For Real: Life, Leadership, & Unlearning

You asked the questions, and here are the answers!It's time for another AMA - a candid, no holds barred, ask me anything episode where I'm going to be tackling your burning questions that were submitted inside our free Facebook group or through the call for questions over on our Instagram page. Whether you're managing challenging vendor relationships or trying to avoid the burnout hamster wheel, or perhaps you resonate with the balance of paying your team while trying to keep your business profitable and pay yourself, this episode is for you!(00:02:55) The event manager is redoing all my work at the event. What should I do?(00:07:45) After a pause in my business, how can I ramp back up?(00:12:30) How can I pay my team well, yet still profit as a business?(00:17:10) The vendor I recommended messed up. Now what??(00:20:30) How can I break through my growth plateau?Links Mentioned:Waitlist: https://learn.theplannersvault.com/pvwaitlistTemplate Shop: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/boundary-setting-toolkitRecent burnout episodes:272. Burnout: My Old Habits Die Screaming Story274. Burnout Red Flags: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next275. How to Audit Your Life + Business to Reclaim Your Joy279. What You Need to Know About Growth + Burnout as a High-Achiever---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Let's face it, this is one of the busiest seasons of your career. It feels like you don't have time for anything other than your clients, but in this solo episode, I'm giving 9 tips for you to become a better wedding pro. Pick a couple to focus on now, then come back once it slows down to implement the rest!Here’s the link to our 25+ Helpful Email Template Bundle I mentioned in the episode from our shop!This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

As the CEO of Walk West, a Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winner, wife, and mom of 2, Abha Bowers was seemingly on top of the world. Until she discovered a new passion that would completely transform her career and way of life.---(00:03:21) Abha fell in love(00:04:30) "If I wanted to make moves, I had to learn."(00:13:18) "What are you afraid of? Failing."(00:15:44) The power of mentorship and a support system(00:17:49) What is eco-mapping?(00:21:01) "There's no better advocate for yourself than yourself."(00:23:55) "The timing of this transition was bananas."(00:28:17) How to recharge(00:29:38) Strategies for daily task management---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Grieving is unfortunately a universal part of the human experience. Whether it's hit us yet or not, grief will bring us to our knees. So while we can't avoid it, how can we honor our grief without letting it define us?Today, ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler shares her story of losing her parents at 18. Initially, she ran as fast as she could from the pain and shame associated with her parents' deaths, eventually finding the courage to confront and share her story. By owning her past and using it as a source of strength, Lauren has navigated the different stages of life with a newfound sense of purpose and intentionality.And she's here to help us through our own adversity.(00:03:00) Journey of Overcoming Parents' Prescription Overdoses(00:06:36) Owning Your Story(00:10:01) The Tough Love Approach?(00:13:38) Transforming Challenges into Sources of Strength(00:15:40) "Be where your feet are. Soak up this moment. Time is non refundable."(00:20:34) The Case for Therapy(00:31:43) Embracing Personal Narratives for Resilience and Connection---Lauren Sisler (@laurensisler) is a keynote speaker and author of the book Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (and Found My Sideline Shimmy).---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

How can we navigate burnout by recognizing survival brain, dismantling decades-old beliefs, and prioritizing self-awareness?It's not easy, but today we continue last week's conversation about burnout, and what it truly means to press the pause button.Recent burnout episodes:272. Burnout: My Old Habits Die Screaming Story274. Burnout Red Flags: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next275. How to Audit Your Life + Business to Reclaim Your Joy279. What You Need to Know About Growth + Burnout as a High-Achiever-----Our guest host is Kinsey Roberts, host of the She Creates Business Podcast. She's been on episode 67 (Opening a Wedding Venue 101) and episode 127 (Is Community Over Competition for Real?).-----(00:03:24) Are you going to share your burnout story with your girls someday?(00:06:50) Tools they will never forget(00:08:20) Where's the certificate?(00:10:15) Are women quitting their careers?(00:12:45) What have you gained through this whole process?(00:26:00) If you could write a letter to your future self about burnout---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Recently, I’ve been sharing my personal journey with burnout in episodes 272, 274, and 275, and I've heard from so many of you who resonated with these stories. We don't talk enough about the hardships of trying to do it all and be it all as entrepreneurs. There's a lot to navigate, and there's a lack of conversations around what to do about it and what you can learn from seasons of overwhelm, burnout, and the hard lessons of awareness around your own internal wiring that might be hurting you. So I want you to know that I see you, I appreciate you, and these episodes are for you.-----Our guest host is Kinsey Roberts, host of the She Creates Business Podcast. She's been on episode 67 (Opening a Wedding Venue 101) and episode 127 (Is Community Over Competition for Real?).-----(00:03:15) Why couldn't you stop?(00:08:09) Unaddressed Past Wounds Impact on Burnout Recovery(00:17:16) Evolving Nature of Burnout: Acknowledging Different Forms(00:19:10) Transformation through Evolving Burnout Experiences(00:24:35) Navigating Relationship Changes with Reflection and Growth(00:27:32) The Power of Purposeful Reflection and Breaks---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Back when I was starting my planning business in 2010, things were a lot different than today. Community over competition wasn’t a thing. Instagram wasn’t a thing yet. TikTok obviously wasn’t around. Podcasts weren’t around. And you know what else hadn’t taken off yet? The coaching boom.Back then, we didn’t have wedding pros telling us what they had done to grow their businesses, which was a challenge because we had to learn from failing.But now, you have sooooo many voices to choose from, and so many different opinions on how to grow your business the right way. I’ve heard from you that it’s completely overwhelming.So what can we do about it? And where should we be spending our time?-----Our guest is Steph Zakas, coach and photographer, and host of the Your Next Breakthrough Podcast.-----(00:00:00) Navigating Coaching Overload in Business(00:06:06) Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Core Issue Coaching(00:10:37) Entrepreneurial Impact of External Marketing Messages(00:24:16) Client-Centered Sales Approach for Efficiency(00:26:38) "Embracing Safety through Rest and Mindfulness"(00:38:59) Personalized Morning Routines for Optimal Energy(00:39:55) Personalized Daily Routines for Peak Productivity(00:44:46) Maximizing High-Level Thinking Through Delegating---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Today we're sharing some easy financial wins for you to be able to save more money, unlock some amazing perks, and gain greater control over your finances and your time.AMEX My Favorite Things Honeybook Weddings For Real Episode 259 - 5 Tips So Taxes Don't Keep You Up at Night, with CPA Tatiana PodelWeddings For Real Episode 241 - Double Your Revenue, Not Your Work: A Guide to Affiliate Income, with Kendra Swalls---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

As entrepreneurs, we carry a heavy load. We're leading our teams, we're planning for more growth, we're handling setbacks, trying to build profitability, we're making sure we're serving our clients, we want to market to reach a wider audience. It's exhausting.And then, as women, I feel like the load is even greater. We strive to create opportunities that might not come as easily to us as our male counterparts. We're working to balance societal expectations, we're managing the mental load, and often we feel the heaviness and drive to prove our capabilities in almost every arena. And then as parents, the desire to be present in a true role model is incredibly strong and often challenging to measure up to. Something's gotta give.So today, I'm sharing 6 ways (plus a bonus) to prioritize yourself.(04:00) Tip 1 - "It's a slow process, but it's teaching me patience, and it's giving me a sense of accomplishment that's not tied to work or productivity."(07:45) Tip 2 - The Inner Drill Sergeant(10:30) Tip 3 - Rest with no agenda?!?(12:15) Tip 4 - "One of the best decisions I've made..."(14:10) Tip 5 - Turning the Hollywood yes into a real yes(15:40) Tip 6 - Falling back in love with my childhood crush(17:40) Bonus Tip - Deep Healing---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

On last week's episode, Megan took you on a behind the scenes journey to the beginning of this year when she was on a two day workation retreat with her friend and business coach, Rachel Sheerin. She brought a whirlwind of ideas, enough for a 30-day retreat, but along with the excitement and the ideas, she also brought lots of overwhelm, exhaustion, and panic to get it all done. She was in deep burnout, and Rachel saw right through her. And then, she made an offer to help.Today, we dive into what happened next and how it transformed Megan's life and business, and how it can do the same for you.(00:00) Burnout and what happened next(04:04) Can you be completely honest with key members of your team?(07:00) Audit your calendar, your time, your money, and your mind(14:00) "It's a muscle to choose the life you want"(18:15) Can your business be simplified?(20:30) Are you having fun?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

If you listened to episode 272, you heard about Megan's burnout and why she took a pause from recording new episodes of the podcast. But that's not quite the whole story.Back in January, Megan went on a weekend retreat with her coach, friend, and business partner Rachel Sheerin. It was there that Rachel realized this wouldn't be a normal workcation.Today, Rachel and Megan share what happened, how Rachel identified the signs of burnout, and tips for what to do when burnout starts to set in next time.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

One of the quickest routes to burnout (see episode 272) is doing the same thing over and over, staying on that hamster wheel until you're running so fast, you’re exhausted, and realize you’re not even sure you like this hamster wheel anymore. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the routine that we forget to pause and reassess if it’s still working for us.So, let’s talk about making those intentional changes to get you out of personal and professional ruts.Our guest is KT Merry, a global luxury destination wedding and editorial photographer who’s taken a bold step to change her path.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Megan here. I'm back, and I'm inviting you into a personal reflection and behind-the-scenes look at what burnout can look like—not just as a business owner, but as a human - a human who needs to stop fighting and pushing through burnout but instead heal the root cause.I’ve talked about burnout before on the podcast:194: Ask Me Anything (About Burnout, Selling My Business, New Market, and More)55: Rachel Sheerin on Preventing Burnout and the 80-20 RuleBut this episode will be different and approach burnout from a new angle.As always, I want to keep it real with you about what you can expect in this episode.I’ll be sharing my own recent experience with burnout and what had to change, what I learned, and what takeaways I think will be helpful to you in your own life and business.If you're experiencing some burnout, you're not alone.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Lisa Lyons has been in the wedding industry for 19 years, but she has been drawn to etiquette her entire life. And in 2020 she got the certification to help wedding pros take their etiquette to the next level. But in this modern era of traditions changing, what does wedding etiquette even mean?Lisa Lyons Events and Etiquette---This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Motivational speaker and award-winning storyteller Kelly Swanson advises wedding professionals (and all business owners who want more sales), "Don't sell the service. Sell the story." But how do we do that when we're not sure what story to tell.Is it the story of me?Is it the brand story?Is it the couple's story?The thing is, if we can merge those 3 stories together, we're creating a powerful connection where couples will be drawn to work with us.Today, Kelly shares her expert storytelling tips, her 3-paragraph formula for telling a memorable and impactful story, and why she completely disagrees with the phrase, "Content is King."This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to humanize their brand, build trust, and connect with clients on a deeper level.---Wedding and Event Planners Story Chat with Kelly Swanson - StoryStudio.Life Story Impact Academy - https://motivationalspeakerkellyswanson.com/story-impact-academy/Instagram - @Kelly_Swanson_SpeakerStoryImpactNetwork.com---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealToday's episode is hosted by Rachel Sheerin. Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Lindsay Lucas is THE wedding venue consultant. She's a former wedding planner who now helps venue owners (and those aspiring to be) to create profitable and sustainable wedding venue businesses. Lindsay had the idea for a complete shift in her business, but it wasn’t easy convincing herself that this was the best way to go. Today, we talk about if YOUR idea is really something to go after, that feeling of imposter syndrome you are sure to have when you’re doing something new, and how vendors can know when it’s time to take the leap. ---This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

When you hear the word "belonging", what do you think of? Maybe you think of wedding pros, because we're welcoming, ambitious, kind-hearted, and badass business owners. Maybe it's finding your people to share your goals and dreams with - it's that positive feeling we get when we feel respected.As a business owner, I want my team, my clients, my vendor partners, and you listening to this to have that supported positive feeling around you. So how can you boost belonging on your team - in your work and in your life?Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky is a Keynote Speaker and Workplace Belonging Expert, and author of The Quarter Life Breakthrough, who you can find at:Linkedin | @AdamPoswolskyWebsite | SmileyPoswolsky.comInstagram | @WhatsUpSmiley[02:36] How did Adam become "Smiley"? And what does that have to do with belonging?[06:46] Addressing loneliness at work[12:39] Digital detox camp?[16:03] Creating belonging in internal teams[18:42] Thrive interviews and small acts of kindness.[24:44] Building belonging and community through connection.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealToday's episode is hosted by Rachel Sheerin. Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Fill out this survey and give us your feedback for a chance to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card and be part of shaping the future of Weddings For Real!https://www.megangillikin.com/podcast-survey--One of the most frequent questions we get in The Planners Vault is, How can I get on the preferred vendor list at the best wedding venue in my market? Or even before getting on the preferred vendor list, how do I even get the venue coordinators to know who I am? It’s not as simple as sending an email to introduce yourself. So what do you do? Shannon Tarrant has some actionable tips - and mistakes to avoid.Wedding Venue Map | @WeddingVenueMap | @TheVenuePlaybookThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

When you're pitching your services to potential clients, are you using Luxury Language? Or are you using Discount Dialect? Today, Quinn Conyers tells us the difference, and how strategic word choice can make pitches irresistible. She also introduces the concept of a "verbal business card" that captivates potential clients - as long as you can articulate your value clearly. Tune in to learn about tailoring pitches to different audiences and the significance of continuous improvement in pitching strategies for booking the couples that will grow your business.Quinn Conyers is a Keynote Speaker, Corporate Event Emcee, and Pitch Sales Trainer.[02:10] The value of your voice[06:03] The Verbal Business Card[08:00] Pitching competitions and Quinn's Shark Tank experience[12:30] Example of a luxury language pitch[15:00] Viralize your value[17:17] Bring the fluff[20:30] How often should you update your pitch?[25:00] How can we practice our pitch?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealToday's episode is hosted by Rachel Sheerin. Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Do you have money mindset blocks that are preventing your business from growing and preventing you from leading your best life? Maybe you believe that you don't deserve to charge more yet. Or maybe you believe you shouldn't charge more because you love what you do. Or maybe you think there's a new competitor popping up every day who charges so little, it's not worth it to raise your prices. I had some major money mindset blocks - until I discovered our guest today, Denise Duffield-Thomas.Denise Duffield-Thomas is the author of Get Rich, Lucky Bitch and Chill and Prosper, and the host of the Chill and Prosper Podcast.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Rachel Sheerin, keynote speaker and Megan's first business coach, is guest-hosting this episode. She comes from a wedding background before shifting into corporate events and eventually speaking on the biggest stages.Today, Rachel brings on Carrie Davenport to discuss how wedding vendors can start adding corporate events to their portfolios and revenue streams.Carrie Davenport is an accomplished event planner, speaker, leadership coach, and writer with extensive experience in the corporate events, association events, and weddings. She cofounded the Association for Women in Events and currently serves as the lead meeting planner for Altria Group Distribution Company. ---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.' Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life." - Mary Kay AshKeep that quote in mind for this solo episode, as Megan Gillikin is giving her 5 tips for getting more referrals from your fellow wedding pros.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

On this episode (listen to part 1 here), we ask engaged couples the questions you can’t really ask when they reach out to you. But we can! Questions like:How are you finding your wedding vendors? Instagram? Website? TikTok?Do you need to see pricing on the website?Do you want a consultation call, or do you just want info sent by email?How do you determine budget? And how has it evolved?What's something you wish wedding vendors would do differently?Every year we do this, and every year this is one of our most downloaded episode. So tune in to go inside the buying minds of engaged couples!---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

On this episode, we ask engaged couples the questions you can’t really ask when they reach out to you. But we can! Questions like:How are you finding your wedding vendors? Instagram? Website? TikTok?Do you need to see pricing on the website?Do you want a consultation call, or do you just want info sent by email?How do you determine budget? And how has it evolved?What's something you wish wedding vendors would do differently?Every year we do this, and every year this is one of our most downloaded episode. So tune in to go inside the buying minds of engaged couples!---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Inez Ribustello, whose unraveling started back on September 11, 2001, when she lost nearly all of her colleagues in the terrorist attacks. At 25 years old, Inez had hustled her way up the ranks to be the beverage director at Windows on the World, a restaurant and entertainment venue located on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower. When the attacks happened, Inez and her husband Stephen - who was the sommelier for Windows on the World - happened to be at her sister’s wedding back home in North Carolina.Instead of slowing down to grieve, Inez kept hustling - and it's only now that she's beginning to process everything that happened.Inez Ribustello Website | Instagram | Life After Windows | On the Square: The Community That Made a Restaurant For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"193 with Rachel DeAlto197 with Sandra Cassios208 with Brian Green218 with Nellie Butler238 with Natalie Franke245 with Michelle Norwood253 with Amber Melanie Smith(01:20) What's an Unraveling? (02:15) "With shock came a lot of anger"(06:00) Finding the right next job(10:00) Going back to Tarboro North Carolina to start a restaurant(14:10) "We had zero tools in our toolbox for what we were doing.(18:00) Throwing in the towel - on the businesses, on the marriage(24:30) The case for therapy(27:30) Why one investor refused to keep working with Inez(30:30) Inez's new chapterThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.p

With finances, I still have blocks (listen to the intro) preventing me from fully feeling comfortable and empowered when it comes to things like tax planning, KPIs, and projections.I’ve learned through conversations with wedding pros and my own real life experiences that overwhelm can lead to avoidance, so my goal is to make conversations like this one easy to digest and not something you run the other way while covering your ears.Because as business owners, we really can’t do that. Fortunately, today’s guest Tatiana Podel is someone who explains everything in a way that anyone can understand. Common Tax Deduction Guide(00:00) Getting kicked out of my MBA finance class(04:00) "It truly does not have to be very complicated." + Tip #1(13:40) Tip #2 - Budgeting and forecasting(24:00) Tip #3 - Outsourcing and delegating(30:40) Tip #4 - Understanding your KPIs(35:00) "Don't spend $1 to save 25 cents."(37:30) The tax bill is never that big...unless you're surprised by it---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Today we're tackling engagement and booking season, and I'm going to share three strategies and mindset shifts that will help your business stand out, resonate more with your ideal clients, and help you book more easily this year - no matter what vendor category you're in.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

At the end of last year, I sent out a survey to my email list asking them to share what they want more of and what they want less of in 2024. And at the end, I had a spot for them to share openly about anything they had on their mind, or share a question they want me to answer. There were so many great questions that I decided to kick off this year with a few of those questions in an ask me anything style podcast episode!We'll get into:(04:15) How can wedding pros do a better job of selling their service, but at the same time, educating the client on a specific overall wedding budget they require in their market?(10:25) Do I really need to overhaul my wardrobe to attract more luxury clients?(15:00) How do you continue growth at the beginning without feeling like you have to drop thousands of dollars to market and grow?(20:50) What was the one thing that changed your wedding planning business from regular to being booked out all the time while still increasing your prices? You don't want to miss:Free Training Thursday, January 18th at 3:00pm ETThe Planner's Vault Challenge, January 16th to 18th - Use the Code "WFR20"Episodes referenced:211. Live Interviews: Inside the (Buying) Mind of Engaged Couples212. 4 Sales Mistakes Wedding Pros Make, with Sam Jacobson254. Book the Top Package, from the Own Your Business PodcastThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Megan and Jason Gillikin talk about their wins for 2023, their misses, most memorable moments, and goals for 2024. Tune in and reflect along. Share your 2023 reflections on social media @weddingsforreal.Past Year-End Recaps:2022 2021 2020 2019 2018This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

This week, we're taking a little adventure to explore the not-so-glamorous side of balancing entrepreneurship with personal life. I'm thrilled to share an episode with you where for the first time ever my husband Jason and I teamed up as guests on another entrepreneur podcast called Hustle + Gather.This is a behind-the-scenes look at being busy entrepreneurs and parents, all while trying to keep our relationship strong. We haven’t got it all figured out yet (who does?), but we dished out some nuggets of wisdom that I think you’ll find super helpful. ----Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of raw honesty and ultimate redemption in this episode with Jason and Megan Gillikin! This power couple's fairy-tale relationship took a tumultuous turn when entrepreneurship and parenting collided head-on. Tune in as they share their journey share their journey from an idyllic beginning of ease in their relationship, to the challenges they faced as both entrepreneurs and parents, to how they rebuilt their connection stronger than ever. This episode isn't just about entrepreneurship; it's a story of love, struggle, and the unbreakable bond that can emerge when partners weather the storm together. Whether you're an entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone navigating the complexities of modern relationships, this episode promises real talk and actionable insights that'll leave you inspired and ready to conquer any partnership challenge that comes your way.This episode of Hustle and Gather was hosted by Dana Kadwell and honorary sister Jessica Lee and is produced by Earfluence.Check out their other hustles! C&D Events The Bradford Wedding VenueAnthem HouseHustle and Gather----This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Today we’re sharing an episode of the Own Your Business Podcast, which I was a guest on earlier this year. My friend Sam Jacobson and I talk about how wedding pros can book more couples at higher packages. This has nothing to do with "sales tactics". It’s all about empathy and understanding customer needs, creating an effective pricing proposal, and challenging customers during the discovery call.----Booking more events is a good goal for any wedding pro. But as your business grows and you start filling your calendar, it’s super important to get more from each date you book. It’s the only way you can live the fantasy of “work less, make more.”Unfortunately, many wedding pros get in their own way when it comes to booking higher packages. Some of it is mindset. Some of it is bad pricing and package design.In this week’s episode, I talk with my friend and fellow educator, Megan Gillikin, about what stands in your way of getting more for the dates you fill - and what to do about it.----This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Amber Melanie Smith, the Founder and Executive Director of Activate Good, a non-profit she has run for her entire adult life. As you can imagine, fighting the good fight can be exhausting, and she was burning out. Amber was tired of seeing the vicious cycle of non-profit workers staying below the poverty line. She was tired of thinking about work all the time. She was tired of feeling defeated all the time.So Amber chose a radical path to fight burnout - a strategy you probably haven’t heard on podcasts or at conferences before. I know I hadn't.Resources MentionedAmber Melanie Smith on Youtube (50K+ Subscribers)Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork, by Dan SullivanFor previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"193 with Rachel DeAlto197 with Sandra Cassios208 with Brian Green218 with Nellie Butler238 with Natalie Franke245 with Michelle Norwood(01:20) What's an Unraveling? (02:40) What You Don't Know About Non-Profits(07:20) The Gut Punch That Convinced Amber that Something Radical Had to Happen(11:15) "You have to understand that I am a recovering workaholic"(14:15) How can you take the first steps toward a sabbatical?(17:20) What about the solopreneurs out there?(22:40) What did the sabbatical look like? What did Amber actually do?(30:30) What's happened since she's been back?This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

It's Hot Takes Time. I'll be talking about some common business advice that I think is garbage, my best advice for hiring new team members, one hard lesson I had to learn this year in business, the goal strategy I swear by, and the biggest mistake I see business owners making right now. Previous Hot Takes Episodes:224. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 1)225. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 2)246. Hot Takes on Tech and AI for Wedding Pros, with Dawn Richardson(02:10) The biggest mistake wedding pros are making right now is _________(06:30) This common business advice is complete garbage. (09:10) Best advice for hiring new team members(13:00) The easiest way to lose trust with your client is _________(16:40) The hardest lesson you've had to learn this year in your business is ________(22:30) "The one and only Renee Diallo!"(25:10) What is a goal setting strategy that you swear by? (29:00) What is the worst client experience you've ever had? ---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealRate This PodcastHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

I’m getting lots of DMs and questions about building relationships and superfans and thought that sharing an episode I was a guest on from earlier this year would be a great listen for you this week! So if building more meaningful relationships that fuel your business growth is on your radar for 2024, this episode is for you!So today, you’ll be hearing from The Brands that Book Podcast with Davey Jones where I was a guest this past summer talking about creating relationships intentionally that help grow your business. -----Relationships and content are key when it comes to running a successful business and if you've listened to this podcast, it's something you've heard us say many times before. In today's episode, we're discussing the relationship side of that equation.Megan Gillikin of The Planner's Vault, joins me to discuss how you can make building relationships your business's superpower. We discuss the importance of building relationships, and how it turned around her business, the impact relationships can have on business, and practical tips for building strong relationships.As always, links and resources can be found in the show notes. Check ‘em out at https://daveyandkrista.com/building-relationships-business-superpower-btb-194/ ---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealRate This PodcastHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Hey friends! Today's episode is a short roundup of a few things I want to share with you, including my thoughts on my upcoming trip to Wedding MBA, my recent Planners Vault Workcation, tips for you on planning your own Workcation, and a quick hitting conversation with my friend Ashley Ebert of The Abundance Group on how to know if you've hired the right team member.Resources Mentioned:Ashley Ebert's Training: November 14th, 11:00 am CT - #1 Secret to Building High-Performing TeamsWedding MBA Bash Tuesday November 7th, 6PM-8PM, Renaissance Hotel Las VegasClarityCoworking.com - November 13th-15th 2023 - a high-value, pitch-free education and coworking experience crafted for dedicated wedding pros like you.Previous Episodes Mentioned143. Do You Need a Workcation? Yes, You Do!244. BTS of My Industry Educators' Retreat (01:30) What's happening at Wedding MBA (I'll be up on stage 3 times in 24 hours!)(04:00) What happened at the recent Planner's Vault Workcation?(07:30) How do you build a team? And what happens when you hire the wrong person? (Interview with Ashley Ebert)---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealRate This PodcastHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

After 12 years as a wedding planner, I can say this with deep conviction. The number one way I built my business from unknown and scrappy to respected, referred and booked out year after year - was from referrals. These referrals were what allowed me to be able to hire team members, raise our rates and eventually sell my business last year so I could focus full time on education and support for wedding pros. When I sold, we were charging premium pricing, we had venue partnerships with a few high end venues in my market and we paid zero dollars a year for advertising. I want to share some of my top strategies with you today to help you lean into this area in your own business.Resources Mentioned:Wedding MBA Bash Tuesday November 7th, 6PM-8PM, Renaissance Hotel Las VegasSusanSoutherlandWorkshops.com - Cashing in on Corporate Clients opens on November 30, 2023ClarityCoworking.com - November 13th-15th 2023 - a high-value, pitch-free education and coworking experience crafted for dedicated wedding pros like you. (05:30) Leaning into relationships with your current clients(11:30) Leaning into relationships with vendors(19:20) The case for corporate, with Susan Southerland(32:45) Next level vendor relationship building---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Over the years, I've had countless conversations with wedding pros about the constant challenge of nailing down their business messaging and how they are perceived in their market. While the landscape of marketing as a whole has evolved, the core issues remain unchanged.So, what's on every wedding pro's mind? I hear questions like: Where should I invest my time or growing my business?What should I showcase on my website to attract the ideal clients and repel the wrong ones?How can I guide my team to embrace our brand messaging and differentiators?Well today, we’re in some pretty good company, as public relations expert Natalie Denyse is on to share how she’s guiding her clients through these challenges.In Good Company PR | InstagramResource Mentioned:What is Your Wedding Pro Superpower?(01:45) Introducing Natalie Denyse(02:45) The recession fears and wedding gap are a gift?(06:00) "Pretend every person has a sign around their neck that says, 'Make me feel important'"(07:00) What questions should we be asking in discovery calls or client kickoffs?(18:30) Why should you say "yes" to working with couples?(22:10) What is your wedding pro superpower?(27:30) How do you exhibit brand standards to your team?(30:45) Can you articulate your company vision?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Are you struggling to balance too many commitments with a never ending to-do list? (Raising my hand with you)Maybe you're feeling that that stress is in an all time high. and you're paddling through the Sea of Overwhelm with a leaky boat.Well today, I've got 10 stress-reducing tips to help you through!Episodes Mentioned:244. BTS of My Industry Educators' Retreat236. Life For Real Series: Miscommunications, Mental Load, and Meltdown Moments, with Couples Therapist Dr. Tracy D---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

It's time for some more hot takes, this time with the Tech Savvy Creative, and all about the latest tech and AI trends in our industry. We’ll be answering questions like:Is AI all it’s cracked up to be? What apps are overrated, and what apps are overlooked? And maybe most importantly, what happens when dozens of people recommend hundreds of different apps and it all becomes overwhelming? Where do you even start?!?!Tech Savvy Creative | instagram | Free AI Toolkit for CreativesPrevious Hot Takes224. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 1)225. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 2)(01:40) Introducing Dawn Richardson, the Tech Savvy Creative(03:00) AI will never replace a wedding pro when it comes to (blank)(08:15) The most underrated AI application for reaching your ideal client as a wedding professional is (blank)(13:15) This common tech advice for wedding pros is complete garbage(16:50) The smartest money you can spend on tech for business growth is on (blank)(28:00) Stop using (blank) and start implementing (blank) tools when working with clients(29:30) What is your favorite must have time saving tech tool? (31:45) The easiest way to frustrate your peers in the industry with tech is (blank)(38:30) The biggest tech mistake that wedding pros are making is (blank)(43:15) Is there a good market research tool for the wedding industry?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Michelle Norwood, New Orleans based international event planner. Michelle has been featured in Vogue, the New York Times, Martha Stewart Weddings, and BRIDES magazine, and she makes it look simple taking only 6 to 8 weddings a year. But as you'll hear, her journey has been anything but easy.For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"193 with Rachel DeAlto197 with Sandra Cassios208 with Brian Green218 with Nellie Butler238 with Natalie Franke(00:00) What is an Unraveling?(02:20) Introducing Michelle Norwood(04:00) An unexpected tragedy...and then another(09:40) What is "Breaking the Plate"?(12:30) Can you tune out your own advisors?(18:00) Do I keep doing these weddings? Or is it time to stop?(24:30) Relationship advice - should I stay or should I go?(28:30) Advice to your formal self(35:30) "Growth isn't linear"(44:30) The real Michelle is @MichelleNorwoodLivingThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Recently one of small-group coaching students said to me, "Megan, when I think about you and other educators, it's like you're floating by on this deluxe yacht, living the life. You're all 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,' sipping champagne and getting fed grapes. And here I am, clinging to a capsizing dinghy with a single oar, just praying a tidal wave of new to dos doesn’t come out of nowhere."Fun imagery, but spoiler alert, there is no yacht. Sure, the boat might look bigger from a distance, but let me tell you—it's got its fair share of leaks, unruly crew members, and navigational snafus. So today, let's hop on my so-called "yacht" as we go behind the scenes of a recent coaches retreat. (02:40) What does this coaches' retreat look like?(11:00) Takeaways from the retreat(38:20) You can start a group like this. But how?(46:00) #YachtForRealEpisodes Referenced:62. How to Respond to Negative Online Reviews143. Do You Need a Workcation? Yes, You Do!120: The 4 People You Need in Your Circle of Trust---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

I’ve heard this question from a lot of you out there listening and engaging with us on social media, and from a lot of members of The Planner's Vault community: How can I generate money while I sleep? How can I get paid on more than just my time? Two weeks ago on episode 241, Kendra Swalls came on to share her ideas on generating affiliate income. Well today, we’re taking it a step further by diving into all things digital downloads - ways to monetize your knowledge while you dream about ways to spend your new income.And the person we’re talking to? With over $9M in digital download sales, Molly Keyser is pretty legit. Freedom Creator | YouTube | Instagram(02:30) Molly made how much yesterday?!(03:50) Digital download ideas for different wedding pro niches(08:20) How do you separate service offerings from digital downloads... (13:10) Without cannibalizing revenue?(18:15) Building a following(22:00) Starting a funnel. Do quizzes work?(27:00) There are a lot of products you could create, but which one should you create?(31:15) Pricing for digital downloads(45:45) What's the one takeaway?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Have I ever told you about the required public speaking class I put off until my last semester of undergrad? I was shaky nervous, and the speech on how to make a latte? It didn't go so well. I've evolved since then, but I still get nervous every time I get on stage. Maybe you're in the same boat, or you want to know how to tiptoe into public speaking. So today, we're bringing on an expert, as we dive into public speaking and stepping into education within our industry. We'll tackle common fears, help you decide what might be your area of expertise when it comes to being an educator, and reveal how to make your message resonate. Laylee Emadi | So, Here's the Thing Podcast | The Creative Educator Conference(00:00) "The Art of Coffee Making" epic fail(03:35) "I feel like every time I get on a stage, I'm still scared."(06:00) Stepping into education or speaking(09:45) Fighting off imposter syndrome(14:40) Do you need a certain level of knowledge or success to speak / educate?(18:25) Dipping your toes into coaching(20:40) Common mistakes in educating and how to avoid them(25:25) What topics should be talked about more?(29:30) What is The Creative Educator Conference?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

You're in a high-stress industry, your weekends are gold, and nobody's got time for filler content or fluff. That's why today's topic is super relevant - we're diving into affiliate income. Yep, we're talking about ways to diversify your income streams without doubling your workload. By the end of this episode, you'll have a toolbox filled with ideas to not only elevate your client's experience but also add a new revenue stream. And the best part is, you can do this without sacrificing another weekend. So if you've been trying to figure out how to increase the numbers in your bank account without increasing the number of 14-hour Saturdays, tune in!Kendra Swalls | Podcast | Instagram | Income Streams Free Guide(01:50) Introducing Kendra Swalls(03:23) "Look at what it is that you are currently doing in your business that could be applied in some other way"(06:56) Bringing Affiliate Income to Your Business(14:30) Building a My Favorite Things page(19:10) Affiliate links for honeymoon, travel, and bougie airport lounges(22:00) Creating blog posts featuring affiliates(25:00) Love/hate with Amazon(34:00) Reaching out directly to brands(43:50) How do you put an affiliate strategy together?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

The Messy Middle - it's one of those business owner struggles that we all go through. And over the years, with the rise of more social media platforms and more places than ever before to show up, yet no more magical hours added to our days... creating a marketing strategy in the messy middle feels like a vague and far-reaching concept that can make you want to put your head in the sand and pretend it's not necessary. But of course, it is, and I've got you covered.In today's episode, my guest, Enji CEO Tayler Cusick-Hollman and I are are going to nerd out on some actionable, real-world strategies that can help you get clear on how to market your business now. We'll explore how to ensure a steady stream of quality leads are still heading your way even when the pressure is on and the hustle feels never-ending. Because, let's face it, marketing can be a bit of a maze, and at times, we all feel like we're just stumbling around in the dark.So let's shine a light on your strategy.Enji | instagram | ---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Have you ever wondered what makes a truly unforgettable experience stand out from the usual client interactions that often end up looking pretty much the same? It's not just the fancy website or the five-star venue or the fancy menu. The answer might surprise you, but it's all about intuitive service and brand standards. It's about understanding that clients aren't just looking for transactional interactions, but for a deeply personalized and memorable journey, and brands like the Ritz, the French Laundry, and The Four Seasons know this all too well.Brand Standards are not SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). They are the heart and soul of your business, the essence of what you represent, and the promise you make to every client. While SOPs are about the mechanics of running your operations, Brand Standards are about the values, principles, and unique qualities that define who you are as a brand. They guide your team in delivering an unparalleled, consistent experience that's impossible to copy, setting you apart from the crowd and elevating your brand to a whole new level…. not just in terms of services provided, but in terms of the emotions and memories you help create. But how do your set these brand standards?Emily Coyne Events | instagram | Tiktok---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

The Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Natalie Franke, cofounder of The Rising Tide Society, Chief Evangelist at Honeybook, host of the Independent Business Podcast, and author of Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage.For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"193 with Rachel DeAlto197 with Sandra Cassios208 with Brian Green218 with Nellie ButlerThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Over the last five years, I've spent countless episodes diving into the behind the scenes of working in the wedding industry. But in this special Life for Real series, I decided to take a meaningful detour to explore and dive deep into some of the harder to navigate aspects of life itself. And let's just say it's been quite a rollercoaster ride - from battling burnout to fostering resilience, managing personal finance, and understanding the complexities of ADHD, Life for Real has been a transformative experience - not just for me, but for all of you, my amazing listeners. So today my husband Jason and I are taking a candid look back at this series, sharing the motivations behind why I decided to do it, the incredible highlights from our guests, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.Life for Real Episodes:232. Adding Resiliency to Your Emotional Toolbelt with Hannah Abad233. Are you a Saver, Spender, Avoider, or Money Martyr?234. ADHD and Entrepreneurship, with Carissa Kruse and Dr. Amy Teumer235. ADHD and Entrepreneurship, with Dr. Amy Teumer (part 2)236. Miscommunications, Mental Load, and Meltdown Moments, with Couples Therapist Dr. Tracy D---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Today's episode focuses on our life partners. That’s right, we went there, with psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleigh, who’s letting me ask her all the questions on how stress in a relationship can affect how you show up professionally, the mental load that we share with our partners, meltdown moments (ok MY meltdown moments), and how to have the difficult conversations so they don’t lead to blowups. Let's get uncomfortable!I Didn’t Sign Up for This: A Couples Therapist Shares Real-Life Stories of Breaking Patterns and Finding Joy in Relationships . . . Including Her OwnDr. Tracy D on Instagram---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

In the last episode, I spoke with Carissa Kruse, and we shared our stories of being recently diagnosed with ADHD, and how it’s affected us both personally and professionally.Today, we extend that conversation in so many fascinating ways, with Dr. Amy Teumer, who you heard from some on yesterday’s episode. We get into how ADHD can be leveraged as a superpower, what we can do if our partners (in life or in business) have ADHD, and some tricks to work with our different (but awesome) brains.Dr. Amy Teumer (@amyteumer) is a mental health counselor who has been practicing for 17 years and now offers mindset and business coaching.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.