Use AI as your thought partner, you are still the thought Leader

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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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

Rosemarie Rossetti - Are your weddings and your business accessible?Are you sure your business and your weddings are truly accessible? Would your customers, employees, or even guests with disabilities feel included at your events or in your workplace? What blind spots might be costing you business—and dignity? In this episode, I shine a light on overlooked areas of accessibility, from the entryway all the way to hiring, and reveal why thinking ahead isn’t just about compliance, but about belonging and better business for everyone.Listen to this new episode for practical ways to spot and fix your accessibility gaps—and to create spaces where everyone feels not just accommodated, but truly welcome.About Rosemarie:Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and author on accessibility and universal design. Paralyzed from the waist down after a spinal cord injury in 1998, she transformed her experience into a mission to help organizations create inclusive environments. As CEO of Rossetti Enterprises LLC, she advises associations, corporations, and meeting professionals on accommodating people with disabilities, inspiring audiences worldwide with her resilience, expertise, and actionable strategies. Beyond her work, she enjoys traveling, kayaking, and biking with her husband, Mark Leder.Contact Rosemarie:To learn about me and my business, go to my website www.RosemarieSpeaks.com Here is my LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/topmotivationalspeaker/There are many videos on my YouTube channel Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. - YouTubeIf 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 Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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

Use AI as your thought partner, you are still the thought LeaderWhat if you could use AI not just to generate content, but to actually brainstorm with you—asking one question at a time, guiding your process, and pushing your ideas further? Would having an “AI thought partner” change the way you develop your business, presentations, or even solve your daily challenges? In this episode, I share how using AI tools like ChatGPT as a collaborative partner (not just a tool) can help you brainstorm and refine your ideas—while reminding you to always stay in the driver’s seat as the true thought leader behind your work.Listen to this new 9-minute episode for fresh ways to use AI for brainstorming, practical tips to personalize your process, and a reminder that you—not the bot—are the real thought leader.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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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 still chasing phone calls when your customers just want to text? Are you making it easy for potential clients to do business with you, or are you unintentionally pushing them away by sticking to old habits? In this episode, I challenge you to think about whether your tried-and-true methods are really working as well as they used to, and I share thoughts on adapting to customers’ preferred ways of communicating. What could happen if you stopped resisting change and met your clients where they are?Listen to this new 7-minute episode for practical insights on adapting your process, making it easier for customers to connect, and staying relevant in a changing market.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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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

Clint Hufft - What does it means to be a professional?What does it really mean to be a professional? Is it about getting paid, or is there more to how you present yourself, solve problems, and lift the whole team up? Am I making it easier for others to do their jobs, or am I unintentionally leaving obstacles in their way? In this episode, I dive into the real markers of professionalism, the unseen details that set you apart, and the crucial role of communication and teamwork in the wedding and events industry.Listen to this new episode for insights on raising your standard of professionalism, becoming the easiest vendor to work with, and delivering value your clients notice—often before you ever take the stage.Clint Hufft is a recognized and respected authority in the wedding industry. With a client list that includes Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and The Bachelorette’s Trista & Ryan, Clint has officiated ceremonies for some of the world’s most high-profile celebrities, athletes, and public figures. Clint’s professional background includes extensive experience as a corporate entertainment coordinator and video director. He holds a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting, which informs his dynamic on-mic presence and production expertise across both live events and digital platforms.Contact Clint:ClintHufft.com@hufftclintIf 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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. I'm Alan Berg. Thanks for listening. If you have any questions about this or if you'd like to suggest other topics for "The Wedding Business Solutions Podcast" please let me know. My email is [email protected]. Look forward to seeing you on the next episode. Thanks. Listen to this and all episodes on Apple Podcast, YouTube or your favorite app/site: Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/weddingbusinesssolutions YouTube: www.WeddingBusinessSolutionsPodcast.tv Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sGsuB8 Stitcher: http://bit.ly/wbsstitcher Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/wbsgoogle iHeart Radio: https://ihr.fm/31C9Mic Pandora: http://bit.ly/wbspandora ©2025 Wedding Business Solutions LLC & AlanBerg.com

Should you send emails with planning tips amongst regular follow-up emails?Should you send planning tips to potential clients, or is that just adding more noise to their inbox? How can mixing in valuable advice with regular follow-ups help you stand out and keep your leads engaged before and after the sale? In this episode, I explore whether sharing tips is worth it, how often you should reach out, and the best ways to add value without overwhelming your couples.Listen to this new 9-minute episode for practical strategies to enhance your follow-ups with planning tips, boost engagement, and keep your business top-of-mind—before and after booking.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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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

Would others know how to describe your business if they were referring you? Are your fellow vendors equipped to talk about the real results you deliver, or are they missing the mark? In this episode, I dive into how you can provide your partners with the right language and social proof, using reviews and feedback to craft authentic, effective talking points—making them true ambassadors for your business.Listen to this new 7-minute episode for practical ways to help others refer you with the best wording, making your value clear to every potential client.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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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

Rod McMahon - are you adapting your selling style to their buying style?Are you selling the way your customers want to buy?Are you meeting them with a dialogue, or just running through another sales script monologue? What if you're missing those subtle buying signs, taking too long to follow up, or not adapting your process to fit where they are on their decision journey? In this episode, I dig into how we can recognize our own "curse of knowledge," the dangers of ambiguous next steps, and how to mirror our clients’ style for better results and more booked weddings—plus, how small tweaks to your follow-up can bring contracts back faster.Listen to this new episode for practical ideas on matching your sales to your couples’ buying styles, asking better questions, and closing more confidently—before decision fatigue sets in.About Rod McMahon: Rod owns and operates Maximum Music DJ Service in both Toronto and Calgary. An Enjoyer of travel, fine drink and delicious food. Find pleasure in getting outdoors with friends in the Canadian Rockies. Student of the world who loves to travel and explore. Staying connected to business through my laptop and cell phone. I truly enjoy my career and it has provided the time and financial rewards for an amazing life.  Contact Rod: maximumDJ.com [email protected] Call/text 647-549-6642 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/Have you ever wondered... "What would Alan say or do about this?" - well, now you can ask my AI Alter-Ego "Ask Alan Anything" the things you'd ask the real Alan, any time of the day or night. And as a listener of this podcast, you'll save 50%, so starting at only $10 per month you can "Ask Alan Anything"!Go to www.WhatWouldAlanSay.com and use the 50% off coupon code - podcast - to start asking Alan anything today. 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