
Hosted by Alan Berg, CSP, FPSA, Global Speaking Fellow · EN
If weddings and events are all or part of your business, you’re in the right place.
The Wedding Business Solutions podcast is where you’ll get real-world ideas to help you sell more, profit more, and maybe even enjoy the process a little more, too.
Hosted by Alan Berg CSP, FPSA, one of the wedding and event industry’s most experienced sales and marketing speakers, each bite-sized episode gives you practical, easy-to-use ideas you can apply right away. Whether it’s converting more inquiries, following up without sounding pushy, improving your website, handling ghosting, raising your prices with confidence, or using AI in ways that actually help your business, Alan shares insights with his signature mix of common sense, experience, and humor.
Alan is the author of 16 books, including AI for the Real World and Shut Up and Sell More. He’s also been named one of the “Top 100 Speakers to Watch in 2025” for the third year in a row by Motivator Music on LinkedIn, and is one of only 46 Global Speaking Fellows worldwide.
Some episodes are just Alan sharing ideas and stories from decades in sales and the wedding industry. Other episodes feature conversations with industry pros, entrepreneurs, and experts who can help you work smarter, make more money, and create better experiences for your clients.
If you’ve ever thought:
“Why are they ghosting me?”
“How do I book more of the right clients?”
“Why does my website get traffic but not inquiries?”
“What should I actually be using AI for?”
…you’ll probably feel right at home here.
You can read full transcripts of every episode at podcast.AlanBerg.com.
Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes, workshops, and ideas you can put to work immediately.
If you’d like to learn more about Alan’s speaking, sales training, consulting, AI workshops, or website review services, visit:
IWantAlan.com
Podcast.AlanBerg.com
ConnectWithAlanBerg.com
You can also reach Alan directly at Alan@AlanBerg.com.
Note from Alan:
I invite guests onto the podcast because I believe they can bring value to you, my listeners. Occasionally, I may have a business relationship or affiliate connection with a guest or product discussed on the show. My first priority is always providing useful, actionable information, and I do not sell guest spots or paid placements on the podcast.

What if you paused—really paused—just long enough to let the best ideas surface? What possibilities could emerge for your business if you built in moments of quiet, or even a technology sabbatical? In this episode, I talk about how hitting the pause button can fuel innovation, help reset your mindset, and encourage out-of-the-box thinking for both you and your team.Listen to this new episode for inspiration on using intentional pauses to recharge your creativity and discover fresh solutions by simply stepping back.About Tim: Tim Richardson, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), is a keynote speaker and customer experience expert who helps professionals create outstanding experiences by tapping into what he calls - Pausitivity.With a background in luxury hospitality, including leading the effort to obtain AAA's Five Diamond award at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Tim shares practical, real-world strategies (and a few entertaining stories) to help clients handle customers, conversations, and chaos with confidence.Subscribe to his newletter here - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/pausitivity-6885273916768686080/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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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 open to hearing opinions that challenge your own, or do you find yourself surrounded by people who always agree with you? What could you gain by inviting critical feedback before sharing your own perspective? In this episode, I share why the best leaders actively look for dissenting voices and how doing so leads to better decisions, using examples from both business and science (like Darwin!). Learn how questioning your assumptions can reveal blind spots, prevent costly mistakes, and ultimately help you grow—if you’re willing to listen.Listen to this new 6-minute episode for practical ways to welcome different viewpoints, and see how asking tough questions can lead to stronger results.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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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

Is sunk cost bias holding you back? Are you keeping an underperforming product, service, or employee just because you’ve already invested time or money? In this episode I challenge you to think about whether old investments are preventing you from making smarter decisions for your business—especially when starting fresh could actually move you forward.Listen to this new 7-minute episode for eye-opening examples and practical ways to recognize (and move past) the sunk cost bias in your business decisions.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/Are you going to Wedding MBA? Use the promo code - Alan - to save $20 off your tickets, at www.WeddingMBA.com And don't worry, if you can't use your tickets this year, they're transferrable or you can hold them to use next year. 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

Avish Parashar - What can improv teach us on how to crush apathy in our businesses?Are you stuck in a cycle of “yes, but” thinking that keeps your business from growing? What if the real challenge to change isn’t resistance, but apathy? How can embracing improv’s “yes, and” mindset empower your team, crush burnout, and spark creativity? In this episode, I explore how recognizing and shifting your mindset can transform engagement in your business, with insights from improv and practical steps for moving from passive acceptance to genuine excitement—even in the face of overwhelm or uncertainty.Listen to this new episode for practical ideas to spot hidden apathy, empower your people, and use “yes, and” to fuel meaningful change and creativity in your business.About Avish:Avish Parashar, originally from Poughkeepsie, New York and now based in Philadelphia, started in theater but quickly pivoted to improv in college, launching a career that led him to found Polywumpus Improv Comedy. Through that experience, he discovered that the principles of improv translate directly to navigating real-world change. Today, he’s a keynote speaker and author who helps leaders and teams embrace uncertainty, boost creativity, and shift from apathy to engagement using the “Yes, And” mindset. Blending humor, audience interaction, and practical tools, Avish empowers organizations to turn change into opportunity, with a core message that the real barrier isn’t resistance—it’s apathy—and that growth comes from saying “Yes, And” to what’s next.Website: https://www.AvishParashar.comBook URL: https://avishparashar.com/say-yes-and-to-change/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avishparashar/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/Come to an AI workshop near you and learn how to use 5 or 6 different AI tools, in ways you've probably never thought of. Go to www.AIWorkshopTour.com to see the one nearest to you. 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 scaring away potential clients without realizing it? Are you afraid to list your prices because you think it will hurt your inquiries, while as a consumer you always want to see the price yourself? In this episode, I talk about the power of pricing transparency—not just for budget shoppers, but at all price levels. How can sharing even a range help attract the right clients and save you time in the process? What if being more transparent is the real game-changer for your business?Listen to this new 9-minute episode for practical advice on balancing transparency, filtering leads, and attracting customers who value what you offer—and can afford it.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/Come to an AI workshop near you and learn how to use 5 or 6 different AI tools, in ways you've probably never thought of. Go to www.AIWorkshopTour.com to see the one nearest to you. 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 holding onto products or services just because they've always worked—even if customers aren’t interested anymore? What if trimming the dead weight in your business could make space for more profit, innovation, or just more joy in your day-to-day? In this episode, I explore the importance of constantly evaluating what you offer, being willing to cut what's not working, and why it's crucial to stay one step ahead—even if others start copying you.Listen to this new 6-minute episode for insight on deciding what to keep, what to cut, and how staying proactive can keep your business thriving.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/Come to an AI workshop near you and learn how to use 5 or 6 different AI tools, in ways you've probably never thought of. Go to www.AIWorkshopTour.com to see the one nearest to you. 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

How can AI help you, not just someday, but right now do the things you already do, only better or faster? Are you stuck staring at analytics you don't understand? Is your website’s first impression still speaking to the couples of five years ago? In this episode, I have a conversation with ChatGPT (yes, an actual conversation) on how to use AI as your collaborator to interpret data, refresh your messaging, and become a stronger prompt engineer so you can amplify what’s already working in your business. Listen to this new 20-minute conversation I had with ChatGPT for practical ideas on using AI to save time, update your website, and turn confusing data into actionable insights. 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/ Come to an AI workshop near you and learn how to use 5 or 6 different AI tools, in ways you've probably never thought of. Go to www.AIWorkshopTour.com to see the one nearest to you. 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

You've been prompting for years!Are you getting the best results from your clients, employees, or even AI? Have you ever wondered why vague instructions lead to vague outcomes? In this episode, I explore how the way you communicate—whether with people or technology—impacts the results you get. Discover why context, clarity, and details in your input matter, and how they can bring you closer to the answers you need.Listen to this new 5-minute episode for practical ways to give better direction and improve your outcomes—whether in business, with clients, or using AI.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/Come to an AI workshop near you and learn how to use 5 or 6 different AI tools, in ways you've probably never thought of. Go to www.AIWorkshopTour.com to see the one nearest to you. 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 wedding clients feeling empowered to make their own choices, or are you unknowingly making them feel “sold to”? What friction are you adding that might be keeping them from saying yes? In this episode, I dig into why offering clear choices and real answers can help clients buy with confidence—rather than running the other way.Listen to this new 10-minute episode for insight on how to remove buying barriers, answer questions, and turn your approach from salesy to supportive.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/Come to an AI workshop near you and learn how to use 5 or 6 different AI tools, in ways you've probably never thought of. Go to www.AIWorkshopTour.com to see the one nearest to you. 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 losing couples before you even have a chance to connect? What if simply answering their first question—how much do you cost—was all it took to keep them from ghosting you? Would you book more show rounds if you made your pricing transparent and reduced the friction for Gen Z clients? In this episode, I share a first-hand account from a Gen Z bride and wedding industry insider about why she ghosted her first venue, what vendors are getting wrong with their first responses, and how follow-up and adding genuine value—not just sales tactics—can turn inquiries into bookings.Listen to this new episode for insights on how clear communication, upfront pricing, and a personal, helpful touch can set you apart and convert more of today’s couples.About Beth: With over 10 years of experience in customer service, I’m passionate about building genuine, lasting relationships; whether that's supporting clients, connecting with venues, or working as part of a brilliant team. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the wedding industry, offering a unique perspective of an ex venue coordinator and current GenZ bride-to-be. Contact info: Beth@weddingdates.co.uk LinkedIn Handle: www.linkedin.com/in/bethlucyfoxIf 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/AI For The Real World - A Practical Guide to AI for Wedding & Event Pros is your easy way to learn how to harness the power of AI, no matter which AI tools you use. Get Yours Today at www.ShopAlanBerg.com 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