Wedding Business Solutions

Hosted by Alan Berg, CSP, FPSA, Global Speaking Fellow

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

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Episodes

409

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

If weddings and events are all or part of your business, you’re in the right place. The Wedding Business Solutions podcast is where you’ll get real-world ideas to help you sell more, profit more, and maybe even enjoy the process a little more, too. Hosted by Alan Berg CSP, FPSA, one of the wedding and event industry’s most experienced sales and marketing speakers, each bite-sized episode gives you practical, easy-to-use ideas you can apply right away. Whether it’s converting more inquiries, following up without sounding pushy, improving your website, handling ghosting, raising your prices with confidence, or using AI in ways that actually help your business, Alan shares insights with his signature mix of common sense, experience, and humor. Alan is the author of 16 books, including AI for the Real World and Shut Up and Sell More. He’s also been named one of the “Top 100 Speakers to Watch in 2025” for the third year in a row by Motivator Music on LinkedIn, and is one of only 46 Global Speaking Fellows worldwide. Some episodes are just Alan sharing ideas and stories from decades in sales and the wedding industry. Other episodes feature conversations with industry pros, entrepreneurs, and experts who can help you work smarter, make more money, and create better experiences for your clients. If you’ve ever thought: “Why are they ghosting me?” “How do I book more of the right clients?” “Why does my website get traffic but not inquiries?” “What should I actually be using AI for?” …you’ll probably feel right at home here. You can read full transcripts of every episode at podcast.AlanBerg.com. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes, workshops, and ideas you can put to work immediately. If you’d like to learn more about Alan’s speaking, sales training, consulting, AI workshops, or website review services, visit: IWantAlan.com Podcast.AlanBerg.com ConnectWithAlanBerg.com You can also reach Alan directly at Alan@AlanBerg.com. Note from Alan: I invite guests onto the podcast because I believe they can bring value to you, my listeners. Occasionally, I may have a business relationship or affiliate connection with a guest or product discussed on the show. My first priority is always providing useful, actionable information, and I do not sell guest spots or paid placements on the podcast.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 20268 min

ADHD is Awesome!

Is ADHD really a superpower hiding in plain sight? What if the qualities you thought were obstacles are actually your greatest business assets? How can understanding a different perspective—whether it’s ADHD, autism, or dyslexia—change the way you work with clients and partners? In this episode, I reflect on how embracing neurodiversity helps us all see hidden strengths in ourselves and those around us, from hyper-focus to creative problem-solving, and why “different” often means “awesome.”Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insights on using our unique brains to our advantage and building better, more understanding business relationships.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

June 8, 202635 min

Becca Pountney - Marketing Theme Park or Marketing Funnel!

Are you still relying on the old marketing funnel—or ready to embrace the chaos of today’s “theme park” marketing world? What actually makes you stand out in a crowded industry, and are you tracking what works or just chasing the newest trends? In this episode, I sit down with UK wedding industry marketing expert Becca Pountney to explore her innovative “marketing theme park” concept, why data matters more than ever, and what it really takes to attract ideal couples in 2026 and beyond.Listen to this new episode for smart strategies on getting visible, understanding your customers, and making your wedding business the destination clients can’t resist.Becca Pountney is one of the UK's leading wedding marketing experts, helping venues and wedding professionals attract more bookings through smart, practical marketing strategies. She is the award-winning host of Wedding Pros Who Are Ready to Grow and author of Done is Better Than Perfect.Contact Becca: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccapountney/Website: https://beccapountney.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beccapountneyLinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/becca-pountney-a0181033Podcast: https://wedding-pros.captivate.fm/listenBook: https://a.co/d/42Y30LBIf you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

June 3, 20267 min

Do the names of your packages matter?

If your packages are named “silver, gold, platinum,” are you blending in with the crowd? Does the name of a package help your couples feel something or show what makes you different? In this episode, I share how creative package names—and the way you describe them—can set you apart and help sell the results only you can deliver.Listen to this new 5-minute episode for ways to freshen up your package names, spark excitement in your conversations, and stand out from your competitors.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

May 27, 20267 min

If you don't like the outcome, don't blame the app or the tool

If you don’t like the outcome, are you blaming the app, the tool, or taking a look at your own approach? Are you asking yourself if you’re using the right input, giving clear prompts, or even using the right tool for the job? In this episode, I dig into why blaming technology often misses the real cause, and how getting better results might be more about how you use the tool—not the tool itself.Listen to this new 6-minute episode for a quick mindset shift on getting better results by focusing on your approach, not just the technology.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

May 25, 202627 min

Andy Neillie - The silent leader!

Are you making everything run smoothly without stepping into the spotlight? Are you letting your work speak for itself, or do you feel the need to get the credit? In this episode, I talk about the power and business impact of being a silent leader—how subtle direction, teamwork, and humility can elevate everyone’s experience (including the client’s) and strengthen your business relationships.Listen to this new episode for insights on building trust, empowering your team, and making every event a seamless success—by leading from behind the scenes.About Andy:Best-selling leadership author Dr. Andy built a business from start-up to $5 million in annual sales. He recently sold the business to focus full-time on helping other leaders develop their teams. His leadership philosophy blends practical wisdom with a focus on humility and resilience.Beyond business, Andy is active at his church; he is also a fitness enthusiast and pet owner, often finding leadership lessons in unexpected places—whether in the gym, managing a business, or observing the habits of the many dogs he and his family have rescued over the years. His ability to weave relatable, everyday experiences into powerful leadership insights makes Neillie a sought-after speaker and mentor.Contact Andy:NeillieLeadership.comLeadershipMaterials.comIf you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

May 20, 20269 min

Is Anchoring bias hurting your sales?

Is your starting price telling customers more than you think? Are you anchoring expectations too low—and then working uphill to justify your real value? What happens when clients see “starting at” and then get sticker shock when the actual results they want cost more? In this episode, I challenge the use of starting prices, reveal the power of anchoring bias, and discuss how reframing your pricing approach could help you sell for value—not from the bottom.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for a fresh perspective on presenting your prices and why a range might work better than a starting price.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

May 13, 202610 min

Hope for the unintended outcome!

What if the best results in your business and life come from what you didn’t see coming? What if your last “failure” was actually a success in disguise? In this episode, I share stories of accidental inventions, personal surprises, and why looking for new opportunities in unexpected outcomes can be the real game-changer in both life and the wedding industry.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for a fresh perspective on turning “failures” into unexpected wins and why being open to the unintended can lead to your next big success.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

May 11, 202631 min

Tim Richardson - Are you practicing Pausitivity?

What if you paused—really paused—just long enough to let the best ideas surface? What possibilities could emerge for your business if you built in moments of quiet, or even a technology sabbatical? In this episode, I talk about how hitting the pause button can fuel innovation, help reset your mindset, and encourage out-of-the-box thinking for both you and your team.Listen to this new episode for inspiration on using intentional pauses to recharge your creativity and discover fresh solutions by simply stepping back.About Tim: Tim Richardson, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), is a keynote speaker and customer experience expert who helps professionals create outstanding experiences by tapping into what he calls - Pausitivity.With a background in luxury hospitality, including leading the effort to obtain AAA's Five Diamond award at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Tim shares practical, real-world strategies (and a few entertaining stories) to help clients handle customers, conversations, and chaos with confidence.Subscribe to his newletter here - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/pausitivity-6885273916768686080/If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

May 6, 20267 min

Do you seek contrarian views?

Are you open to hearing opinions that challenge your own, or do you find yourself surrounded by people who always agree with you? What could you gain by inviting critical feedback before sharing your own perspective? In this episode, I share why the best leaders actively look for dissenting voices and how doing so leads to better decisions, using examples from both business and science (like Darwin!). Learn how questioning your assumptions can reveal blind spots, prevent costly mistakes, and ultimately help you grow—if you’re willing to listen.Listen to this new 6-minute episode for practical ways to welcome different viewpoints, and see how asking tough questions can lead to stronger results.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com  View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

April 29, 20268 min

Sunk cost bias - is this hurting your business?

Is sunk cost bias holding you back? Are you keeping an underperforming product, service, or employee just because you’ve already invested time or money? In this episode I challenge you to think about whether old investments are preventing you from making smarter decisions for your business—especially when starting fresh could actually move you forward.Listen to this new 7-minute episode for eye-opening examples and practical ways to recognize (and move past) the sunk cost bias in your business decisions.If you have any questions about anything in this, or any of my podcasts, or have a suggestion for a topic or guest, please reach out directly to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or visit my website Podcast.AlanBerg.com Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review (thanks, it really does make a difference). If you want to get notifications of new episodes and upcoming workshops and webinars, you can sign up at www.ConnectWithAlanBerg.com View the full transcript on Alan’s site: https://alanberg.com/blog/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com