Shows
Weddings for Real313. Letting Go or Leaning In? The Leadership Gut Check You’ve Been AvoidingIf you’ve ever had that feeling about someone on your team—the subtle “something’s off” whisper in your gut—you’re not alone.In this episode, Megan is joined by her longtime COO and teammate of 14 years, Gina Johnston, to unpack one of the trickiest leadership challenges: knowing when to coach…and when to cut ties.Whether you’re leading a team of 10 or just thinking about hiring your first assistant, this is the honest, behind-the-scenes conversation every business owner needs to hear.Because sometimes, leadership isn’t about waving pom-poms. It’s about setting c...2025-04-2334 min
Weddings for Real312. Stuck or Scaling? How to Tell What Your Business Actually NeedsEver feel like your business has taken on a life of its own—and you’re not sure if it still fits the version of success you’re chasing?You’re not alone.In today’s episode, Megan Gillikin sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and content creator Vanessa Joy, whose two-decade career has evolved from darkrooms to YouTube stardom and now… clean water wells in Kenya.This one’s about growth. But not the “scale at all costs” kind. We're talking about soulful evolution—the kind that happens when you realize you’ve built something gre...2025-04-1635 min
Weddings for Real303. WTF Does Indemnity (and Other Contract Must-Knows) Actually Mean?!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...2025-01-1537 min
Weddings for Real298. Permission to Pivot: Why Changing Your Mind is a Power Move, with Jess EkstromAs business owners, we’ve all been there—those million ideas a minute, right? Some of them make it through the "friends and family board of directors," and then we decide, let’s go for it! But here’s the thing: have you ever had an idea that felt amazing at first, only to later ask yourself, What the heck am I doing?Maybe you’ve poured time, energy, and resources into something you were sure would be a game changer, only to realize it wasn’t going to make the money you hoped—or maybe it didn’...2024-11-2038 min
Weddings for Real296. What Creates Superfans? Lessons from Flaming Churros, Vet Visits, and a Dentist MeltdownClients don't just want great service. They value and prioritize experiences that stand out, that feel personalized, and that make them superfans of a brand or business. So how can you create unforgettable experiences that your clients will rave about to their friends? Today, Megan and Gina share some memorable experiences from the consumer side, and they share their tips on how it all relates to wedding pros.----Links Mentioned:Time-Saving Client Questionnaire Bundle: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/time-saving-questionnaire-bundleThe Planner's Vault Client Experience Bundle: https://www.theplannersvault.c...2024-10-2333 min
Weddings for Real292. BTS Team Workcation Reflections – Wins, Lessons, and Was It Worth It?Last week, Gina and Megan gave their insider tips on how to plan a workcation. With the planning done, they went to the beach with a lot on their plates. And today - recorded on the last night of their workcation - they share their reflections.What did they accomplish?Was it worth it?And was it amazing to wake up with much fewer responsibilities?----Links Mentioned:291. How to Plan a Workcation That Recharges Your Focus and EnergyWorkcation Ideas & Tips for Wedding Creatives---...2024-10-0235 min
Weddings for Real291. How to Plan a Workcation That Recharges Your Focus and EnergyHow do you plan an effective workcation for your team? Today, Megan and Gina give us the inside scoop on orchestrating the perfect balance of productivity and relaxation!They discuss the importance of curating workations that blend revenue-generating ideas with essential updates to team processes, plus goal setting and productivity tips.And of course, they answer the question of how you find the right location!----Links Mentioned:Workcation Ideas & Tips for Wedding Creatives-----(00:00:33) "A workation is an amazing way to blend relaxation with productivity and...2024-09-2524 min
Weddings for Real290. 10 Life Hacks for Squirrel Brain EntrepreneursIf you're anything like me, you've got all the ideas - to grow your business, to generate a viral social media post, or to wow your clients. The problem is, we don't have time to stop whatever it is that we're doing and focus on the new shiny object every time. We've got tasks and payroll and the next appointment and a to-do list that keeps piling up!So how can we get to the execution of the big ideas, while taking care of the things that need to be done?Let's find out as we...2024-09-1839 min
Weddings for Real275. How to Audit Your Life + Business to Reclaim Your JoyOn last week's episode, Megan took you on a behind the scenes journey to the beginning of this year when she was on a two day workation retreat with her friend and business coach, Rachel Sheerin. She brought a whirlwind of ideas, enough for a 30-day retreat, but along with the excitement and the ideas, she also brought lots of overwhelm, exhaustion, and panic to get it all done. She was in deep burnout, and Rachel saw right through her. And then, she made an offer to help.Today, we dive into what hap...2024-06-1227 min
Weddings for Real274. Burnout Red Flags: How to Spot Them and What to Do NextIf you listened to episode 272, you heard about Megan's burnout and why she took a pause from recording new episodes of the podcast. But that's not quite the whole story.Back in January, Megan went on a weekend retreat with her coach, friend, and business partner Rachel Sheerin. It was there that Rachel realized this wouldn't be a normal workcation.Today, Rachel and Megan share what happened, how Rachel identified the signs of burnout, and tips for what to do when burnout starts to set in next time.---Today's episode is...2024-06-0531 min
Weddings for Real272. Burnout: My Old Habits Die Screaming StoryMegan here. I'm back, and I'm inviting you into a personal reflection and behind-the-scenes look at what burnout can look like—not just as a business owner, but as a human - a human who needs to stop fighting and pushing through burnout but instead heal the root cause.I’ve talked about burnout before on the podcast:194: Ask Me Anything (About Burnout, Selling My Business, New Market, and More)55: Rachel Sheerin on Preventing Burnout and the 80-20 RuleBut this episode will be different and approach burnout from a new angle.2024-05-1517 min
Weddings for Real(Encore) How to get on a wedding venue's preferred list, with Shannon TarrantFill out this survey and give us your feedback for a chance to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card and be part of shaping the future of Weddings For Real!https://www.megangillikin.com/podcast-survey--One of the most frequent questions we get in The Planners Vault is, How can I get on the preferred vendor list at the best wedding venue in my market? Or even before getting on the preferred vendor list, how do I even get the venue coordinators to know who I am? It...2024-04-0344 min
Weddings for Real(Encore) Money Mindset for Wedding Pros, with Denise Duffield-ThomasDo you have money mindset blocks that are preventing your business from growing and preventing you from leading your best life? Maybe you believe that you don't deserve to charge more yet. Or maybe you believe you shouldn't charge more because you love what you do. Or maybe you think there's a new competitor popping up every day who charges so little, it's not worth it to raise your prices. I had some major money mindset blocks - until I discovered our guest today, Denise Duffield-Thomas.Denise Duffield-Thomas is the author of Get Rich, Lucky B...2024-03-1350 min
Weddings for Real264. How to Add Corporate Events to Your Revenue Stream and PortfolioRachel Sheerin, keynote speaker and Megan's first business coach, is guest-hosting this episode. She comes from a wedding background before shifting into corporate events and eventually speaking on the biggest stages.Today, Rachel brings on Carrie Davenport to discuss how wedding vendors can start adding corporate events to their portfolios and revenue streams.Carrie Davenport is an accomplished event planner, speaker, leadership coach, and writer with extensive experience in the corporate events, association events, and weddings. She cofounded the Association for Women in Events and currently serves as the lead meeting planner for Altria Group...2024-03-0628 min
Weddings for Real(Encore) 5 Ways to Get More Referrals in Your Wedding Business"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.' Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life." - Mary Kay AshKeep that quote in mind for this solo episode, as Megan Gillikin is giving her 5 tips for getting more referrals from your fellow wedding pros.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be...2024-02-2818 min
Weddings for Real262. What Engaged Couples Want (2024 Edition, Part 2)On this episode (listen to part 1 here), we ask engaged couples the questions you can’t really ask when they reach out to you. But we can! Questions like:How are you finding your wedding vendors? Instagram? Website? TikTok?Do you need to see pricing on the website?Do you want a consultation call, or do you just want info sent by email?How do you determine budget? And how has it evolved?What's something you wish wedding vendors would do differently?Every year we do this, and every year this is one of our mos...2024-02-2143 min
Weddings for Real261. What Engaged Couples Want (2024 Edition, Part 1)On this episode, we ask engaged couples the questions you can’t really ask when they reach out to you. But we can! Questions like:How are you finding your wedding vendors? Instagram? Website? TikTok?Do you need to see pricing on the website?Do you want a consultation call, or do you just want info sent by email?How do you determine budget? And how has it evolved?What's something you wish wedding vendors would do differently?Every year we do this, and every year this is one of our most downloaded episode. So tun...2024-02-1433 min
Weddings for Real259. 5 Tips So Taxes Don't Keep You Up at Night, with CPA Tatiana PodelWith finances, I still have blocks (listen to the intro) preventing me from fully feeling comfortable and empowered when it comes to things like tax planning, KPIs, and projections.I’ve learned through conversations with wedding pros and my own real life experiences that overwhelm can lead to avoidance, so my goal is to make conversations like this one easy to digest and not something you run the other way while covering your ears.Because as business owners, we really can’t do that. Fortunately, today’s guest Tatiana Podel...2024-01-2447 min
Weddings for Real258. Top 3 Priorities for Booking Season Success (+ Bonus Training!)Today we're tackling engagement and booking season, and I'm going to share three strategies and mindset shifts that will help your business stand out, resonate more with your ideal clients, and help you book more easily this year - no matter what vendor category you're in.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business...2024-01-1710 min
Weddings for RealWant to Make 2024 Your Best Year in Business? Join Me Next WeekWebinar: Book Better Clients and Make More Money in 2024, Jan 18th at 3PM ESTSo what is The Planner's Vault Challenge, which runs from January 16th to 18th? Is it for wedding vendors who aren't planners? YESIs it for vendors who want to generate new partnerships? YESIs it for wedding pros who want more leads? YESIs it for vendors who are feeling burned out by clients they don't want? YESIs it for wedding pros who find networking or reaching out to other vendors intimidating? YESIf you're any o...2024-01-1006 min
Weddings for Real257. Ask Me AnythingAt the end of last year, I sent out a survey to my email list asking them to share what they want more of and what they want less of in 2024. And at the end, I had a spot for them to share openly about anything they had on their mind, or share a question they want me to answer. There were so many great questions that I decided to kick off this year with a few of those questions in an ask me anything style podcast episode!We'll get into:(04:15) How can wedding...2024-01-0326 min
Weddings for Real256. 2023 Year in Review: Wins, Misses, Highlights, and Goals for 2024Megan and Jason Gillikin talk about their wins for 2023, their misses, most memorable moments, and goals for 2024. Tune in and reflect along. Share your 2023 reflections on social media @weddingsforreal.Past Year-End Recaps:2022 2021 2020 2019 2018This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new c...2023-12-2051 min
Weddings for RealYour Guide to Balancing Entrepreneurship & Relationships: Insights from Megan & Jason on the Hustle & Gather PodcastThis week, we're taking a little adventure to explore the not-so-glamorous side of balancing entrepreneurship with personal life. I'm thrilled to share an episode with you where for the first time ever my husband Jason and I teamed up as guests on another entrepreneur podcast called Hustle + Gather.This is a behind-the-scenes look at being busy entrepreneurs and parents, all while trying to keep our relationship strong. We haven’t got it all figured out yet (who does?), but we dished out some nuggets of wisdom that I think you’ll find super helpful. 2023-12-1353 min
Weddings for RealBook the Top Package, from the Own Your Business PodcastToday we’re sharing an episode of the Own Your Business Podcast, which I was a guest on earlier this year. My friend Sam Jacobson and I talk about how wedding pros can book more couples at higher packages. This has nothing to do with "sales tactics". It’s all about empathy and understanding customer needs, creating an effective pricing proposal, and challenging customers during the discovery call.----Booking more events is a good goal for any wedding pro. But as your business grows and you start filling your calendar, it’s super important to get mo...2023-12-0553 min
Weddings for Real252. Worst Client Experience, Garbage Advice, and the Mistake I Keep Making: Hot Takes with MeganIt's Hot Takes Time. I'll be talking about some common business advice that I think is garbage, my best advice for hiring new team members, one hard lesson I had to learn this year in business, the goal strategy I swear by, and the biggest mistake I see business owners making right now. Previous Hot Takes Episodes:224. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 1)225. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 2)246. Hot Takes on Tech and AI for Wedding Pros, with Dawn Richardson(02:10) The biggest mistake wedding pros are making right now...2023-11-2235 min
Weddings for RealBuilding Relationships as Your Business Superpower (Brands that Book Share)I’m getting lots of DMs and questions about building relationships and superfans and thought that sharing an episode I was a guest on from earlier this year would be a great listen for you this week! So if building more meaningful relationships that fuel your business growth is on your radar for 2024, this episode is for you!So today, you’ll be hearing from The Brands that Book Podcast with Davey Jones where I was a guest this past summer talking about creating relationships intentionally that help grow your business. -----Relationships and content...2023-11-1547 min
Weddings for Real(Bonus) Find Clarity in Your Business by Joining Our Free CoworkingClarity Coworking - November 13th-15th, 2023If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, overstretched, and like there's no time to focus on the big picture growth strategies within your business, I've got a free way to help you carve out that time next week together and help bring clarity to your growth as we head into 2023.And the best news. This solution comes with high value support, no strings attached, no pitch, and I'd love for you to join me for Clarity Coworking.---Today's episode is brought to you by The...2023-11-0606 min
Weddings for Real250. Podcast Roundup: WeddingMBA, Workcations, and Getting Off The Hustle Hamster WheelHey friends! Today's episode is a short roundup of a few things I want to share with you, including my thoughts on my upcoming trip to Wedding MBA, my recent Planners Vault Workcation, tips for you on planning your own Workcation, and a quick hitting conversation with my friend Ashley Ebert of The Abundance Group on how to know if you've hired the right team member.Resources Mentioned:Ashley Ebert's Training: November 14th, 11:00 am CT - #1 Secret to Building High-Performing TeamsWedding MBA Bash Tuesday November 7th, 6PM-8PM, Renaissance Hotel Las VegasClarityCoworking...2023-11-0128 min
Weddings for Real249. 4 Referral-Boosting Relationship Strategies for Wedding ProsAfter 12 years as a wedding planner, I can say this with deep conviction. The number one way I built my business from unknown and scrappy to respected, referred and booked out year after year - was from referrals. These referrals were what allowed me to be able to hire team members, raise our rates and eventually sell my business last year so I could focus full time on education and support for wedding pros. When I sold, we were charging premium pricing, we had venue partnerships with a few high end venues in my market and we paid zero d...2023-10-2545 min
Weddings for Real248. Messaging Matters: Exclusive Insights from Luxury Wedding PR Expert Natalie DenyseOver the years, I've had countless conversations with wedding pros about the constant challenge of nailing down their business messaging and how they are perceived in their market. While the landscape of marketing as a whole has evolved, the core issues remain unchanged.So, what's on every wedding pro's mind? I hear questions like: Where should I invest my time or growing my business?What should I showcase on my website to attract the ideal clients and repel the wrong ones?How can I guide my team to embrace our brand messaging and differentiators?We...2023-10-1837 min
Weddings for Real247. 10 Strategies for Busy Season Stress and Everyday Life Overwhelm (Megan Solo)Are you struggling to balance too many commitments with a never ending to-do list? (Raising my hand with you)Maybe you're feeling that that stress is in an all time high. and you're paddling through the Sea of Overwhelm with a leaky boat.Well today, I've got 10 stress-reducing tips to help you through!Episodes Mentioned:244. BTS of My Industry Educators' Retreat236. Life For Real Series: Miscommunications, Mental Load, and Meltdown Moments, with Couples Therapist Dr. Tracy D---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's...2023-10-1122 min
Weddings for Real246. Hot Takes on Tech and AI for Wedding Pros, with Dawn RichardsonIt's time for some more hot takes, this time with the Tech Savvy Creative, and all about the latest tech and AI trends in our industry. We’ll be answering questions like:Is AI all it’s cracked up to be? What apps are overrated, and what apps are overlooked? And maybe most importantly, what happens when dozens of people recommend hundreds of different apps and it all becomes overwhelming? Where do you even start?!?!Tech Savvy Creative | instagram | Free AI Toolkit for CreativesPrevious Hot Takes224. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 1)225...2023-10-0449 min
Weddings for Real245. Unraveling, with Michelle NorwoodThe Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Michelle Norwood, New Orleans based international event planner. Michelle has been featured in Vogue, the New York Times, Martha Stewart Weddings, and BRIDES magazine, and she makes it look simple taking only 6 to 8 weddings a year. But as you'll hear, her journey has been anything but easy.For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 w...2023-09-2741 min
Weddings for Real244. BTS of My Industry Educators' Retreat #YachtForRealRecently one of small-group coaching students said to me, "Megan, when I think about you and other educators, it's like you're floating by on this deluxe yacht, living the life. You're all 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,' sipping champagne and getting fed grapes. And here I am, clinging to a capsizing dinghy with a single oar, just praying a tidal wave of new to dos doesn’t come out of nowhere."Fun imagery, but spoiler alert, there is no yacht. Sure, the boat might look bigger from a distance, but let me tell you—it's got...2023-09-2046 min
Weddings for Real243. How this photographer made $9M in digital downloadsI’ve heard this question from a lot of you out there listening and engaging with us on social media, and from a lot of members of The Planner's Vault community: How can I generate money while I sleep? How can I get paid on more than just my time? Two weeks ago on episode 241, Kendra Swalls came on to share her ideas on generating affiliate income. Well today, we’re taking it a step further by diving into all things digital downloads - ways to monetize your knowledge while you dream about ways to spen...2023-09-1356 min
Weddings for Real242. Stepping into Education in the Wedding Industry, with Laylee EmadiHave I ever told you about the required public speaking class I put off until my last semester of undergrad? I was shaky nervous, and the speech on how to make a latte? It didn't go so well. I've evolved since then, but I still get nervous every time I get on stage. Maybe you're in the same boat, or you want to know how to tiptoe into public speaking. So today, we're bringing on an expert, as we dive into public speaking and stepping into education within our industry. We'll tackle common fears, help you decide...2023-09-0636 min
Weddings for Real241. Double Your Revenue, Not Your Work: A Guide to Affiliate Income, with Kendra SwallsYou're in a high-stress industry, your weekends are gold, and nobody's got time for filler content or fluff. That's why today's topic is super relevant - we're diving into affiliate income. Yep, we're talking about ways to diversify your income streams without doubling your workload. By the end of this episode, you'll have a toolbox filled with ideas to not only elevate your client's experience but also add a new revenue stream. And the best part is, you can do this without sacrificing another weekend. So if you've been trying to figure out how to increase the n...2023-08-3051 min
Weddings for Real240. Legit Strategies for Marketing in the Messy Middle, with Tayler Cusick-HollmanThe Messy Middle - it's one of those business owner struggles that we all go through. And over the years, with the rise of more social media platforms and more places than ever before to show up, yet no more magical hours added to our days... creating a marketing strategy in the messy middle feels like a vague and far-reaching concept that can make you want to put your head in the sand and pretend it's not necessary. But of course, it is, and I've got you covered.In today's episode, my guest, Enji...2023-08-2353 min
Weddings for Real239. Use This Strategy to Stand Out in a Crowded Wedding Industry: Insights with Emily CoyneHave you ever wondered what makes a truly unforgettable experience stand out from the usual client interactions that often end up looking pretty much the same? It's not just the fancy website or the five-star venue or the fancy menu. The answer might surprise you, but it's all about intuitive service and brand standards. It's about understanding that clients aren't just looking for transactional interactions, but for a deeply personalized and memorable journey, and brands like the Ritz, the French Laundry, and The Four Seasons know this all too well.Brand Standards are not SOPs...2023-08-1657 min
Weddings for Real238. Unraveling, with Natalie FrankeThe Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Natalie Franke, cofounder of The Rising Tide Society, Chief Evangelist at Honeybook, host of the Independent Business Podcast, and author of Gutsy: Learning to Live with Bold, Brave, and Boundless Courage.For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"193 with Rachel DeAlto197 w...2023-08-0949 min
Weddings for Real237. The Life for Real Rollercoaster Ride with Megan and JasonOver the last five years, I've spent countless episodes diving into the behind the scenes of working in the wedding industry. But in this special Life for Real series, I decided to take a meaningful detour to explore and dive deep into some of the harder to navigate aspects of life itself. And let's just say it's been quite a rollercoaster ride - from battling burnout to fostering resilience, managing personal finance, and understanding the complexities of ADHD, Life for Real has been a transformative experience - not just for me, but for all of you, my amazing listeners...2023-08-0244 min
Weddings for Real236. Life for Real: Miscommunications, Mental Load, and Meltdown Moments, with Couples Therapist Dr. Tracy DToday's episode focuses on our life partners. That’s right, we went there, with psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleigh, who’s letting me ask her all the questions on how stress in a relationship can affect how you show up professionally, the mental load that we share with our partners, meltdown moments (ok MY meltdown moments), and how to have the difficult conversations so they don’t lead to blowups. Let's get uncomfortable!I Didn’t Sign Up for This: A Couples Therapist Shares Real-Life Stories of Breaking Patterns and Finding Joy in Relationships . . . Including Her Own2023-07-2657 min
Weddings for Real235. Life for Real: ADHD and Entrepreneurship, with Dr. Amy Teumer (part 2)In the last episode, I spoke with Carissa Kruse, and we shared our stories of being recently diagnosed with ADHD, and how it’s affected us both personally and professionally.Today, we extend that conversation in so many fascinating ways, with Dr. Amy Teumer, who you heard from some on yesterday’s episode. We get into how ADHD can be leveraged as a superpower, what we can do if our partners (in life or in business) have ADHD, and some tricks to work with our different (but awesome) brains.Dr. Amy Teumer (@amyt...2023-07-2036 min
Weddings for Real234. Life for Real: ADHD and Entrepreneurship, with Carissa Kruse and Dr. Amy TeumerEarlier last year, my life changed when I was officially diagnosed with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I always felt that my brain functioned differently than others - I would forget things easily, I would try to complete 7 different tasks at the same time, I would leave a slime trail as my mom would say, and my brain could never shut down even when it was time rest or be “off the clock”. It turns out, I'm not alone. Less than 20% of adults with ADHD are even aware they have it, and only about a fourth of those...2023-07-1945 min
Weddings for Real233. Life for Real: Are you a Saver, Spender, Avoider, or Money Martyr?Today we're navigating a topic that can cause quite a few of us to squirm: our relationship with money. But I’ve got good news, this won’t be one of those discussions that stresses you out. Instead, you’ll laugh, learn, and leave feeling more empowered to take action based on what you learn about yourself. So are you a spender, saver, avoider, or do you find yourself playing the financial martyr? And are you different personally and professionally? Let's find out from fractional CFO Shanna Skidmore.Blog Posts:My Monthly Money Workflow // How I organize m...2023-07-1257 min
Weddings for Real232. Life For Real Series: Adding Resiliency to Your Emotional Toolbelt with Hannah AbadToday and for all of July, we’re going to do something a little different here. Instead of Weddings for Real, where the content is for wedding pros specifically, this series in July is about life in general. Life for Real. The things that happen, the way that we show up as entrepreneurs, all of the things that we're carrying and the mental load that comes along with it. We have some great guests lined up, including today's guest, mindset and growth strategy coach Hannah Abad, founder of Prime Collaborative.---Today's episode is brought to yo...2023-07-051h 06
Weddings for Real231. The Yays and Nays of Building Your Brand, with Emily FosterThree of my favorite episodes - and our most popular - are the ones where we had a chance to ask engaged couples exactly what they’re looking for in vetting their wedding vendors (episodes 48, 94, and 211). Well today, we’re talking to a brand strategist who also knows what couples want - because she just went through an engagement herself. She's Emily Foster, and she's sharing the yays and nays of how you may be portraying your business and attracting your ideal clients.Emily Foster Creative | instagram | Emily's Elevated Website Checklist---Today's epis...2023-06-2839 min
Weddings for Real230. Navigating Dual Careers: A Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur on Balancing Day Jobs and DreamsWe are all juggling a lot of things and wearing quite a few hats in our day-to-day lives. If you feel like you’re drowning in your to-do list or feeling pulled with how to divide the hours you have within a way- then this episode is for you. We’ll dive into what it looks like to be a multi-passionate entrepreneur, why a common myth in our industry is causing stress for many entrepreneurs and we’ll chat about some highly actionable productivity tips!Our guest is Katy Murray, who has a lot going on - full-t...2023-06-2144 min
Weddings for Real229. Lynn Easton shares her secrets for ultra-luxury weddingsOur guest today is an absolute legend in the wedding industry, the one and only Lynn Easton. Her resume alone will blow you away- she’s the owner of Easton Events where she produces 8 ultra-luxury events per year, plus she co-owns several properties including Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards in Charlottesville VA and Zero George Street boutique hotel in Charleston SC. Lynn has some hot takes on what wedding pros need to do - not just to make it, but to be the best in your market while avoiding burnout. Lynn's 25 years of i...2023-06-1441 min
Weddings for RealEncore: Navigating Education Overwhelm for Wedding ProsI've heard you loud and clear - you're overwhelmed by all the wedding pro educators out there, and you're not sure who to listen to and what to do. What could be valuable learnings wind up leaving you frustrated and paralyzed. So what can you do about it? Join me today for five tips on how to identify who to listen to and what content you should be consuming to help you take your business to the next level.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who a...2023-06-0719 min
Weddings for Real227. Tackling Content Overwhelm Using AI, with Davey JonesIt's time to talk about content strategy, which I know can feel super overwhelming. You feel the pressure to create content and show up basically everywhere…. Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, podcasts, blog posts, newsletters, and other places we're not even aware of. How do you do all of that? And then, what about all the AI resources like Chat GPT that can be helpful but a little scary - how do we leverage those to maximize the impact of our content?Let's find out from today's guest, Davey Jones (Davey and Krista, Till Agency, Brands That Bo...2023-05-3144 min
Weddings for Real226. Is it you or is it them? How to know when to fire “THAT” clientIf you’ve been in the wedding industry for really any length of time, you’ve probably had a nightmare client or two who sucked the life out of you and left you questioning whether or not you want to be in this crazy industry. I get it, I too have been there and have the t-shirt, the gray hairs, the extra wrinkles and the negative review to show for it. In our industry, we have a ton of pressure to deliver an exceptional experience for each and every client and we sometimes find ourselves working with clients that have...2023-05-2448 min
Weddings for Real225. Wedding Industry Hot Takes with Terrica (Part 2)It's Terrica. It's wedding industry hot takes part 2. No need to say more.Part 1Terrica's $9/mo Wedding Pro Workshop---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and...2023-05-1737 min
Weddings for Real223. Lessons Learned from Marriage and EntrepreneurshipToday we bring back Jason Gillikin, my partner of 13 years and fellow entrepreneur. Life gets pretty hectic when you're growing businesses, raising kids, and trying to stay connected to each other. So what are some speed bumps we've faced and lessons learned along the way? Episodes Mentioned:82 and 83 with couples' therapist Christian CharetteToday's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for...2023-05-0339 min
Weddings for Real222. From Clicks to Customers: Writing Copy that Converts, with Lucy BedewiHow can we guide our potential clients to take that next step? Maybe they see our Instagram post or TikTok or our website, or maybe even an ad on TheKnot. And when they do, how can we take them from seeing copy we’ve put out there, and then jump to the next level? Today's guest, Lucy Bedewi, has some copy writing tips for us.My Write Hand Woman | Find Your Brand Voice QuizThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site...2023-04-2634 min
Weddings for Real221. The Right Time to Add to Your Sales Team, with Kelly Ann PeckOne of the most challenging questions I get asked in my coaching conversations is, “When do I know when it’s time to add to my team?” If you’re hiring a team member, how do you know what position do you hire for? And is it even possible to hire someone to sell for you?And even when you have all the information and you’re ready to make a move, how do you find the right person?It’s not an easy decision to make but let’s hel...2023-04-1930 min
Weddings for Real220. 4 Steps for Having a Brand that Books, with Amanda ShumanIf I was on stage at Wedding MBA in front of hundreds of your peers, and I chose your website to display on the big screen, how would you feel? Would you be proud? Would you feel like your website images, design, and copy fits your brand? Or would you feel at least a little dread and shame because you know it’s time for a brand refresh?Branding isn’t easy, but as you evolve as a business owner, so too does your brand. So today, we’re talking about a four step strategy...2023-04-1242 min
Weddings for Real219. 5 Truths Every Business Owner Needs to HearToday we're celebrating five years of the podcast (!), so it's time for a fun and reflective episode on five truthbombs every business owner needs to hear.Episodes Mentioned:120: The 4 People You Need in Your Circle of Trust202: Navigating Education Overwhelm for Wedding ProsThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event...2023-04-0539 min
Weddings for Real218. Unraveling, with Neillie ButlerThe Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Neillie Butler, owner and executive planner of Mariee Ami, an event production company that brings multi-day celebrations to life, no matter the destination, scale, or complexity.For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"193 with Rachel DeAlto197 with Sandra Cassios208 with B...2023-03-2943 min
Weddings for Real217. Leaning into Community to Grow Your Business: Megan on The Women's Social Club PodcastThe Planner's Vault doors are open! Come join us!----Recently I was a guest on The Women’s Social Club Podcast, a women supporting women community and membership with 15 locations including New York City, Chicago, and Washington DC. Some of you have heard my journey before, but one thing I noticed when listening to this episode is that I have the tendency to keep myself small, and I consider this one of my biggest challenges I’ll continue to tackle day by day - but it’s those voices of support in my life that push me to r...2023-03-2236 min
Weddings for RealThe Power of Visibility: Tips to Increase Your Reach and Attract More Clients (+ FREE Challenge for Planners)Join The Wedding Planner Success Sprint - Monday March 20th to Wednesday March 22nd - a Challenge to make sure you see success and momentum in your business In today's solo episode, we're sharing low-cost and no-cost ideas to increase visibility and awareness in your business.--------This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a...2023-03-1509 min
Weddings for Real216. How to Showcase Your Genius Without Bragging: Copy Tips from Nadine NetheryWhen analyzing your own website, you want to ask yourself:Does it pass the caveman test where the user knows in 5 seconds what you do, how it will make their life better, and how they can take the next step? Are the images attractive, interesting, and a reflection of my brand? When the prospect reads the copy, does it give them all the feels? Or is it essentially the same content that they've read from every other vendor?That copy part is a huge challenge, and today we're learning from Can Do Content's Nadine Nethery on how to...2023-03-0832 min
Weddings for Real215. How Wedding Pros Can Get More Reviews, with Desiree DentOn episode 211, we interviewed couples to find out what they REALLY are looking for in the vendor vetting process. And one common theme we heard is that couples are looking for reviews - in The Knot, on Google, on Wedding Wire, in social media, everywhere.So reviews need to be a major initiative for all wedding pros. But how do we get our clients to write reviews?Let's find out from our guest today - Desiree Dent, wedding planner at Dejanae Events in Chicago.--------Episodes Referenced:62: How to R...2023-03-0146 min
Weddings for Real4 Relationship-Sabotaging Strategies to Avoid as A Wedding Pro (Megan Gillikin Solo)I say this with love... -------- Episodes Referenced: 168: How to get on a wedding venue's preferred list, with Shannon Tarrant 175: 9 tips for being a better wedding pro during busy season (Megan Gillikin solo) This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of m...2023-02-2208 min
Weddings for Real214. 4 Relationship-Sabotaging Strategies to Avoid as A Wedding Pro (Megan Gillikin Solo)I say this with love...--------Episodes Referenced:168: How to get on a wedding venue's preferred list, with Shannon Tarrant175: 9 tips for being a better wedding pro during busy season (Megan Gillikin solo)This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all...2023-02-2208 min
Weddings for Real213. BTS Planning the Engage Summit, with Tara FayToday we’re talking about Engage, the luxury wedding business summit that happens twice a year in breathtaking locations around the globe. I’ve been a couple times, and they are definitely an experience like no other. The swag and gifting experience by itself are stellar and the over-the-top wow factor of each meal, each breakout, and each painstaking design detail are unmatched. I’ve always wondered how it all comes together. How do you put on event that wows people who put on ultra-luxury events for a living?Let's find out from Tara...2023-02-1534 min
Weddings for Real212. 4 Sales Mistakes Wedding Pros Make, with Sam JacobsonWhat happens when couples inquire (we get the inquiries!), but we’re not booking as many weddings as we want? Or what if couples are only wanting to book our smallest packages? Today we're talking to Ideaction Consulting's Sam Jacobson, who gives us 4 reasons our inquiries are NOT converting into clients.Free Workshop with Megan and Sam: Why Couples Don’t Book Full Planning (And what to do about it!)Episodes Referenced:133: Selling Styles for Wedding Pros, with Ideaction’s Sam Jacobson73: Relator, Analyzer, Boss, and Dreamer: How to Sell To and Work...2023-02-0836 min
Weddings for Real211. Live Interviews: Inside the (Buying) Mind of Engaged CouplesA couple weeks ago, we went to The Merrimon Wynne Winter Wedding Showcase. The Merrimon Wynne is a historic home in downtown Raleigh that’s been converted into a gorgeous wedding venue. Inside the house and in the carriage house outside, engaged couples were walking around looking for the right wedding vendors for their big day. And if they looked like they might be willing to answer some questions about their wedding vendor search, we asked them to come on the show. We asked them questions like: Where are you finding your vendors?What's a turnoff when looking for...2023-02-0143 min
Weddings for Real210. Money While You Sleep (even in the events industry), with Kawania WootenAs much as we all love the events industry, one major challenge is that we’re service based. We need to physically be doing something to make money. Planning the wedding, DJ’ing the bat mitzvah, taking the headshots. And when every event is over, we need to keep moving on to the next one. In the service industry, there’s no real way to make money while you sleep. Or is there?Today's guest is Kawania Wooten, owner of Howerton + Wooten Events and founder of The Enlightened Creative.This episode is bro...2023-01-2543 min
Weddings for Real209. TikTok Ads - An Intimidating but Untapped Market for Wedding Pros, with Mark ChapmanTikTok is a platform I have not invested my time in outside creating my profile because it’s yet another app that I feel like I have to check, and to be honest, TikTok just feels like one more thing I have to do.But I keep hearing about how great it is - from other educators that I love and respect, from wedding pros, and from my hair person… obviously - and not just for funny videos or going down weird rabbit holes. There are recipes, packing hacks, how to videos galore, and so m...2023-01-1831 min
Weddings for Real208: Unraveling, with Brian GreenThe Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Brian Green, Chief Event Architect and Creative Visionary of By BrianGreen LLC based in Atlanta. For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"193 with Rachel DeAlto197 with Sandra CassiosThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my o...2023-01-1149 min
Weddings for Real207: Stepping into CEO Mode in 2023, with Tara MelvinMany of you are running your own business, and that’s something you should be extremely proud of. It takes a lot of guts to step out on your own and take your vision for a company and turn it into your reality. It doesn’t matter whether you’re side hustling for extra spending money or you have dozens of employees - you’ve taken the risk and I applaud you for it. But when you’re leading your company, how would you define your role? Are you doing the work, or are you the visi...2023-01-0434 min
Weddings for Real206: 2022 Wins, Failures, and Goal-Setting: Megan and Jason's End-of-Year ReflectionMegan and Jason Gillikin talk about their wins for 2022, their failures, word-of-the-year, and goals for 2023. Tune in and reflect along. Share your 2022 reflections on social media @weddingsforreal.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like H...2022-12-2852 minWeddings for RealBONUS: Entrepreneur Money Stories - Creating an Exit Plan for Selling Your BusinessToday we're sharing an episode that Megan guested on - Entrepreneur Money Stories, hosted by Kickstart Accounting CEO Danielle Hayden. Enjoy, and we'll be back with a new episode next week!If you're thinking about selling your business, let's schedule time for a coaching session to talk through it.---Megan Gillikin is the founder of The Planner’s Vault, an educational resource and community for wedding planners, and the host of the Weddings for Real podcast. After running a successful wedding planning business for 12 years, Megan now devotes her time to helping the ne...2022-12-2153 min
Weddings for RealBONUS: Wedding Industry Insider - Stick Your Foot in the Door Before it Shuts, with Megan GillikinToday we're sharing an episode that Megan guested on - Wedding Industry Insider, hosted by Eddie Babbage, CEO of Timeline Genius. Enjoy, and we'll be back with new episodes soon!---Stuck in fear about your business? Megan Gillikin talks about making the decision to succeed - and explains how to get your foot in the door with local vendors. In this episode, Megan shares about the lessons she gained from purchasing and rebranding an existing wedding planning business. Specifically, she talks about how she uses the experience to now help other wedding planners achieve their business...2022-12-141h 07
Weddings for RealBONUS: Megan's Unraveling on the Women on Work PodcastToday we're sharing an episode that Megan guested on - Women on Work, hosted by Alysia Eve and Liz Fuller. Enjoy, and we'll be back with new episodes soon!---As we get further in our careers and lives, we all encounter a space where transformation is necessary to find success and personal fulfillment — however we define that. Sometimes we even find what brought us success previously is now holding us back. In this episode Alysia and Liz talk to Megan Gillikin — successful entrepreneur, mothers, and host of the popular podcast Weddings for Real — on the hustle of ent...2022-12-0734 min
Weddings for Real202: Navigating Education Overwhelm for Wedding ProsI've heard you loud and clear - you're overwhelmed by all the wedding pro educators out there, and you're not sure who to listen to and what to do. What could be valuable learnings wind up leaving you frustrated and paralyzed. So what can you do about it? Join me today for five tips on how to identify who to listen to and what content you should be consuming to help you take your business to the next level.Join Brandee Gaar and me to discuss this topic, Monday December 5th at 3:30EST on the Weddings for R...2022-11-3018 min
Weddings for Real201: The Secret Language of Brand Archetypes to Attract Your Ideal Clients, with Kaye PutnamLet me ask you a couple tough questions - What is your innate brand advantage over your competition? Are you unique, or are you swimming in a sea of sameness? If you’re just starting your business, you might not really know what your brand is or where to even begin. If you’ve been at it for a while, you might be so head down in the day-to-day that you don’t pause often enough to reevaluate what your brand actually is, and how that brand is being used to attract (or potentially even repel) your ideal clients.2022-11-2329 min
Weddings for Real200: Wedding MBA Recap + Craziest Wedding Stories on Episode 200!Last week, we were at Wedding MBA in Las Vegas, and it was memorable to say the least - and at some points it felt like an out-of-body experience. I had two presentations this time, with one of them on the main stage which was juuuusstt a bit intimidating. Today we talk about the journey from rejection to the main stage, the experiences of Wedding MBA 2022, and then we get to hear from you. That's right, we interviewed 10 planners at the Convention Center and from our Tacos & Tequila Party, and asked three questions:Can you share a...2022-11-1634 min
Weddings for Real199: Fear, Fundraising, and Finding a Niche: The Merri Story, with CEO Randi BushellStarting a small business is not for the faint of heart. There’s fear that you’re not the right person to lead a company. There’s uncertainty that you’ll ever be able to make as much money as you did in your corporate job. There’s doubt that anyone will book you or that you can sustain the mental health hurdles running a small business requires. If you’re with me as a small business owner, congratulations on getting this far, and we see what you’re going through! Today, we hear from Merri CEO Randi Bushell - who went thro...2022-11-0238 min
Weddings for Real198: Unpopular wedding industry opinions, with Shean StrongWe all have some opinions about the wedding industry that might be considered unpopular. But as I say in the intro, this podcast is a safe space to dish about the real of our industry. And someone who’s not afraid to give his opinion is amazingly talented and hilarious Atlanta based florist Shean Strong. If you’re not driving, follow Shean on instagram and check out his highlights called Opinions, Lil Kim, and Rat Saga - highly recommended.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online memb...2022-10-2647 min
Weddings for Real197: Unraveling, with Sandra CassiosThe Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Sandra Cassios, owner and lead planner at Sandra Bettina Weddings and Events, and owner of XO and Mane Gift Shop. For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie Lady"193 with Rachel DeAltoThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, m...2022-10-1934 min
Weddings for Real196: Stop settling for less and get to the life you want, with Tony ChatmanEver since I got into podcasts (and believe it or not, it actually took me a while), I’ve been focused on growth: getting to the life that I want and not settling for less. If you’re listening to this podcast, I’m thinking that’s your mindset too. And that could mean so many things. A bigger house. Freedom from the 9 to 5. Working more. Working less. Spending more time with your family. Taking more vacations. Raising your rates. You know you and what you want. And if you don’t know, it's time to figure it out.2022-10-1238 min
Weddings for Real195: Business Therapy and Mindset Transformations for Wedding CEOs, with Kelly RutaOne of the reasons we started the Weddings For Real podcast and then formed The Planner’s Vault is because we want to create a community of wedding professionals who can share ideas, grow together, and avoid the feeling of being on an island with your businesses. You’re not alone. And yet, sometimes we feel like we’re the only ones who feel overwhelmed. We’re the only ones who feel like the to-do list is impossible to get through. We’re the only ones who feel like we need a break from it all. Here's the deal...2022-10-0557 min
Weddings for Real194: Ask Me Anything (About Burnout, Selling My Business, New Market, and More)A couple weeks ago, I asked you the listeners for any questions you've been wanting to ask, and I received some truly thought-provoking submissions (so thank you!). So today, I answer those questions, touching on burnout, why I refer (or don't refer) wedding pros, navigating the busy season, selling my planning business, and more!This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to g...2022-09-2824 min
Weddings for Real193: Unraveling, with Rachel DeAltoThe Unraveling series, where amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs share the unraveling of old habits and mindset that holds us back, and the rebirth of new. Today we feature Rachel DeAlto, Communication & Relatability Expert, Keynote Speaker, Chief Dating Expert at Match.com, former relationship expert on Married at First Sight, and Author of the book Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone, Anywhere (Even If It Scares You). For previous Unravelings:156157 with Adrianna McDermott161 with Aleya Harris177 with Sara Margulis184 with Andrea Eppollito188 with Ashlyn Carter191 with Kristen Mullins aka "The Pie L...2022-09-2138 min
Weddings for Real192: Entrepreneurship- Mistakes Made, Lessons Learned, and Mindset Shifts with Eddie Babbage of Timeline GeniusYou may have heard of Timeline Genius, the platform that creates beautiful, detailed wedding day timelines, saving you hours in the process. But have you heard how CEO Eddie Babbage built the company? Today, Eddie shares the mistakes made, lessons learned, and mindset shifts that led to Timeline Genius's success.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating...2022-09-1454 min
Weddings for RealHow to use empathy, authority, and authenticity to set yourself apart (Megan Gillikin Solo)According to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, the most common sentiments couples feel when planning their wedding right now are stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm that my friends. That is why we're gonna talk about how to use empathy, authority and authenticity as superpowers to set yourself apart as a wedding professional This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful e...2022-07-2713 min
Weddings for Real186: How to use empathy, authority, and authenticity to set yourself apart (Megan Gillikin Solo)According to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, the most common sentiments couples feel when planning their wedding right now are stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm that my friends. That is why we're gonna talk about how to use empathy, authority and authenticity as superpowers to set yourself apart as a wedding professionalThis episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a...2022-07-2713 min
Weddings for Real9 tips for being a better wedding pro during busy season (Megan Gillikin solo)Let's face it, this is one of the busiest seasons of your career. It feels like you don't have time for anything other than your clients, but in this solo episode, I'm giving 9 tips for you to become a better wedding pro. Pick a couple to focus on now, then come back once it slows down to implement the rest! Here’s the link to our 20+ Helpful Email Template Bundle I mentioned in the episode from our shop! This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to gr...2022-04-2015 min
Weddings for Real175: 9 tips for being a better wedding pro during busy season (Megan Gillikin solo)Let's face it, this is one of the busiest seasons of your career. It feels like you don't have time for anything other than your clients, but in this solo episode, I'm giving 9 tips for you to become a better wedding pro. Pick a couple to focus on now, then come back once it slows down to implement the rest!Here’s the link to our 25+ Helpful Email Template Bundle I mentioned in the episode from our shop! This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who...2022-04-2015 min
Weddings for Real5 ways to get more referrals from wedding pros (Megan Gillikin solo)"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.' Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life." - Mary Kay Ash Keep that quote in mind for this solo episode, as Megan Gillikin is giving her 5 tips for getting more referrals from your fellow wedding pros. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the v...2022-01-2617 min
Weddings for Real167: 5 ways to get more referrals from wedding pros (Megan Gillikin solo)"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.' Not only will you succeed in sales, you will succeed in life." - Mary Kay AshKeep that quote in mind for this solo episode, as Megan Gillikin is giving her 5 tips for getting more referrals from your fellow wedding pros.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In...2022-01-2617 min
Weddings for Real5 Hacks to Maximize Your Productivity (Megan Gillikin Solo)"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." - James Clear, Atomic Habits It's time to get serious about your business goals for this year and how you plan to achieve them. I'm going to keep this one short, sweet and packed with goodness as I share my top five hacks for maximizing efficiency in your wedding business. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking c...2022-01-1217 min
Weddings for Real165: 5 Hacks to Maximize Your Productivity (Megan Gillikin Solo)"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." - James Clear, Atomic HabitsIt's time to get serious about your business goals for this year and how you plan to achieve them. I'm going to keep this one short, sweet and packed with goodness as I share my top five hacks for maximizing efficiency in your wedding business. This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively...2022-01-1217 min
Weddings for Real162: Imposter Syndrome in the Wedding Industry (Megan Gillikin Solo Episode)I'm not good enough. Everything I have is from luck, and when people find out, they'll know I'm a fraud. Sound familiar? Today we're talking all about imposter syndrome, and 3 tips to quiet your inner critic.This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my...2021-12-1514 minWeddings for RealMegan Gillikin on the Holderness Family Podcast, "Our Wedding was NOT the best day in my life!"Megan Gillikin was the guest on the Holdermess Podcast with Kim and Penn Holderness, on their episode, "Our Wedding was NOT the best day of my life". If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to their podcast, and check out their latest viral video, "Baby Just GO outside!" Holderness Family on Social Media: Instagram: @theholdernessfamily Facebook: @TheHoldernessFamily twitter: @KimDHolderness Weddings for Real on Social Media: Instagram: @weddingsforreal Facebook: @weddingsforreal twitter: @weddingsforreal2018-12-2647 min