every day as part of her journaling routine.

Comparisonitis [00:24:01] Kelly and Becca discuss the issue of comparisonitis and how to ground oneself in reality. They emphasize the importance of remembering one's original why and not getting carried away by what one sees on social media.

Falling out of love with one's wedding business [00:31:07] Kelly and Becca discuss the challenges of running a wedding business and how it's important to recognize when it's time to delegate tasks to others.
Trends in wedding venues [00:32:54] Kelly shares her insights on the current trends in wedding venues, including the growing popularity of outdoor and land-based locations.
Importance of collaboration in the wedding industry [00:35:25] Kelly and Becca discuss the value of collaboration and good relationships in the wedding industry, particularly between venues and wedding professionals.

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

3 things that are holding your wedding business back

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

From years of working with wedding pros I have come to realise there are 3 common themes when it comes to you holding yourself back.

It's time to smash through those self-limiting beliefs and take action to make your Wedding Business Grow.

This week I am also celebrating the launch of my brand new signature wedding programme - to help you supercharge your wedding business for success. Take a look below:

https://go.beccapountney.com/businessbuilder

Lack of Time [00:03:10] Becca talks about how to change your mindset around time and make the most of the time you have.
Making the Most of Your Time [00:05:32] Becca advises to look at your average week and work out where you have the time and how much time you have instead of asking for more time.
Outsourcing Tasks [00:06:58] Becca suggests outsourcing tasks to save time and focus on income-generating tasks.

Time Management [00:07:46] Becca talks about how to change your mindset around time and make the most of the time you have.

Money Management [00:08:36] Becca suggests dividing your money into business and personal accounts, reinvesting in your business, and making wise investments.

Overcoming Lack of Knowledge [00:15:17] Becca addresses common phrases that hold people back and encourages investing in learning and understanding how to grow a successful small business.

Time [00:16:04] "Knowledge" Becca talks about how to overcome the lack of knowledge in certain areas of your wedding business and how to upskill with an expert.

Time [00:18:34] "Confidence" Becca discusses how lack of confidence can hold you back in your wedding business and shares tips on how to overcome it.

Time [00:22:06] "Wedding Pro Business Builder" Becca introduces her new program, the Wedding Pro Business Builder, which is a step-by-step guide to help wedding business owners with marketing, sales, and profitability.

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

Risk-Averse to Risk-Taker: Nora Shiel's Approach to Building a Wedding Business

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting to Nora Shields, owner of Bridal Bliss and co-founder of Rock Paper Coin.

We talk about how Nora founded her wedding business, and how she ended up creating her very own piece of software for the wedding industry. Nora admits she has always been risk averse in her wedding business - so how did she end up where she is now?

Find out more about Nora:

Rock Paper Coin

Bridal Bliss

Time stamps:

Nora's background [00:01:10] Nora talks about her background, her parents' business, and how she fell in love with weddings.

Starting Bridal Bliss [00:03:02] Nora talks about how she started Bridal Bliss, her slow growth, and how she brought on more planners.

Creating Rock Paper Coin [00:04:57] Nora talks about how she and her sister-in-law created Rock Paper Coin to simplify the booking process for weddings and events.

Approach to risk-taking [00:06:13] Becca and Nora discuss Nora's approach to risk-taking in business and how she balances it with having a fallback plan.

Starting a Software Company [00:07:56] Nora talks about how she and her co-founder started a software company despite not being technical and how they partnered with the right people to make it happen.

Knowing When to Diversify Your Business [00:10:42] Nora shares how they knew it was the right time to start Rock Paper Coin and how having a solid team in place allowed them to focus on the new venture.

Finding Gaps in the Market [00:13:07] Nora advises listeners to look for gaps in the market by solving problems they encounter in their day-to-day experiences and talking to others in their industry.

Working with a Partner [00:15:42] Nora and Elizabeth's successful partnership, finding the right partner, and the importance of complementing each other's strengths.

Red Flags and Planning [00:18:11] The importance of doing research, having a business plan, and having a backup plan. The significance of surrounding oneself with other entrepreneurs and seeking advice.

Overcoming Pitfalls [00:21:27] The challenge of getting people to sign up for a new business idea, the importance of solving an actual problem, and the significance of feedback and being flexible.

Nora's future plans [00:24:43] Nora talks about her love for the wedding industry and her mission to provide education and software to make the backend easier for wedding professionals.

Balancing work and family [00:25:51] Nora discusses the challenges of balancing work and family life, especially with two young boys and being in the wedding industry.

Rock Paper Coin availability [00:27:02] Becca mentions that Rock Paper Coin is not currently available in the UK, but Nora plans to bring it there soon. Nora offers to send a cheat sheet on automation to UK listeners who reach out to her on Instagram.

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

Taking big action and finding success - Interview with Dan (JN Sounds)

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with one of my Wedding Pro members Dan, the wedding DJ behind JN Sounds.

Dan shares his journey in starting the business with his friend John over 13 years ago and how they grew, as well as the lessons he learned when John moved on, and he had to run it solo.

We talk about the importance of networking, social media, and setting boundaries to avoid burnout!

Find out more about Dan here:

https://www.jnsounds.com/

JN Sounds Instagram

Book Dan mentions in the podcast:

Donald Miller - Building a Storybrand

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 [00:00:20] Becca introduces herself and the podcast, and welcomes Dan from JN Sounds.

Starting the business [00:01:49] Dan talks about how he started his mobile DJ business with his friend John, and how they gradually shifted towards doing more weddings.

Finding first wedding bookings [00:03:43] Dan talks about how they got their first wedding bookings, which were mostly through word of mouth and online advertising.

Going solo [00:05:12] Dan talks about how he decided to continue the business on his own after his partner John decided to leave, and the challenges and benefits of working solo.

Lessons learned [00:07:52] Becca asks Dan about the biggest lessons he's learned in his years of running a wedding DJ business.

Networking and Social Media [00:08:05] Importance of networking events and social media in growing the business.

Inquiries and Marketing [00:09:49] Sources of inquiries and the importance of keeping up with changing marketing trends.

Investing in Personal Development [00:11:22] Importance of investing in personal development and constantly improving oneself.

Building Relationships with Venues [00:13:29] Approach to building relationships with venues and getting on recommended supplier lists.

Balancing Full-Time Job and DJ Business [00:15:12] Managing time and setting boundaries while balancing a full-time job and a DJ business.

Setting boundaries for your business [00:16:28] Dan and Becca discuss the importance of setting boundaries for your business, especially when it comes to the number of weddings you take on.

Book recommendations [00:18:05] Becca asks Dan for a business book recommendation, and they discuss the benefits of reading and listening to audiobooks.

Future plans for JN Sounds [00:20:33] Dan talks about his plans for the future of his business, including the possibility of bringing in younger DJs.

Lessons learned in the wedding industry [00:22:22] Dan shares his top lessons learned in the wedding industry, including the power of networking, the importance of investing in your business, and the value of branding.

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

First Birthday Episode - So much to celebrate!

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

WOW I can't believe that it's one year since the launch of Wedding Pro's Who are Ready to Grow! Thank you for being part of the journey. Today we celebrate our first birthday with a special episode. I'm going to be talking about my favourite episodes from the last year and sharing all the best tips from my wedding pro members. So whichever stage your wedding business is at - celebrate with me today!

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

Celebrating One Year [00:00:00] Becca celebrates the one-year anniversary of her podcast and reflects on the past year.

Learnings from the Podcast [00:02:34] Becca shares how the podcast has allowed her to help more wedding professionals and revisits her mission to help them grow successful businesses.

Making Connections [00:04:09] Becca talks about the incredible contacts she has made through the podcast and how it has allowed her to collaborate with people on new levels.

Appreciation from Listeners [00:05:47] Becca expresses her gratitude for the listeners who have made the podcast a part of their daily routine and shares how their success stories have been rewarding.

Top Five Favorite Episodes [00:07:17] Becca shares her top five favorite episodes from the past year, including an episode about AI and its impact on business.

Top 5 Episodes [00:08:11] Becca shares her top 5 favorite podcast episodes from the past year, including topics such as AI, sales funnels, Instagram reels, and Disney's business strategies.

Client Advice [00:15:34] Becca shares advice from her clients on what they wish they had known sooner in their own businesses, including the importance of bookkeeping and investing in learning.

Tips for Growing a Successful Business [00:17:08] Various tips from different speakers, including targeting the right clients, making connections, finding your niche, not comparing yourself to others, monitoring bounce rates, and prioritizing done over perfect.

Reflection on the Past Year [00:21:45] Becca reflects on the great advice shared by her clients over the past year and expresses her gratitude for the podcast's success.

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

Unlocking the Power of Pinterest in Your Wedding Business - With Gabby Pinkerton

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In today's episode we're going to chat about something super important for wedding businesses: Pinterest! We've got Gabby Pinkerton, a destination wedding planner, here to share her experience with using Pinterest to find clients and give us some tips for creating awesome content.

Now, we know some of you might be worried about other businesses stealing your ideas from Pinterest, but don't worry - we've got you covered.

So, if you're looking to up your marketing game for your wedding business, you definitely don't want to miss this episode. Make sure to check out our resources below for even more tips on using Pinterest effectively.

Find out more about Gabby: https://gabbypinkerton.com/

Speak to my team at the Wedding Pro Agency about managing your Pinterest:

http://weddingproagency.co.uk/

Introduction [00:00:28] Introducing the podcast and guest speaker Gabby Pinton, a destination wedding planner who found success using Pinterest.

Why Pinterest is Underrated [00:01:38] Discussion on why Pinterest is often misunderstood and underrated in the wedding industry.

Pinterest as a Search Engine [00:02:01] Explanation of how Pinterest is a search engine and not just another social media platform.

Pinterest vs Other Social Media Platforms [00:03:33] Comparison of how Pinterest differs from other social media platforms and the type of content that works best on it.

Benefits of Pinterest [00:06:23] Discussion on the benefits of using Pinterest, including its evergreen nature and ease of use.

Pinterest Strategy [00:08:01] Gabby Pinton shares her strategy for using Pinterest to find clients for her destination wedding planning business.

The Power of Pinterest [00:08:45] The speakers discuss the benefits of Pinterest, how it differs from other social media platforms, and strategies for using it effectively.

Linking to Your Website [00:09:43] The importance of linking Pinterest images to a website, and how it differs from other social media platforms.

Using Pinterest to Find Clients [00:11:00] Gabby Pinton shares her experience with using Pinterest to find clients for her destination wedding planning business.

Landing Pages and Blog Posts [00:12:08] The importance of having landing pages and blog posts linked to Pinterest images, and how it can lead to more traffic and conversions.

Repurposing Content on Pinterest [00:13:28] The speakers discuss the strategy of repurposing content on Pinterest, and whether it's better to add new pins or edit existing ones.

The Unpredictability of Pinterest [00:15:53] The unpredictability of Pinterest and how certain pins can become unexpectedly popular, even if they don't necessarily align with a brand's overall message.

Using Pinterest to drive traffic [00:16:57] Discussion on the benefits of Pinterest for wedding businesses and how to effectively use it to drive traffic to your website.

Strategies for converting Pinterest traffic [00:18:07] Tips for keeping visitors on your website, building trust, and converting traffic into leads.

Keeping visitors engaged [00:21:46] Importance of keeping visitors engaged with your content and using Pinterest to lead them down a rabbit hole of related content.

Addressing pushback on Pinterest [00:24:22] Tips for addressing common pushback on Pinterest, including how to increase clicks and conversions.

Photo worth clicking on [00:25:20] Importance of choosing photos that are relevant to potential clients and worth clicking on.

Direct call to action [00:26:44] Encouraging a direct call to action in the description to prompt clicks and engagement.

Protecting ideas [00:28:34] Discussion on how to protect ideas and prevent others from stealing them.

Trends on Pinterest [00:32:31] Discussion on trends that work well on Pinterest, including seasonal themes and venue names.

Using Pinterest for Marketing [00:33:22] The speakers discuss the benefits of using Pinterest for marketing wedding businesses, including pinning content about venues, beauty and attire categories, and hyper-nicheing with colors.

Importance of Venues on Pinterest [00:35:52] The speakers emphasize the importance of venues on Pinterest and encourage venues to create boards with different styles, color palettes, and seasonal types to attract potential clients.

Final Thoughts on Pinterest [00:37:24] Gabby shares her final pitch on why businesses should be on Pinterest, highlighting the low risk and potential high reward of having strategically keyworded content that can drive traffic to their website and bring in inquiries.

Niche Down for Business Success [00:38:52] Gabby shares her advice on the importance of niching down in business and focusing on a specific market to make more money.

Outro and Resources [00:39:35] Becca and Gabby wrap up the conversation and provide resources for those interested in learning more about using Pinterest for marketing or seeking professional help with Pinterest management.

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Business Retreat 2023

Want to join us for the 2023 Wedding Business Retreat? I would love to see you there - just click the link below to find out more and reserve your room. www.weddingbusinessretreat.com

How to get recommended by venues - with Olivia Riddiford

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

We all want to be on those 'elusive' venue recommended suppliers lists - but how do we go about getting there? Today I'm chatting with venue consultant Olivia Riddiford as she shares her secrets about how to build better relationships with wedding venues!

Find out more about Olivia:

Host Weddings and events

Host Venue consultancy

Venue VA

Timestamps

Introduction [00:00:00] Becca introduces the podcast and her new venture, the Wedding Pro Agency.

Olivia's background [00:01:42] Becca introduces Olivia and they discuss her journey from working at a venue to becoming a wedding planner and eventually starting her own venue consultancy.

Lessons learned from working at a venue [00:05:12] Olivia discusses the importance of teamwork and the challenges of managing a wedding venue.

Attracting weddings to a new venue [00:06:30] Olivia talks about how she helped attract the first weddings to a new venue, including using visuals and offering special deals.

Mistakes venues make in marketing and sales [00:07:56] Becca asks Olivia about the biggest mistakes venues make in their marketing and sales strategies.

Visibility and Valuing Staff [00:08:12] Olivia and Becca discuss the importance of venues being visible and valuing their staff, including offering better pay, listening to their ideas, and incentivizing them with rewards and appreciation.

Working with Venues [00:14:07] Olivia shares tips for wedding pros on how to build relationships with venues, including finding the right contacts, booking a meeting, aligning with the venue's brand, and promoting the venue through social media and blog posts.

Building relationships with venues [00:16:32] Tips for suppliers to build relationships with venues, including tangible gestures and timing for communication.

Mistakes suppliers make with venues [00:17:11] Common mistakes suppliers make when trying to build relationships with venues, including timing and communication.

Importance of communication and helpfulness [00:19:03] The importance of communication and helpfulness in building relationships with venues, and how to avoid being too pushy.

Making the venue staff's job easier [00:20:21] Tips for suppliers to make the venue staff's job easier, including knowing the logistics of the venue and being helpful.

Venues making a good impression on suppliers [00:22:08] The importance of venues making a good impression on suppliers, including treating them like guests and providing refreshments and networking opportunities.

Neglected social media accounts [00:23:39] Becca and Olivia discuss why venues neglect their social media accounts and miss out on opportunities for marketing.

Outsourcing and time management [00:26:06] Becca and Olivia talk about the importance of outsourcing and time management for wedding businesses, including venues and suppliers.

One thing Olivia wishes she knew sooner [00:27:30] Olivia shares that outsourcing is the one thing she wishes she knew about earlier in her business, and how it has helped her focus on the things she enjoys and is good at.

Connect with Olivia [00:29:43] Olivia shares her contact information and invites listeners to connect with her and learn more about her businesses.

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

Are you addicted to your phone?

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Are you addicted to your phone? I think as wedding business owners we all fall into this category - but it's time to take back control! We don't need our phones to have all the power - so today I'm sharing some tips about how I am trying to slowly shift my phone addiction!

It's not easy - but putting down the phone will definitely help claw back some much needed time!

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

How to avoid marketing overwhelm - with the Garter Girl!

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when it comes to marketing your wedding business? Today I'm chatting with Julianne Smith, founder of the 'Garter Girl' about exactly this. We talk about how you can make money by finding your niche, and how to simplify your marketing!

Find out more about Julianne below:

https://www.juliannesmith.com/

https://thegartergirl.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thejuliannesmith/

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

Writing copy that sells weddings - with Andrea Shah

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm talking to Wedding Industry Copywriter - Andrea Shah. Do you struggle to know what to say on your website and social posts? Have you had updating your copy on your to do list for a while? If the answer is yes then this episode is going to help you! It's time to start writing copy that sells more weddings.

Visit Andrea's about page: https://andreashah.com/about-andrea

Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreashahcopy/

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

Using AI in your wedding business - with The Two Lauras

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today we are talking about the hot topic of the moment AI and more specifically Chat GPT!

For this episode I have collaborated with business friends 'The Two Laura's' to find out what all the fuss is about.

Why is AI the subject everyone is talking about right now? What is Chat GPT and more importantly, how can we use it to help in our wedding business?

We answer your questions and help you understand what this technology is all about.

Try out Chat GPT

Find out more about the Two Laura's using the links below:

Website

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Adapting your wedding business alongside your life - with Becky Harley Photography

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm chatting with Becky Harley Photography about her business journey. Becky has been in my world since 2016 and I have loved watching her business evolve and adapt over the last 6.5 years.

Today she is open and honest about her photography business - the good and the bad! We talk about getting her business set up, starting a family and adapting her business as she grows her brand photography offering. If you need some inspiration - whichever point in your journey you are at - Becky's story will help.

Find out about Becky's brand photography:

Website

Instagram

Find out about Becky's wedding photography business:

Website

Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Don't let your wedding business run you - with Dana and Courtney!

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Ever feel like your business has taken over and you are not sure how to breathe and get back in control?

Today I talk to the amazing sister duo Dana and Courtney! With a wedding planning business and two wedding venues to run - they have a lot to handle! I hear about the hard work and long hours they put in to get to this point, and how they kept going even when things were tough!

Find out more about Dana and Courtney below:

Hustle and Gather Website

Hustle and Gather 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

Wedding Pro - it's time to stop this!

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I want to share with you 5 things you need to stop doing in your wedding business! I've seen lots of people making lots of mistakes over the last couple of weeks and I don't want you to fall into the same traps. In my opinion it's time to stop doing all these things!

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

Instagram Reels - How to make the most of them! With Brandee Gaar

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Instagram Reels - love them or hate them, right now they are working! They are the best way to get new eyes on your wedding business!

Today I'm chatting with Reels expert Brandee Gaar about how you can get started and how Reels can fit into your overall wedding business sales funnel!

Side note: We also talk about the Disney Fireworks, that Brandee can watch EVERY night (I'm only mildly jealous)

See the links below to find out more about Brandee:

Wedding Pro Reel ideas download

Brandee's Instagram

Blush Wedding Planning 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

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

New Year - Same you? Let's get your wedding business sorted for 2023!

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year - yes it's socially acceptable to say that for most of January! In today's episode I am helping you look back over 2022 and look forward to 2023 in your wedding business.

This isn't about setting impossible New Years resolutions, but instead I'm helping you think strategically ahead and put in goals for this year! It's time for you and your wedding business to shine.

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

Stop hiding - get visible with Renée Dalo

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0000

It's easy to hide in our wedding businesses! We sit behind our screens, and hide behind our work! What difference would it make to your business if you got more visible?

Today I'm talking to Renée Dalo, wedding planner and business coach. Renée is on a mission to help wedding pros get more visible and become bold, empowered entrepreneurs!

Click to download her free visibility guide.

Find out more about Renée: https://reneedalo.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

Happy Christmas Wedding Pros

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

I am fully in the festive spirit so it's just a mini episode from me today! I'm sharing some exciting plans for 2023 and encouraging you to get that plan in place!

Want to hear more about my new programme for 2023? You can join the wait list here:

Wedding Pro Business Builder!

Here's to a great Christmas, I will be back to help you on your wedding business journey from January 5th!

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

Avoiding burnout - Interview with Jordan Kentris

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Burnout - we all want to avoid it, yet as wedding business owners we are all edging ever closer to it. In today's episode I am chatting with Jordan Kentris to find out what steps he has taken to help with his own burn out and what action he has implemented to stop it happening again.

Jordan Kentris is the founder and owner of A Good Day, a boutique design firm that creates one-of-a-kind wedding stationery. You can find out more about him on his website and 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

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

How much would you pay to see santa?

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today I want to speak to you all about money mindset! How did you decide on your pricing? Are you charging your worth for your services? Is it time to put your wedding business price up? Listen with an open mind, cheapest is never the best option!

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

How to get your wedding business in the press - with Meghan Ely

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Do you want to give your business the chance to stand out from the crowd? Getting your work featured in the press can give you that opportunity! Today I am talking to Wedding Industry PR expert Meghan Ely and we are discussing how you can take action today and get your wedding business featured for free.

Find our more about Meghan:

https://ofdconsulting.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ofdconsulting/

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

Solving a problem and starting a wedding business - interview with Amy Nelson from Wedding Day Dance.

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

How did you start your wedding business? Did you have a fully planned out idea or was it more of an evolution?

Today's guest Amy Nelson from Wedding Day Dance UK was an 'accidental' entrepreneur. Amy went to a wedding day as a guest, spotted a problem and realised she could provide the solution!

In today's episode Amy is sharing her business journey and how she went from teaching dance to owning a UK wide first dance agency.

Amy is one of my Wedding Pro lounge members and you could be too! Head to the link below to find out more.

Become a member

Juggling chaos - how to combine life with your wedding business

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today I am getting a little vulnerable. I am going to be pulling back the curtain on my life to show you how I juggle my wedding business amongst the chaos of every day life! I share my insider tips about how I manage my time, and how I set boundaries.

Let me know what you think of today's episode - I would love it if you could leave a review or get in touch via Instagram - I love to hear from you.

Are you making these Instagram mistakes?

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

This week I have been taking a look at your wedding business accounts on Instagram and I was shocked at what I saw! Some of you are making the most basic mistakes, which could be costing you wedding bookings!

In today's episode I am sharing the 7 Instagram mistakes you could be making in your wedding business, and I will tell you how to fix them!

Want to know more about the wedding pro members lounge and access more training?

Tell me more

Want to listen back to Sue B Zimmerman talking about Instagram bios on episode of the podcast?

Listen here

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Level up your wedding business website with Emily Lee

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Is your wedding business website doing it's job, or is it a barrier to couples booking you? Today I'm chatting with wedding business website designer Emily Lee from By Emily Jane!

We talk about common mistakes you may be making with your wedding website, error 404 pages and quick fixes.

Click to get the free download from Emily

Click to find the mobile friendly test tool

Click to listen back to episode 8 of the podcast all about blogging

Find Emily on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

Accounts, tax, bank accounts - eeek, what do you need to know as a wedding business?

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In today's episodes I have dug into the Wedding Pro Members lounge archives to bring you an interview from back in 2019 (excuse the sound quality, my equipment has improved a lot since then)

In this episode you can hear an interview with my accountant Emma Bail from Evolve accounting. She answers questions on everything you need to know when it comes to the finance side of your wedding business. From which records to keep to what you can claim for in your tax bill, this interview answers all your questions.

Want to join the wedding pro members lounge? Use the coupon PODCAST to get the first month in the club for just £1.

Click to join the wedding pro members club now

Find out more about Emma and how to hire her as your accountant here:

https://www.evolveaccounting.uk/

7 things I couldn't run my wedding business without...

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm sharing with you the 7 things that I absolutely couldn't run my business without! From software to paper diaries - here's my run down of the things that make my business better!

I would LOVE to know what things would make your list? Send me a DM on Instagram or send an email to 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

MAFS, finding success and comparisonitis - an interview with celebrant Kelly Hawes

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In today's episode I'm interviewing award winning wedding celebrant Kelly Hawes. Kelly shares her experience of redefining her career, stepping out of her comfort zoon and how she ended up as a celebrant on the last two series of Married at first sight.

Kelly shares so many great tips as she walks you through the ups and downs of her own self employment.

Kelly is a member of the Wedding Pro Members Lounge. If you would like to become a member, you can get the first month for just £1 by using the discount code: PODCAST

Click to find out more about the members lounge

Find out more or connect with Kelly:

Visit Kelly's website

Follow Kelly on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Wedding Pro agency

WEDCON the story! Interview with Wedcon founders Katie and Roxy

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

In today's episode I'm chatting with Katy and Roxy, the founders of Wedcon - a UK based wedding industry conference taking place this November in Birmingham! In today's episode they share their own journeys and talk about their vision and heart for this industry event.

Having spoken at the first Wedcon, I am thrilled to be back on stage again this year talking all things blogging! Want to be there? Make sure you grab a ticket using my special link below?

Click here to book your Wedcon ticket!

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

Why selling doesn't need to be scary!

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Do you find selling in your wedding business difficult? In today's episode I want to share with you how to change your mindset so that selling in your wedding business becomes easier. Sales doesn't need to be scary, it's just solving a problem for your couples.

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

Pricing, Retreats and PJ parties - Interview with Kelly Mortimer

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm talking with my friend and fellow wedding industry expert Kelly Mortimer! We discuss how the wedding industry is looking right now, including how we should respond to the cost of living crisis. We also talk about our upcoming Wedding Business Retreat and our desire to see the wedding industry growing.

If you fancy a few days away with us to focus on your business growth and to connect with other likeminded people then you can find out more here:

www.weddingbusinessretreat.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

How to respond to a national tragedy

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Help! How do I move my wedding business forward?

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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:

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

How to sell more at a wedding show!

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

The CHEAPEST way to advertise your wedding business!

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Create an overwhelm squashing marketing plan - with Heidi Thompson

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

6 mistakes you are probably making in your wedding business!

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Are you successful? Interview with Anna Lundberg

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Why I'm no longer the cheapest - interview with Jesse from J Lawrence photography

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Help! Surviving the school holidays as a wedding business owner!

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Growing your wedding business with Instagram - with Sue B Zimmerman

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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:

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

Relaxation and Sleep meditation with Kath Routledge

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

How to make your wedding business more fun - Interview with Kimba Cooper

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

It's now a wedding business not a hobby - Interview with Maria Vainella

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Do you have a leaky sales funnel? This episode WILL help you make more sales in your wedding business!

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Could Guides for Brides work for you? Interview with Nikita Thorne

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Demystifying Pinterest - how to get your wedding business in front of thousands more couples!

Thu, 02 Jun 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

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

Eeek did I do the right thing?? Lessons learnt in Turkey!

Thu, 26 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Lessons learnt as a bride - interview with Rachel from Veiled Productions

Thu, 19 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

How to use Facebook groups to grow your wedding business!

Thu, 12 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Blogging - what's the point and how do I get started?

Thu, 05 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Is there a perfect time to quit your job? Interview with wedding planner Hannah Rose.

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Help! What can I do when it all feels too much?

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Why do Disney never discount?

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

There's no perfect age to own a business - Interview with wedding florist Sophie Ayres

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

A sneaky peek into what's coming up soon....

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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 here yet.... but....

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

What the heck should I post on social media?!

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:30:00 +0000

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

Shhh... the 5 mistakes I made when starting a wedding business!

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:15:00 +0000

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 6 wedding pro's you definitely DON'T want to be like and how to avoid becoming one....

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

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

Here's why you should listen to this Wedding Business Podcast!

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 17:00:00 +0000

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: