Build That Business

Enrollment for The Profitable Pro Bundle is now OPEN! Get my new course, The Bridal Show Blueprint + 25 other resources for just $97. 
Click here to snag it: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/bundle
* Doors Close Friday, March 18th * 

Welcome to the Build That Business podcast, episode number 35. Today, we’re talking about my favorite thing to talk about, Bridal Shows. They are my number one source of leads and I personally think they’re the most under-rated lead generation source in the wedding industry. 

We average 25k PER SHOW. That’s right, $25,000 every bridal show we go to. Today, I’m breaking down how we do that and specifically how I scheduled 12 appointments at my first show.

These 12 appointments started a snowball effect to get me from $30k to $300k in yearly revenue in just 5 years. You see, I’ve since perfected my bridal show strategy and now it’s our number one source of leads.

But first, I gotta address the elephant in the room. Let me ask you, have you ever thought about these things? 

• “Bridal shows are full of budget shoppers”
• “My ideal customers don’t go to bridal shows” 
• “The bridal shows in my area are not the same as yours, Lindsay. They’re not big, they’re not well attended”

No, I’m not a mind reader. I just know this might be what you think when you hear me say Bridal Shows. Listen, I’ve heard all the excuses. You can continue to pretend like you’re too good for bridal shows, but you’re doing yourself a MAJOR disservice.

The reason bridal shows are not working for you has nothing to do with any of the above, it has to do with the fact that you’re just signing up and showing up. What are you doing to warm up the lead before the show? So that by the time people walk by your booth, they know you and are ready to book an appointment. 

Couples come to these shows ready to plan. Hundreds of people who are engaged and need your services are walking right by your booth. If you cant book at least a few weddings, you’re doing something wrong. And I say all of this with ALL THE LOVE in the world, because I want you to win. I know the power of bridal shows and with just a few tweaks to your strategy, you’ll see how powerful these lead generating machines are too. 

Have I convinced you to give them a shot yet? Let’s dive into the episode!  

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SHOW NOTES: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/shownotes/35

Welcome to The Build That business podcast, episode number 34. Today we are talking about all things contracts. Specially contracts for Wedding professionals. We’ll cover what to include, what most people leave out, and how to protect yourself this year specially.

And there is no better person to walk us through it than Braden Drake. Braden is a California licensed attorney and tax professional. He works primarily with service based, creative small business owners through his signature program Profit Rx. His tagline is, “your gay best friend here to help you get your legal, tax, and financial shit legit.” So that describes Bradens fun and laid back personality… I think you’re gonna love this episode. Without future ado, let's dive into the episode!

In today's episode, we'll cover:
1. What are the primary things to include in a contract?
2. How should you handle payment terms?
3. How can you draft your contract to avoid potential cancellation issues?
4. What is the number one thing people tend to overlook when putting together their contract?
5. Are there any specific things you recommend we include in our contract for this upcoming season pertaining to the pandemic specifically?

Thanks for tuning into today’s episode of the Build That Business Podcast!
FREEBIE TO GROW YOUR WEDDING BUSINESS: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/freebies
JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/group
CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/mslindsayjwilliams/
SHOW NOTES: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/shownotes/34

Follow Braden:
Website: https://www.bradendrake.com/
The Contract Vault: https://www.bradendrake.com/contractvault
Layers of Legal Protection (free guide) https://www.bradendrake.com/layers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradenadamdrake/

You’re listening to The Build That business podcast, episode number 33. Today I sat down with LaShonda Brown to talk about how to drive to Your Website with Video (IG Reels, Stories + YouTube).

After 10 years as a Corporate Film Producer, LaShonda has transitioned to life as a full-time YouTuber. Through how-tos and reviews, LaShonda teaches entrepreneurs how to grow their biz without breaking the bank. She is also a Canva Certified Creative, Flodesk Educator, and Squarespace Top-Level Expert.

If you are hesitating to dive into video as a part of your marketing strategy, you absolutely need to keep listening. LaShonda is so full of insightful tips and inspiration… she’s just amazing. So without future ado, let's dive into the episode!

In today's episode, we'll cover:
1. How do you find ideas for video content?

2. What are some tips you have for saving time creating video content?

3. What advice would you have for someone starting a YouTube channel from scratch?

4. What advice would you give to someone listening who really wants to start implementing video into their business, but they are scared. Maybe they feel like they’re not ready, they feel awkward, they want to lose 10 pounds, they feel like their office isn’t “pretty enough”. I know I know these are false things we tell ourselves but I have told myself these things! So I would imagine I’m not alone in these thoughts.

5. How does showing up on video or audio change how you connect with your ideal customer?

Thanks for tuning into today’s episode of the Build That Business Podcast!
FREEBIE TO GROW YOUR WEDDING BUSINESS: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/freebies
JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/group
CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/mslindsayjwilliams/
SHOW NOTES: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/shownotes/33

Follow LaShonda:
Website: https://www.lashondabrown.com/
Freebies from LaShonda:
Bootstrap Coupon Book www.lashondabrown.com/coupons
YouTube Passive Income Guide https://www.lashondabrown.com/youtube-guide
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lashondambrown
YouTube: www.youtube.com/lashondambrown

Welcome to the Build That business podcast, episode number 32. Today I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down to talk with Nora Sheils of Rock Paper coin about how to plan to tech upgrades in 2022.

Nora Sheils is the co-founder of Rock Paper Coin, the first software platform to bring together wedding planners, couples, and vendors into one system for managing and paying contracts and invoices. She is also the founder and lead wedding planner of award-winning firm Bridal Bliss.

If this is your year to simplify, then this is your episode. You cannot miss all of the GOLD that Nora drops here. Grab a pen and paper, and let’s dive in.

In today's episode, we'll cover:

1. Let’s rewind a bit before diving into 2022. With everything that has changed around COVID in the past couple of years, could you speak to consumer behavior and how it has transformed the way technology is used in business?

2. You had zero experience in tech when you and your sister-in-law decided to launch Rock Paper Coin, a software platform that serves the wedding and event industry. Can you tell us what that was like? What did you have to learn before getting it off the ground? What were your biggest challenges? Feel free to speak about the tech itself or the startup experience as an industry newbie — or both!

3. Say a new entrepreneur is in the early stages of growing their startup. They’ve been in business about 1-3 years, they have a steady flow of customers, and they’re on the cusp of hitting their next-level revenue goal. Where should they consider implementing new tech in their business to support sustainable growth?

4. Now, the same question — but for seasoned entrepreneurs. They have 5+ years of experience, they likely have a team, and they are already pretty comfortable with tech. Their systems may not be optimized fully, but they serve their purpose and keep the company running. What are their next steps in terms of adding new tech to the mix?

5. For listeners who feel like they probably need to make changes in 2022 but don’t know where to begin, can you provide some advice for getting their tech systems in order this year? Where do they start?

6. If our listeners walk away with one piece of advice to implement in their businesses tomorrow, what would you want it to be? Thanks for tuning into today’s episode of the Build That Business Podcast!

FREEBIE TO GROW YOUR WEDDING BUSINESS: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/freebies
JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/group
CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/mslindsayjwilliams/
SHOW NOTES: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/shownotes/32

Follow Nora:
Website: https://rockpapercoin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockpapercoin/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockpapercoin
Request a Demo of Rock Paper Coin: https://rockpapercoin.com/request-a-demo/

You’re listening to the Build That Business Podcast, Episode number 31. Today, I’m chatting with Kathy Young of Rekindle Communications to talk about your brand voice, specifically how to write copy that connects BEFORE it converts.

Kathy breathes life into your message one word at a time. She brings her 2+ years of marketing agency experience to ambitious yet hustle-averse creatives who value connections as much as they do conversions. Between wordsmithing and Chick-fi-la trips, you'll find her in the back patio enjoying a smokey firepit with her husband and Goldendoodle—both of whom are old souls.

Today’s episode is full of tangible tips that you can implement right away in your brand messaging and copywriting. So, if this was on your todo list for this season, grab those earbuds and lean in. Let’s get to it…

In today's episode, we'll cover:
- How do you discover your brand voice?
- How to build your personal brand with the concept of "isms." What are they and why do we need them?
- What are some of the key elements to a high converting website?
- What are good market research questions to ask your audience/questions to include in a testimonial to inform your messaging?
- How do you draw inspiration from other brands without leaning into too much inspiration (aka copying)
- Why is it important to establish a brand message first before diving into web copy?

Thanks for tuning into today’s episode of the Build That Business Podcast!

FREEBIES TO GROW YOUR WEDDING BUSINESS: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/freebies
JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/group
CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/mslindsayjwilliams/

SHOW NOTES: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/shownotes/31

Follow Kathy:
Website: https://rekindlecommunications.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rekindle_communications/
5 Ways to Instantly Improve Your Website Copy: https://rekindlecommunications.com/5-tips

You’re listening to the Build That Business Podcast, Episode number 30. Today, I’m chatting with Katie McFarlan of the Dakota Design Company about the benefits of improving your client experience.

Katie helps interior designers and wedding planners who are buried in business operations get back to doing the creative work they love. I create and improve their processes and set up systems so they can streamline their workload, move their business forward, and free up their time to focus on the things that matter most.

Today’s episode is packed with ways that you can simplify your business and make life easier for you and your clients this year. It’s definitely a note taking episode and the PERFECT way to start off 2022. Grab that pen, grab that notebook, pour yourself a cup of coffee and let’s get to it…

In today's episode, we'll cover:
- What are the key components of a strategic client experience process?
- What are the operational benefits of improving the client experience?
- What are some simple things wedding pros can do right now to tighten up their process and reduce overwhelm?
- What are some mistakes I see service providers make when it comes to their client experience?
- What are some industry wide issues service providers are experiencing right now?

Thanks for tuning into today’s episode of the Build That Business Podcast!

FREEBIES TO GROW YOUR WEDDING BUSINESS: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/freebies
JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/group
CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/mslindsayjwilliams/
SHOW NOTES: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/shownotes/30

Follow Katie:
Website: https://www.dakotadesigncompany.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DAKOTADESIGNCOMPANY/
Katie’s Client experience Blueprint: www.dakotadesigncompany.com/hooplahouse

Enrollment for The Wedding Booking Blueprint is now OPEN! 
Click here for more details: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/enroll
* Doors Close Thursday, January 27th *  * 

Let me ask you, do you feel like you’re pushing so hard, showing up consistently, and serving your clients, but you just can’t seem to grow?

I felt the exact same way 2 years into my business. I was working SO hard, but I just felt stalled out. But listen, I’ve cracked the code of creating connections with my clients to warm up the lead and close more sales, and THAT my friend, is what has allowed me to grow my business to $300k in yearly revenue.

Now, I have a close rate of 96%, and I’m sharing ALL about it in this episode. But above all else, I feel so much better. I’m confident that when I sit down to work, I’m working on the right things. The needle movers. I’m growing my business every single week. I’m sharing how I cracked the code and how you can too.

The secret weapon? My signature course, The Wedding Booking Blueprint.

Now, because there's a lot to cover in this episode, I'm going to jump around a bit so we can cover all of the details, but here's what to expect. I'll be talking about what The Wedding Booking Blueprint is all about: who is it for, what does it solve for wedding professionals, what each module looks like, what's inside of the course, some results from past WBB students, and then, I'll be gushing about what WBB means not only to me, but to some of my students as well.

As I am recording this episode, we are in an extra special time around here. It’s sneak peek time. That means that if you've been thinking about building, growing or scaling your wedding business, you can get access to module one of my signature course for free. No strings attached. You have from now until Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

Click here for free access to module 1: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/sneakpeek

JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/group
CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/mslindsayjwilliams/

You’re listening to the Build That Business Podcast, Episode 28.

Today is the last episode in 2021 and we are going to end with a good one. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hannah Bjorndol of the Everyone Wins podcast and she’s diving into how to set a personal vision statement. Hannah gave SO much insight in this episode and got me fired up to start off this new year on the right foot. I immediately signed off with her after recording and got to work on my personal vision statement, and I hope you do the same after listening. Whether you’re catching this soon after in the air before the new year or months down the road. This practice is something that is going to change your life and business. Promise me you’ll take some time to do the work and make it happen. So, without further ado, let’s dive in to today’s episode with Hannah.

In today's episode, we'll cover:
1. Why burnout is so common amongst entrepreneurs and how it correlates with our ability to set a clear vision for our business (and actually stay focused on it)
2. What is a personal vision statement and why is it so important?
3. What are the steps to getting started and how do you write a personal vision statement?
4. How does manifesting and goal setting correlate with your personal vision statement?
5. Once you have a personal vision written, how do you actually use it to grow your business?
6. What are some tips to stay on track this year if we feel ourselves getting off track or if we feel that burnout sneaking up on us?

Thanks for tuning into today’s episode of the Build That Business Podcast!

FREEBIES TO GROW YOUR WEDDING BUSINESS: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/freebies
JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/group
CONNECT ON INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/mslindsayjwilliams/
SHOW NOTES: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/shownotes/28

FREE RESOURCES:
Our Free HoneyBook Guide: www.LindsayJWilliams.com/honeybook
Coupon Code for 50% off HoneyBook: http://share.honeybook.com/lindsayjwilliams

FOLLOW HANNAH:
Website: http://hannahbjorndal.com
Personal Vision Workbook: http://hannahbjorndal.com/vision
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahbjorndal/

Hi there, everyone! This isn’t going to be your typical episode, it’s just a quick hello, a thank you and some holiday wishes. Thank you for allowing me to come on your journey of building your business this year. I’m just so grateful for your support and for the opportunity to be in your ear buds week after week. This podcast has been one of the most rewarding (and fun) things I’ve done in my business and I can’t wait to see where it takes all of us in 2022. Whether you just started your business this year, or you’ve been in this game for a while - I want to tell you how proud I am of you. I’m sure you don’t hear it enough, but you’re doing a great job. We entrepreneurs are a magical breed. We’ve been through hell and back this pandemic and we’re still swinging. We’re still fighting our way through this and we will find a way to thrive again. I want to remind you to keep going this year. To stand back up when things get hard and that it’s also okay to sit down once in a while if you need to. This has been hard. Building a business is not easy in normal circumstances, throw a pandemic on top of that it’s a whole new beast. So, as we head into the new year, I hope you’re excited for the fresh start. I hope you feel powerful and I hope you know just how strong you are. If you need a reminder, sit with a cup of coffee and just reflect on all you've overcome. I remember sitting in my office chair right around this time last year and I was so exhausted. I just took a deep breath and I said, “You did it Linds. You did good.” And right then and there I shut the computer down until the new year. So, please take a minute today to reflect on how strong you are and tell yourself, You did it. You made it through probably some of the hardest years your business will ever see. We have proven to ourselves that we can make it through anything. You are strong, you are powerful and you will be force to be reckoned with in 2022. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and new year. As always, I’m here if you need anything. Keep on building those businesses and cheers to new horizons next year.