Refine For Wedding Planners with Amber Anderson

Harassment is never fun, but telling a client you're leaving their wedding because of it is next level not fun. Today, in this episode, we'll talk about: Contract clauses Prevention Communication and process both in planning and on the day Things to consider The fallout The tools I mentioned are: Braden Drake's Content Club Wedding Planning Process Kit Wedding Pro and Client Management Kit Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners!

In an effort to send encouragement and ideas for mastering the chaos of your life and business, I'm coming in for a longer episode where I talk about: MY STORY BOUNDARIES COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR LIFE PARTNER PERSONAL MANAGEMENT TO IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS ALTERNATE ROUTES TO EFFICIENCY CONFIDENCE BUILDERS Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners!

Our businesses have experienced so much change the last few years, including Refine. If you're confused by Refine, or so over Cancel Culture, this episode is for you. So today, we want to talk about: Simplifying - why and in what way Updates on Refine Portal Pricing Updates on Refine Collective enrollment Who were are trying to serve - covering heartbreak to Cancel Culture and walking on eggshells Having a creative outlet in your business I referenced joining the waitlist for the Refine Collective, which can be done here! And exploring the Refine Portal, which can be done here! Be sure to like, follow and share our podcast so we can elevate the industry one conversation at a time!

Nothing sends a client into panic quite like a venue remodeling after they signed the contract! I so get it. In this episode, I talk about: Contract clauses that mutually protect both venue and client Validating the emotion Educating the client Talking with the venue about it Compromises The cost of business both for planners and venues Like, share and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners!

As planners, our job is to advocate for the clients! But we need to also recognize this might mean a moment of tension with a referral base. In this episode, I talk about: Educating the client Approaches with the Preferred Partner The boundaries within mediation Like, share and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners!

When it comes to the final stages for an Event Management client, the Wedding Planner becomes the point of contact. In this episode, I talk about: Preparing your client Having them tell the Wedding Pro Templates that work The tone and approach Why this benefits all involved Acknowledging there may be times you'll pull the client back in, you aren't taking them away completely I reference the Wedding Planning Process Kit and the Final Reconciliation Kit in this episode. Click to check those out! Like, share and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners!

We get frustrated when Wedding Pros are hesitant to work with planners, but what are we doing about it? In this episode, we'll talk about: Conversations to have among ourselves Why it benefits you to help new planners In today's episode, we mention the Wedding Planning Process Kit. Like, share and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners!

In this episode, we address our industry's low entry barrier, and some key things to assess if considering a career as a wedding planner. We'll cover some essential start-up mistakes like: Service Terminology Pricing Education Networking Legal Formation And more! Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refine4weddingplanners!

In this episode, I'm joined by our guest Brian Franklin from Vows and Speeches! We'll cover: Mistakes people make when writing vows and speeches Some stories and experiences we've had How Vows and Speeches came to be And how Vows and Speeches can help you and your clients! Find Vows and Speeches HERE and @vowsandspeeches on Instagram! Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners!

I love seeing so many of you wanting to join the speaker circuit. LFG! Join me for this episode as I chat with Meghan Ely, the Wedding Industry PR Queen. We cover: What it takes: cost and bandwidth Mentors, support, and resources Life in the public eye Navigating PR jams Sound like a good fit? Contact @ofdconsulting to take the next steps with their Collective or join Wedding Industry Speakers!!! Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners!

Apologizing takes a lot of humility, especially when done right and well. But a proper apology is the best path forward. In today's episode, I set out to talk about a formula for apologizing: acknowledge, validate, own, and expect nothing in return. But in needing a good example, I referred to a recent case of plagiarism in Refine... and well, it went from there! That said, we cover it all: Recent and ongoing plagiarism The impact it has and on who Consequences and handling it Ways I can and do support new educators The right and the wrong way to engage in Facebook communities Thanks for listening! Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners! **Want more? Check out our monthly memberships for all wedding pros. We're talking more education, templates, and worksheets!**

In today's episode, I sit down with my friend Greg Todd, of GT Marketing and Consulting, to talk about marketing mistakes. You might not be surprised to hear that one of the biggest mistakes we can make is: getting in our own way. But with knowledge is the power to do something! In this chat, Greg will set you up for success as you consider your next steps in marketing. Find Greg here: instagram.com/GTMarketingAndConsulting https://www.gtmarketingandconsulting.com/ Greg was also our January speaker for the Refine Collective, so you can find the replay and worksheet there as well! Learn more about our Membership options here!

People hate talking about money, but we have to! Lead them well, and they'll appreciate your honesty. In today's episode, we'll talk about: Overcoming misinformation Nailing down their financial comfort zone A sales hack to help them understand what is realistic Educating them on priorities Protecting yourself from their change Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners! **Want more? Check out our monthly memberships for all wedding pros. We're talking more education, templates and worksheets!**

Ever just have team issues out of nowhere? Feeling totally blindsided? Well, in this episode, we'll talk about preventing and navigating that! In this episode, we'll cover: Pre-Qualifying in the hiring process Chain of command The balance between personal and professional relationships Team Meeting Agendas Listening and following up Core values and “the why” Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners! And don't forget to join us on 1/26 at 10am CST for our Get Your House In Order Free Masterclass! Sign up HERE! **Want more? Check out our monthly memberships for all wedding pros. We're talking more education, templates and worksheets!**

Ever just have team issues out of nowhere? Feeling totally blindsided? Well, today, we'll talk about preventing and navigating that! In this episode, we'll cover: Pre-Qualifying in the hiring process Chain of command The balance between personal and professional relationships Team Meeting Agendas Listening and following up Core values and “the why” Like, share, and follow! Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts and let's keep the industry talkin'. Tag @refineforweddingplanners! And don't forget to join us on 1/26 at 10am CST for our Get Your House In Order Free Masterclass! Sign up HERE! **Want more? Check out our monthly memberships for all wedding pros. We're talking more education, templates and worksheets!**

In a recent Refine Collective coaching session, Lezlie Hicks was seeking advice for telling a client she can no longer work her wedding because her best friend is now getting married on that date. In this conversation/podcast, we navigate: Appropriate reasons for not fulfilling our commitments to clients Talking to staff about this Alternate options for a company to consider Various approaches to take in communicating it to the client If you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective! We have conversations like this all the time. Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff! And thanks to Leslie for joining me! Find her at lezliehicksevents.com and on Instagram.

Love them or hate them, sparklers are worth a conversation! In this episode of the Refine Podcast, I'll be talking about: Teamwork (this isn't all on the planner) Safety Client Education A formal process A fee structure Market cohesion If you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

As we approach the end of the year, you're about to see a lot of marketing with "it's a write-off!", and while that may be true, there is a lot to consider. For example, did you know that purchasing at the beginning of the year may be better for your goals? In this guest episode with Braden Drake, we'll cover: Benefits of write-offs Limitations write-offs can cause When to purchase things Mindset shift on paying taxes Credit card fees and various payment options Be sure to sign up for Braden's masterclass, next week, December 13th at 9am and 12pm PST. "7 Legal & Tax Myths: Busting Through the B.S. That's Costing You Money." Sign up here. Big thanks to Braden for sponsoring this year's WMBA Mixer and Conference Confident!

In this episode of the Refine podcast, we are talking about the entrance of Gen Z to the party. We'll cover: Current behaviors Things they value How they view leadership and trust Ways to adapt and things we need to accept If needing added support, be sure to check out my Client Management Kit in the Refine Shop!

I'm not really sure how wedding planners got stuck in the middle of the insurance fight, but spoiler: it's not a planner's job to enforce a venue's policy. In this quick 6-minute episode, we'll talk about: The tension this creates Everyone's responsibility for enforcing their own policies A planner's responsibility to facilitate and organize Ways to approach this request And the follow-up process... which again is... the venue's responsibility Why insurance is imperative, no matter the category, and the right a venue has to require it If you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

There are some strong opinions about there regarding the pros and cons of working with a Wedding Planner! In this 15-minute episode, we'll talk about: Why a Wedding Pro may refuse to work with a planner How a Wedding Planner should respond What Wedding Pros may not understand about Wedding Planners How to generally work together in better ways Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode of the Refine podcast, I sit down with Carissa Kruse of The Content Club and we talk about automation, customization, being evergreen and so much more with our content. You can find the Content Club here! If you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, I've got a mindset challenge for the Wedding Industry as a whole. I think there is a lot of peer-to-peer trashing that while sometimes is very obvious, is other times something we don't know we're doing but can change! In this episode: I'll give an example Share why I think this happens Ethics around it And give ideas for a better way! If you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, we talk about delegation! A love this topic so come listen as I cover: A couple of mindset traps What to delegate Office tasks vs personal tasks How some of this pays for itself! Ideas for delegating among your team that may not even cost money! If you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, we are going to have a hard conversation about the email delays and general inbox crisis we are in. I'll talk about: Why it's happening Why you have to suck it up (major nuggets in here y'all!!!) What to do about it Major mindset shifting This one is hard. This one is necessary. We can do it!!! But we gotta come together, so share this far and wide!

It can be a challenge when couples want to change the design, menu or shot list over and over throughout planning! In this episode, I'll talk about: Ways to limit this A contract clause to consider A change of order fee to consider When to enforce or be flexible regarding your policy Specific ways to organize your couples to reduce workload for all Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff! And if you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective!

There are many ways to manage an indecisive client, but in today's episode of the Refine Podcast, I'll share one of my favorite hacks for helping couples make decisions! I'll talk about: Reducing Options When to add more suggestions Educating them on what is to come Helping them understand what guests perceive Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff! And if you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, I'll walk you through managing the Card and Gift Table! Best practices Educating the couple and even society as a whole Contract terms to consider Responding when a couple says something is missing General encouragement to you if in the thick of an accusation! The document I referenced was the Wedding Day Checklist and can be found on my website as the pop-up offer! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff! And if you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, we're talking about ways a business owner can support their staff when they are working with a hard client! We'll chat about: Prevention Encouragement and Support My main hack! Post-Event Reflection Resources To find the resources I mentioned: Contract Vault Refine Shop Be sure to like, share and review! Thanks for listening.

In today's episode, I have special guest Renee Dalo joining me to talk about our 5th Annual Welcome to Wedding MBA Mixer and our 2nd Annual Conference Confident! Can't wait to see you in Vegas! Learn more about our Monday Night Mixer at Maggiano's and Conference Confident here! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners and @reneedalo!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, I hope to have an honest conversation with venues! We'll talk about: Publicized capacity limits Inclement weather Being more clear on the differences between Venue Managers and In-House Coordination Taking commission from Caterers Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, I'm sharing all you need to know about finding and working with a mentor. We'll talk about: The value How to know if you need a mentor Good vs Bad mentorship Pros and cons of local vs online/distance Formats: small group, large group, 1:1 Pros and cons of a mentor in your industry vs another industry Finding a mentor Asking someone to be your mentor The cost If you're a Wedding Planner, I'd love to have you in my mentorship program, The Refine Collective! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, I'm sharing some things you need to consider when organizing or participating in a styled shoot. In this chat, I cover: Why you might consider a styled shoot The difference between Editorial and Real Wedding Budget Timeline Efficiency Contract and ramifications Asking peers to participate Be sure to check out Margaux Fraise's Styled Shoot Course to learn more and get deeper! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, I'm sharing some ideas for becoming known in your market: A unique idea for small talk while networking The kinds of relationships you build in normal networking environments The kinds you can create by taking it a step further How to take it a step further A movement called #TogetherWeRefine that I've just launched! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this ultra-short episode of the Refine Podcast, I share a super quick hack for reducing client complaints following the wedding. Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode of the Refine Podcast, I'm sharing some pros and cons of working with parents. In this chat, I cover: Why some people love it, why others don't The complicating factors Things to consider or re-consider How to navigate if choosing to work with parents If not choosing to work with parents, how to avoid it! Thanks for listening! Be sure to like and review or take a screenshot to share in your IG stories, tagging @refineforweddingplanners for a chance to win free stuff!

In this episode, I've got a “hot take” ego buster for ya on ideal clients. In our chat, I cover: A behavior I've observed A challenge to you What you can learn from losing a sale Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like, and follow! @refineforweddingplanners. Have a great day Refiners!

In this episode, I talk about protecting your mental health if or when asking clients for feedback. We cover the following in our chat: Being our own worst critic Who and where to get feedback from Challenging ourselves Setting clients up for leaving constructive feedback Take a look at today's freebie, Destigmatizing Brain Health. Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like, and follow!

In this episode, I talk about finding support when you're significant other or circle of people aren't supportive of your career! We cover the following in our chat: What it looks like when you're not being supported Reasons this can happen First steps for communicating your needs Finding support where you can Affirmations and checkpoints For more support, join the Refine Collective here! Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like, and follow! @refineforweddingplanners

In this episode, I talk about taking personal, buddies, or group time to turn off all the distractions and get as much done as you can! We cover the following in our chat: What is a Workcation Where to do one How to structure it: Alone? With someone? With a group? Avoiding distractions If interested in attending a group Workcation with Refine, check out our options here! Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like, and follow!

In this episode, I share my hack for managing the overwhelm you feel when someone asks for time on your calendar. I talk about: Stacking Color Coding Responses Defensively monitoring the days and weeks surrounding each request Taking control of your schedule Don't forget to like, share and review the Refine Podcast for Wedding Planners!

In this episode of Refine for Wedding Planners, I'm chatting with Joe Rogers, a fellow Refiner and seasoned event & wedding planner, all about working with influencers and celebrities. We cover the following in our chat: What it's like to work with influencers (quirks and all) How to handle the billing & branding A mindset shift about what and who are influencers Handling NDAs and privacy - what do you do when you can't share photos of the event When should you work for less Tips for planning higher profile events You can find Joe at Contagious Events at https://contagiousevents.net/ and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/contagiousevents/) Find this episode helpful? Remember to like, share and review. Please share it in your IG stories and leave me a review so others find our golden truth. Thanks for listening!

Our industry has had some really fantastic conversations about inclusion and diversity over the last couple of years. We still have a lot of work to do, and in this episode, I want to highlight a few overlooked areas. In this conversation, we talk about: Not taking away from the broader issues of race and orientation Being more aware about general needs that others have Areas to consider A note about mental health I also ask what you would add to the list! So please like, love and share. Tag me on Instagram and let me know what other things you think fall through the cracks so we can keep the conversations going.

In this episode, we cover the general nuances of working for less or for free. I talk about: Why someone might work for less or for free Understanding your value When is it okay to work for less or for free Having boundaries when working for less or for free Check out the Wedding Planning Process Kit and more templates at the Refine Shop. Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like and follow!

In this episode, I talk about the process of re-onboarding our postponed clients. I cover the nuance of lacking energy and motivation during the planning process. I also share the things I've tried as I get back into as well. This is new for all of us and I'm not claiming to have figured it out, but I do want to start the conversation! Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like and follow.

In this episode, I talk all about working in shifts during the wedding day. We cover the following in our chat: -What I even mean by this -How I got started -Shift timing -Properly staffing -Benefits and “selling” it to your clients -Risks and pushback Grab your Wedding Planning Process Kit and more at the Refine Shop! Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like and follow.

In this episode, I talk about the process of firing clients. We cover the following in our chat: • Why you might need to fire someone • Trying to avoid it • How to do it • Handling the fallout Resources from this episode: Check out our email template kits here! Listen to Episode 06: Worst Response to a Bad Review Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like and follow!

In this episode, I talk about naughty clients and how to redirect them. We cover the following in our chat: • Contracted clients • Non-planning partners that invade our inbox (their moms) • Giving benefit of the doubt • Initial redirection and education, all the way to firing them • What to say and how • And most importantly, how to prevent them in the first place! Resources from this episode: Check out our email template kits here! Episode 06: Worst Response to a Bad Review Thanks for listening. Be sure to share, like and follow!

In this episode, I have guest Lauren Chumbley sharing her experience with Partial Planning. We cover the following in our chat: The nuances and grey areas of Partial Planning Best practices Maintaining boundaries How it's a great upsell option and can be a major cash driver for your business Staffing it among your team Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like and follow! You can find Lauren at @eclipseeventco on Instagram and at https://www.eclipseeventco.com/home.

In this episode, I talk about Family Assistants and how they can benefit not only your personal life, but your business too! We cover the following in our chat: • What a Family Assistant does • The cost and how to afford one (spoiler: they actually offset their cost in many ways) • How to find one • Why Family Assistants aren't reserved for the rich and famous and should be widely accepted and accessible in today's America. • And other FAQs such as: is it weird to have someone in your home? Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like and follow!

In this episode, I talk about starting a family and navigating pregnancy + maternity leave. This is the longest episode we've ever had, but still under an hour. This is a very sensitive topic, with a lot of emotions involved and I recognize that we can all come to the table with differing viewpoints. I do share a lot of hard pills to swallow, but it's my experience that these talking points can change someone's life so I'd rather us get a little uncomfortable than risk the downfalls of sugar coating in this area. We cover the following in our chat: To plan or not plan around busy season Telling your clients and vendor partners Sales and Tradeshows Responding to questions and concerns Having a plan in place for emergencies while pregnant, near due date and post partum Maternity leave The wedding day itself And last but not least, we talk about hormones, vaginas and all the real stuff Thanks for listening! Be sure to share, like and follow! Remember, your story can be someone else's survival guide! These are the things women need to be talking about together.