How often do you rely on a tool—like GPS or AI—to get you results without really understanding how you got there? Is it always okay to follow directions blindly, or are there times you need to know the “why” behind the answer? In this episode, I explore the risks and benefits of trusting our tools, the importance of understanding processes (at least a little), and when it’s safe to be hands-off versus when you need to dig deeper before you hit “go.”

Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insights on finding the right balance between dependence on tech and informed decision-making in your business.

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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

Should you include planning tips in your follow-up emails?

When is the right time to start sharing helpful advice with prospective clients? Could offering planning tips too soon be hurting your response rate, or does it add value and set you apart? In this episode, I dive into how to balance giving value with keeping your follow-ups focused and effective, plus ways to make your content truly helpful—without coming off as salesy or overwhelming.

Listen to this new 7-minute episode for practical strategies to make your follow-ups more engaging, add genuine value, and strike the right balance between being helpful and closing the sale.

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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

Shane McMurray - How do tariffs and supply chain issues affect wedding businesses?

What if your costs doubled overnight? What happens to your business when tariffs and supply chain issues change in a heartbeat? Are you relying too much on a single supplier? In this episode, I talk about the unpredictable nature of tariffs, how they impact different segments of the wedding industry—from bridal shops to service providers—and what proactive steps you can take, like contract updates and diversifying your supply chain, to stay resilient in uncertain times.

Listen to this new episode for practical ideas on protecting your business, managing costs, and preparing your contracts for sudden market shifts.

About Shane:
Shane helps businesses grow profits, attract qualified leads, refine pricing, close more sales, and uncover key opportunities using unbiased, independent research on the wedding market. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, NPR, and more, and is trusted by government agencies, investors, and researchers. With a B.S. in IT, an MBA in E-Business, and over 30 years' experience in data and 20 years in wedding industry research, he deliver insights that identify your core customer and sharpen your marketing strategy.

Link: https://wedding.report/

Contact Shane:
LinkedIn - Shane McMurray
Text or call 520-906-8025

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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

Interpreting the silence!

What does it really mean when you don’t hear back from a potential client—is it rejection, a fake lead, or just something else taking priority in their life? Are you letting the “story you tell yourself” block future business? In this episode, I dig into how we interpret client silence, challenge some common assumptions, and share actionable ways to keep the conversation (and your confidence) going until you have real answers.

Listen to this new 8-minute episode for a fresh perspective on ghosting, tips for persistent follow-up, and practical advice on not letting silence steal your sales.

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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

Are you building a business to sell?

Are you building a business you can one day sell, or are you creating a lifestyle business that revolves around you? What happens to your company when you’re ready to walk away? In this episode, I explore the true value of your business beyond the physical assets—like your brand, your relationships, and your systems. Are your processes strong enough for someone else to step in, or is everything dependent on you? I’ll give you key points to consider if you ever want an exit strategy or simply want to create a business that runs smoothly whether you’re there or not.

Listen to this new 8-minute episode for insights on how to future-proof your business—so it has value beyond just your own time and effort.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into a question that every wedding and event business owner should ask themselves: Am I building a business to sell, or am I creating a lifestyle business? I share my personal journey and explain why I chose to make my business centered around myself, with alanberg.com as the brand, instead of building something specifically to sell. I walk you through the differences between having physical assets versus selling your brand, reputation, and relationships. I also offer advice on how to make your business valuable to a potential buyer by creating strong systems and processes that aren’t solely dependent on you. Whether or not you plan to sell, this episode will get you thinking about your exit strategy and how to set up your business for long-term value.

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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

When is it time to pivot in your wedding business, and how do you know which risks are the right ones to take? What happens when you follow a passion out of your comfort zone, or invest in your own potential before it’s obvious to everyone else? In this episode, I sit down with Mimi Brown to unpack the journey from DJ to professional speaker—revealing how moments of mentorship, purposeful practice, and embracing “the business side” can transform your trajectory whether you’re behind the mic, running a team, or stepping on stage for the first time.

Listen to this new episode for inspiration on making bold career pivots, building your unique value, and actionable tips for amplifying your impact in the wedding and event industry.

About Mimi: 
Mimi Brown inspires individuals and organizations to communicate with clarity, lead with authenticity, and sell with confidence. As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—a designation held by fewer than 800 speakers worldwide—she delivers dynamic programs that help professionals master the art and science of influence to achieve remarkable results in leadership, communication, and sales. Known for her relatable humor and compelling storytelling, Mimi engages audiences through 50–60 presentations annually for Fortune 500 companies and high-profile events. She is the host of the AMP Up Your Impact podcast and the author of three books, empowering professionals to amplify their success.

Contact Mimi:  LinkedIn | Youtube | Instagram

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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

They don't want to talk on the phone!

Are you getting ghosted by clients when you push for a phone call? Have you considered that today’s couples might prefer messaging, texting, or emailing over talking on the phone? In this episode, I explore what happens when we add friction to our communication process and the importance of meeting clients where they are — not where we wish they were. Are your habits hurting your chances, or can a simple adjustment make all the difference?

Listen to this new 9-minute episode for strategies on adapting your communication to match your clients’ preferences and increasing your booking success.

@Uptin Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdljlfORJO/)

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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

Should you charge a lot more for an event that's far away, or just say no?

Should you take on that event that’s hours away—or is it better to just walk away? What happens if you charge a much higher fee and the client actually says yes? Will the extra cash make up for the inconvenience, or will you regret saying yes just because of the price? In this episode, I share my perspective on how distance, motivation, and honest decision-making come together, with real-world examples and a simple rule to follow the next time you’re tempted to say yes for the wrong reasons.

Listen to this new 5-minute episode for practical advice on when to charge more for travel, when to turn jobs down, and how to protect your business (and peace of mind) from regretful “yes” 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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

Tom Chelednik - The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study

What would your business look like if you froze it for two years—would you still be thriving, or would your unchanged methods leave you behind as couples’ expectations shift? Are you adapting fast enough to connect with today’s couples and am I missing out on leads by not updating my website or response process? Find out how shifts in the economy, generational preferences, and wedding planning technology are impacting booking trends—and what you should do about it before it’s too late.

Listen to this new episode for actionable insights on meeting Gen Z’s desire for personalization, improving your digital presence, and staying ahead of wedding business trends.

About Tom: 
Tom Chelednik has over 25 years of sales and marketing experience, including 17 in the wedding industry. From 2008 to 2020, he held leadership roles at The Knot, including Regional Director of Sales and Director of Training, which helped professionals grow their businesses across 20 states and Canada. Tom also served as COO of The Treasury Venue Collection, gaining firsthand experience with venues. He rejoined The Knot Worldwide in 2022 as Director of Vendor Engagement, traveling to coach and connect with wedding pros, in 2024 he connected with over 80K wedding pros.  When not on the road, Tom enjoys time with his family, including his three grandchildren.

The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study is one of the industry's leading wedding and couple insights report, offering an in-depth look into the current wedding landscape. The report combines insights from nearly 17,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2024, data from couples getting married in 2025, and user behavior trends from The Knot Vendor Marketplace, The Knot Registry, and The Knot Invitations.

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 [email protected] or visit my website

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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

Don't make it so obvious that you're using AI!

Are you unintentionally telling the world your content isn’t original? Could the green check marks and other default AI icons be giving you away? In this episode, I explore how to use AI as a tool without sacrificing your unique voice. What little details scream “I used AI!” to your clients, and how can you make sure your content truly feels like yours? I’ll share insights on better prompt engineering, editing for authenticity, and why starting with your own words makes all the difference.

Listen to this new 5-minute episode for practical tips on using AI to enhance your messaging—without losing your personal touch or professionalism.

Episode Summary: 
In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into the risks of making it obvious that you’re using AI for your content. Lately, I’ve noticed a surge of AI-generated posts, especially on social media and websites, that give themselves away with little details—like those default green check mark bullet points from ChatGPT. I talk about how I use AI as a tool to improve my own and my clients’ content, but I always make sure to edit the output so it sounds natural and truly represents our voices. I share tips on editing, prompt engineering, and starting with your own content to keep things authentic. My goal is to help you use AI more effectively, so your business stands out for the right reasons—without losing that personal, professional touch.

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 [email protected] 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/

Coming to Wedding MBA this year? Join me for a brand new workshop, before the conference starts. Can't make that? Come to Charlotte NC on Dec. 3rd for a Mastermind Day. Visit www.MastermindDay.com for information and tickets on upcoming events.

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 [email protected]. 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