Dreaming of building your wedding venue from the ground up? In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what new venue owners need to know about funding in today’s market — including the latest curveballs from the SBA, how DSCR loans work, and my go-to digital tools to prep your funding package.

If you're serious about starting your venue the right way, this is a must-listen!

Mentioned in this episode:

Funding 101

Venue Acquisition Guide

Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay

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Ever wondered who’s behind the scenes shaping our journey and pushing us to grow? In this episode, Lindsay is pulling back the curtain and sharing the mentors, teachers, and thought leaders who have influenced her most in the last year—both personally and professionally. From industry experts to unexpected sources of wisdom, you’ll hear who she’s learning from right now and how their insights are helping her evolve. Whether you're looking for guidance or just curious about where she gets her inspiration, this episode might just introduce you to your next favorite mentor.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Pace Morby
• Codie Sanchez
• Ed Mylett
• Justin Prince
• • Make Wellness
• Gina with Cowboy Leisure - Reel Saloon
• Shannon McKinstrie - Good Content
• Lindsay’s personal instagram

Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay

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Show Notes

In this informative episode, Lindsay shares what she would tell her best friend if she were navigating a first time purchase of an existing wedding venue. Lindsay gives you invaluable insights on where to find these listings, proper etiquette, and the best first steps to take once you've found a business of interest. This episide will help you approach venue acquisition with confidence and clarity to get your journey started.

Resources Mentioned

Lindsay's venue acquisition guide

Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay

Website

Instagram

Show Notes:

Join us as Kinsey pulls back the curtain on her personal business education journey! In this value-packed episode, discover the diverse sources shaping Kinsey's business strategy—from luxury fashion houses and high-end brands to Target's innovative designers and today's most influential marketing experts. Learn how these cross-industry insights can transform your business approach, marketing strategy, and brand positioning. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or marketing professional, you'll walk away with actionable lessons from some of the most successful brands and marketers in the world. Tune in to expand your business perspective and unlock new growth opportunities by learning from unexpected mentors across the business landscape.

Mentioned in this episode:

Gary Vee

Marcus Sheridan - They Ask You Answer - Endless Customers - latest book

Sheer Luxe

Jade Holland Cooper

McGee and Co

Yvonne Lafleur

MNTN Media

Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay

Website

Instagram

In the latest episode of The Venue Podcast, we dive into the topic of client gifting strategies for venue owners, emphasizing the balance between thoughtfulness and budget.

Our hope in today’s episode is to inspire venue owners to implement or refine their gifting strategies, ensuring you make a lasting impression on your clients.

Here's a closer look at the insights and tips shared:

Client Gifting as a Dual Purpose Tool: We underscore that gifting is not just an act of kindness but also a strategic marketing move that helps in building stronger relationships with clients and promoting your venue through positive word-of-mouth.

• Nine Creative Gift Ideas:
• 1. Customized Welcome Gift Baskets featuring local treats, personalized notes, and a bottle of champagne.
  2. Personalized Stationery, useful for wedding planning notes or thank-you cards.
  3. Regional Wedding Magazine Subscriptions, providing inspiration and local vendor options.
  4. Spa Gift Certificates for relaxation during the stressful wedding planning process.
  5. Custom Sketch of Your Venue, a keepsake item for couples to cherish.
  6. Comprehensive Wedding Planning Books to assist in the organization and planning.
  7. Personalized Wedding Ornaments, a festive reminder of their special day.
  8. Monogrammed Items, offering a personal touch that celebrates the couple's union.
  9. Custom Spotify Playlists, a free and thoughtful way to share music that might resonate with the couple's journey.
     
     
• Strategic Gifting Moments:
  
  

• • Upon Booking: A gesture of welcome and excitement about their decision.
  • After the First Planning Meeting: Offering practical items like notepads or stationery.
  • During Stressful Milestones: A spa certificate to encourage relaxation.
  • Six Months Before the Wedding: Checking in and reminding couples of your support.
  • During the Final Walkthrough: Providing vow books as a thoughtful touch.
  • One Month Before the Wedding: Focusing on relaxation-focused gifts.
  • A Week Before the Wedding: Building excitement with a custom playlist.
  • On the Wedding Day: A small, personalized gift as a token of appreciation.
  • After the Honeymoon: Sending a framed photo from their wedding day to prolong the joy.
    
    

We also recommend the book "Giftology" by John Ruhlin for further inspiration on crafting a meaningful client gifting strategy.

If you’re interested in one on one Venue Consulting with Lindsay, visit her here: https://thelindsaylucas.com/

In today's episode of The Venue Podcast, Kinsey Roberts steps in solo, as Lindsay Lucas dedicates time to her thriving one-on-one venue consultations!

You can reach out to Lindsay here about Venue Consulting: https://thelindsaylucas.com/

We're chatting and brainstorming about all things HIRING when it comes to your first or next Marketing Assistant.

Recognizing the Right Time for a Marketing Hire

Three pivotal signs indicating it's time to bring a marketing professional on board:

1. Growth Signals: Your venue might be experiencing a surge in bookings, or you're aiming to upscale your brand or delve into new market segments. An overload of leads you can't manage alone also points towards this need.
2. Strategic Shifts: Whether it's a brand overhaul, targeting a new customer demographic, or significant enhancements to your venue's offerings (like adding accommodations or a decor line), these changes necessitate specialized marketing expertise.
3. Expertise Gaps: Realizing the complexities of digital marketing or identifying areas beyond your skill set are clear indicators that a marketing expert could significantly benefit your business.

Finding Your Marketing Match

Four places to scout for the perfect marketing assistant:

- Industry Networks: Engaging with professionals through industry associations or social media groups can lead you to potential hires.
- Job Platforms: Utilizing job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or FlexJobs can open doors to candidates with the specific skills you seek.
- Referrals: Tapping into your industry contacts for recommendations can yield valuable leads.
- Freelancing Platforms: For those not ready to commit to a full-time hire, exploring freelance marketers could be a strategic initial steps.

Pre-Hiring Steps to Success

To ensure you're making an informed decision, preparation is key:

1. Define Your Goals: Clarity on what you aim to achieve with your marketing efforts is crucial.
2. Audit Your Current Marketing: Understanding what's working (or not) will help tailor your search for a marketer with the necessary expertise.
3. Budget Accordingly: Determine your financial readiness for this addition, keeping in mind that effective marketing strategies are an investment that pays off.
4. Develop a Job Description: Crafting a detailed job description will attract candidates aligned with your needs.

Engaging Interview Questions

In the episode, we detail six specific questions to ask your potential hires to gauge their skillset and understand if they're the best fit for the position you're hiring for. We also share the benefits of having candidates perform a small sample project.

Kinsey's Favorite Place to Buy Property Signs: https://www.smartsign.com/

Living on-site at your venue can blend the lines between personal privacy and professional spaces. In a candid discussion on The Venue Podcast, hosts Kinsey Roberts and Lindsay Lucas share their perspectives on managing this unique situation. Kinsey, who lives on her venue property, offers firsthand advice on maintaining privacy while ensuring a seamless experience for guests.

One of Kinsey's first tips involves clear signage and gated areas to direct guests appropriately and prevent them from inadvertently accessing private areas. This not only aids in guest navigation but also serves as a first line of defense for privacy. By locking gates and posting directional signs, venue owners can significantly reduce unwanted foot traffic near their personal residences.

• Practical Measures: Utilize gates and custom signs to guide guests, minimizing confusion and protecting private spaces.

Venue policies can be strategically crafted to support the dual purpose of the property, serving both as a business and a residence. Kinsey highlights how specific rules around noise control and event end times not only respect neighbors but also contribute to a peaceful living environment for the venue owners themselves.

• Policy Implementation: Adjust venue policies to ensure they accommodate your living situation, balancing guest experience with personal needs.

Interestingly, Kinsey shares her journey from openly discussing her on-site residence with clients to choosing a more reserved approach. This shift was prompted by unexpected requests from clients and vendors, illustrating the importance of setting clear boundaries. However, she also notes situations where disclosing her residence can be advantageous for policy enforcement and operational clarity.

• Communication Strategies: Weigh the pros and cons of disclosing your on-site residence, focusing on privacy while maintaining open lines of communication where beneficial.

Looking ahead, Kinsey and Lindsay ponder the implications of raising a family on a venue property, particularly as children grow older and become more independent. They discuss potential safety and logistical considerations, underscoring the importance of proactive planning and policy adjustments to accommodate changing family dynamics.

• Future Considerations: Anticipate how living on-site will impact family life in the long term, especially as children reach driving age, and plan accordingly.

In episode 68 of The Venue Podcast, Kinsey Roberts and Lindsay Lucas address a recurring question from Airbnb owners about transitioning their successful short-term rental properties to also serve as wedding venues.

This episode unpacks the considerations and steps needed to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for intimate and mid-sized weddings at unique locations like Airbnb properties.

• Initial Considerations: Recognizing the overlap between the short-term rental and wedding venue industries, Kinsey and Lindsay highlight the growing interest among Airbnb owners in hosting weddings.
• Key Questions: They dissect an inquiry from Stephanie, who wonders how to venture into weddings without disrupting her successful Airbnb business.

One of the first hurdles mentioned is Airbnb's strict no-events policy. Kinsey points out that while Airbnb currently prohibits large events, including weddings, there's a workaround by booking weddings directly, bypassing Airbnb's platform. This approach, however, requires additional marketing efforts and the creation of a separate business entity for the wedding venue aspect.

• Direct Booking Strategy: Encouraging Airbnb owners to consider direct bookings for weddings to circumvent platform restrictions.
• Legal and Marketing Considerations: Highlighting the importance of adhering to Airbnb's policies while exploring direct marketing strategies for wedding bookings.

Lindsay emphasizes the importance of treating the wedding venue as a distinct business venture, necessitating investments in infrastructure, legal structuring, and dedicated marketing efforts. This approach ensures that both the Airbnb and wedding venue operations can flourish without infringing on each other.

• Investment in Infrastructure: Discussing the potential need for physical upgrades or additions to accommodate weddings.
• Separation of Business Entities: Advising on the legal and financial separation of the short-term rental and wedding venue businesses for clarity and efficiency.

Kinsey suggests innovative ways to utilize the success of the Airbnb business to fuel the wedding venue venture. One such strategy involves building an email list of past and potential guests through tools like StayFi, enabling direct communication about wedding opportunities outside the Airbnb platform.

• Building an Email List: Utilizing tools to capture guest emails for direct marketing of wedding services.
• Capitalizing on Warm Leads: Leveraging the positive experiences of Airbnb guests to introduce them to the wedding venue offering.