The Inspired To Plan Podcast: Recent Episodes

Inspired To Plan

The Inspired To Plan Podcast is real wedding industry talk for Wedding and Event Planners and Creatives. We talk business, marketing, education, and the honest truth of what being a wedding planner is really all about!

MASTERCALSS COMING MARCH 24TH, 10AM PST "How To Set Your Prices As A Wedding Planner And Stop Selling Yourself Short"

REGISTER AT WWW.INSPIREDTOPLAN.COM/WEBINARSIGNUP

Links mentioned in this episode:

www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan
www.inspiredtoplan.com/webinarsignup

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Community and why this is vital to an aspiring wedding planner.

It’s important to be connected with people who: 1 - know where you have been, and 2 - are in your same shoes and can relate to where you are

Many aspiring planners will feel: Drive and determination to learn and grow. They can’t get enough of the industry and want to submerge themselves in it. They have passion, excitement, willingness, eager…

But they may also feel: Inadequate Uncomfortable because they don’t know all the answers Insecure Fearful of making mistakes Carry self-doubt (can I really do this)

These questions were part of last week's podcast, so be sure you reflect on them and write them down. Aspiring planners, ask yourself: Do I really want this? Why do I really want to do this? Am I willing to put in the time & effort it will take to grow and start this business? Do I have the support around me that will drive me forward? What am I attracted to about this industry?

Register for the upcoming webinar on March 23rd at 10am PST!

www.inspiredtoplan.com/webinarsignup

Links mentioned in this episode: www.inspiredtoplan.com https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan/ https://www.facebook.com/inspiredtoplan

Starting a wedding planning business is such an adventure! Listen as Merilee and Faith share things they wish they knew when they first started their wedding planning businesses.

Building a business doesn’t happen overnight, although we wish it did!

What typically draws the aspiring planner to the wedding industry and what wedding planning really consists of.

Aspiring planners, ask yourself: Do I really want this? Why do I really want to do this? Am I willing to put in the time & effort it will take to grow and start this business? Do I have the support around me that will drive me forward? What am I attracted to about this industry?

Register for the upcoming webinar on March 23rd at 10am PST!

Links mentioned in this episode: *www.inspiredtoplan.com

www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan
www.facebook/inspiredtoplan

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Faith speaks on the importance of confidence in the wedding industry. Every new planner starts with such passion and drive, and often out of nowhere, one wrong conversation, an intimidating competitors social media post, or a declined proposal cause you to second guess your ability. Faith touches on the importance on building your confidence through community and education and also makes a special announcement:

There is a webinar coming soon for Aspiring Planners Only! Registration dates to be announces SOON!

Follow Us on IG @inspiredtoplan for details!

Links mentioned in this episode: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inspired-to-plan-podcast/id1537345185?i=1000496116400) www.inspiredtoplan.com

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

What’s Inspired to Plan Inspired to Plan is an educational and community based program to inspire, encourage and guide planners at all stages in their business.

Community and Membership of Planners No-competition, open, honest, transparent Education-always refining and getting better Mentorship & Support

Stages of a Planner Podcast Real wedding planner talk

Sign up for the Inspired to Plan webinar HERE?

Links mentioned in this episode: www.inspiredtoplan.com https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Finding the value of your work and knowing how to charge appropriately. Only you can decide what you’re worth. What your time is worth.

You must understand your value. Why are you different? Having confidence Make it clear: Write it out in a clear proposal. Obtain referrals and testimonials List out what you want to tell your potential clients to explain your value. Represent yourself everywhere you go.

Links mentioned in this episode: www.inspiredtoplan.com https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Merilee and Faith cover the blessings and lessons we can find in 2020 that will help us build a stonger 2021.

Problem: Events being shut down Blessing: Having the time to reflect on yourself and your business

Problem: Events openings, but in very small numbers. Blessing: Being able to design intimately and making each element intentional and focusing on the union.

Problem: Sudden mandate change. Blessing: Improved your ability to think on your feet and reminds you to be prepared with a backup plan.

So how do we move forward in 2021 when there looks like there's some light at the end of the tunnel, but there are also so many unknowns? Communicate your value to your potential client and how you can come in ready to handle anything. Get connected with Events Professionals in and outside of your area!

www.inspiredtoplan.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151 www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/176-how-to-make-your-2021-different-from-your-2020/id1245763628?i=1000503761271

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151 www.inspiredtoplan.com

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

It’s that time of year where the most gifts are given and received. In the wedding world and as a planner who do you give gifts to? What types of gifts do you give? Gifts are so important as they let someone know you’re thinking of them.

As a planner who could you consider giving a gift to? Present and Past Clients Catering Managers Vendors

What types of gifts could be given? Here’s a list of some of our favorite gift ideas! Creative Gift Box Marigold https://marigoldgrey.com Personalized Gift Emilime Designs https://www.emilimedesigns.com Samantha Baer Holiday Treat and Note Nats Sweets https://www.natsweets.com B Toffee https://btoffee.com Cocoa Dulce https://cocoadolce.com Thoughtful Ideas Wendy Ware Designer http://www.wendywaredesigner.com

We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. Happy giving! Links mentioned in this episode: www.inspiredtoplan.com https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Faith and Merilee talk about habits and your personal time. As an entrepreneur, setting boundaries sounds great until you have to implement them.

Look at what you need outside your business.
Communicate your “business hours” and “availability” to your clients and vendors.
What to do when your boundaries are pressed.
Don’t give in to “it’s just my time, it’s okay.”

Links mentioned in this episode: www.inspiredtoplan.com https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Merilee and Faith talk about healthy habits as the New Year approaches.

Are you into creating New Years Resolutions? We aren't!

Questions addressed:

What is Self Mastery? Why is it important to be a performer rather than a spectator?
What does a self controlled entrepreneur looks like? What are the four pillars in our opinion? A. Health-why is this important? B. Physical Exercise-how does this help? C. Business Practices-the difference of working on your business rather than just in your business. D. Personal Life- Do you have one?
Accountability and community are so important.

Links mentioned in this episode: www.inspiredtoplan.com/podcast for your 30 download!

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Faith and Merilee talk getting connected.

You have just booked an event and now you have to fullfil your end of the bargain, but what do you do when catastrophy strikes and you need some back up?! You fall back on your connections.

Connect with your fellow vendors in your market: You need to know anyone and everyone who can provide a product or service so that if you hit an event snag, you know exactly who to call!
Connect with planners in your market: Yes, we know, they are your competators. But if you have an emergecy, you need quality backup with the knowledge you have.
Connecting with planners nation wide: You will learn about different trends and different statagies that will help you grow your business. You also gain a community of support, which is why Inspred To Plan exists!

The Inspired to Plan Community was created by Merilee and Faith with a goal of wedding and event planners growing in their buisness knowledge and having a community of support. We would love to see you be a part of our community! For more information, go to www.inspiredtoplan.com

Links mentioned in this episode:

www.inspiredtoplan.com
https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week Faith and Merilee talk about what it really means to build a solid vendor network and the key elements you need to consider when making a vendor connection. Here are the key points!

Be genuiaine in wanting to get to to know them as people.
Come from a point on contribution.
Seek to understand their business needs and creative process.
Be a forward thinker so you can always have their back.

To learn more about Inspired to Plan, joint our facebook group follow us on IG, OR... Join to COMMUNITY!

www.inspiredtoplan.com instagram.com/inspuredtoplan

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Faith and Merilee talk over three different types of brides and how to market to them in the right way.

Though there are many types of clients, here are three possible "Ideal Clients"

Topics discussed:

The Classid bride: She is your dreamer. She has been planner her wedding for her whole life, and you are there to coordinate her vision. This bride will attend bridal shows, clip artiles from magazines, and hunt for reviews on the Knot or Wedding Wire. For this type of client, presence at bridal shows and advertizing in print campagnes will always catch her eye!
The "Avantgarde" bride: She is your trend setter. She wants unique vision and customization. This type of client is very tech savy, and is often a heavy social media user. Social media advertising, a strong social media presnece, and activity that shows you work with unique vendors will always stand out to her!
The Luxury bride: She want only the best quality in everything! This type of client will want to hear from her venue or other vendors that they highly recommend you. She will want to see that you have notoriety that was earned and she will trust you if someone she knows trusts you. Building your vendor relationships is key to finding the luxury bride.

Links mentioned in this episode:

instagram.com/inspiredtoplan *https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Faith and Merilee talk over how to profile your "Ideal Client."

Topics discussed Starting your business with whoever you can book vs. transitioning to only booking your "Ideal Client."

It will take you time to realize that not every potential client will be a good business growth decision.
Recognize that your "Ideal Client" may shift and change as you grow in your knowledge and experience.
Create an "Ideal Client" profile: think about it, write it down, picture this person and their type of event.
Consider their personality type, event priorities, and budget.
You cannot do this well without being honest with yourself about your own strength and weaknesses.
Marketing to your "Ideal Client": money vs relationship.
Track where you leads are coming from, see which leads are ideal, and put your time and recourse there.
Cold leads vs Warm leads: Opportunity vs Distraction (Michael Hyatt).
Your knowledge needs to surpas how you market yourself.
How to have tough conversations with the potential clients you don't want to book: Honesty is the best policy.
Building a community of planners that you can refer clients too that don't fit you well.

Links mentioned in this episode:

www.instagram.com/inspiredtoplan
https://www.facebook.com/groups/393361668355151

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Merilee Hennings and Faith Moore cover character traits that successful planners exude and don’t exude!

Integrity

Commit to excellence.
Working at half capacity.
Don’t try to pretend like you have it all together.

Self motivation

Procrastination killer.
Be a self started.
You can have reasons or results. You can’t have both.

Positivity

Complaining = a garbage magnant.
If you want to succeed as a planner, your response is so important.
Your character traits dictate your business growth.

Video link regarding the effect of positivity and negativity on water.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Moz82i89JAw] This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Merilee and Faith cover wat i means to LEAD in the event planning process.

Topics discussed:

We are not alone. Events are a collection of ideas and services and it's our job to lead the way!
Knowing your stuff: Why getting to know your vendors is so important.
You have to not only know then as companies, but as people.
Why you must continueally educate.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Faith and Merilee talk about their tough times in business, burnout, how they found their WHY, and the PEACE that followed

Topics discussed:

Faith talks losing her business to her fear and sadness.
Merilee talks discovering her worth and joy.
Why it's important to evaluate WHY you are building your career.
Being honest with yourself about whether or not you know what your WHY is.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This week, Merilee Hennings and Faith Moore cover Pandemic Planning: The dirty truth of what 2020 did to the wedding industry

Topics discussed:

2020 industry recap: a year that rocked us.
What the pandemic did to the wedding industry
Bridal mindset: setting realistic expecations for 2021.
Vendor Mindset: How to support your vendors in a time of uncertainty.
Why the job of an event planner has never been so important.
Being a team player with your vendors.
Planner mindset shift: pivoting your business.

So Why do this at all! We will talk about our WHY, what happened when we lost it, and why it's crutial to your business growth.

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm