Hi planners, welcome to this week's episode. It's one that is equal parts laughter as it is filled with nuggets of insight. Meet my next guest, Fallon Carter.

Fallon is the founder and creative director of Fallon Carter Events. She has been named one of the top wedding planners in the world by Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and Brides Magazine. Fallon is well known for connecting southern hospitality with international luxury.

As you'll hear in this episode, Fallon's journey began after helping a friend with her three-day Paris wedding. Fallon soon fell in love with the organization, logistics, and the process of planning. So she left law school and began the life of an entrepreneur, launching Fallon Carter Events in New York in 2012. Finding the joy in adventure, travel, and alfresco dining, Fallon leaned into the destination, events, and experiences.

In this conversation, you'll hear how incredibly natural it is for Fallon that she focuses on destination events and how travel is a massive part of her life, including how she's taking this year to live a nomad life in Japan, Mexico, France, Angola, and more. But one of the most interesting things about our conversation is that despite being well-known, well-respected, and highly sought after, she too struggles with perfectionism and negative self-talk. We dive into that a bit and I'm so appreciative of Fallon's honesty. We also talk about how crucial relationships and referrals are to her success and how after many conversations with planners seeking advice, Fallon has started officially offering advice for those looking to learn from her, her experience that has so often been learned the hard way.

In this episode:

• Fallon Carter specializes in destination weddings and event planning.

• Her first wedding experience in Paris ignited her passion for planning.

• Networking and referrals were crucial in her early career.

• She emphasizes the importance of having a financial safety net when starting a business.

• Fallon did not seek formal education but learned through experience and mentorship.

• Perfectionism and self-critique are ongoing challenges for her.

• Destination planning is both thrilling and stressful due to various challenges.

• She believes in the power of community and sharing knowledge among planners.

• Fallon reflects on the importance of learning from mistakes in her career.

• Her journey highlights the significance of finding one's unique strengths in event planning. Resourcefulness is key in destination weddings.

• Understanding client needs is crucial for successful planning.

• The ideal client trusts the planner and focuses on the marriage.

• Word of mouth is the best marketing strategy.

• Diversifying business can create new revenue streams.

• Mentorship can provide valuable insights and guidance.

• Every conversation can lead to mutual learning and growth.

• Future plans should align with personal passions and interests.

• Simplicity in weddings can be refreshing and meaningful.

Connect with Fallon:

Fallon Carter Events

https://falloncarterevents.com/

https://www.instagram.com/falloncarterevents

Podcast - The We Do Collective

https://www.instagram.com/thewedocollective/

Hi Planners! Recently I have been getting a lot of questions from planners about streamlining their inquiry process. The pros and cons or offering a few options or more limited options. How to suss out if the client is the right fit and so much more. It got me thinking about one of my favorite topics - the green or red flag system for evaluating if clients are a good fit for you.

So today’s episode is just that. Entitled Green Flag vs Red Flag Inquiries.

I’ll walk you through what this process is, how you can adapt it, what an important tool it is and when you should use it.

In this Episode:

• Streamlining the inquiry process is essential for planners.
• The green flag and red flag system helps evaluate client fit.
• Not every inquiry should lead to a booking.
• Reflect on past clients to identify ideal fits.
• Create a personalized flag system for better decision-making.
• Consider emotional and statistical factors in evaluations.
• Yellow flags indicate flexible considerations in client fit.
• Improving the sales process enhances quality of life.
• Tweak the flag system as your business evolves.
• Different service levels require tailored flag systems.

Ready to book more clients? Get my Sales Call Template available now. OR want to get the ful Mastering Management Template Bundle? Use code PODCAST for $20 off the bundle.

Happy Planning!

xo, Heather

Hi planners! Welcome to this week’s episode. I have something special for you and I am really excited to share it. We recorded live the Planner Panel from the Mastering Management workshop. My guests are both returning to the podcast - Christine Garrison owner of CMG Events and Candice Sanders of Engaged Events.

In addition to a great conversation, you can hear a bit about what the conversations are like at our workshops. If you want to learn more about Wedding Management, be sure to be on the lookout for the new Management Template Bundle launching soon!

In this episode:

• Budget conversations are inherently challenging and require clear communication.

• It's essential to set realistic budget expectations with clients from the start.

• Coordination should be the foundational step for anyone entering the wedding planning industry.

• Feedback from clients and vendors is crucial for building confidence in your work.

• Identifying green flags in clients can lead to more successful collaborations.

• Team dynamics are crucial in event planning.

• Hiring should focus on trust and brand representation.

• Experience in various styles enhances planning skills.

• Building relationships is key to business success.

• Clear communication sets expectations with clients.

• Balancing motherhood and work requires strong boundaries.

• Support networks are essential for entrepreneurs.

• Logistics should take precedence over aesthetics.

• Patience is vital for long-term success in planning.

• Establishing clear office hours helps manage client expectations.

• Establishing clear protocols helps manage expectations.

• Building relationships with vendors is crucial for business growth.

• Coordination services can be a distinct brand offering.

• The wedding planning industry is evolving with new roles.

• Pricing strategies should reflect the value of services offered.

• Upselling can create additional revenue streams.

• Finding your niche allows for mastery in your field.

• You can successfully offer both coordination and planning services.

Happy Planning!

Xo, Heather

Hi planners! Today I want to talk about one of the biggest struggles that every planner faces. I want to share with you one of the main reasons planners come to Planner Life Academy. Now these planners might be coaching with me, they might be taking the online course, or they might be attending an in-person workshop. But what seems to be universal when I ask these planners why they are here...one of the most common answers is to improve their confidence.

So let's talk about confidence. Let's talk about the steps we know can improve confidence.

In this episode:

• Focus on your strengths.

• Set achievable goals.

• Practicing positive self talk.

• Celebrate your accomplishments.

• Step outside your comfort zone.

• Take care of your mind and body.

• Avoid comparison to others.

• Confidence in who you are as a person.

• Confidence in who you are as a planner.

• Confidence in what you bring to the table.

I hope this helps you boost your confidence!

Happy Planning! Ready to learn more?! Visit plannerlifeacademy.com.

Hi planners, welcome to a solo episode today about the new year and the new feelings that come with it.

In this episode:

• How I push my new year start to February.
• The steps that I take to reset for this next chapter of life and business.
• What about the way we get to reset each year.
• How when you take the time to reflect and start fresh, you get to improve your personal and professional life in a really meaningful way.

This episode is supported by Planner Life Academy.

In case you didn't know, we created Planner Life Academy for planners to have the education, tools and resources we wish we had.

For me, I love sharing all the tips, tools and insight into all the little ways you can provide an amazing experience for your couples, their family and friends.

I think one of the best places to really make sure you are making a great first impression is at the rehearsal. For so many planners, the ceremony rehearsal is something that is stressful and annoying, but I love it! And I think with the right script you will enjoy it too.

So I created a free rehearsal audio recording where I walk you through exactly how I run a ceremony rehearsal. So you can have my tried and true process to create your own rehearsal script allowing you to start every wedding with confidence and making a great impression.

Get the rehearsal recording today : FREE Rehearsal Recording

Join me each week! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you will never miss an episode.

Keep the conversation going and get more free content, info on upcoming workshops and more over on @plannerlifeacademy and @plannerlifepodcast on Instagram. I love to see your tags and reposts of the episodes you are enjoying!

Ready to up level your wedding planning business? There are so many resources available for you at https://www.plannerlifeacademy.com/.

Be well and happy planning!

Hi planners! Meet my next guest, Holly Gray.

Founder and CEO of Anything But Gray Events, Holly Gray is a Los Angeles, California second generation wedding planner and community builder. As you'll learn, Holly is a former stage manager of theater, TV, improv, and she brings a fearlessly theatrical perspective and unique skill set to the event industry.

Holly is known for her use of color, creativity, and bold design aesthetics. Anything but great events weddings look and feel as unique and out of the box as the couples they are crafted for. Holly's work has been featured in Equally Wed, Green Wedding Shoes, Offbeat Bride, Black Bride Magazine, Love, Inc. Magazine, The Knot, California Wedding Day, Rock and Roll Bride, and more.

One of the many reasons I have admired Holly for a long time is her devotion to inclusivity, diversity, and she's vocal about planning weddings for ALL couples in love. We talk about that passion and how it fuels her voice for change in the wedding industry. Holly is the WIPA National Director of Membership Retention and is also a mentor of The Knot’s Fellowship of Change Program.

You will quickly learn in this episode how impressive and inspiring Holly's drive is to be herself. She shares how humor and improv have helped her find her voice and how after a few years into owning her own company, she realized by embracing who she is, what she loves would really allow her to create a brand and a company that is exactly where she should be.

Holly shares the importance of strategic networking and not being afraid to ask, how can I help you to venues and vendors that you align with. I hope in listening to this conversation, you're inspired to continue to tweak and pivot your company and your brand to be a more authentic representation of you.

Connect with Holly Gray

Website | Instagram