The Wedding Biz &#8211; Behind the Scenes of the Wedding Business

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by PartySlate - the first website designed specifically for event professionals and venues!

How to find Michelle

Michelle Rago

Michelle Rago Part 1 on The Wedding Biz

Instagram

Twitter

The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday

Mentioned

Vanessa Kreckel on The Wedding Biz

Links

Brides Magazine

Vogue-Top Weddings of 2019

Vogue-Bobb

Harpers Bazaar-Best

218 THE NEXT LEVEL: SEAN LOW discusses JOHN EMMANUEL - Australia's Premier Floral Designer Jan 15, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of The Next Level, Andy welcomes back Sean Low. Sean's consulting firm, The Business of Being Creative, focuses on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. His client list includes the who's who of the wedding industry and design community.

John Emmanuel is the premier floral designer out of Sydney, Australia. He is best known for creating exquisite grand scale floral installations, and whatever he creates has a stunning element of luxury. A known leader in his market, John has worked alongside many high profile Australian wedding planners in continuous collaboration to some of Sydney's most luxurious events. He also hosts "The John Emmanuel Luxury Wedding Masterclass."

Listen in as Andy and Sean discuss John's insight on being uncomfortable and how that keeps you from becoming complacent. They talk about how staying on brand is more important than losing clients and how being passionate about what you do is essential, but ultimately it is about making money. John believes that when posting pictures of an event on social media, they need to be exquisite to showcase the finished product.

They talk about John's comment about the rush of and how once you get it going, the importance of slowing down and really connecting creatively with your clients and how that allows you to know on a deeper level what they want the outcome to be.

It is always great to listen to Andy and Sean discuss icons of the industry, and this one is no exception. Listen as they chat about the brightest nuggets in John's interview and give their insights and comments.

Show Highlights:

[01:52] As always, great to have you back, Sean!
[03:41] Sean discusses John's statement that being uncomfortable with what you are doing keeps you from becoming complacent.
[05:34] They speak about how staying on the brand is more important than losing clients.
[07:11] Being passionate about what you do is essential, but ultimately it is about making money.
[08:38] Sean and Andy talk about how important it is for the pictures of an event for social media to look amazing.
[10:25] Slowing down and taking time with clients allows you to connect with them on a deeper creative level.
[12:40] Thank you for listening to today's episode.

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

The Business of Being Creative LLC

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Wedded Wonderland

www.weddedwonderland.com

How to Find John

John Emmanuel

@johnemmanuelfloralevents

Instagram | Facebook

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Sean Low, Founder and President of The Business of Being Creative LLC.

Sean Low on the Wedding Biz

The Business of Being Creative Collective

Email Sean: sean@thebusinessofbeingcreative.com

Sean:@seanlow

Twitter | Instagram

217 JOHN EMMANUEL: Australia's Premier Floral Designer Jan 13, 2020

Show notes

In today's episode of The Wedding Biz, Andy is excited to welcome John Emmanuel. John is the premier floral designer out of Sydney, Australia. He is best known for creating exquisite grand scale floral installations, and whatever he creates has a stunning element of luxury. A known leader in his market, John has worked alongside many high profile Australian wedding planners in continuous collaboration with some of Sydney's most luxurious events. He also hosts "The John Emmanuel Luxury Wedding Masterclass."

John takes us on a journey of his childhood, the tragedy of losing his mother at age three, and working at his grandma and aunt's floral shop at thirteen. He speaks about going to trade school on an apprenticeship at the age of fifteen to learn the floral business and why he has such a strong passion for weddings. He has a strong drive to succeed and he believes he got that from wanting more for himself and his children.

Listen in as John discusses how he felt when he sold the retail part of his business to concentrate on the wedding event side. They chat about his personal signature and how he defines it, the procedure he goes through from start to finish with a client, and why the reception flowers are the most critical part of the wedding for him.

Have you heard about John's new line of luxury silk flowers? He says that they have been very well received and allow people, who wouldn't be able to afford fresh flowers, to have the wedding of their dreams. John also describes his masterclass and what he will be teaching to the attendees.

The passion that John has for what he does is contagious. You feel this intense desire to go straight to his website and see his amazing floral design images. Look him up and then listen to this episode, you will be glad you did!

Show Highlights:

[02:54] John, welcome to the show!

[03:21] He was born in Australia, but his parents are from Maltese.

[03:50] John tells us about where he grew up and a little of his family background and where he started in the florist industry.

[05:52] They discuss tragedy and the influence it has on your life.

[06:24] He talks about working in the family flower shop.

[07:52] John tells us where his passion for weddings came from and what about them moves him so much.

[09:03] Did you go to college after high school?

[09:32] John went to a trade school on an apprenticeship to learn the florist industry at age 15.

[10:49] Where did you get the courage to chase a dream at such a young age?

[11:43] He started his own retail business and got married at a young age.

[13:08] John discusses the change in the wedding industry and how that affected his retail stores.

[14:21] Did you sell the retail side of the businesses because you felt you had enough clients on the wedding business side to compensate for the loss?

[15:32] John discusses the risk he took when he decided to go all-in on the wedding event side.

[16:47] How would you describe your personal signature to someone who doesn't know the business?

[17:26] Reception flowers are what John loves the most; he tells us why.

[18:24] John tells us what his process is starting with the first visit with his client through the actual event.

[19:56] Do you appreciate when the client brings in a Pinterest board or pictures?

[21:32] He speaks about his need to stay true to his brand even if it means losing a client.

[21:52] John gives an example of one of his favorite events and what it felt like to see his design completed.

[23:13] How do you handle unexpected challenges that occur during an event?

[26:55] He discusses integrating the creative and business side of his business.

[29:07] His wife and children are involved in his business as well, and he chats about the challenges this incurs.

[31:08] How do you price what you do? Do you charge a styling fee?

[32:24] He talks about how he handles economic challenges.

[34:34] John tells us about his new line of luxury silk flower arrangements and why he started it.

[36:51] Tell us about your John Emmanuel Luxury Wedding Masterclass and what you will speak about.

[39:34] What tips would you give event designers when talking to their clients about floral design?

[40:47] What would you tell a couple when it comes to choosing a floral designer?

[42:11] Success for John is family, passion, and clients.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Diane Khoury of DK Weddings and Events

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Wedded Wonderland

www.weddedwonderland.com

How to find John

John Emmanuel

@johnemmanuelfloralevents

Instagram | Facebook

Mentioned

216 THE NEXT LEVEL: SEAN LOW discusses CLANE GESSEL/Photographer: Capturing The Essence of Clients And Creating Fine Art Jan 08, 2020

Show notes

Andy welcomes Sean Low to this episode of The Next Level. Sean's company, The Business of Being Creative, focuses on providing practical advice to those in the business of being creative. His client list includes the whos who of the wedding industry and design community.

Clane is an award-winning international photographer. His images have been featured in dozens of magazines, including PDM, National Geographic and Smithsonian. And he was inducted into all of the National Geographic Fine Art Galleries across the world!

Sean and Andy talk about Clane's vulnerability, his perspective on people living the life they allow themselves to live, and why he believes that we should try to live in the moment. They speak about what Clane told us about his upbringing, leaving the Mormon church to be able to live the life he wanted and the hardships that came from it.

Listen in as they discuss and bring their insights into some of the fantastic things that Clane said in the interview. How he captures the essence of a client's wedding in "one shot," the way he picks his clients and how he gambles when he thinks he can get the perfect unexpected photo.

There are so many fantastic details about Clane's insights that you won't want to miss this episode. The conversations between Andy and Sean are always entertaining, so put your feet up and live in the moment!

Show Highlights:

[00:56] Welcome back yet again, Sean!
[02:10] Sean speaks about Clane's vulnerability in the interview.
[03:10] They discuss Clane's perspective about how you have the life that you allow yourself to have, and how self-aware he is.
[04:24] Being here in the moment, not in the past or the future, is a challenge.
[06:59] Sean talks about Clane leaving the Mormon church, his family, to be what he wanted to be, and going as far as living in his car.
[08:42] They talk about Clane bringing out people's essence and the light that surrounds them.
[10:14] Sean describes what Clane means by creating the essence of the wedding in one photo; he's a gambler when it comes to getting the image.
[14:12] Clane uses the juxtaposition of light in the shadow of the dark to bring the pictures together in one moment to make the perfect photo.
[15:45] Thank you, Sean, for being on the show.

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

How to Find Clane

Clane Gessel

@clanegesselphotography

The Business of Being Creative LLC

@clanegessel

Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Sean Low, Founder and President of The Business of Being Creative LLC.

Sean Low on the Wedding Biz

Email Sean: sean@thebusinessofbeingcreative.com

Sean:@seanlow

Twitter | Instagram

215 CLANE GESSEL/Photographer: Capturing The Essence of Clients And Creating Fine Art Jan 06, 2020

Show notes

Andy is excited to welcome Clane Gessel to this episode of The Wedding Biz. Clane is an award-winning international photographer. His images have been featured in dozens of magazines, including PDM, National Geographic and Smithsonian. He was also inducted into all of the National Geographic Fine Art Galleries across the world!

Clane speaks about growing up in a Mormon family in Seattle, where he got the inspiration to get into photography. He also talks about the reason he lived in his car during some tough times. Growing up the way he did allows him to understand vulnerability, and believes that you have to understand vulnerability to understand art. Clane feels that behind each of his iconic images is a fantastic love story.

Listen in as Clane tells us his process for picking clients to work with, how he gets the amazing unexpected shots, and how he uses the rules of the camera against it to get the pictures he wants. He describes what he means when he says he wants to capture the essence of the wedding in one photo, how he uses light to the best advantage, and why he believes that color and light are both essential tools when telling a story.

Traveling the world taking amazing photographs seems so glamorous and it is yet Clane says that success to him is just getting to do what he does with the people he respects in the industry. Being able to touch people's lives is why he loves photography, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

Being passionate about capturing just the right photo is what makes Clane the best in the world at what he does. If you want a glimpse into his genius, you don't want to miss this episode, he lays it all out there for us, and you want to hear what he has to say.

Show Highlights:

[03:23] Welcome to the show, Clane!

[04:08] Clane discusses what inspired him to get into photography.

[05:13] He got into the art field because he felt he saw things differently than other people.

[06:00] Clane speaks about growing up and how he wanted to give his clients things he never had.

[07:19] He chats about being able to express himself through photography.

[08:46] He lived in his car for a while out of high school.

[10:06] Clane talks about being ostracised from the Morman community and his lack of contact with people for almost a year.

[10:59] What happened when you graduated from college? Is that when you started taking photographs?

[12:54] The ultimate challenge is living in the moment.

[13:25] Being good at art is being good at being vulnerable.

[14:38] Andy says that he can feel the emotionality that Clane achieves in the photos he takes of the couple on their wedding day.

[15:43] Clane needs to know how the couple gets along as well as their vulnerabilities to be able to get the photographs he wants.

[16:25] He meets each couple personally and they fill out a questionnaire as the first step to getting an understanding of who they are.

[18:32] Do you ever have situations where the couples are just not able to go there? Are you very selective about who you will work with?

[19:28] Clane explains what he means by capturing the essence of the wedding in "one shot."

[21:22] Hear the process he went through to get one of his amazing pictures at a destination wedding in Iceland.

[24:18] Getting the clients the photo they want, Clane says he has tunnel vision.

[24:38] Clane discusses how he uses the camera's abilities "against it."

[26:00] He chats about the responsibility of doing destination weddings and traveling around the world.

[28:25] Do you ever have couples who say no to what you want to do? Do you try to get an iconic photo for every wedding?

[30:05] Clane describes how he uses light to capture the beauty of a picture.

[32:02] Color and light are both essential tools when telling a story.

[33:32] He gives examples of some of his favorite images.

[34:49] He believes that his most significant challenges are with the connection with the couples.

[36:59] How are you looking at the business aspect of what you do?

[38:03] Clane has brought on five new photographers to work with him. He explains why he did it.

[39:33] He says that social media is a fastidious beast, you need it, but you also have to be very careful with it.

[41:07] How do you approach networking? How do you choose the people you want to talk to?

[44:36] Clane tells us that success is being able to do this, year after year, with the people he loves in the industry.

[46:15] Thank you so much, Clane, for being on the show!

LINKS & RESOURCES

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

How to Find Clane

Clane Gessel

@clanegesselphotography

@clanegessel

Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Mentioned

Bryan Rafanelli on The Wedding Biz

Bryan Rafanelli Revisit on The Wedding Biz

David Stark Part 1 on The Wedding Biz

David Stark Part 2 on The Wedding Biz

Jes Gordon on The Wedding Biz

Andre Maier on The Wedding Biz

214 ENGAGE TAKEAWAYS with RISHI PATEL, CARRIE GOLDBERG, and CHRISTINA MATTEUCCI Dec 30, 2019

Show notes

This episode of The Wedding Biz is Andy's first roundtable event held on the last day of Engage at Nizuc, Mexico. The roundtable guests for this episode are Rishi Patel, the CEO of HMR Designs, Carrie Goldberg, the Travel and Weddings Director at Harpers Bizzaar, and Christina Matteucci, the Executive Director of David Beahm Destinations. During the roundtable, Andy and each of his guests bring up a key takeaway that they got during the conference and discuss them as a group.

Andy's takeaway from the conference was from Christina's message of "audacious transparency." Christina speaks about what she meant by that, and the group talks about vulnerability and owning your own personality. They discuss how social media can give a client a false perception of who you are, so when you meet the client for the first time, it is like an audition.

Christina's surprising takeaway was from a breakout session with Bruce Russell and Tara Fay wedding and event planners with their TV show, My Big Day: Home Or Away. She loved what they said about taking care of each other behind the scenes because the TV show pits them against each other on-screen. The group speaks about always taking care of each other in the industry, information, and trade secret sharing because there is plenty of business to go around, and everyone's point of view is different.

Rishi feels like knowing what you are selling is the biggest takeaway for him. The group agree and discuss how knowing what you have to offer makes it possible for the client to feel joy at the end of the day. You have to be yourself because you can't be like anyone else, and what you are can't be stolen. They also chat about how one of the focuses of this Engage was redefining the word luxury as a more authentic emotion, and how what used to be so different and unique is now quite common.

A key takeaway for Carrie was pricing and making money. If you are not making a profit, then you are not in a business you have a hobby. The brain trust says that you should know what your profit margins are before the event even happens. After the fact, you should analyze it and decide what you will do or who you will work with on the next event.

Listen in as the group discusses how they are preparing for whenever the next economic recession hits and getting lean now instead of waiting for the economy to force the issue. Keep listening after the roundtable for some great takeaways from other attendees of the conference like Sarah Schreiber of Martha Stewart Weddings, Julie Novack with PartySlate, Meggie Francisco with Meggie Francisco Events, Nicole Braghin of Plan Design Events and many more. They all have lovely things to say about what they learned at Engage, and you won't want to miss any nuggets of wisdom they share.

Show Highlights:

[01:31] Welcome to the show, Rishi, Carrie, and Christina!!

[02:57] Christina tells us about "audacious transparency" and what she means by those words.

[04:15] Rishi gives us his insight into transparent and owning your own personality.

[04:51] Carrie agrees that if you are vulnerable with your clients, then they can be vulnerable to you.

[05:29] They all discuss how social media can give clients a false perception of who you are before they ever meet you. You always have to bring it to the audition.

[09:11] Don't try to win every client, just the ones that are right for you.

[10:39] Rishi talks about his epiphany of "the things that land in your lap are meant to be and the ones that don't aren't."

[11:26] Is it more important for them to see the brand or the human side?

[12:37] Christina speaks about the takeaway she had from the conference.

[14:45] Taking care of each other in the industry behind the scenes is so important.

[17:43] Rishi's takeaway is that you need to know what you are selling.

[20:07] Does the client feel joy at the end of the day?

[22:16] Redefining the word "luxury" as a more authentic emotion was a big topic at this Engage conference.

[24:18] The words planning, design, and production are thrown around to much. Rishi believes that terms like that need transparency and what the definition of each is.

[26:40] Carrie's key takeaway was pricing and making money.

[28:36] Rishi agrees that you should not be doing a job if it is not profitable and enough profit to make it worthwhile.

[32:10] How are you prepared to handle a recession when it happens? What do you see happening in the industry in 2020?

[35:00] Carrie speaks about diversity and inclusivity and sustainability. Going green as much as possible and contributing.

[36:42] Andy talks about getting lean now before the economy forces the change.

[38:17] Thank you all for doing this, it has been a pleasure.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

Mentioned

Rishi Patel on The Wedding Biz

Carrie Goldberg on The Wedding Biz

Christina Matteucci on The Wedding Biz

Preston Bailey Part 1 on The Wedding Biz

Preston Bailey Part 2 on The Wedding Biz.

213 THE NEXT LEVEL: CARRIE GOLDBERG discusses RIME ARODAKY & GREG FINCK - Bridal House For Rebel Goddesses Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

Andy is speaking with Carrie Goldberg on this episode of The Next Level. Carrie is the Travel and Weddings Director at Harpers Bazaar. She oversees all things, bridal, weddings, and travel for Bazaar.com. Carrie is also responsible for content strategy and visuals for Bazaar's digital travel and wedding verticals, and is the editor of Bazaar's new program called Bazaar Brides.

Rime is a wonderful designer whose company is known as the "bridal house for rebel goddesses." Greg has been running the business side of Rime's business as her general manager for a little over a year, and they are engaged. Greg is a wonderfull photographer who was interviewed on The Wedding Biz this past October.

Carrie and Andy speak about the edge that Rime's designs have, the different types of brides designers face, and how sometimes planners can focus on the person writing the check and not the bride herself. They also chat about the inherent issues with business that creative people can sometimes have and the challenges that can test your partnership in business and life.

Do you use Instagram to market your business? Listen as Carrie and Andy talk about the benefits of Instagram, how it should be a part of every marketing campaign, and how your posts and direct messages should be authentic and personal. Enjoy this episode as they bring to life the thoughts and ideas of Rime and Greg.

Show Highlights:

[01:59] Carrie, welcome back to the show!
[02:06] They discuss the edge that Rime has with her designs.
[03:17] Carrie talks about the different types of brides and how it's easy to cater to the person writing the check.
[04:43] Walking the aisle at a wedding can make a bride feel very vulnerable.
[05:49] Carrie discusses the challenges that are inherent in creative people when it comes to business.
[07:52] Is working together the real test of being true partners in business and personal?
[09:09] They speak about Rime, allowing Greg to come into the company as her GM, it balances them to both be in the industry.
[11:23] Instagram is not an option anymore, it should be included in every business strategy. It should be authentic and personal.
[13:39] Do you your DM's personally?
[14:13] Carrie, thank you so much for being on this episode!

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

How to Find Rime

Rime Arodaky

@rimearodaky

Instagram | Twitter

@rimearodakyparis

Harpers Bazaar Bride Membership

Rime on Vimeo

How to Find Greg

Greg on Vimeo

Greg's Website

Greg's Workshop

Greg@gregfinck on Instagram

Greg@gregfinckphotographie on Facebook

This Week's Guest Co-Host, Carrie Goldberg, Travel and Wedding Director at Harpers Bazaar

Carrie on Instagram: @harpersbazaarus or @carrielauren

Email Carrie: carrielgoldberg.com

Harpers Bazaar

Mentioned

Greg Finck on The Wedding Biz

Laurie Arons on The Wedding Biz

Jose Villa on The Wedding Biz

212 RIME ARODAKY & GREG FINCK: Bridal House For Rebel Goddesses Dec 16, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of The Wedding Biz, Andy is speaking with Rime Arodaky & Greg Finck. Rime is a brilliant designer based in Paris. She calls her Maison the Bridal House For Rebel Goddesses, inspired by women who are unapologetically themselves. Rime has been designing wedding gowns for and considers herself part of the new generation who decided to shake up the traditional wedding codes to bring style and attitude to a very static and conventional industry. Greg has been running the business side of Rime's business as her general manager for a little over a year and they are engaged. Greg is also a wonderful photographer who was interviewed on The Wedding Biz this past October.

Rime tells us about growing up, knowing that she wanted to be a fashion designer. As a child, she designed gowns for her barbies and made up fashion catalogs with her designs for her mother and sister. Her father told her, when she was eighteen, that if this is what she wanted to do, she needed to pay her way through design school. So, she took a year off, worked, saved her money, and said she felt empowered by her ability to pay her own way.

Rime discusses her first company and why she closed it, how working with other designers helped her learn the business and why she feels like she designs gowns for "rebel goddesses." Rime talks about her ready-to-wear ceremony collection, being the first to extend it to the international market and about Megan Markle being the first celebrity to wear one of her creations.

Greg speaks about what he felt he could bring to the table for Rime's company, how it affected his photography business and the challenges of doing both. He says the most challenging part was getting Rime's twenty employees on board with him taking over and the changes that needed to be made.

Listen in as Rime and Greg talk about building a business, where they see themselves in five years and how they incorporate Instagram into their business every day. This is a unique conversation from both the fashion design and business sides that you won't want to miss.

Show Highlights:

[03:01] Rime and Greg welcome to the show!

[03:14] They talk about how modern technology has brought them all together from three different areas, Paris, New York, and Maryland.

[03:31] Greg talks about speaking at Engage and what his topic of discussion was.

[04:14] He shares with us his role at Rime's company.

[04:49] Rime tells us about when she decided she wanted to be a designer, designing gowns for her barbie dolls and re-doing fashion catalogs.

[08:02] She discusses being sure that she wanted to be a designer from age 4.

[08:58] At age 18, she told her father she wanted to be a fashion designer, but he thought she was too immature.

[10:45] She felt empowered by paying her way through school.

[11:35] How did you go about finding your own voice?

[12:26] Rime speaks about launching her first company in 2007 because she didn't want to work for others. She says it was a mistake at that time.

[13:34] Once she closed her business, she went to work with others to learn how to effectively run a business.

[14:15] She talks about her friends asking her to design their gowns for them because she had a different style than the norm.

[16:13] Rime talks about her fashion blog and her ideal for the perfect wedding design.

[17:24] Why she chose the phrase "bridal house for rebel goddesses."

[19:21] Her father was her role model for what an entrepreneur should be. He raised her to be a strong woman.

[20:12] In 2011, she expanded the bride's experience by introducing the ceremony collection.

[22:04] Her first bridal week, in New York, was in 2016. She said it was a dream, and she recorded it live for Facebook.

[23:17] She chats about how Megan Markle was the first celebrity to order one of her designs and how she has helped her line.

[26:19] What is the process like when you choose a new line?

[27:00] What is your technique for pulling out what you need to tell the story?

[28:16] Rime talks about the vulnerability of her brides.

[29:14] Her advice for a bride looking for a gown.

[30:14] What is your advice for planners dealing with brides?

[32:31] Greg talks about what he thought Rime's business needed when he got involved with it.

[35:02] What were the first steps you took in her company? Did you have a plan?

[37:58] Greg speaks about dealing with Rime's twenty employees and the challenge of them accepting change.

[40:01] They discuss how much The Wedding Biz episodes with Cindy Novotny have helped them through this process.

[41:27] How did you incorporate Instagram into your business? Did you have a strategy?

[44:13] Rime talks about how many times a day she checks Instagram and how she still engages with her viewers.

[45:17] Greg says that humility is essential because they are in the relationship business.

[45:55] Where do you both see the company five years from now? What are the challenges?

[48:30] Rime and Greg, thank you so much for being on the show!!

LINKS & RESOURCES

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

How to Find Rime

Rime Arodaky

@rimearodaky

Instagram | Twitter

@rimearodakyparis

Rime on Vimeo

How to Find Greg

Greg on Vimeo

Greg's Website

Greg's Workshop

Greg@gregfinck on Instagram

Greg@gregfinckphotographie on Facebook

Mentioned

Greg Finck on The Wedding Biz

Cindy Novotny Part 1 on The Wedding Biz

Cindy Novotny Part 2 on The Wedding Biz

Edgar Zamora on The Wedding Biz

211 THE NEXT LEVEL: SHANNON LEAHY discusses ADAM SCHAEUBLE - Using Instagram to Grow Your Audience Dec 11, 2019

Show notes

The Next Level welcomes Shannon Leahy to the show. Shannon is the owner of Shannon Leahy Events, based out of San Francisco and Los Angeles. She designs weddings and events worldwide and has been named one of the top wedding and event planners in the world by Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Harpers Bazaar. Shannon has also authored an online course called WED School to teach aspiring wedding professionals about the world of high-end weddings and event design.

Although Adam isn't in the events industry, he has a lot of great ideas on how to most effectively use Instagram. He speaks about how to improve your Instagram presence, gives great tips on how to engage followers, and advice for people who conduct workshops or even just a creative way to partner with friends in the industry. He also talks about IGTV and how to use this to your advantage to gain followers.

Have you ever left a voice DM instead of just writing a message? Andy and Shannon give their insights to Adam's thoughts on why a voice DM is better, his ways of using Instagram Live, how to use Q & A's to engage followers, and conduct mini-summits. They also discuss the fact that posting on IGTV will significantly help you grow your audience.

Listen in as they bring out the highlights of this very informative interview. If you are as in the dark about all the ways to use Instagram as we are, you need to listen to Adam's interview on The Wedding Biz. Take notes because he gives step-by-step instructions ...you can't miss this episode.

Show Highlights:

[00:59] Welcome to the show Shannon!
[02:32] Shannon talks about Instagram being huge for her business and how she uses and benefits from it.
[03:46] Do you personally run your own Instagram page?
[04:30] They chat about Adam's idea of leaving voice DM's instead of a written message.
[06:25] Have you ever done a split-screen interview or Q & A on Instagram?
[08:10] Shannon says everyone should ask themselves, what am I using my Instagram for? Is it up to date?
[10:13] They discuss using Instagram as a platform to have weekly live mini summits.
[12:20] You can use IGTV to post videos of what is happening behind-the-scenes at your events. The algorithm is heavily weighted in favor of these videos.
[13:42] Shannon agrees with Adam about using smaller-volume hashtags instead of high-volume ones.
[15:30] She believes that using the old school way of engaging your audience by following, liking, and commenting seems to be the most effective.
[15:43] Thank you so much for being on the show today.

Follow The Wedding Biz on Social:

Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment

How to Find Adam

Casting The Pod

Million Pound Mission

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210 ADAM SCHAEUBLE: Using Instagram to Grow Your Audience Dec 09, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Andy is speaking with Adam Schaeuble. Adam is the host of the top-ranked podcast, The Million Pound Mission, where his goal is to inspire one million pounds of healthy results. However, Andy met Adam at PodFest 2019 in Orlando, where Adam gave a dynamic presentation on expanding your Instagram presence. Since wedding and event industry professionals use Instagram more than any other social media platform, it is fascinating to have Adam on this episode of The Wedding Biz.

Have you ever thought your Instagram page could do more? Listen in as Adam gives tips that event professionals can use to increase their audience on Instagram. Asking questions, an Instagram story poll, use voice messaging, and how to use an Instagram live event quiz to grow your audience. He also explains how bringing in other people to your live event can get you exposure to not only your audience but also theirs!

Adam discusses Instagram TV and how to use it to your advantage for your events, or by showing behind-the-scene videos. Learn how to use Instagram Live as a brainstorming tool and how having a unique hashtag can help put your page higher in the Instagram algorithm.

If you want to use Instagram to grow your audience, this is the episode for you! Adam gives expert advice, tips, and tricks about Instagram, Instagram TV, and Instagram Live. He is willing to share with us what he has learned, so if you are ready to grow your audience and business sit back, relax, and learn.

Show Highlights:

[04:06] Welcome to the show, Adam!

[05:45] Adam speaks about how he helped his home town lose 35,000lbs, and started his first podcast.

[07:11] He wanted to grow his audience for his two podcasts, so he got involved with Instagram.

[09:19] Adam believes that the wedding and event industry is doing very well with Instagram. He has some tricks that can help grow your audience.

[10:40] He explains how the "have you ever" question works when asked in the form of an Instagram story poll.

[18:47] Another strategy he uses for audience growth is an Instagram live event quiz.

[23:58] He speaks about using a split-screen on Instagram Live so you can bring in anyone you want to talk too.

[26:02] Use this technique as a brainstorming session with multiple people so that your audience can follow.

[29:04] Another angle is that you can do a live question and answer session and leverage the algorithm.

[33:32] Adam discusses Instagram TV and how it can work for you and what to look out for.

[38:04] What is the difference between using hashtags with a bunch of followers versus using hashtags with a smaller volume?

[40:54] If you have over 10,000 followers, you can use a swipe up, but if you have less, he has some workarounds.

[42:21] Adam, what do you have available to help people learn about using Instagram?

[43:33] Thank you, Adam, for all the information you shared today.

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Title Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Kushner Entertainment