Handling Damages, should you take a security deposit?

Should your business consider switching to a single-page site, or is sticking with multiple pages still the way to go? How does a one-page site affect SEO, mobile usability, and the overall client experience? In this episode, I dig into the pros and cons, offering questions you should consider before updating your website—and hint at ways to simplify navigation while maximizing results for your business and clients.Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insights on choosing the right website structure for your business, optimizing for both search engines and user experience, and determining if a single-page site is right for you.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

Can you turn a super-niche service into a thriving business? What happens when you’re no longer the “add on” vendor, but become someone’s main event? In this episode, I get real about niching down, finding your ideal clients, and pricing your work for value—not just time. How do you move from side hustle to full-time, and what hard lessons do you wish you’d learned sooner? Let’s talk about the art (and business) of being visible, valued, and truly appreciated.Listen to this new 38-minute episode for real-world strategies to own your niche, attract clients that appreciate you, and build a wedding business around your creative passion.About Brittany: Brittany Branson is a destination live wedding artist and creative coach based in the Washington, DC area. Since 2015, she has transformed couples’ most meaningful moments into timeless works of art for clients across the U.S. and beyond, with features in Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, The LA Times, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. With a background in arts administration and a Master’s in Arts Management from George Mason University, Brittany blends creativity and strategy to help fellow artists grow their businesses. A devoted animal lover, she donates a portion of every project to the local rescue where she and her husband adopted their dogs, Bolt and Ginger.Contact BrittanyWebsite: www.ByBrittanyBranson.comSpeaking: www.ByBrittanyBranson.com/speakingInstagram: @ByBrittanyBransonIf 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

What happens when something gets damaged at your venue or event space? Should you always ask for a security deposit, or only if you’ve had trouble before? How do you decide what kind of damage is “just wear and tear” versus something you should actually charge for? In this episode, I dig into the uncomfortable reality of damages, the importance of clear contracts, how to be fair with clients, and why security deposits might be good business—even if most guests never cause a problem.Listen to this new 6-minute episode for practical advice on protecting your business from damages, being clear with customers, and making security deposits work to everyone’s benefit.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 excited about something in your business or personal life that makes the work feel a little less like work? Have you thought about how new tools, like AI, might help you enjoy more of the fun parts of your job, while making the “hard” parts easier? In this episode, I share what I’m excited about, including launching my AI alter ego and seeing how AI tools can transform how we handle inquiries, free up time, and focus on what we love most in our businesses and lives.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for inspiration to embrace what excites you and discover how new tools can make your business—and life—more enjoyable.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

Abed Elsamna - What are AI Agents and should you use them for your business?Are you letting AI work for your wedding business, or is it still just a mysterious buzzword? What if an intelligent agent could answer leads, schedule appointments, and handle objections—without you lifting a finger? In this episode, I interview Abed Elsamna to break down exactly what AI agents are (and aren’t), how they’re different from chatbots, and why they’re about to transform how you run your business. What pain points could you solve by handing off repetitive tasks? And are you ready for a world where every lead gets instant, personalized attention—while you focus on what actually sets you apart?Listen to this new episode for real-world scenarios, key differences between AI agents and chatbots, and a look at the future of automating your sales process—without losing your personal touch.About Abed:Abed Elsamna is the founder and CEO of VenueX AI, a platform transforming how wedding and event venues sell. Its AI agents engage leads the moment they inquire, follow up and book tours on auto-pilot—helping venues focus on doing what they do best - hosting world class events.Visit www.venuexai.com to learn moreIf 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 hesitant to try something new because it feels difficult—or is it just unfamiliar? What if you started thinking about your challenges not as “hard” or “easy,” but as “unfamiliar” or “familiar”? In this episode, I share how reframing your mindset can make learning and growth feel more achievable, whether you’re mastering a new skill in your wedding business or tackling something outside your comfort zone.Listen to this new 7-minute episode for a mindset shift that helps you embrace the unfamiliar, keep moving forward, and find mastery in the areas that matter most to you.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 vendors leave reviews for other vendors?Ever wondered if it’s a good idea to publicly praise—or criticize—your industry peers? What happens if things didn’t go well? Should you tell the world, or handle it privately first? In this episode, I share the upsides of supporting fellow vendors with honest, heartfelt reviews, and touch on why negative feedback should be handled with care—and conversation—before ever going public.Listen to this new 8-minute episode for tips on when (and how) to leave vendor reviews that help grow relationships, reputations, and the industry as a whole.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

Brian Lawrence - Moving the needle towards 2026What's really moving the needle for your wedding business? Are you making changes now that will set you up for more success when the next engagement season rolls around? Are you treating your website and SEO as living, breathing assets—or are you waiting until it’s too late to update them? In this episode, we unpack the practical steps you can take right now to boost conversion, show up in more local searches, and start turning more browsers into bookers. Plus, we dive into the difference between expertise and experience, how to use AI authenticity, and the power of keeping your Google Business Profile fresh and relevant.Listen to this new episode for actionable ideas on website updates, local SEO tips, and simple strategies to attract and convert more couples—just in time for the next big wave of wedding planning.About Brian: Brian Lawrence is the co-author with me of "From Browsing To Booking" and producer of the Inclusive Wedding Summit. His agency is the go-to web design and SEO resource for numerous wedding industry authorities and also consults with many businesses on website and seo strategies. He was homegrown in the industry, owning numerous wedding businesses and serving as VP of a national wedding brand.Contact Brian: https://www.brianlawrence.com/meeting-with-brian-lawrence/https://www.brianlawrence.com/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

Is supporting a cause part of who you are, or just something you hope will attract more couples? Could promoting certain charities help your business, or might it turn some clients away? In this episode, I talk about the right and wrong reasons to connect charitable giving to your company, and how to decide whether it's something you want to make part of your brand or keep personal. Think about whether your giving is core to your business, or just another great thing you do.Listen to this new 7-minute episode for guidance on integrating charitable causes authentically and what it really means for your wedding 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

Do you really know your conversion stats?You might know how many inquiries you get, but do you really understand what happens next? Are you tracking how many inquiries lead to real conversations? How many of those turn into meetings or tours—or sales? Are you missing out on bookings just because you’re not following up enough? In this episode, I dig into what key conversion metrics you should be tracking, how to identify your biggest opportunities, and why incremental improvements can add up to a much bigger bottom line.Listen to this new 9-minute episode for practical ideas on tracking, understanding, and improving each step of your sales process to boost your booking success.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