Planner Life Podcast | A Podcast For Wedding Planners

Heather Hoesch Olsen
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Planner Life Podcast | A Podcast For Wedding Planners

The Planner Life Podcast, your go-to destination for all things wedding planning and business mastery. Hosted by Heather Hoesch Olsen, a highly experienced wedding planner, industry educator, and your professional friend in the world of weddings. Join Heather every week as she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience gained from over two decades in the wedding industry. With a passion for crafting unforgettable moments and a keen eye for detail, Heather's journey has taken her through every facet of wedding planning imaginable. From intimate gatherings to lavish affairs, from budget-conscious ceremonies to extravagant celebrations, Heather has seen it all. But her expertise extends far beyond just executing flawless events. Heather is on a mission to empower and inspire planners like you to reach new heights in your business. Through candid conversations, expert interviews, and actionable insights, the Planner Life Podcast is your compass for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the wedding industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, tune in each week to learn, grow, and be inspired. Heather's unique blend of creativity, wisdom, and practical advice will leave you feeling confident and equipped to tackle any challenge that comes your way. So, if you're ready to elevate your skills, build a thriving business, and join a supportive community of like-minded professionals, then the Planner Life Podcast is your must-listen resource. Welcome to the Planner Life! Questions, comments or want to connect with Heather: Email: hello@plannerlifeacademy.com IG: @plannerlifeacademy @plannerlifepodcast Website: plannerlifeacademy.com

  1. MAR 19

    071: Green Flag vs. Red Flag Inquiries

    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

    15 min

  2. MAR 12

    070: LIVE from the Mastering Management Workshop - Planner Panel Discussion

    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

    56 min

  3. FEB 26

    069: Let's Talk About Confidence

    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.

    17 min
  4. 068: New Year, New Feels

    FEB 12

    068: New Year, New Feels

    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!

    14 min
  5. 067: Holly Gray, "No Is A complete Sentence"

    FEB 5

    067: Holly Gray, "No Is A complete Sentence"

    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

    46 min
  6. 066: Jessica Upton, "Travel Advisor & Planner Relationship"

    JAN 29

    066: Jessica Upton, "Travel Advisor & Planner Relationship"

    Meet my next guest, Jessica Upton. Jessica Upton is the owner of J. Upton Travel, a Austin, Texas based company that partners with wedding planners to manage all things travel for weddings and destination events.  With over a decade of experience as a wedding planner herself, Jessica knows firsthand the challenges planners face when it comes to group travel, room blocks, and hotel contracts. She works closely with planners to source the best hotels, negotiate favorable terms, and provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth travel experience for both clients and their guests. Jessica's goal is to take the stress out of the travel planning process so planners can really focus on creating the perfect event for their couples.  As you will hear, Jessica worked at a wedding venue as a hotel catering sales manager and then owned her own planning company for 12 years. It was during that time she realized she didn't want to be a planner forever. She started to dip into travel by supporting her couples in room block management, destination travel management, airport travel, airport transfers, and honeymoons. It was then she realized she would need to pick a lane and J. Upton travel was it.  I love hearing Jessica's story and insight as she educates us on the difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor. She shares more about how planners can and should have a few travel advisors to lean on for room blocks, honeymoon referrals.  But most of all, planners should have a trusted partner to help support your couple and their guests at destination weddings. Please enjoy my conversation with Jessica Upton.  In this episode, we discuss: Travel advisors and wedding planners can work together effectively. Jessica transitioned from wedding planning to travel due to personal experiences. The pandemic significantly impacted the wedding industry and planning. Modern travel advisors offer personalized services beyond just booking. Collaboration is key for successful destination weddings. Travel advisors can help alleviate stress for couples planning honeymoons. It's important to find a travel advisor that specializes in desired destinations. Building relationships with travel advisors can enhance service quality. Travel advisors can provide valuable insights into hotel logistics. The travel industry is evolving, and planners should adapt accordingly.   Connect with Jessica Website | Instagram   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! xo, Heather

    38 min
  7. 065: Ashley Thompson, The Power of Yes

    JAN 15

    065: Ashley Thompson, The Power of Yes

    Happy New Year! Meet my next guest, Ashley Thompson.  Ashley Thompson is a Las Vegas native who started Ashley Creative Events in 2017. As you'll hear in this episode, Ashley found her passion for events at a very young age when she was inspired by the events her mom would plan and host. Ashley knew weddings were the end game and she carefully created a resume to learn every bit of the event industry until she found her way to starting her own business.  Today, Ashley leads her company as the owner and creative director. She focuses on understanding her clients' priorities and carefully crafting the intentional touches and moments that reflect their vision. Ashley Creative Events has been featured in Martha Stewart, Brides, People, Style Me Pretty, Inside Weddings, The Knot, and more.  Ashley's never stop learning attitude included Planner Life Academy online course, which is when I was introduced to her and her brand. Watching her grow, evolve, and shine over the years has quickly turned me into an Ashley Creative fan. Ashley's passion for events and love for hospitality are so evident in the events she produces. In our conversation, she mentions what an absolute honor it is to be someone's planner. And she talks about how saying yes early on in her career and even still today have had such a positive impact.  We chat about bringing on a full-time right hand and the massive turning point that was for her business. We chat about percentage-based pricing and we talk about what planners should wear at the luxury, ultra luxury level.  Please enjoy my conversation with Ashley Thompson.    Connect with Ashley Creative Events Instagram | Website

    44 min
  8. 064: That's A Wrap on 2024

    12/19/2024

    064: That's A Wrap on 2024

    Hello & Happy Holidays! It is with so much gratitude that I share the final podcast episode of 2024.  As we close out this incredible year together, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the wins, the lessons, and the moments that shaped this year. So when I look back at these last 12 months, they were definitely a journey. A journey filled with highs and lows. A journey where I, of course, had this idea and these goals of what my year would look like. And like most years, it wasn't even close. And in so many ways, this year was better than I could have imagined. And in many ways, there were more challenges and some heartbreak I didn't see coming. Please enjoy this brief episode looking back at my 2024.  My holiday wish is that you would leave a review, share the podcast with a friend, and be sure to share your favorite episodes on socials.  Always here cheering you on!  Happy Holidays, Happy New Year & Happy Planning!! XO, Heather   There are a few seats left for the first 2025 workshop,  sign up for the January 21st & 22nd, Workshop HERE. Let’s start the year together and make sure it’s your best season yet!!

    9 min
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About

The Planner Life Podcast, your go-to destination for all things wedding planning and business mastery. Hosted by Heather Hoesch Olsen, a highly experienced wedding planner, industry educator, and your professional friend in the world of weddings. Join Heather every week as she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience gained from over two decades in the wedding industry. With a passion for crafting unforgettable moments and a keen eye for detail, Heather's journey has taken her through every facet of wedding planning imaginable. From intimate gatherings to lavish affairs, from budget-conscious ceremonies to extravagant celebrations, Heather has seen it all. But her expertise extends far beyond just executing flawless events. Heather is on a mission to empower and inspire planners like you to reach new heights in your business. Through candid conversations, expert interviews, and actionable insights, the Planner Life Podcast is your compass for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the wedding industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, tune in each week to learn, grow, and be inspired. Heather's unique blend of creativity, wisdom, and practical advice will leave you feeling confident and equipped to tackle any challenge that comes your way. So, if you're ready to elevate your skills, build a thriving business, and join a supportive community of like-minded professionals, then the Planner Life Podcast is your must-listen resource. Welcome to the Planner Life! Questions, comments or want to connect with Heather: Email: hello@plannerlifeacademy.com IG: @plannerlifeacademy @plannerlifepodcast Website: plannerlifeacademy.com

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