Building a Successful Wedding Planning Business with Maria from Dereves

In this podcast episode, host Melissa interviews Maria, the founder of Dereves, a full-service wedding planning and floral design company based in Toronto, Canada. 

They discuss Maria's journey from studying landscape architecture to founding her business, the importance of SEO and blogging, and the evolution of her services to include full event design and planning. 

Maria emphasizes the value of genuine relationships, resilience, and adaptability in business. She also talks about future goals, including destination weddings and community building, while sharing practical advice for other small business owners on sustainability and resource management.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:21 Maria's Journey into Floral Design

03:15 Building a Business Foundation

05:47 Adapting and Growing Through Challenges

18:46 Expanding Services and Future Plans

25:00 The Importance of SEO and Blogging

27:20 Marketing Strategies and Relationships

29:18 Building Genuine Relationships in Business

30:11 The Importance of Offering Value

30:57 Navigating Client Interactions and Expectations

32:35 The Role of Social Media in Modern Business

35:12 Finding and Attracting Your Ideal Client

37:31 Learning from Mentors and Industry Peers

39:11 The Power of Sharing Knowledge

41:28 Managing Wedding Logistics and Expanding Horizons

47:57 Sustainability in the Floral Industry

54:27 Final Thoughts and Future Goals

Maria, Dereves Instagram + Website

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Six Actionable Steps to Grow Your Creative Business

In this episode of Bright, the podcast for wedding creatives, host and money mentor Melissa shares six actionable steps to help you grow your creative business. From establishing a strong foundation and leveraging social media, to building genuine relationships and staying resilient, Melissa provides comprehensive insights and real strategies for business growth. 

She summarizes key takeaways from her recent interviews with industry creatives and discusses the importance of adaptability, consistency, and sharing knowledge within the community. Tune in next week for an interview with Maria from Derev Floral and Wedding Planning in Toronto, Canada, for more tips and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction to Growing Your Creative Business
00:28 Podcast Overview and Upcoming Interviews
01:13 Step 1: Establish a Strong Foundation
02:01 Step 2: Leverage Social Media and SEO
02:58 Step 3: Build Genuine Relationships
03:59 Step 4: Adapt and Evolve
05:04 Step 5: Stay Consistent and Resilient
06:16 Step 6: Share Knowledge and Resources
07:41 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

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Leveraging the Cocktail Party Effect for Creative Business Marketing Success

In this episode, discover how the 'Cocktail Party Effect' can transform your marketing strategy and help your creative business stand out in a saturated market. By understanding how to connect deeply with potential clients and filter through the noise, you can attract ideal clients who resonate with your unique message. 

Learn how this concept, originally coined by cognitive scientist Colin Cherry, applies to modern marketing and can be used to build a successful and thriving creative business.

Cocktail Party Effect - Colin Cherry

00:00 Introduction: The Cocktail Party Effect in Marketing
01:02 Understanding the Cocktail Party Effect
01:51 Applying the Cocktail Party Effect to Your Business
03:06 Creating Genuine Connections with Clients
03:55 Fine-Tuning Your Marketing Strategy
04:46 Standing Out in a Crowded Market
06:28 Conclusion: Embracing the Cocktail Party Effect

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What is the secret to making goals easier to achieve? Turn your goals into Daily Habits!

In this episode, we explore how to make achieving goals a habit by drawing inspiration from James Clear’s 'Atomic Habits' and a recent Mel Robbins' podcast where she mentioned that when you write down your goals, you are halfway to achieving them.

When you write down your goal and put it somewhere where you can see it every day it is a reminder, this keeps it front and center in your mind, causing your brain to act on that. Your brain encodes the goal.

Melissa emphasizes the importance of implementation intention and borrowing successful strategies from others. Using the example of earning $100,000 a year in a wedding business, the episode outlines steps such as writing down goals, understanding your unique value, and consistently showing up daily, even when it's challenging.

Practical examples and strategies are provided to help listeners turn their business dreams into achievable goals. Join us for insights and upcoming interviews with successful professionals.

James Clear, Atomic Habits: Implementation Intention 

00:00 Introduction to Achieving Goals
00:06 Influences and Inspirations
00:44 Defining and Setting Goals
02:38 The Power of Writing Down Goals
03:43 Borrowing Success and Steps to Achieve Goals
06:59 Implementation Intention: The Missing Link
09:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Building a Creative Wedding DJ Business with Desert House Productions

In this episode of 'Bright', host Melissa welcomes Dave and Drea Strickler, the owners of Desert House Productions and renowned wedding and event DJs. They share insights from their 20+ years in the industry, discuss how they built their successful business, and talk about the importance of balance and passion.

From starting their company while in school to navigating challenges and evolving their brand, their story is both inspiring and educational for creatives looking to thrive. The couple also dives into their unique sound healing project, Spiritual Thing, and offers advice on standing out in a competitive field. Tune in for invaluable tips and inspiration from two industry veterans.

6 biggest takeaways from Dave + Drea:

• The wedding industry is a pie. There's a piece for every niche. 
• Push that difference. Define your unique brand, it will set you apart from all the sameness in the industry.
• Work on relationships with fellow vendors at the wedding. Demonstrate low stress, keep cool and confident and you will be amazed at the referral base you create. And the guests will notice you as well.
• Be confident and professional, always. Have fun and deliver great energy. People will pick up on how engaging you are, not matter what your role is. 
• Be selective with who you work with (the interview process works both ways!) 
• Have the same enthusiasm for the wedding or event as your client does (you may do this all the time but you client doesn't  necessarily!)

00:00 Introduction and Special Guests
00:54 Meet Dave and Drea
01:40 The Birth of Desert House Productions
02:57 Building a Unique DJ Brand
08:48 Expanding the Team
15:18 Balancing Work and Family
20:05 Overcoming Challenges
25:43 Spirituality and Personal Growth
29:03 Life-Changing Moments and Spiritual Shifts
30:23 Connecting Spirituality to Business Success
31:55 Navigating a Saturated Industry
32:45 Standing Out in the Wedding and Event Industry
35:43 Building Relationships and Professionalism
38:44 Exploring Sound Healing and Passion Projects
41:40 Future Plans and Expanding the Team
44:30 Words of Wisdom for New Entrepreneurs
47:57 The Magic of Guanajuato
50:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Unlocking Wedding Industry Secrets with PR Expert Megan Ely

In this special episode of the Bright Growth Podcast, host Melissa welcomes Meghan Ely, a wedding industry PR veteran with over 15 years of experience. They discuss the significance of social proof, the importance of continually improving one's craft, and the various ways wedding professionals can stand out in a saturated market. Megan shares valuable insights on leveraging podcasts, writing, and other media to showcase expertise.

She also delves into her OFD Collective, a platform designed to help wedding professionals get published. Their conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to elevate their presence in the wedding industry.

00:00 Welcome to the Bright Growth Podcast
00:08 Introducing Megan Ely: Wedding PR Expert
00:52 Reconnecting Over Two Bright Lights
01:57 Megan Ely's Journey into Wedding PR
08:52 The Importance of Social Proof in the Wedding Industry
15:49 Strategies for Getting Published and Standing Out
21:27 Starting Out in the Wedding Industry
22:43 Showcasing Your Expertise
23:34 The Importance of Social Proof
27:07 Lifelong Learning and Innovation
31:42 Client and Vendor Relationships
33:24 The OFD Collective
39:38 Final Tips and Contact Information

Mentions:
Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
Manda Weaver, Photographer, Flat Lay Specialist
Alan Berg, Wedding Consultant

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10 Pricing Commandments: Empower Your Creative Business with Effective Pricing Strategies

In this bonus episode of Bright, host and money mentor Melissa shares her '10 Pricing Commandments' designed to help wedding professionals create a profitable and audacious price list. The commandments cover understanding costs, market research, value proposition, identifying ideal clients, value pricing, avoiding overwhelm, transparency, paying yourself, maintaining quality, and setting goals.

Melissa emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing finances, providing actionable strategies for creatives to boost their confidence and business success. Listeners are encouraged to follow these steps to optimize their pricing and ensure long-term growth.

Download the ICA + Niche Worksheet

Tune in next week for more insights and don't forget to check out the episode on the Bright Growth YouTube channel.

00:00 Introduction to Pricing Commandments
00:34 Understanding Costs
00:47 Market Research and Value Proposition
01:23 Identifying Your Ideal Client
01:39 Embracing Value Pricing
02:13 Avoiding Overwhelm
02:31 Transparency and Paying Yourself
02:55 Maintaining Quality and Setting Goals
03:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
03:51 Bonus Content and Subscription Reminder

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Creating Your Big Audacious Price List: A Guide to Value and Profitability

In this episode of Bright, Melissa, the host and money mentor, guides wedding creatives on establishing a big audacious price list for their businesses. She emphasizes the synergy between creativity and profitability and addresses common concerns about raising prices. Melissa encourages listeners to envision their ideal business and defines methods to align pricing with the value offered. She illustrates the importance of differentiating oneself in the market, educating clients about unique offerings, and believing in the value provided.

Through real examples, she demonstrates how specialized services can justify higher prices, leading to less work and stress while achieving financial goals. The episode concludes with actionable steps to build a sellable solution that resonates with ideal clients and the promise of an upcoming bonus episode on pricing commandments.

Download the ICA + Niche Worksheet

00:00 Introduction to Audacious Pricing
00:31 Understanding Your Value
01:20 Setting Big Goals
01:55 Breaking Down the Numbers
03:48 Standing Out in Your Niche
08:46 Creating a Sellable Solution
13:36 Educating Your Clients
15:28 Conclusion and Next Steps

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The Essentials of Effective Pricing for Wedding Creatives

In the second installment of our three-part pricing series, host Melissa dives into the critical aspects of determining your pricing for long-term business sustainability. Covering topics from understanding fixed and variable costs to setting your desired profit margin, this episode guides wedding creatives through creating consistent income. 

Melissa also addresses common pricing pitfalls like undercharging and frequent discounts, and emphasizes the importance of value-based pricing. With actionable strategies and personal insights, this episode is a comprehensive guide for wedding professionals looking to elevate their pricing game.

00:00 Introduction to Pricing Series
01:17 Understanding Your Costs
03:22 Calculating Profit Margins
03:54 Researching Competition and Assessing Expertise
04:43 Belief in Your Pricing
05:44 Handling Pricing Questions
06:09 Common Pricing Pitfalls
07:20 Personal Story: The Hourly Pricing Dilemma
12:36 Building a Sustainable Pricing Strategy
17:00 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Breaking Pricing Ceilings: Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Value Your Work

In this first episode of the pricing series, host and money mentor Melissa dissects the complexities of pricing for wedding entrepreneurs. She discusses how self-imposed limitations and money stories can impact how creatives price their services. Melissa emphasizes the importance of valuing one's work and overcoming mental barriers to establish pricing that reflects true worth. She shares personal experiences and offers strategies for setting and believing in higher price points to elevate one's business. 

The episode encourages listeners to challenge their current pricing models and adopt a growth mindset to reach big audacious goals in their entrepreneurial journey.

00:00 Introduction to Pricing for Wedding Entrepreneurs
00:35 Understanding Your Pricing Limitations
02:08 Evaluating Your Current Pricing Model
03:33 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Believing in Your Worth
08:00 Handling Client Reactions with Confidence
09:09 Breaking Through Your Pricing Ceiling
09:41 Conclusion and Next Steps

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