Today, I'm sharing three of the biggest, toughest, most game changing lessons I've learned in my 15 years of business. These are the things I want to share with you to help you realize and recognize them sooner than I did.

Emotional intelligence, also known as EQ, is so much more than just being good with people. It's about truly understanding yourself, reading the room, and fostering real, meaningful connections -  whether that's with your clients, vendor partners, or even at networking events.

EQ is a topic that can completely transform the way you navigate relationships in business and in life.

💡 If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, hit pause and go back to Episode 306 with Ian Ramirez first!

Once a potential client fills out your inquiry form, the real work begins. Follow-up is where so many wedding pros lose leads—whether it's waiting too long to respond, overwhelming them with information, or blending into the sea of generic “Just checking in” emails.

So how do you keep potential clients engaged without feeling like you're chasing them down? How can you use texting strategically in your inquiry process without feeling glued to your phone 24/7?

That’s exactly what Ian Ramirez—co-founder of Venue Help Desk and managing partner at Madera Estates—is here to share. Ian has tested all of these strategies firsthand, and today he’s breaking down what actually works for converting leads into bookings.

How many inquiries are slipping through the cracks because your contact form is actually pushing potential clients away instead of drawing them in? 🤯 

Today, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked yet wildly important parts of your sales process—your contact form!

My guest, Ian Ramirez, is a total genius when it comes to helping wedding venues (and really, all wedding pros) optimize their business operations. As the co-founder of Venue Help Desk and managing partner of Madera Estates, Ian has spent years perfecting the process of attracting better leads, streamlining communication, and increasing bookings.

At the Venue Masterclass Conference, Ian's talk on small tweaks that make big differences in converting leads had me scribbling notes like crazy. And today, he’s sharing those exact strategies with YOU! 🎉

Alright, picture this—you’re newly engaged, stepping into a gorgeous venue, surrounded by wedding vendors, floral arrangements, cake samples, and a whole lot of decisions to make. Exciting? Absolutely. Overwhelming? Also yes.

That was the scene at the Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh, where we attended a wedding vendor showcase to talk to real couples about their planning experience.

We asked couples what they were looking for in vendors, what’s been the most surprising part of wedding planning so far, and what’s been an instant dealbreaker—and let’s just say, we got some real talk. From budget struggles to vendor ghosting to the sheer horror of discovering you have to pick out your own linens (yes, really), these couples didn’t hold back.

What does it truly mean to embrace your authentic self, even when it feels scary or uncertain? In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Don Mamone—photographer, speaker, author, and educator—to share their deeply personal journey of stepping away from societal expectations and living courageously outside the binary.

Don’s story is one of vulnerability, courage, and redefining identity. From facing decades of repression to embracing their true self and becoming a powerful advocate for authenticity, Don’s insights will leave you feeling inspired to explore your own journey and show up for others as an imperfect ally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Don’s journey of self-discovery and the powerful moment they chose authenticity over societal expectations.

• How to create safer, more inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, including practical tips for allies.

• What it means to live outside the binary—and how this applies to everyone, not just those questioning gender norms.

• The concept of "imperfect allyship" and why intention matters more than perfection when supporting others.

• How unlearning outdated beliefs can lead to freedom, joy, and a deeper understanding of yourself and others.

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Connect with Don Mamone:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donmamone

• Website: https://donmamone.com/

• Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646494385/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_44MQ8MNYCWFPDDRBKZFF

Let’s talk contracts, wedding pros! Are you confident that the clauses in your contracts truly protect your small business?

Maybe you’re working off a template you bought years ago or piecing together bits you’ve found online. Or perhaps the thought of reviewing your contract gives you a pit in your stomach, and you’re not quite sure what some of the legal jargon actually means.

If that’s you, this episode is here to help. From indemnity clauses to liability concerns to making your contracts work for you, Leah Weinberg’s expert advice will help you feel more confident and empowered to protect your business.

It's that time of year where marketing is top of mind for small business owners!

Except maybe you're frustrated because the marketing efforts you've been putting in aren't quite working, or maybe you're posting on socials hoping to stand out, but it feels like you're blending into that sea of sameness with wedding pros doing the exact same thing. 

Or, let's be real, maybe you're stuck in the analysis paralysis stage, where you're so overwhelmed with what to do from a marketing standpoint that you aren't doing much at all. 

Need some marketing help? You picked the right episode.