Smart Business for Wedding Pros is brought to you by the Wedpreneur. Join host Mary Swaffield each week as she interviews wedding industry experts, business experts, and wedding pros who are in the thick of it! Listen for in-depth insights and step-by-step training episodes designed to help weddi…
Mary Swaffield | Wedding Business Strategist
Leigh dives into the business updates, life updates and shares excitement about the WPI Live in Barbados!Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
Leigh outlines the benefits of investing in your professional development and announces the in person version of the Wedding Planning Intensive course set for May 2024 in Barbados.Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
Leigh dives into business basics, sharing an outrageous experience and lessons learned at a local wedding. Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
Kicking off the new year by welcoming Nai; and talking about our latest experiences and ventures for 2024.Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
It's time to reflect on the incredible journey we've had together over the past year – the lessons learned, the inspiring stories shared, and the growth that unfolded.But we're not just looking back; we're peering into the future! Get ready for an exciting preview of what's to come in the upcoming year. Expect fresh perspectives, new guests, and a whole lot more to empower and elevate your journey as a wedding professional.Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
We're thrilled to have Angie Viehman, the CEO and Founder of Clutch Businesses, as our esteemed guest this week. Angie has mastered the dynamic world of the wedding industry, exploring the strategies to help wedding professionals not only thrive during the in-season rush but also strategically boost their revenue during the often-overlooked off-season. This episode is a must-listen for wedding professionals seeking to elevate their businesses year-round!Clutch Businesses' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clutchbusinesses/Website: www.clutchbusinesses.comJoin our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
In this special episode, I take a break from the usual guest interviews to share my own journey and passion. Join me as I recap the personal story and pivotal moments that led me to become a wedding planner. From the initial spark of inspiration to the trials and triumphs along the way, I open up about the dreams that became reality.But this episode isn't just about me—it's about you, my fellow wedding professionals. I'll discuss my vision for how coaching and valuable resources can elevate your wedding business to new heights. Together, we'll explore the limitless possibilities and belief in the power of dreams. Tune in to find inspiration and discover how living your dream can be a reality. Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
In this episode our expert guest, Elle, takes to the mic to discuss one of the biggest challenges that come with wedding planning: Bridezillas.Tune in as Elle shares her invaluable insights and practical tips for maintaining professionalism, diffusing tension, and ensuring every wedding day remains a special memory.Get in touch with Elle:Instagram: @designsanddecorbyelleWebsite: https://linktr.ee/designsanddecorbyelleJoin our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
Yes! You read that right. Group weddings. In this special episode, we sit down with Crystal Love, the owner of Marry We, a business that offers group weddings for up to 25 couples at once.Discover the magic and logistics behind this unique wedding experience, and gain insights into how Crystal has redefined the way we celebrate love. Whether you're a wedding pro or a couple seeking a unique ceremony, this episode is a must-listen!Contact Crystal:Instagram: marryweeventsWebsite: https://www.marryweevents.com/Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Kaneesha Primus, digital marketer and creative director of Lewis Floral Design. Together, we explore Digital Strategies for Wedding Professionals, uncovering how to navigate the online landscape, amplify your presence, and connect with clients in meaningful ways.Get in touch with Kaneesha:lewisfloraldesign@gmail.comwww.lewisfloraldesign.comFB: @lewisfloraldesignIG: @lewisfloraldesignTikTok: @lewisfloraldesignJoin our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
In this episode, we're thrilled to have Dana Kadwell, a renowned expert, sharing invaluable insights on 'Classifying Your Employee Roles to Set Expectations.' Dana delves into the nitty-gritty of refining job roles, managing expectations, and fostering a positive work atmosphere. Get ready to revamp your approach to employee dynamics and watch your business flourish!"Dana Kadwell (Hustle and Gather):Website: https://www.hustleandgather.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hustleandgather/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-kadwell-29ba6918/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-hopper-4706881bb/ Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
Joining us this week is co-founder of Rock Paper Coin, Nora Sheils, to discuss the benefits of digitising your wedding business. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and discover how embracing the digital landscape can enhance teamwork, efficiency, and overall success in the dynamic world of weddings.Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
This week, we explore the fundamental principles of effective networking, from building meaningful connections to expanding your reach within the wedding industry. Tune in to enhance your networking skills and unlock new opportunities to thrive in the world of weddings.Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
From communicating with clients and vendors to staying composed under pressure, this episode is a must-listen for all wedding pros looking to elevate their game and create unforgettable experiences for their clients. Tune in and equip yourself with the tools you need to thrive during this exciting yet demanding time of the year!Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com Join our community!Instagram: thewedpreneurcommunityFacebook Group: The Wedpreneur CommunityFacebook Page: The WedpreneurWebsite: www.thewedpreneur.com
Discover how to effectively communicate with clients and vendors, maintain a detailed checklist to ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and optimize your time management skills during the busiest season of the year. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting in the wedding industry, these valuable insights will help you stay in control and deliver exceptional results to your clients.
In this episode, I explore the crucial role of attention to detail in the world of wedding professionals. Join me as I uncover the secrets behind creating unforgettable moments through meticulous planning, flawless execution, and the art of perfecting even the smallest elements. Discover how paying close attention to every detail can elevate your craft and leave a lasting impression on couples and guests alike.
In this episode, we explore the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the world of wedding professionals. From unforeseen challenges to last-minute changes, being able to pivot and adjust is crucial in creating a seamless experience for couples on their special day. Join us as we discuss practical tips, share real-life stories, and highlight the benefits of embracing flexibility and adaptability in the dynamic wedding industry.
In this episode, we dive into the art of handling challenging clients and vendors with grace and professionalism. Discover effective communication strategies, negotiation techniques, and tips for maintaining positive relationships even in tough situations. Join us as we explore how to navigate difficult interactions with a smile and achieve successful outcomes in business.
Discover essential tips and expert insights on how to thrive and succeed as a wedding professional during the bustling wedding season. Gain valuable strategies for managing client expectations, staying organized, and prioritizing self-care. Join us for practical advice and inspiring stories from industry leaders on the Wedding Pro's Podcast.
In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of delegation and explore how it can unlock your path to success. Discover the art of relinquishing control, trusting others, and redistributing responsibilities to create more time, energy, and focus for what truly matters. Join us as we share practical tips, real-life examples, and expert insights on how to harness the benefits of delegation and pave your way towards greater accomplishments. Get ready to let go and soar to new heights!Also, our mini membership Balancing Bliss is now live on our website www.thewedpreneur.comIt contains everything wedding pros need for work-life balance, including customizable templates, business planners and access to expert advice!
Join us as we delve into the world of the wedding industry and explore the pervasive struggle of imposter syndrome. We examine the industry's unique challenges, and offer practical strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. Discover how to cultivate self-compassion, embrace vulnerability, and find validation in a competitive industry. Resources used for podcast:https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/general/develop-growth-mindsethttps://learning-theories.com/mindset-theory-fixed-vs-growth-mindset-dweck.htmlhttps://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindsethttps://www.theweddingbusinesshub.com/post/beating-imposter-syndrome-for-wedding-proshttps://neuroleadership.com/your-brain-at-work/imposter-syndrome-cure-growth-mindsethttps://www.weddingpro.com/blog/imposter-syndrome/
In the enchanting world of weddings, meticulous planning, seamless execution, and unforgettable moments are the cornerstones of success. Join us as we delve into the significance of implementing efficient business systems to create extraordinary experiences for your clients. Courtney Joubert, an expert in business systems, reveals invaluable insights garnered through years of experience and success.
Join us as we delve into the art and science of organizing your schedule, streamlining your workflow, and achieving peak efficiency in your wedding business and personal life.
In this episode, Leigh is joined by an extra-special guest, Kevin Manning, who is not only her business partner, but her partner IRL! Tune in as they discuss work life balance and the unique challenges when married to your business partner.
This episode is about surviving burnout and achieving a work-life balance. Leigh shares her story of how her life took a sudden turn when the pandemic hit, and how it took a toll on her mental health and financial position. Leigh shares how she managed to overcome her struggles, and how she is now thriving with the help of the Wedpreneur brand, and so can you!
Leigh Rivero is the new owner of The Wedpreneur and thus, the new host of this podcast. In this episode, find out what makes Leigh the perfect fit for the role and what plans she has for The Wedpreneur.Episodes are released every Thursday! Follow us on Instagram @thewedpreneurcommunity and join the FaceBook group The Wedpreneur Community. Don't forget to visit our website www.thewedpreneur.com to book your one-on-one strategy session with the industry specialist, Leigh!
In this episode, I'm joined by marketing and owner of WeddingVenueMap.com Shannon Tarrant. She's sharing her tried and true tips for creating a high impact marketing strategy for wedding pros while on a small budget. From networking to guerrilla marketing, her strategies are sure to help you focus on marketing during what is sure to be tight financial times in the next year. www.thewedpreneur.com/51
In the wake of the COVID19 crisis, wedding professionals are facing unprecedented challenges. In today's episode, I'm bringing on a FEMA Certified expert to talk about best strategies for communicating with your current clients, do's and don'ts for using social media right now, and how/when to continue marketing to future clients. Shownotes: www.thewedpreneur.com/49
In this episode, I'm joined by destination wedding specialist Jen Taylor from Taylor'd Events and we're talking all things destination weddings! If you've been thinking about expanding into the destination market, Jen has some great tips and stories that will help you make the move. Her "no BS" approach is refreshing and she definitely knows her stuff!www.thewedpreneur.comwww.theweddingplannerintensive.com
Burnout, my friend, is a real thing. In this episode, I'm joined by an amazing human being and fellow Wedding Planner - José Rolón. José is sharing his incredibly inspiring story of overcoming tragedy and grief by learning how to practice self-care. In a time when we're busier than ever, this episode is a must-listen-to. Even if you've not currently dealing with grief or loss, his story is sure to inspire. Shownotes: www.thewedpreneur.com/46
In this episode, I'm joined by wedding industry thought-leader, Michelle Loretta of Sage Wedding Pros. We are talking MONEY - one of my fave topics - and specifically, how to make some big decisions about what do with the money in your wedding business when it comes to achieving your goals. Michelle shares some really, really important and valuable tips throughout this episode, and I strongly encourage listeners to check out her incredible programs and courses - she's the real deal, my friends!Links:Wedding Planner SurveyProfit & Purpose Waiting ListSageWeddingPros
In this episode, I'm joined by the lovely Melissa McGraw from The Creative Potential to talk about getting your business found online. Don't panic though - we're not diving into super-duper tech-talk - but we are going to talk about SEO. Melissa knows a TON about SEO and getting found online (just check out her blog if you need proof!) and she's breaking it down into easy-to-follow steps... which are my fave kind of steps! SHORT & SWEET EPISODE DEETSSimple (and free) tools you can use to figure out what's working - and what isn't - on your websiteWhy keywords are still ultra-important to help you get found onlineQuick tweaks you can make to your site to make the google bots happy!USEFUL LINKSTool: PingdomTool: JpegMiniTool: WPSmushTool: Answer the PublicTool: UberSuggestThe Creative Potential WebsiteFollow Melissa on InstagramFollow Mary on InstagramDownload this episode on iTunesDownload this episode on Google PlayTHE AH-HA MOMENTGetting found online is STILL really relevant - so while we spend a LOT of time focusing on our social media game, we need to be careful to not neglect our google-ability! You definitely want to the on the first page of google, so that when perspective clients are looking for someone to hire, you're at the top of the list!
Today I'm joined by financial guru Danielle Hayden, and we are starting the New Year talking about your finances! If you're like me, figuring out the numbers in your business can seem overwhelming, but Danielle is here to help guide you through what you need to know in her signature easy-to-understand way. Shownotes: www.thewedpreneur.com/43 Purchase the Profit Planner (use code WEDPRENEUR for 15% off!)
In this episode, I'm joined by Styled Shoot expert and Wedding Planner Extraordinaire, Margaux Fraise of Harmony Creative Studio.Margaux teaches us her top strategies for getting the best ROI out of your styled shoots, and shares how she's used Styled Shoots to elevate her wedding planning business.Shownotes: www.thewedpreneur.com/42
In this episode, I'm joined by wedding planner and educator Lindsay Longacre from LVL Events & LVL Academy. Join us in this in-depth, action-oriented conversation about scaling your wedding business by adding team members. She's sharing her top strategies on knowing when is the "right" time to grow a team, and how doing so can take your wedding business to the next level. Links:Sign up for LVL Academy Programs (use thewedpreneur for 15% off)
Do you ever wonder how some wedding pros are able to get referral after referral? In this episode, I'm diving into what it means to intentionally design an exceptional client experience. I'm sharing 7 steps that will help you elevate the experience that you are delivering to your wedding clients through your services. From the very first point of contact to how you wrap up your services after the wedding ends, you'll learn how important and easy it is to take your customer service skills to the next level. Links:Register for WPI: www.theweddingplannerintensive.com
www.theweddingplannerintensive.comThis week I'm joined by a former star student of the Wedding Planner Intensive program, and she's going to be sharing her tips on developing systems in your wedding business! Desiree is an inspiration - a mom of 2, she has incredible drive and dedication and it shows. In this episode, we're talking all things systems - specifically, how implementing systems has resulted in a complete business transformation for Desiree.
Do you ever wonder if your brand voice is truly clear to your target audience? In today's episode, I'm joined by branding expert Kim Wensel from Pattern or Purpose, and she's sharing her favorite tips on how to really focus in on developing your brand messaging for your wedding business. Kim goes deep into the difference between your visual brand and your brand messaging, and shares the different ways that you can build a solid foundation for your wedding business by creating strong and clear brand messaging. Link to the Streamline with Systems MasterclassLink to the Wedding Planner Intensive Waiting list
Love it or hate it, Pinterest attracts millions of engaged couples daily. In this episode, I'm joined by Pinterest Expert Kathryn Moorhouse and she's sharing 5 actionable Pinterest strategies to help you get started with Pinterest in your wedding business. Free download: www.thewedpreneur.com/37download Get on the Waitlist: www.thewedpreneur.com/membership
Welcome to Episode #36! I'm joined today by Katie Easley of Kate Ryan Design and we are diving DEEP into the concept of "Social Proof" and how wedding pros can leverage it to maximize their marketing strategy. Learn how building relationships can elevate your social proof, and how to best use testimonials and reviews to gain the trust of your potential customers. www.thewedpreneur.com/36
Are you using Pinterest in your wedding business? Pinterest is often overlooked, but in this episode, I'm interviewing Jessica Zimmerman, a Floral Designer & Wedding Planner who took her business from the brink of bankruptcy to a multiple-6-figure success story by leveraging the power of Pinterest in her wedding business. www.thewedpreneur.com/35 Get on the Membership Waitlist: www.thewedpreneur.com/membership
Are you on the waitlist yet for the Wedpreneur Academy? You don't want to miss your chance to be part of something AH-MAY-ZING! Head to www.thewedpreneur.com/membership for the opportunity to become a founding member. Do you ever wish that you could clone your favorite clients? Today I'm joined by Heidi Thompson from Evolve Your Wedding Business and she's sharing her top tips for cloning your best client. From interviewing current clients to getting super clear on what characteristics your best clients share, this episode is packed with tips to help you work with the kinds of clients you love.
BE A FOUNDING MEMBER! Head to www.thewedpreneur.com/membershipToday I'm sharing my top 9 strategies to attract new clients to your wedding business. From networking to showing up authentically in your business, these strategies will help you to bring in new clients... even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone from time to time! What's important here is consistency - and actively marketing yourself all year long. It doesn't have to be complicated - but it does have to be consistent! Shownotes: www.thewedpreneur.com/33
Does money freak you out? Do you ignore the finances in your business? Do you know that the way you think about money may be affecting your ability to make more of it? In this episode, I'm joined by Megan Naasz and we're pulling back the curtain on all things money mindset! She's sharing the most common mindset obstacles she observes in creative business owners, and we have an open and frank discussion about how to overcome these issues by taking small steps and turning money management into a regular habit. www.thewedpreneur.com/32
In this episode, I'm joined by the sassy & sophisticated Terrica Skaggs from Cocktails & Details. We're doing a deep dive into the world of branding - and what it REALLY means to have an authentic brand in your wedding business. From avoiding "multiple personality disorder" to finding ways to create a brand story, this episode is filled with actionable tips and true-life stories that will have you excited to re-visit your brand. Don't forget to download the FREE worksheet for this episode at www.thewedpreneur.com/31download! Shownotes: www.thewedpreneur.com/31Podcast Site: www.thewedpreneur.com/podcast
Welcome Wedpreneurs!Today I'm joined by Attorney Braden Drake - known as "your gay best friend, but also an Attorney who will do your taxes!" We're talking about layers of protection in your wedding business - not the most glamorous topic, but one that is absolutely critical in your business! Braden is sharing some basic steps you can take to ensure that your wedding business is properly protected - AND - he'll be continuing the conversation LIVE in the Wedpreneur Community next week!
Do you ever get frustrated trying to find pretty images to use for your social media, blog, or website? We've got the solution for you! Today's guest is Serena Waller from Delegate & Elevate and Pops of Pretty, and she's sharing her creative tips for using stock photography in your wedding business. Serena is an inspiration - not just creatively, but from a business perspective as well! Hear how she identified a need in the wedding industry and set about creating a new stock photo subscription program aimed specifically to help wedding pros with their marketing. Make sure you get your name on the early access list at www.popsofpretty.com and don't miss out on the amazing social media challenge and FREE images she's put together just for listeners of the Smart Business for Wedding Pros podcast! Download the freebie at www.thewedpreneur.com/29download
Heather Rouffe has been in the wedding industry since 2004, and in today's episode, she's sharing a wealth of information about creating consistent customer service from event to event. From establishing systems to educating every client that walks through her door, Heather leads a talented sales team that is focused on showing up for every customer 100% of the time. www.thewedpreneur.com/28 www.thewedpreneur.com/intensivemay
In today's episode, I'm joined by sales guru Meryl Snow, of Snowstorm Solutions. Meryl is SO knowledgable (and super fun to chat with) and she's sharing her 5 secret sales techniques that wedding pros can use in their business. If you're anything like me, the word "sales" makes you a little bit uncomfortable - you probably picture used car salesmen! But there's no way around it - we have to get comfortable with sales if our businesses are going to survive. You won't want to miss out on this episode - it's a long one, but it is JAM PACKED with amazing info. You can check out the free cheat sheet at www.thewedpreneur.com/27download - and of course, our shownotes are at www.thewedpreneur.com/27
Are you currently juggling a full-time job AND your wedding business? We've all been there. The struggle is REAL my friend! I get asked all the time how to know when it's time to make the leap and quit your day job, and the answer is... well, you'll have to listen to find out! In this episode, I'm sharing three specific strategies to help you prepare for leaving your job behind and working on your wedding business full time. www.thewedpreneur.com/podcast FREEBIE! www.thewedpreneur.com/26download
Have you ever wondered whether or not it's worth it to attend a wedding or event conference? In this episode, I'm sharing my 5 tips to get the most out of an industry conference! From what to pack to which sessions to attend, this short episode is packed with tips to make your next wedding industry conference a success! www.thewedpreneur.com/25 www.weddingmba.com www.thespecialeventshow.com