Bosses & Bourbon | Wedding & Event Podcast

For this minisode, I am sharing my perspective on selling - specifically focusing on finding solutions for your clients, not selling goods or services. Sounds counter-intuitive but for creative entrepreneurs that often struggle with selling, feeling smarmy or manipulative, this perspective will help change your mindset and help you grow your business. Learn the difference between your prospect's external problems and internal problems so you can adjust to create a solution the speaks to core needs. I also talk through the importance of being a trusted resource for your prospects & clients as well as the steps you can take to position yourself as an expert in your market so people are perceiving you as a commodity and shopping only on price. See Complete Show Notes Check Out Other Episodes Like what you're hearing? Leave a Review/Rating

Today's minisode answers the question - what is a marketing funnel? From the different sections to what sales and marketing activities are in these sections as well as how small businesses and their staff can break a funnel and lose a sale. I share the mistakes I see small businesses make over and over when it comes to marketing and sales and talk through the importance of thinking beyond the funnel, turning your clients into repeat clients. See Complete Show Notes Check Out Other Episodes Like what you're hearing? Leave a Review/Rating

For today’s episode, I chatted with the Chris-half of Jen & Chris Creed Photography. Jen & Chris are a laid-back wedding photography duo based here in Nashville that loves documenting real moments for joyful couples. Chris also shares my love of traveling, thinking deeply about the big questions in life and fine bourbon. So, of course, I had to have him on the show. Chris and I talked through a lot of things - not being taught to be an entrepreneur, getting caught in FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), finding routines and tactics that support you, dealing with mindset hurdles, having difficult conversations. Be sure to listen to the very end of the episode where I share a new tip from Brene Brown I recently learned related to hard conversations or 'rumbles' as she calls them. Chris also talks about the advice he’d give his younger self about define success according to you. You got to keep the real stuff in perspective and understand your business is only part of the journey. See Complete Show Notes Check Out Other Episodes Like what you're hearing? Leave a Review/Rating

In this Bosses & Bourbon minisode, I am sharing my how-to process of creating a plan for your small business for the year ahead. I use this 5-part process for my wedding & event clients as well as my own business to create a more intentional business and life. From reviewing the past year, checking in and adjusting to set goals for the next year as well as determining an accountability, this process keeps me and my clients on track and intentional about the year ahead in their marketing, business growth and success. See Complete Show Notes Check Out Other Episodes Like what you're hearing? Leave a Review/Rating

For today’s episode, I chatted with Claire White, founder and owner of White Ink Calligraphy. White Ink Calligraphy provides custom calligraphy for events, weddings, and personal projects. Claire built White Ink Calligraphy from the ground up, starting on social media (one of the many topics we dug into). She also teaches calligraphy classes and oh yeah, she has a full-time gig as a lawyer (#sidehustlegoals). As a relatively new business owner, Claire shared how she built her business around a creative passion while balancing a full-time gig as well as how she uses social media to connect with her clients and grow her business. We dug into some big topics,too - privilege, capitalism, the patriarchy - but it was Claire’s perspective on #girlboss that was eye-opening for me so be sure to listen for that. Lots of meaty stuff in this episode and I really appreciated Claire’s fresh perspective vs my more veteran take on things. See Complete Show Notes HERE.

In today's mini-episode, I am sharing the top 5 mistakes that I see small businesses make in the marketing. From not being consistent to staying too close to your comfort zone, these are the marketing tactics that can stall your growth and success. I also reference a previously Bosses & Bourbon podcast episode where I go more in depth on my #2 marketing mistake - building an audience in a space you don't own nor control. COMPLETE SHOW NOTES

Today’s episode features my friend and seasoned wedding planner, Sarah Goude of Regalo Design. Regalo Design has been serving clients in Middle Tennessee for over a decade as a wedding and event planner, florist and event decorator. Sarah found her way into events and weddings after a college professor re-directed her towards a marketing and business career that revealed itself as a full-blown passion. We chatted about how she built her business from scratch, her personal struggles with failure, advocating for your clients, and the importance of mindful growth in business. Sarah also shared her poignant advice for her younger self - advice that all of us need to be reminded of from time to time. See complete show notes here.

Rebecca Annastas, known to her close friends and colleagues as Becki, is the owner and chief manager of Dream Events & Catering. As a full -service event and catering company, Dream Events & Catering provides everything from sensational cuisine and entertainment to seamless planning and design for gatherings all across Middle Tennessee. Becki graduated from general manager to owner when she bought the full-service events & catering company after working for the former owner for nearly a decade. In today’s episode, we talked about being focused in your business, the perfect wedding day, transitioning a business & brand under new ownership, creating systems to manage staff and Becki’s career path through restaurants, expo lines and the hospitality industry. See Complete Show Notes here.

In today's mini-episode, I am sharing my thoughts on industry conferences and why meeting in-person matters. While these can be in an investment of money and time, there are limits to online summits and e-courses. You can also learn more about the conference I am hosting with Alyssa DiCicco of Nashville Bride Guide. The Beyond Business Conference is for wedding & event business owners that want to get actionable, get out of their own way and build their business the right way. Happening Aug 6 -7, 2018 in Nashville: www.gobeyondbusiness.co COMPLETE SHOW NOTES

In today's mini-episode, I am talking style shoots. Jen Creed (of Jen & Chris Creed Photography) and I touched on this some during our boss chat and I wanted to share the 7 key things I look to when planning and coordinating style shoots for my clients - be them wedding style shoots, brand style shoots or event photos. Setting a goal for your shoot, being mindful of contributing vendor needs and creating a plan are all part of my formula for effective photo shoots that are beneficial for all involved. Have a marketing or business question for me? Send me your questions at krista@bossesandbourbon.com. And be sure to subscribe to our podcast as well as leave a review to let me know if you like the show and what else you want to hear. Get full show notes HERE.

Jason Middleton, owner-operator of Premier | The Entertainment Company loves music and full dance floors. It’s in his blood after all, having followed in the footsteps of his dad, the Music Man. Honing his craft as a Dj and master of ceremonies, Jason’s company has grown into a respected entertainment company that now serves it’s Middle Tennessee clients with DJ’s, Photobooths & Green Screens, Lighting, Dance floors and even dance instructors - but most of all with an unparalleled committed to creating a Premier experience for his clients. For today’s episode, we talked through his tested system reading a room and managing the energy of a party (again, full dance floors are his jam!), his process to fostering new talent and building a team, and how needing a website (in 2012, say what?!) turned a good friendship into a business partnership - all of which contributes to his business’ continued growth and success. See Complete Show Notes here.

In today's mini-episode, I am sharing my tactics for getting clients to leave you a review or testimonial after the event as well as what to do when you get a bad review. Listen to the episode for my additional strategies and actionable tips for wedding and event businesses regarding client reviews. And don't forget - what did you think? Review the podcast and subscribe to Bosses & Bourbon. Have a question or suggestions for improvement? Email Krista at krista@bossesandbourbon.com. See complete show notes.

On today’s episode, I met up with Jim Hagy of Chef’s Market for tea and bourbon treats (caterers are the best hosts!). A longtime resident of Middle Tennessee, Jim and I chatted about his family roots in the hospitality business and his long path to entrepreneurship which included stints with then-new concept called Cracker Barrel (for the record there are 645 stores around the USA today) as well as O’Charley’s and Pargo’s where he honed his skill as a restauranteur. Jim also shares how a research trip to California’s wine country where a hidden cafe called Jim’s Town would inspire him and his wife to open Chef’s Market. Catering would soon grow out of the cafe as clients demand as their fresh, chef-inspired cuisine at their weddings & events. After this trip down memory lane, we talked about the evolution of catering over the years, the influence of Millenials on events and where Jim looks for inspiration after decades in the hospitality business. And finally, why the parties and weddings we plan do does make a difference, even if we aren’t curing cancer. See complete show notes here.

For today’s episode, I sat down with Amanda Stone - the “A” of A&M Events. We talked about her entrepreneurial parents (making her a natural business owner), how she found her footing and passion for the event industry and the benefits of a business partnership. And then we dug into the stuff - sexism, ageism, generational challenges in business and knowing the work you do matters (even when it involves pretty things). While we didn’t chat over drinks, it was an enlightening and timely conversation nonetheless. See complete show notes here.

In today's mini-episode, I am sharing my thoughts about wedding blog, Style Me Pretty's decision to close up shop, what this says about the state of the wedding industry and how wedding pros need to respond (hint: focus on what you own and not what you rent in business). Listen to the episode for my actionable advice for wedding and event businesses alike that want to build a company that will sustain and adjust to evitable market changes. Have a marketing or business question for me? Send me your questions at krista@bossesandbourbon.com. And be sure to subscribe to our podcast as well as leave a review to let me know how you like the show and what else you want to hear. Get full show notes HERE

For today’s episode, I visited with the lovely and talented Jen Creed of Jen & Chris Creed Photography. While still a teenager, Jen started shooting and over time her side hustle hobby became a grown-up business, one she now runs in partnership with her husband, Chris. Chris was our pre-conversation bartender so we first had to talk about delish drinks (recipes are noted in the show notes so be sure to check it out at the link below). After reminiscing about poorly chosen college majors, we discussed the challenges and benefits of having a business with your spouse, how Jen finds inspiration that keeps her connected to her why and some cool ways past couples has personalized their wedding days. We also chatted about style shoots, current photography trends and creating an intentional business. See complete show notes here.

Introducing Q&A with Krista! In today's mini-episode, I answer one of the most common questions I get asked - 'How do reach more wedding and event clients?' (a.k.a 'How do I book more business?') While I do share my current favorite marketing tools to reach engaged couples and people planning an event, I also share the core questions you need to be asking yourself before you get too committed to any marketing tool or platform. Have a marketing or business question for me? Send me your questions at krista@bossesandbourbon.com. And be sure to subscribe to our podcast as well as leave a review to let me know if you like the show and what else you want to hear. Get full show notes HERE.

For today’s episode, I sat down Robyn Bass at her Nashville office to talk shop over coffee (too early for bourbon!). Robyn is the CEO and owner of destination event management company, Maple Ridge Events. Robyn’s path into the event industry began after a short live dream to be a country music singer. When a career as a country music superstar wasn’t in the cards, Robyn began working for local restaurants and event companies, cultivating the knowledge and passion that serves her now. It was a natural disaster that became the catalyst for her transition to business ownership. We talk through how a not so great job connected her to the key players of her current success, how failures are where you learn the best (and hardest) lessons and how building a team around the company culture she envisioned has helped her take her company to the next level. Plus some notes on luck and her extensive home bourbon collection. Pretty sure our next conversation will be at her place! Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn and learn more about Maple Ridge Events by visiting their website. See complete show notes here.

For my very first episode, I had long-time Nashville industry pro, Adam Loeffler of Details Nashville, over to my office for a chat and a bit of bourbon. His multi-media company specializes in Wedding & Corporate Photography & Videography as well as Photo & Video Booths. We talked about Adam’s start in the industry, how he sets and measures goals for his company and the things he considers when making important business decisions. That and why he uses personality tests and sometimes day drinking to maximize the efforts of his team. Connect with Details Nashville at their website and as he mentioned, Adam can be reached at adam@detailsnashville.com. While we didn’t have time to touch on this, I recommend checking out his food truck Califarmia, too. Get full show notes HERE.

Welcome to Bosses and Bourbon, a truthcast of real wedding and event bosses, talking shop, swapping the stories & strategies that make their business successful. In today's preview episode, learn more about your host of the podcast, why she created Bosses & Bourbon as well as what listeners can expect from future episodes. Krista Chapman of Path & Compass, marketing & strategist to the wedding & event industry works with a lot of smart, hard-working bosses in her consulting work. Entrepreneurs that you’ve never heard of that are rocking out their independent wedding & event businesses. Owner-operators that have created solutions and strategies that WORK. Listen to these candid conversations where Krista and her guest boss, talk shop (maybe over bourbon) and get real about running a successful business in today's wedding & event industry.