The Venue Podcast

If you've ever thought about buying or selling a wedding venue, you've probably realized one thing quickly—this is not your average real estate transaction. In this episode, Lindsay is breaking down what a business broker for wedding venues actually does, who she serves, and why this role has become increasingly important in today's market. Because here's the truth: selling a venue isn't just about the land or the buildings. It's about the business. The systems. The brand. The revenue. And positioning it all in a way that attracts the right buyer at the right price. Inside this episode, Lindsay walks you through: The difference between a commercial real estate agent and a business broker What goes into preparing a wedding venue for sale A buyers process Common mistakes venue owners make when trying to sell Why intellectual property matters in an acquisition Whether you're years away from selling or actively looking to acquire a venue, this episode will give you clarity on what's actually happening behind the scenes—and how to move forward strategically. If you're serious about buying or selling a wedding venue, this is your starting point. Next Steps: If you're considering selling your venue or looking to acquire one, reach out to start the conversation. BUYERS click here SELLERS click here Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay: Website Instagram Kinsey's email: kinsey@shecreatesbusinesspodcast.com Lindsay's email: hello@thelindsaylucas.com

Partnerships can accelerate your business… or completely unravel it. In this episode, Kinsey breaks down her experience with three very different types of partnerships — what worked, what didn't, and what she would absolutely do differently today. If you've ever considered bringing on a business partner (or are currently in a partnership that feels unclear), this episode is your due diligence checklist. We cover: The three types of partnerships Kinsey has experienced Red flags she missed (and now looks for immediately) Why clarity beats chemistry The prep work most entrepreneurs skip Hard lessons about money, expectations, and communication The difference between "equal effort" and "clearly defined roles" Why exit strategy conversations should happen on day one Kinsey also shares details about her new digital download, Profitable Partnerships, a practical PDF guide that goes deeper into structure, expectations, financial alignment, and protective conversations every business owner should have before signing anything. If you're thinking about entering a partnership — or restructuring one — this is required listening. Grab the Profitable Partnerships PDF here: [Insert Link] Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay: Website Instagram Kinsey's email: kinsey@shecreatesbusinesspodcast.com Lindsay's email: hello@thelindsaylucas.com

Why you fail at content consistency (it's not what you think) You're not inconsistent. You're isolated. Every January, venue owners start strong — posting 4–5 times a week, full of momentum and fresh ideas. By mid-month, it slows down. By February? Silence. It's not laziness. It's not lack of discipline. It's not because you "just aren't good at social media." In this episode, Kinsey breaks down the real reason venue owners struggle with content consistency — and why willpower isn't the solution. In This Episode, We Cover: Why isolation is the hidden enemy of venue marketing The psychology behind accountability (and why it dramatically increases follow-through) The decision-fatigue trap that drains your creative energy Why weekly accountability beats monthly content goals The difference between self-directed checklists and live accountability The 3-part system required for real consistency The Truth: Consistency is not a personality trait. It's a system. If you don't have: Clear goals (what to post) Scheduled time (when to post) Accountability (someone who sees you doing it) You will fall off. And it has nothing to do with your work ethic. If your venue's content has felt like a ghost town lately, this episode will change how you approach marketing — permanently. 🎯 Want built-in accountability for your venue marketing? Learn more about Co-Marketing Hours inside The Venue Marketing Machine. Other resources mentioned in the episode: Atomic Habits The Compound Effect The Slight Edge Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay: Website Instagram Kinsey's email: kinsey@shecreatesbusinesspodcast.com Lindsay's email: hello@thelindsaylucas.com

Search is changing—and fast. With AI-generated answers now appearing at the top of platforms like Google and Bing, venue owners need to start thinking beyond traditional SEO. In this episode of The Venue Podcast, Kinsey Roberts and Lindsay Lucas dig into AI search visibility and what it means for wedding venues moving forward. You'll learn what AI search actually is, how it's different from standard search results, and—most importantly—how to position your venue to stay visible and competitive in a changing digital landscape. We cover: 🤖 What AI search results are and how they're generated 📉 Why relying on your website alone may hurt your visibility 📈 Easy ways to boost your venue's relevance in AI-driven searches 🧠 Content strategies that work with both algorithms and couples ⚠️ What venue owners should do now to future-proof their online presence If you're wondering how your venue can stay ahead of the curve and keep showing up when couples are planning online, this episode is your roadmap. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Marketing against the grain podcast Rick Mulready Connect with Kinsey and Lindsay: Website Instagram Kinsey's email: kinsey@shecreatesbusiness.com Lindsay's email: hello@thelindsaylucas.com

The detailed breakdown of Kinsey's Tech Stack to run her wedding venue, Vista View Events for less than $400/month. Here's the List: Creative & Design Tools Canva Pro - $20/month All social media content (Instagram carousels, Facebook posts, Reels covers) Photo editing and headshot retouching PDF guides and digital products Physical printed materials (thank you cards, planners, branded envelopes) Client Management System Dubsado - $20/month Central CRM for all client relationships Contract and agreement storage Client portal functionality Custom lists and client-specific resources Inquiry form creation and website embedding AI-Powered Productivity Suite Three AI Tools - $56.66/month total ChatGPT Pro ($20/month): Primary AI assistant Claude ($20/month): Alternative AI perspective Perplexity ($16.66/month, paid annually): Research and fact-checking Business Communications OpenPhone - $64/month Professional business phone line on personal device Business hours automation Custom voicemail messages Text messaging capabilities Multiple number and user management Alternative mentioned: Grasshopper as backup option Financial Management QuickBooks - $35/month Essential bookkeeping software Tax preparation streamlining Monthly reconciliation capabilities Key advice: Start early, even with minimal revenue Website & Online Presence Squarespace - $22.33/month (annual billing) Website hosting and management E-commerce capabilities for future products Built-in email system (though not used) Integration with other tools Email Marketing & Client Communication FloDesk - $64/month Beautiful, customized client emails Automated check-in sequences Annual "wedding year" celebration emails New client follow-up automation Integration with lead capture system Automation & Integration Zapier - $29/month Connects Dubsado inquiry forms to FloDesk sequences Automated workflow triggers Eliminates manual data entry Set-and-forget functionality Professional Email & Productivity Google Workspace - $25.50/month Professional email addresses (@vistaviewevents.com) Gmail interface with business features User management capabilities Multiple inbox organization Scheduling & Appointments Acuity Scheduling - FREE Automated booking system Tour and consultation scheduling Final walkthrough coordination Phone call appointments Cost-saving tip: Included with Squarespace subscription Key Takeaway: Budget-Friendly Total investment under $400/month for a established venue Strategic tool selection based on actual usage Annual payment discounts when available Tool Selection Philosophy: "The tool that works is the one you actually use" 1. Regular business audits to eliminate unused subscriptions 2. Focus on integration and automation over individual features Growth Considerations: Tech stack has evolved over 9 years of business Started with much lower monthly investment Each tool serves multiple purposes to maximize value

Every week, another beautiful venue closes its doors within the first few years. The reason? It's the costly mistakes made before ever welcoming the first guest. In this episode, Lindsay pulls back the curtain on the 7 most expensive missteps first-time venue owners make and provide actionable strategies to avoid them. Whether you're in the dreaming phase, applying for funding, ready to sign a lease or even a seasoned venue owner, this episode will save you time, money, and heartache by learning from others' expensive lessons. Key Takeaways 🎯 Market research isn't optional 💰 The MVP approach saves money 📊 Know your real numbers 🏢 Location is more than rent ⚙️ Systems prevent disasters 📱 Marketing starts before opening 🧠 Mindset matters Links + Resources mentioned in the episode: Funding 101 Profit planner Operations Overhaul Free resources Freebie: Pre-Launch your venue Kinsey and Lindsay both offer custom market analysis for 1:1 clients. Email Kinsey at kinsey@shecreatesbusiness.com or email Lindsay at hello@thelindsaylucas.com

"Bookings are down for this year" - sound familiar? If you've been watching your lead pipeline slow to a trickle while refreshing your inbox hoping for inquiries, this episode is your lifeline. Kinsey and Lindsay are pulling back the curtain on three strategies that are actually working to generate wedding venue leads right now (not the same tired advice you've heard a million times). Grab your notebook (seriously, you'll want to take notes!) as Kinsey breaks down: 📱 Strategy #1: Leverage Social Media Consistently Learn the exact content formula that moves couples through their buyer's journey - 40% awareness content, 40% consideration content, and 20% decision content. Plus, discover how to use automation tools like ManyChat to be the fastest responder in your couples' DMs. 🤖 Strategy #2: Optimize for AI Search & SEO Visibility Traditional SEO is evolving rapidly. Find out how to position your venue for AI search tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Google's Gemini. We'll share specific tactics for creating AI-friendly content that gets your venue found. 🤝 Strategy #3: Network & Collaborate Strategically Move beyond random networking events. Learn how to deepen relationships with your vendor partners, host meaningful gatherings at your venue, and become the go-to connector in your market. Whether you're an aspiring venue owner or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, this episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement today. Resources mentioned: ManyChat (for social media automation) Claude by Anthropic ChatGPT Perplexity Google's Gemini AI Got questions or want to share your success? Find us on Instagram @yourvenueexperts or email us at shecreatesbusinesspodcast.com P.S. Would you attend a venue owners conference in Colorado? Let us know - we might just be planning something special! 👀

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 you need in place to handle sudden traffic spikes and avoid the pitfalls that can crush unprepared businesses. Plus, she tackles the honest question every business owner wonders: Should going viral actually be your goal? This episode is for venue owners looking to create content that truly connects and spreads to the right audience. Resources mentioned: Harvard Business Review SPREAD framework article Jay Baer's "Youtility" Book Marcus Sheridan's "They Ask You Answer" Book What's your take on going viral? Share your thoughts with us @yourvenueexperts

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 norms around smaller, more personalized celebrations - How Gen Z and Millennial couples are reshaping wedding expectations This episode provides practical strategies for venue owners to stay competitive, including creating smart tiered pricing packages that maintain profit margins while appearing more affordable to budget-conscious couples. We share candid insights about our own business pivots and the importance of differentiating your venue beyond just day-of-week pricing. Whether you're struggling with bookings or simply want to future-proof your venue business, this episode offers valuable insights on adapting to current market realities without compromising profitability. And don't miss part two (coming 5/26/25), where we'll explore diversification strategies, alternative revenue streams, and psychological approaches to team management during slower periods. Connect with Lindsay and Kinsey: Instagram: Your Venue Experts Email Lindsay - hello@thelindsaylucas.com Email Kinsey - kinsey@shecreatesbusinesspodcast.com

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 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 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.

A Common Inquiry Among Airbnb Owners 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. Navigating Airbnb's Policy on Events 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. Taking the Plunge: Investment and Commitment 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. Leveraging Existing Success for Future Growth 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.