In this heart-filled and high-impact episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with luxury couples retreat host Lesley Jordan to explore the real keys to retreat success-and spoiler alert: it's not just about the perfect venue or a pretty website.

From her beginnings as a travel agent to launching powerful, profitable retreats for couples of all backgrounds, Lesley shares how mentorship, strategic pricing, and relationship-first marketing changed the game for her. Together, Shannon and Lesley dig into:

• How to actually pick the right business coach (hint: ask about profit)
• Why building real connections beats flashy marketing
• What it takes to design inclusive retreats that sell out and transform lives
• The truth about vetting mentors in a saturated online space
• Lesley's upcoming LGBTQ+ and heterosexual couples retreats focused on love, intimacy, and reconnection

If you're building a retreat brand that centers around depth, authenticity, and aligned growth—this one's for you.

Learn more: www.lavishcouplesretreats.com

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Get your legal docs for retreats
• Join Shannon in London
• Join our LinkedIn Group
• Apply to be a guest on our show

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!

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Timestamps:

Introducing Leslie Jordan (00:01:00) Shannon introduces guest Leslie Jordan, highlighting her energy and inviting her to share her background.

Leslie's Journey to Retreats (00:01:35) Leslie shares her transition from travel agent to retreat curator, focusing on luxury retreats for couples and women.

The Power of Coaching in Retreat Business (00:02:25) Discussion on meeting through a coach, the importance of having a coach, and the loneliness of entrepreneurship.

Finding the Right Coach (00:03:16) Leslie describes her experience with different coaches, learning about business models, pricing, and defining her retreat offerings.

Building Relationships Over Pretty Marketing (00:04:00) Leslie explains the importance of building genuine relationships with clients, not just relying on attractive websites.

Creating Lavish Couples Retreats (00:05:02) Leslie talks about launching her own retreat business, focusing on reconnection and intimacy for various types of couples.

The Value of Multiple Coaches (00:05:24) Shannon and Leslie discuss the benefits of having more than one coach with different expertise.

Marketing vs. Selling & Relationship Building (00:06:02) Emphasis on turning marketing activities into real relationships and the changing landscape of the retreat industry.

Learning Strategy and Pricing (00:06:52) Leslie shares how her coaches helped her with sales strategies, pricing, and repeat business.

Choosing Experienced Coaches (00:07:29) Shannon stresses the importance of working with experienced coaches who understand the retreat business deeply.

Treating Retreats as a Business (00:09:00) Discussion on treating retreats as a business model, not just an event, and integrating it with other offerings.

Overcoming Fear and Stagnation (00:09:18) Leslie recounts how the wrong coaching held her back and how the right coaches helped her move forward.

Vetting Coaches and Profitability (00:10:36) Advice on vetting coaches, asking about their experience, and ensuring they understand profitability in retreats.

Industry Trends and Red Flags (00:11:37) Warning about inexperienced coaches and the importance of understanding all aspects of the retreat business.

Profitability is Essential (00:11:59) Shannon and Leslie agree that breaking even is not a sustainable business model for retreats.

Attending Retreats as Research (00:12:31) Leslie shares the value of attending retreats, especially those hosted by your coach, to learn logistics and marketing.

The Importance of Being an Attendee (00:13:11) Shannon emphasizes that aspiring retreat leaders should attend retreats themselves to gain perspective.

Community and Networking Benefits (00:15:07) Discussion on the community, networking, and collaborations that come from being part of a coaching group.

Ongoing Value of Retreat Attendance (00:16:24) Leslie and Shannon discuss the ongoing benefits of attending retreats, including support, networking, and personal growth.

Leslie's Upcoming Retreats (00:17:18) Leslie shares details about her upcoming retreats for LGBTQ+ and heterosexual couples, and her inclusive approach.

How to Connect with Leslie (00:18:52) Leslie provides her website and social media handles for listeners to learn more or join her retreats.