Lately I’ve been running some wedding industry marketing experiments on Facebook to explore what it takes to get leads without paying for them. One way you might have heard to do this is by joining local bride-to-bride Facebook groups, which gives you some great insight into what local couples are looking for, as well as […]
Have you ever been hung up about MONEY? Stomach tied in knots. Desperation about where (and when) the next booking is going to come from. And how will you pay the bills if it doesn’t? Oh, my. I can remember feeling that way during the winter slow season before a meeting with a couple. It […]
Last night I attended a networking event for startups. A dozen new startup businesses stood by tiny tables with displays at the sides of the room, while other entrepreneurs walked by. One sign in particular caught my eye: “When was the last time you felt SEEN?” Woah. Powerful question! (And if you know me, you […]
“Why can’t the clients just show up! I’m really good at what I do — I hate feeling like I have to convince them to hire me. I hate marketing!” I’ve heard this again and again, in the wedding industry and beyond, frustrated entrepreneurs crying out in marketing agony. Why does marketing have to feel […]
I’m fascinated by a strong marketing message that says, “This is what I’m for. This is what I’m against. Like it or not.” I recently came across this postcard for Lagusta’s Luscious Chocolates located in New Paltz, NY. “Heartbreakingly delicious artisanal chocolates, ethically made.” When we talk about “for” and “against” in the world of […]
“What business are you in?” The first answer that comes is never the most complete. Wedding photography. Entertainment. Wedding planning. Travel. Officiating. Venues. A million other wedding pros could give that exact answer. This dumps you into the same category as the competition. You look the same as everyone else, and when couples can’t tell […]
One of my wedding business students emailed me last week. “I have a great offer — thanks to your help! Now, what do I do? How many times can I post it without being obnoxious or burning myself out?” It’s a brilliant question to ask. Here’s the scenario: You have an amazing product or service. […]
Let me give you a peak behind the curtain showing how I come up with story ideas. Normally, I just put “Wedding” into Google News, and skim articles until I find one that speaks to me. Today, however, I thought to myself, “what if I throw in ‘wedding’ plus a random word or place?” Hence, […]
By Kylie Carlson, International Academy of Wedding & Event Planning A saying that has always stuck with me when I talk about storytelling is, “There is more truth in story than detail and fact.” A story is meant to evoke emotion in the listener (your potential client) and create a connection with the storyteller (the […]
The Preferred Vendor List. It’s like the Holy Grail for wedding pros. Get those coveted venue referrals and you’ve got it made. But how do you get your wedding business at the top of the list? A recent discussion in our private Facebook group (for Acceleration members only) shared some tips. Yeah, our members rock. […]