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How to Budget for Venue Renovations

The Venue Podcast

Release Date: 03/13/2024

Quick Fire Episode: Tips for Selling Your Wedding Venue show art 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) show art 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) show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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  

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More Episodes

Embracing Phased Business Growth

In the latest episode of The Venue Podcast, Kinsey Roberts and Lindsay Lucas tackle the complex subject of budgeting for renovations, a crucial aspect of managing a wedding venue.

Lindsay emphasizes the significance of phased development, advising venue owners to break down their vision into manageable, financially viable stages. This approach not only aids in securing funding by reducing the immediate financial burden but also allows for strategic growth and improvement over time.

  • Phased Development: Implementing your venue’s vision in stages to manage costs and growth effectively.
  • Strategic Improvements: Prioritizing renovations that enhance client experience and, by extension, the venue's appeal.

Learning from Kinsey’s Experience

Kinsey shares her personal journey with venue improvements, highlighting the benefits of cash-based renovations to avoid substantial debts. She regrets not integrating certain necessary improvements, like storage solutions, into the venue's initial financing.

These reflections provide valuable lessons on the importance of foresight in planning and the balance between enhancing client experience and managing financial health.

  • Cash-based Renovations: Kinsey’s approach to funding improvements through the venue’s profits, minimizing debt.
  • Importance of Foresight: Recognizing the need for essential improvements early to integrate them into initial financing plans.

Deciding on Renovations

When contemplating renovations, Kinsey advises weighing the cost against the potential return on investment (ROI). While some improvements directly impact revenue, others enhance the client experience or operational efficiency.

These decisions require a careful assessment of the venue’s financial status, future booking projections, and the overall impact on the venue's marketability and client satisfaction.

  • Assessing ROI: Evaluating the financial and experiential return of proposed improvements.
  • Operational Efficiency vs. Client Experience: Balancing renovations that streamline operations with those that directly benefit clients.

Reflections on Prioritization and Regret

Kinsey opens up about her method for prioritizing projects and the learning curve involved in venue management. She underscores the significance of not dwelling on past decisions but learning from them to make informed future choices.

Moreover, setting aside a "fun money" budget for annual improvements allows for continuous enhancement without compromising the venue’s financial stability.

  • Prioritizing Projects: Using a systematic approach to determine which renovations to undertake based on their impact and cost.
  • Learning from Experience: Kinsey reflects on her journey, stressing the value of learning from past decisions to guide future renovations.