Quick Fire Episode: Tips for Selling Your Wedding Venue
The Venue Podcast
In this episode, Kinsey Roberts and Lindsay Lucas break down the key steps for wedding venue owners considering selling their business. With an increase in inquiries about buying and selling venues, they share practical advice based on real experience. Key Takeaways: Get your financials organized first - Buyers want to see actual profit, not just potential. Have your gross and net revenue clearly documented and ready for scrutiny. Prepare for thorough due diligence - Serious buyers will conduct what feels like a "financial cavity search." Be organized with all paperwork, documentation, and...
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Stop Losing Bookings: What Actually Happens During Venue Tours (Part Two)
The Venue Podcast
THIS IS PART TWO OF OUR TWO-PART PODCASTS ALL ABOUT ANSWERING THE QUESTION: How do you make your wedding venue stand out during tours? Are your venue tours not converting the way you'd hoped? You're not alone. Most venue owners focus solely on aesthetics during tours, but the venues consistently booking at premium rates understand something crucial: the tour experience is fundamentally a neurological journey. In this episode, Kinsey and Lindsay break down the three neural systems that factor into venue decision-making and reveal why couples actually make their venue choice within the first...
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Stop Losing Bookings: What Actually Happens During Venue Tours (Part One)
The Venue Podcast
Are your venue tours not converting the way you'd hoped? You're not alone. Most venue owners focus solely on aesthetics during tours, but the venues consistently booking at premium rates understand something crucial: the tour experience is fundamentally a neurological journey. In this episode, Kinsey and Lindsay break down the three neural systems that factor into venue decision-making and reveal why couples actually make their venue choice within the first 90 seconds of experiencing your space. You'll discover how to create a multi-sensory experience that hits all five senses, learn to...
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How to Create Viral Marketing? This Article from Harvard Business Review Might Help
The Venue Podcast
In this episode, Kinsey dives into a fascinating Harvard Business Review article that reveals why only 5% of social media content goes viral—and how you can strategically increase your odds. Discover the powerful SPREAD framework that breaks down viral content into six key dimensions: Socially useful, Provocative, Replicable, Emotional, Ambiguous, and Distributive. From Duolingo's viral owl to Taylor Swift's cryptic album drops, learn how major brands engineer shareability into their campaigns. But going viral isn't just about creating buzz—Kinsey explores the critical backend systems...
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Part Two: Venue Survival Strategy for Tough Economic Times
The Venue Podcast
In part two of our venue survival strategies series, we're diving deep into what actually works when bookings are down and cash flow is tight. We cover diversification strategies beyond just "host more events" (including why Kinsey might be too precious about being wedding-day-only events), smart debt management tips, and the real talk about where to spend vs. save your marketing dollars right now. Lindsay shares client success stories about adjusting payment structures to increase bookings, while Kinsey gets honest about her own struggles with leadership mindset during tough times. We also...
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Beyond Price Checking: The Wedding Venue Owner's Guide to Competitive Domination
The Venue Podcast
In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the most powerful (yet overlooked) tools in your venue business arsenal. As both a venue owner and marketing coach, I've seen firsthand how proper market analysis can transform a struggling venue into a confident, thriving business. You'll discover: Why checking competitor prices once a year isn't nearly enough (and what you're missing when you do) The exact step-by-step process I use to analyze my venue's market position How to translate market insights into revenue-generating action steps The surprising competitive advantages most...
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Part One: Venue Survival Strategy for Tough Economic Times
The Venue Podcast
In this episode of The Venue Podcast, we tackle the critical topic of venue survival during challenging economic periods. Drawing from extensive industry research and our own experiences as a venue owner and venue consultant, we offer a roadmap for navigating slower booking seasons—whether you're experiencing a true economic downturn or just a temporary lull. We dive into interesting market shifts affecting the wedding industry, including: - Why 85% of couples are making decisions based on economic pressures - The surprising continued rise of micro-weddings since 2020 - Changing social...
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Funding from the Ground Up: DSCR Loans, SBA Curveballs & Tools for New Venue Owners
The Venue Podcast
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: Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay
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Top Business Influences: Who Lindsay is learning from
The Venue Podcast
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....
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Venue Acquisition 101: Essential First Steps for Buying an Existing Venue
The Venue Podcast
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 Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay
info_outlineIn this episode of The Venue Podcast, hosts Kinsey Roberts and Lindsay Lucas unpack the intricacies of leasing a venue. With Kinsey's unique position of owning a venue business while leasing the physical space and Lindsay's extensive experience advising clients, they offer a well-rounded perspective on why leasing might just be the golden ticket for aspiring venue owners.
Leasing: A Stepping Stone to Ownership
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Flexibility and Financial Savvy: Kinsey and Lindsay discuss the benefits of leasing as a financial lower-risk entry into the venue business. For those who've faced financing hurdles or want to dip their toes in the industry waters without the commitment of purchasing land and buildings, leasing provides an invaluable opportunity. It allows you to build a track record, hone your business acumen, and potentially pave the way for that triumphant moment of securing your own space down the line.
The Nitty-Gritty: Pros, Cons, and Protections
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Pros of Leasing: The flexibility to test the venue business waters with less financial risk, the opportunity to build a proven track record, and the potential for a "Pretty Woman" moment with banks in the future.
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Cons and Considerations: Potential limitations on venue modifications and the need for clear, negotiated terms around upgrades and design changes. Kinsey highlights the importance of ensuring the lease agreement allows for the business's growth and operational needs, including insurance responsibilities and the lease term's length to match the booking cycle, ideally aiming for a minimum of five years to ensure stability and the ability to plan for the future.
Professionalism and Preparation: Keys to Success
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Kinsey and Lindsay stress the importance of approaching lease negotiations with a professional mindset, emphasizing that both parties stand to gain from a well-structured agreement. They advise preparing thoroughly, consulting with legal experts to draft a lease that protects your interests, and understanding the value you bring to the table. The conversation also touches on the significance of planning for an exit strategy, ensuring financial stability throughout the lease term, and the respect that comes with treating the venture with the seriousness it deserves—even when dealing with family-owned properties.
Leasing a venue can be an excellent strategy for entering the venue business with a solid foundation and lower initial financial risk. Kinsey and Lindsay's shared experiences and insights provide a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of leasing, emphasizing preparation, negotiation, and professionalism as the cornerstones of a successful venture.
Whether you're facing challenges getting a full loan for building a venue from scratch or seeking experience before investing in your own property, this episode of The Venue Podcast offers practical advice and encouragement for the journey ahead.