You don’t need 10,000 Instagram followers to book your first client. You don’t need a Google ad campaign, a viral reel, or a feature on a wedding blog. Your first client is almost certainly already in your network, you just haven’t told them you’re open for business yet. Your Network Is More Powerful Than You… Read more »
Starting a business is one of the most vulnerable things you can do. You’re putting your name, your dreams, and your time on the line, and doing it in an industry where other people’s most meaningful moments are in your hands. Of course there’s fear. Here are the six most common fears I hear from… Read more »
I’ve been in the event industry for over 30 years. I’ve produced corporate galas, destination weddings, large-scale non-profit events, and everything in between. I’ve made mistakes, pivoted strategies, rebuilt from difficult seasons, and built a business I’m genuinely proud of. Here’s what I know now that I wish someone had told me at the beginning…. Read more »
I hear it constantly from new planners: ‘I just need to get started, so I’ll take any client who comes my way.’ I get it. When your calendar is empty and the bills are real, beggars can’t be choosers, right? Here’s the thing: that mindset, left unchecked, creates a business that works you to the… Read more »
When most people think about marketing, they think about paid ads, influencer partnerships, or a big social media following. Those are all tools, but they’re not where your first clients are coming from. Your first clients come from intentional, structured outreach to the people who already know and trust you. And it can happen in… Read more »
Before you write a single caption, film a single reel, or send a single pitch email, you need to complete one exercise. Not because it’s required by some marketing rulebook, but because without it, every marketing effort you make is a shot in the dark. This is the ideal client exercise, and it will change… Read more »
Join me LIVE on Facebook and LinkedIn on Thursday, March 12, at 1:00 PM EDT where I will interview Linda Hunt about THE MONEY CONVERSATION: HOW TO TALK ABOUT PRICING WITHOUT THE WOBBLE. Linda Hunt is a Money Clarity Catalyst and Pricing Power Strategist, founder of SUMSOLUTIONS LLC, and author of The Money Conversation (releasing… Read more »
In the world of event planning, personalization has become the gold standard for creating meaningful and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re organizing a wedding, corporate event, or birthday celebration, weaving unique and personal elements into the fabric of the event can leave a lasting impression on your guests. Here are some creative and practical ways to… Read more »
Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning an event. The venue sets the tone, influences the guest experience, and can make or break the overall success of the occasion. While traditional event spaces like banquet halls and hotel ballrooms are great options, thinking outside the box can… Read more »
Planning a summer wedding can be an exhilarating journey, filled with endless opportunities for vibrant colors, outdoor settings, and sunlit celebrations. However, ensuring everything runs smoothly requires a detailed timeline to keep you on track. Below is your ultimate month-by-month guide in an easy-to-follow chart format: Timeline Tasks 12-18 Months Before – Set your budget… Read more »
Many people dream of becoming a wedding or event planner. They imagine designing beautiful celebrations, working with creative vendors, and helping clients celebrate some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Then reality hits. Most aspiring planners quickly start asking themselves questions like: “Do I need experience before I start?” “Where do I even… Read more »
Starting a wedding or event planning business is exciting. You set up your Instagram, tell your friends, and maybe even design a logo. Then you wait. And wait. And wait. Weeks pass…sometimes months…and no one hires you. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. After coaching hundreds of planners, I’ve noticed the same patterns over… Read more »
Starting an event planning business is exciting, but many beginners jump into marketing before they’ve built the basic structure of their business. That’s like building a house without a foundation. Before you book your first client, there are five essential pieces every planner should have in place. 1. Your Event Planning Niche One of the… Read more »
One of the most common questions aspiring planners ask me is whether they need a certification to get started. It’s a fair question; in many industries, credentials are the price of entry. But wedding and event planning isn’t one of them. The short answer is no. Unlike medicine, law, or finance, there is no governing… Read more »
Join me on Facebook and LinkedIn on Thursday, February 19 at 1:00 PM EDT where I will interview Zipporah Monique about LEADING WITH EMPATHY: HOW EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CAN DRIVE BUSINESS SUCCESS. Zipporah Monique is an executive coach, emotional intelligence consultant, and leadership speaker with over 11 years of invigorating leaders and high-performing professionals to adopt… Read more »
Getting your first client is often the hardest part, not because opportunities don’t exist, but because most new planners don’t know where to look. The good news is that you don’t need a large following, a big advertising budget, or years of experience to land your first booking. You just need to start where you… Read more »
When planning a bridal shower, the goal is to create an experience that’s as unique and memorable as the bride-to-be. One way to make this happen? A breathtaking “Love in Bloom” theme that brings floral elements to life! Whether the bride loves classic elegance or whimsical charm, here are some inspiring ideas to celebrate love… Read more »
Planning a charity gala during the spring and summer is a fantastic opportunity to combine the vibrant energy of the season with your fundraising goals. From choosing a beautiful venue to curating seasonal experiences, a well-organized event can leave a lasting impact on your guests while raising significant funds for your cause. Here’s a roadmap… Read more »
We had a great time on our LIVE interview session with Stephanie LaFlora discussing MULTI-SIDED PLATFORM MANAGEMENT. It took being rejected for service at five separate salons due to her 4C textured hair for Stephanie LaFlora to realize that something was terribly wrong with the beauty industry. Driven to solve the problems of her own… Read more »
We had a great time on our interview session with Annie McAllister talking about THE GUEST EXPERIENCE- MORE THAN JUST A PHOTO OP. Annie brings a wealth of expertise with 14 years of dedicated experience in event production, positioning her as an invaluable asset to the 15|40 family. Her professional journey encompasses a diverse range… Read more »