When should you lower your rate?

Are you giving away your profit just because a client asked for a discount? What are you really getting in return when you lower your price? In this episode, I dig deep into the difference between discounting and negotiating, explain why price integrity matters, and share how to determine if and when it's truly okay to come off your rate. I’ll challenge you to ask yourself: Is it ever smart to say yes to a price cut if you’re not getting something valuable back?

Listen to this new 9-minute episode for a clear framework on when to say yes, when to hold your ground, and how to protect your profits while still serving your clients.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I tackle the question: "When should you lower your rate?" I break down the important differences between discounting and negotiating, and explain why I believe you should only offer a discount if you’re getting something of value in return—like a higher guest guarantee, cash flow benefits, or contracted future work. I share why I prefer to add value instead of just cutting prices, as every dollar discounted comes straight out of your profit. I also discuss how cultural expectations might affect your approach to pricing and discounts. Ultimately, I encourage you to protect your pricing integrity, make thoughtful business decisions, and never feel pressured to lower your rate unless there’s a clear and valuable reason to do so.

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com 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/

Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. 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 your rising costs really out of your control? Are tariffs, inflation, and supply chain chaos just the new normal, or are there ways to get ahead of them? In this episode, I bring on Clint Elkins to dig into what’s really happening with food costs, supply challenges, and the hidden factors that set your prices—plus how to spot trends before they hit your bottom line. You’ll hear how natural disasters, labor markets, and even global events ripple through catering and events, and learn fresh ways to adapt, save, and thrive even in volatile times.

Listen to this new episode for insights on controlling costs, navigating unpredictable markets, and strategies venues and caterers can use to stay profitable in a changing world.

About Clint:
As US Food’s largest client, SB Value has over 28k locations and $10 Billion in buying power to help caterers, concessionaires and culinary professionals get the best prices for their food and supplies.

• https://www.wegrowvalue.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/wegrowvalue
• https://www.instagram.com/wegrowvalue

Contact Clint: clint@wegrowvalue.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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com 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/

Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. 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

Stop selling to a guaranteed minimum

Are you selling to a guaranteed minimum? What message are you sending when you lead with starting prices or minimums in your pitch? Could you be underselling your services by focusing on the lowest number your clients have to hit, rather than the unique results you deliver? In this episode, I explore why selling from the bottom up may be holding your business back, and how shifting your approach can help you book clients at higher rates—especially on those in-demand dates. I'll share strategies for repositioning your pricing conversations and making sure you're attracting clients who want the full value you provide, not just a bargain.

Listen to this new 6-minute episode for fresh strategies to stop underselling yourself and start converting more clients at the prices you deserve.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into the pitfalls of selling to a guaranteed minimum dollar amount—a common practice among venues and caterers. I talk about how leading with a minimum or starting price sets client expectations at the lowest level, which can actually hurt your sales and limit your potential. Instead, I suggest that you focus on selling the unique results and experiences you provide, and only bring up the minimum if it becomes necessary later in the conversation. I also share strategies for offering your best packages on the most popular dates and explain why posting only your lowest prices leads to low-budget inquiries. My goal in this episode is to help you elevate your sales conversations and book more profitable events.

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com 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/

Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. 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

Tipping at Events, what's acceptable?

Tipping at events: What’s acceptable in today’s culture? Is it okay to have a tip jar if the host hasn't prepaid gratuities? How about a QR code for digital tips? Join me as I explore the nuances of tipping at events, addressing these questions and offering guidance on navigating this delicate topic.

Listen to this new 7-minute episode for insights on managing tipping expectations and modern solutions for gratitude gestures at events.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I delve into the topic of tipping at events, inspired by a question from Mary Lee in Connecticut. As tipping culture seems to be everywhere these days, I explore whether having a tip jar or utilizing QR codes for services like Venmo is appropriate when the host hasn't prepaid tips for bartenders. I stress the significance of having a discussion with the event host about their tipping preferences and ensuring everything is handled professionally. I also share my thoughts on the confusion surrounding service charges versus gratuities, noting how perplexing these can be for both guests and event planners.

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com 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/

Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. 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 advertising like it’s 2005? Have you considered the shift towards AI and platforms like TikTok for attracting today’s couples? In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of advertising for wedding professionals and how Performance Max and other strategies can amplify your reach. Explore how your engagement strategy on your website can make lasting impressions on prospective clients.

Listen to this new episode for insights into how modern advertising tactics can help you engage with couples effectively and turn casual browsers into your next clients.

About Mark:

Mark Chapman is the President of The I Do Society and the wedding industry's leader in paid advertising. His team helps your wedding business reach and convert your ideal couple with Google Ads, Meta Ads and TikTok Ads. 

  For more information visit: http://theidosociety.com/

  Have a free, 30-minute discovery call with Mark, click this link and mention my name: https://calendly.com/the-i-do-society/membership-inquiry-meeting

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com 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/

Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. 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

Who was right and who was wrong?

In today's fast-paced digital world, how do we navigate communication preferences between businesses and clients? Are vendors right in pushing for phone calls, or should they adjust to the digital native’s preference for emails and texts? This episode challenges the traditional approach and sheds light on the evolving communication landscape in the wedding industry.

Listen to this new 9-minute episode for insights into aligning your communication style with customer expectations and minimizing friction during interactions.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into an online debate that caught my attention. It all started with a wedding planner asking a restaurant about options for a rehearsal dinner. Instead of addressing the planner's questions about buyouts and capacity, the restaurant suggested setting up a call. This reminded me of a similar experience I had, where a call was suggested without directly answering my query. I explore different perspectives on communication and emphasize the importance of respecting customers' preferred methods. This episode invites you to rethink how we handle customer interactions and the value of clear, direct responses.

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com 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/

Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. 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 leveraging AI to enhance your wedding planning business? Could AI breathe new life into your content by refining your website's words for younger audiences or rejuvenating your old blogs? In this episode, I explore practical ways to utilize AI for repurposing your content, ensuring it speaks directly to your target audience.

Listen to this new 9-minute episode for insights on harnessing AI to optimize and update your content, making it resonate with the clients you want to attract.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Wedding Business Solutions podcast, I dive into how you can use AI to boost your wedding and event planning business. Inspired by Olivia, a planner from Portugal, I discuss different AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, highlighting how each can help with content analysis and research. I share practical tips on using AI to enhance your website, improve SEO, and repurpose existing materials such as reviews and blog posts to appeal to a more modern audience. By providing detailed instructions to these tools, you'll achieve better results and gain powerful insights. Join me as I guide you through integrating AI into your wedding business and unlocking its full potential.

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com 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/

Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. 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

Scott Faver - Transactional vs relational networking

In the world of networking, are you building meaningful relationships, or are your interactions purely transactional? Discover the importance of relational networking and how it can benefit your wedding business. Are you approaching your connections with genuine interest and a giving spirit, or are you counting on immediate returns? In this episode, Scott Favor and I delve into the art of networking, emphasizing the power of relationships over transactions and sharing insights on how to give without the expectation of receiving while knowing when to say no.

Listen to this new episode for insights on creating lasting connections in the wedding industry and learning the value of relational networking.

About Scott Faver
As The Game Master, he has trained 1,000’s of DJs throughout the US and Canada. He is a regular presenter at industry conferences including Wedding MBA, Marquee Chicago, Photo Booth Expo, which he has hosted for 8 years. And the co-host for 3 years the PBX \ MEX Hall of Fame awards show. A leader in the event industry, Scott developed EE: Event Ensemble, a local network of 2,000+ event professionals who gather to learn, network, and share referrals.

Contact Scott:

The Party Favers - DJ Scott Faver

https://www.thepartyfavers.com

AKA, for DJs, The Game Master

Training for DJs to provide fun, unique, personalized entertainment for their clients' events.

https://www.thegamemaster.biz

EE: Event Ensemble

Networking, Education, and Referrals, exclusively for event industry professionals.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/EventEnsemble

https://www.eventensemble.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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com 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 tr

Want to see how I can come and speak for your local association... for free? Reach out to me at Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com or text or call +1.732.422.6362

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 Alan@WeddingBusinessSolutions.com. 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