Elevate to Impact (Amanda Shuman)

We're diving deep into the world of identity marketing with the fiery and brilliant Veronica Romney. If you've ever wondered how brands like Harley Davidson inspire such intense loyalty that people tattoo their logo on their bodies, or how Taylor Swift created the phenomenon of "Swifties," you're in for a treat.

Veronica breaks down the difference between brand identity and identity marketing, explaining how the latter taps into the core of who your customers are or aspire to be. We explore examples from various industries and discuss how even service-based businesses can leverage this powerful strategy.

But it's not all theory - we get practical too. Veronica shares insights on how to uncover your customers' identity markers and how to measure the success of your identity marketing efforts. We also touch on the potential pitfalls, like tying your brand too closely to a single leader.

What I love about this conversation is how it challenges us to think beyond traditional marketing approaches.

Whether you're a wedding planner, a luxury service provider, or any type of business owner, this episode will give you fresh perspectives on connecting with your audience on a deeper level.

Links mentioned:

Veronica's website: veronicaromney.com

Instagram: @v.romney

The wedding industry is an echo chamber. Ideas quickly catch up like fire, and everyone is doing the same thing before you know it. This can work for your benefit. I’m sharing with you today a few marketing strategies to help you get ahead of the curve or stay ahead of the curve.

Connect with Amanda:

Web: carrylovedesigns.com

IG: @carrylovedesigns

Strategy Sessions: Learn More

Find Your First Class Ideal Client Challenge: Reserve Your Spot

I'm joined by Katherine Hunter, a humanist celebrant and professional wedding officiant, as we discuss the importance of wedding vendors supporting and uplifting each other in the industry. While much of the education in the wedding community is geared towards planners and photographers, we are going to shed light on what I lovingly have dubbed the "forgotten ones" (vendors like officiants who often don't receive the same level of attention).

Katherine shares valuable insights on how vendors can contribute to creating a better community and serve each other more effectively. By understanding the concerns and challenges faced by different vendors, we can collaborate better, improve the overall experience for couples, and enhance the end product. Katherine shares her experiences and offers practical suggestions for vendors to support and uplift each other.

Tune in to this insightful conversation as we explore how vendors can work together to create a stronger and more cohesive wedding community.

Katherine Hunter – Website

Connect with Katherine – Instagram

Join us as we chat with Bianca Trevino, a successful wedding planner from Austin, Texas, and a business coach for wedding professionals. Bianca shares her journey from surpassing six figures in revenue within just two years to helping others achieve similar success. We dive into the essentials of marketing a wedding business, leveraging social media, and building robust vendor relationships. Bianca's insights focus on understanding what modern couples want and how vendors can adapt to meet these evolving needs.

The Wed Strategy

Bianca on Instagram

It’s not news to you that you need a website. But still, so many wedding pros are relying on social media for leads. Your website should be your best salesperson. In this episode, I'm laying out why your website needs to be your most powerful marketing tool and your options for every stage of business.

Take the Quiz – Click Here

Hire Carrylove Designs – Apply Here

Elevate to Impact is a podcast for wedding pros who want needle-moving business advice. If you wish to declare your CEO status and positively impact others, then you'll want to pull up your notes app. With episodes on branding, marketing, strategy, and juggling real life as a CEO and mom, Amanda Shuman is on a mission to teach you how to elevate your brand and business and impact your quality of life and bank account.

Popular branding myths may be holding your business back. Whether you're considering a rebrand or just want to strengthen your brand, we're diving into how branding affects sales, the necessity of strategic rebranding, and the misconceptions surrounding DIY branding. I'm breaking down branding myths like an episode of Myth Busters.

Work with Carrylove Designs 

Connect on Instagram

⭐️ If this podcast helps you, would you mind dropping a quick rating and review? It's like leaving a high-five for our team and helps us get more amazing guest on the podcast!

Before you head into a busy (busier) season, I wanted to equip you with a few simple time management hacks I use every week. Press play and learn how to regain a little bit of sanity while making all your friends impressed by how you keep juggling everything.

Carrylove Designs: www.carrylovedesigns.com

Connect on IG: https://instagram.com/carrylovedesigns

You could have the most amazing website in the world, but if no one visits the website, then it’s pointless. Paul Cookson said, “A website without SEO is like a car with no gas.” If you’ve looked at your Google Analytics & your website traffic isn’t where you want it to be, or you’re interested in getting more visitors to your website each week, then this episode is for you.

Get your Ticket to the Guide to Getting Published Masterclass with Kristen Green

Message me on IG @carrylovedesigns

We're getting personal on the podcast today! In this episode, I'm recapping my 2023 marketing strategies and giving a sneak peek into our 2024 plans for CLD.

Your support and engagement mean the world to me, and I'm committed to bringing you more valuable content through the Elevate to Impact podcast this year. Your reviews and sharing of the podcast have a tremendous impact, and I'm grateful for your continued support.

Connect with me on Instagram: @carrylovedesigns

Work with our team: Signature Experience

Tune into this episode to learn everything you need to know about marketing to Gen Z wedding couples. I am so excited to welcome Adrienna from Ava & the Bee onto the podcast. We have connected over the last few years, talking about marketing on Instagram. And then, we finally got the chance to meet in real life at the Wedding Pro CEO Summit in June.

Ava & the Bee – Visit Website

Connect with Adrienna on Instagram – Instagram Profile

This episode is a goldmine for wedding professionals aiming to elevate their brands.

Meghan Ely is not only a visionary in wedding PR, but also a respected speaker, writer, and educator with The Knot and Wedding Wire. Drawing upon her 15 years of experience, Meghan demystifies wedding publicity, elaborating on how it’s not just about voicing your excellence, but also about gaining social proof through media recognition.

Meghan breaks down the intricacies of wedding PR, from identifying and utilizing the right media outlets to crafting compelling stories that resonate with your intended audience.

OFD Consulting – Visit the Website

💌 ⭐️ RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS! ⁠⁠⁠
(Go to the show, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the link that says “Write a Review”)

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and taking you behind the scenes of our high-ticket service launch. I've never shared this much about our launch process before, and I'm excited to give you an inside look at what went into creating and launching the Find Your First Class Ideal Client challenge. We'll share our initial goals, what we did, and what went well (and not so well) along the way. We'll also dive into some areas where we see potential for growth, as well as our ideas for improving and expanding in the future. Whether you're interested in the world of marketing, launching your own high-ticket service, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is not to be missed.

Connect on IG: https://instagram.com/carrylovedesigns

Check out the website: http://carrylovedesigns.com/

I'm talking with Kelli from Design to Flourish about her rebranding process. She's sharing her experience and how her life and business have transformed a year after rebranding. You'll hear:

• When she knew it was time to rebrand

• What she liked about the experience

• What was the most transformational part of the process

• The domino effect she quickly experienced

• Her increase in pricing (numbers nerd)

We're accepting applications for The Signature Experience. Click here to begin the process.

Today I'm joined by Margaux Fraise of Harmony Creative Studio. (Her name might sound familiar because she's also the host of the Wedding Summit Series.) She's launched from our Signature Experience in 2023, and she's sharing how she's booking wedding planning clients without even getting on a sales call with them. If Margaux's story inspires you, then I’ve got great news! The Signature Experience is enrolling with over $8,000 of upgrades included (upgrades disappear March 28, 2024).

 Ready to hear more? PRESS PLAY to get started
---
️🎟️ Join an Open House to get a backstage pass of what it's like to be a CLD Client: Limited Spots Available → Choose a time now

💌 Skip the Open House & fill out an application to work with Amanda → Snag Signature Experience bonuses

Links from Margaux:
Website: harmonycreativestudio.com
Connect on Instagram: @harmonycreative

I sat down with Jaime, the self-taught cake decorator and entrepreneur behind Love & Flour Bakery, to dive into her journey of rebranding and elevating her business.

From cashing out her 401k at 22 to create her dream bakery, to navigating the challenges of COVID and emerging stronger, Jamie's story is nothing short of inspiring. We chat about the transformation she experienced through rebranding, and how it helped her refocus her business goals and create a truly luxe experience for her clients.

But this isn't just about pretty logos and fancy websites. Jaime gets real about the nitty-gritty of rebranding - the excitement, the challenges, and yes, even the unexpected benefits. She shares invaluable advice for those considering a rebrand, including why she wishes she'd done it sooner and how to approach the process.

Check out Love & Flour Bakery: loveandflourbakery.com

Follow Jaime on Instagram: @love.and.flour and @jaimeecakescontent

The other day, I was scrolling on Instagram and caught a brief snippet of a fellow podcaster for wedding pros. The guest she had on is a super successful wedding planner. But the advice she was giving made me roll my eyes. It was a strategy that worked for her because she already had a well-known wedding planning business. It wouldn’t apply to someone who didn’t have dozens of 100k+ luxury weddings under their belt, even though she was talking to aspiring luxury planners. I want to unlock marketing secrets for wedding planners in the middle stages of their business. You’ll learn the full truth behind some of the half-baked marketing strategies you might have heard over the years.

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of branding, moving beyond the surface level of "pretty" to uncover the key elements that truly resonate with your audience. How to Build a Brand That’s More Than a Pretty (more than your logo).

LINKS

Learn how to find your ideal client in the free challenge

Send me a DM on Instagram

How do you break into the luxury market? Carrie shares her insights on breaking into the luxury market, producing high-quality images, and up-leveling your portfolio to book more luxury weddings. She also talks about helping creative entrepreneurs build authentic brands that can serve and create beauty in a perfectly imperfect world.

Carrie’s bi-coastal 13 years of experience in business and signature clean aesthetic has led her to work all over the world directing art and producing viral images. Through innovative and unique art direction, her company has produced fresh and high-profile campaigns for companies large and small. Her client list includes Fuji Films, The Ritz Carlton, Berta Bridal, The Marriott, and Zappos.

Connect with Carrie Moe:

Type A Society

Instagram

We have the incredible Renee Dalo, founder of Moxie Bright Events and the only certified life coach in the wedding industry, on the show!

We're chatting about how creating powerful first impressions goes beyond just looks. This is particularly pivotal for those targeting luxury clients. She explains how our presentation can significantly impact our business and client relationships.

This episode is not just about looking good; it's about feeling confident and ready to conquer.

Don't forget to check out Renee's guide on mastering first impressions in the luxury wedding market.

Download the Guide

Connect with Renee

Visit Renee's Website

In this episode, I will break down the 4 major components of a brand strategy, why each one is important, and how to get started creating yours. By the end, you'll be equipped with an overview of each of these keystone elements.

Sign up for the free, 3-day challenge at: www.carrylovedesigns.com/client

Tired of blending in? The wedding market is competitive. Cookie-cutter brands just won't cut it. In this episode, I'm uncovering three ways you can stand out from the crowd within your marketing. Join me as we unravel the challenges of navigating a bustling marketplace. By the end of the episode, you'll have tools you can use to emerge and stand out from your competition.

You might think, "My high-end brand doesn’t need Google to get noticed." Well, think again! Whether you're a luxury wedding photographer, an upscale real estate agent, or a boutique planner, today's episode is going to change the way you view SEO.

I have a free guide you can grab at carrylovedesigns.com/blog-toolkit. It’s loaded with video tutorials that will be a great next step after listening to this episode.

I'll be sharing why THIS is crucial for building trust, establishing relationships, and driving inquiries and bookings. Drawing on my experience as the CEO of a successful marketing agency, I'll also share real-life examples of how this has helped our clients book more clients. If you're ready to elevate your marketing and grow your business, then this episode is for you.

⭐️ Leave a 5-Star Review for a listener shoutout! ⭐️

View our Services

Connect with Amanda on IG

In this episode, we talk about new strategies wedding professionals can implement to attract and book Gen Z couples. These are easy, actionable strategies you can try using today.

As the market undergoes a significant shift from millennial to Gen Z clientele, it's crucial to adapt your marketing approach to cater to their unique preferences and expectations. Join us as we explore practical and actionable shifts that can make a substantial impact on your business.

If you liked today's episode please leave a review. I read every single one of them and would love to know what you're taking away from the podcast.

Work with Carrylove Designs: https://carrylovedesigns.com/

In a market where bookings are more challenging to close, it's essential for wedding professionals to adapt their strategies and stand out from the competition. In this episode, we dive into why lead bookings may decline and explore actionable solutions to reverse the trend. Join me as I give actionable strategies to help you attract more ideal clients and increase your booking rate.

Free Challenge: Find Your Ideal Client

Work with CLD: View the Signature Experience

In this episode, we're diving into the intricate process of navigating the ideal client journey, from the initial prospecting stage all the way to the ultimate conversion.

Tune in to this episode as we navigate the path from potential client to conversion, and equip yourself with the strategies to not only attract your ideal clients, but get more referrals. 

Join the free Ideal Client Challenge → www.carrylovedesigns.com/client

Tired of booking cheap clients? Join me for round 3 of our Find Your First Class Ideal Client challenge, then listen to how Matthew Mitchell of Mitchell Event Planning ditched Wedding Wire and got 40+ leads from his website within 120 days of launching.

 Reserve Your Free Seat

It's me—unedited. I'm calling this my 'shower thoughts' episode. I don't have a plan or agenda; I'm just giving you a peek behind the scenes before I head to my first five-figure mastermind event in Tennessee. Please leave a review if this episode was even remotely helpful/entertaining, or leave a 1-star review if it sucked.

// RESOURCES:

✅ FREE Brand + Marketing Resources  → https://carrylovedesigns.com/resources

✅ FREE QUIZ: What Stage of Business are You In?  → https://carrylovedesigns.com/quiz

✅   Brand + Marketing Workshops → https://carrylovedesigns.com/shop

I have a saying: "You don't need more clients, you need more *ideal* clients." That's our mantra for today's episode.

Ever had couples up their budget by thousands just to work with you? That's the power of attracting ideal clients. And it's not just about cash flow—think less stress, more expertise, and a tribe of loyal fans. In this episode, I'm uncovering why finding your ideal client is the key to success.

We're launching the 'Find Your First Class Ideal Client' challenge. Say goodbye to generic avatars and hello to data-backed strategies. Join us at www.carrylovedesigns.com/client

Julie Fried, with her innate understanding of the wedding industry, sheds light on customizing workflows, managing operations, and enhancing client experiences. Learn about onboarding, ongoing client engagement, and impactful offboarding. Julie’s approach isn’t just about systems; it's about building relationships and enhancing the client experience in ways that significantly benefit your business.

Work with Julie → Dallas Girl Friday

Follow Julie → Instagram

I often hear, "I don't know how you do it." And, today I'm peeling back the curtain to show you exactly how I manage my time and stay on top of everything from content planning to daily tasks. We'll start by zooming out and looking at my monthly routines, then we’ll bring it in closer to my weekly schedule, and finally, we'll get into the nitty-gritty of my daily habits.

Peek at the resources: SEE HERE

Are you ready to level up your luxury wedding business? I'm thrilled to share with you the three strategic investments I'm making right now that are propelling my business forward. And guess what? These strategies can work for your business too!

Get ready to discover actionable insights, practical tips, and real-life success stories that will leave you inspired and motivated to take the next leap in your entrepreneurial journey.

Instagram – @carrylovedesigns

Website – carrylovedesigns.com

From simplifying consultations to empowering clients in the planning journey, we're talking about the client's experience today. Learn how to navigate high-stakes scenarios, infuse joy into wedding planning, and create unforgettable client experiences in this off-the-cuff episode.

LINKS 🔗

Get on the Challenge Waitlist

DM me on Instagram

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here…there is a change in the tides regarding marketing—the largest I’ve seen since working in the field for over a decade. Tune in to this episode as I clearly explain how the wedding industry is rapidly changing and how you can pivot.

'What is the Internet?' Clip – Watch here

DM me on Instagram – Do it

Not Sponsored by Carrylove Designs

We're diving into a topic that many luxury service providers often overlook: SEO. You might think your high-end brand doesn't need Google to get noticed, but think again!

I'll reveal why SEO matters for luxury brands and how it can elevate your business to new heights. We'll explore the changing landscape of how high-net-worth individuals, especially younger generations, are using search engines to find premium services. I'll share practical tips on optimizing your blog posts and website content for SEO, including the importance of using specific entities, natural language, and personal storytelling to stand out from AI-generated content.

Free Blog Toolkit: carrylovedesigns.com/blog-toolkit

24-Point Website Audit Checklist: carrylovedesigns.com/audit

Hot take → Every person CAN raise their prices if they take a strategic approach. Are you ready to unlock the secrets to confidently raise your prices and take your business to new heights? Today, we're diving into the art of pricing, tailored specifically for the luxury wedding industry. Get ready to redefine your value and attract your dream clients!

Links from the episode:

Sabrah Shoes

Create your Signature Experience Workshop

Book Your Strategy Session

Scared to stand out in your market? Hesitant to put your personality out there? I'm talking to one of the experts on unapologetically being yourself, Francesca Cooper. She is a  Budgeting Powerhouse putting a financial spin on wedding planning. A mother of two, military spouse, and generational curse breaker, Francesca of The Eventful Gals is walking us through why to standing out is a good thing.

Don't know how or where to start when it comes to blogging? Let's change that! According to a study by HubSpot, companies that blog have 55% more visitors to their website. In this episode, we cover different parts of their buying journey, how to find good keywords, and how to show up in more search results. By the end, you will be able to create at least one monthly blog post that gets found in more Google searches.

Free Blogging Toolkit: https://carrylovedesigns.com/blogging-toolkit

Ever wondered how to make Pinterest your secret weapon in the wedding industry? This episode is your golden ticket! We're joined by Julianne Smith, the mind behind the Garter Girl and a digital media strategist who’s transformed Pinterest from an 'idea board' to a tool for wedding pros. Julianne shares her journey from political communications to revolutionizing Pinterest use. Listen to our conversation as we demystify Pinterest, revealing how it can be much more than just a mood board for your business. Hit play and let's unlock the power of Pinterest together!

Connect with Julianne: @thejuliannesmith

Connect with Amanda: @carrylovedesigns

Your website is your most important marketing tool. It should be your best salesperson, working 24/7 to drive leads to your business regardless of your price point or market. But what makes a good website & how do you know you’re ready for a new one? I will answer both of those questions in today’s episode, plus tips on getting people to take action on your website.

Grab the guide from today's episode: www.carrylovedesigns.com/rebrand

Marketing your business can feel like a never-ending cycle of needing to do more—show up more, be on more platforms, and create more content. In today’s episode, I'm joined by Joy Michelle as I share my secrets and tips for having more impactful marketing without adding more to your to-do list. This episode originally aired on Joy's podcast Called to Both.

The new year is a great time to take inventory of what you want to achieve in the next 12 months. I have a quiz you can take to understand what stage you are in and what next steps you should take to hit the next level. Head over to the quiz to take it now. Studies have shown that marketing teams that document their strategy are over 300% more likely to succeed than those that do not. So this year, I am prioritizing deliberately setting goals with a plan of action. Here is an overview of my marketing strategy for 2023.

In this episode, Amber Anderson of Refine and I discuss creating and, more importantly, sticking to boundaries as entrepreneurs. Tune in to hear how to handle bad reviews, scope creep, building value, and teaching your clients how your process works. We'll also cover how enforcing boundaries can make your clients respect you.

From Amber:

🎁 80 Expectations to Communicate with Clients document (use code ELEVATE to make it yours for FREE)
Boundary Management Kit

Connect with Amber on Instagram

⭐️ Leave a 5-Star Review for a listener shoutout! ⭐️
View our Services
Connect with Amanda on IG

Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of sales, marketing, and branding. Ever wonder what sets a successful wedding pro apart? Spoiler alert: it's all about mastering the perfect balance between making sales, crafting killer marketing strategies, and building a brand that speaks directly to the hearts of your dream clients.

I'm peeling back the curtain on how not just to become a choice for couples planning their big day, but THE choice. From Instagram growth secrets to creating an emotional brand connection, I'm spilling all the tea.

⭐️ Loved what you heard? Then, I'd be over the moon if you could drop us a review. It's super easy; just hit play, leave a five-star rating, and share your thoughts. Every review brings us closer to helping more wedding pros like you. (Scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” on Apple Podcast, and click the link that says “Write a Review”)

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Book a Strategy Intensive: https://carrylovedesigns.myflodesk.com/

Send me a DM: https://www.instagram.com/carrylovedesigns/

I'm chatting with Brandee Gaar this week on all things Wedding Pro CEO Summit. I'll learn why Brandee started this conference, its unique approach to education and networking, and its real impact on attendees' businesses.

If you're curious about what makes this summit stand out and want to hear some inspiring success stories from past attendees, then you definitely need to tune in! Get ready to discover how CEO University is shaking things up in the wedding industry.

Grab Your Ticket to the WPCEO Summit June 3 - 6, 2024 in Austin, Texas

DM Brandee on Instagram