Sonja Babich

Brandee Gaar, WeddingProCEO.com. Brandee explains the ASSUME method, a five-step strategy for wedding professionals to improve their closing rates during consultations by focusing on solving clients' pain points rather than selling features. The importance of building "know, like, and trust" through marketing and social media, including the necessity of being face-to-camera to create a connection. Humanize the consultation process and ensure clients feel understood and confident in the professional's ability to deliver. @brandeegaar

Erica Jankowski, AlohaErica.com, explained the importance of email marketing as an often-underestimated tool, discussing strategies for automated responses, personal follow-ups, and maintaining engagement with potential clients through valuable content. She emphasized using service guides, clear calls to action, and scheduling tools like Calendly to streamline the booking process. Erica also shared practical tips for effective email communication and relationship building in the wedding industry through vendor newsletters. @erica_jankowski_

Sara Dunn, SEO Expert, SaraDoesSEO.com. Wedding businesses need to be found on both traditional search engines like Google and AI-based tools like ChatGPT. She emphasized that Google still drives most search traffic. Sara recommended using tools like Ubersuggest for keyword research. Create blog posts about specific venues to improve search visibility. She also suggested that businesses regularly search for their own name on Google and use AI tools to ensure accurate information is presented online. @Saradoesseo

Mike Lannan, Eternity Marketing. The impact of AI on search behavior for wedding vendors. How AI tools like ChatGPT are changing how couples find services. The importance of keeping business information up to date on platforms like Google Business Profile, social media, and industry-specific directories such as The Knot and WeddingWire. The role of paid ads in AI search results and the shift from keyword-focused SEO to topic-based strategies. EternityMarketing.com. Peec.ai. Semrush.com. [email protected]. 802 865 2000

Susan Southerland, CEO of Just Events Group. "Stranger Things: Disaster-Proof Your Weddings." The importance of wedding professionals remaining calm and prepared for unexpected issues. She advised knowing venue emergency protocols, being transparent with clients about potential challenges, and learning from industry colleagues' experiences. The value of clear communication, especially when working with a team, and how effective problem-solving can enhance a professional's reputation. JustEventsGroup.com. @Susan_Southerland.

Alea Shalae, a hybrid photo and video photographer. StillsToFilms.com. Photography and videography services using consecutive capture rather than simultaneous capture, utilizing modern mirrorless cameras that allow easy switching between photo and video modes. Alea emphasized the benefits of horizontal business growth by offering additional services beyond just vertical expansion to luxury clients, noting that photographers can double their revenues by expanding their service offerings while providing better client service. @Alea.Shalae

Irene, planner and designer. "Turn Creativity Into Profit". How planners and designers can turn creativity into profit by effectively communicating their vision to clients. She described a step-by-step process, starting with building confidence and a belief system, then using tactile tools such as paint swatches and fabric samples to help clients visualize and connect with the design. Use digital tools such as Canva, TripleSeat, and Rendify for 2D and 3D renderings to create a clear and persuasive presentation of the final space. Overcome clients' lack of imagination and facilitate easier decision-making and contract signing. @IreneCoEvents. IreneCoEvents.com

Shannon Tarrant, ShannonTarrant.com. "Predator: Steal couples from competitors." Why clients choose specific vendors over others, rather than focusing solely on unique product offerings. The importance of gathering feedback from referral sources and industry professionals through both email surveys and networking conversations to identify common pain points and unique value propositions. How businesses can leverage both B2B relationships and marketing messaging to better position themselves in the market. @theShannonExperience

Sonja Babich, the owner and CEO of Iron Diamond Media. "Cover Story: How to Get Published." The benefits and process of getting published in wedding publications, including how professionals can submit content, the importance of including multiple vendors in credits, and the value of being featured in both digital and print formats. Sonja shares her perspective on Taylor Swift's recent wedding. @sonja_irondiamond @irondiamondweddings @weddingdaypodcast

Alan Berg, AlanBerg.com. "From Ghosted to Booked: Why Your Leads Go Silent." The biggest opportunity businesses miss - re-engaging with prospects who have already inquired but haven't said no yet. Persistence is different from aggression. Modern couples often get overwhelmed by decision-making in the wedding planning process. Alan advised against forcing immediate calls or meetings with prospects and recommended following up over 90 days rather than sending multiple communications in short periods.