The Power of Wedding Industry Relationships

In this episode, Krisy Thomas, COO of the CWP Society, sits down with two incredible relationship pros: Amanda Borrero, Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator, and Aisha Garnett, Master Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Educator. Together, they unpack how planners turn vendors into true collaborators, leverage community for confidence, and keep ethics front and center while growing a business that lasts.

They dig into the real difference between a reliable vendor and a "friendor," and why relatability, respect, and consistent check-ins transform event days and client outcomes. You'll hear practical ways to collaborate without competing—from thoughtful introductions and venue relationship nurturing to replacing kickbacks with client-facing value that keeps standards high and referrals clean.

The conversation gets honest about burnout and inertia, exploring why some planners stop using the benefits right in front of them and sharing simple paths to plug back in through workshops, monthly gatherings, and low-pressure Zoom co-working sessions.

If networking feels awkward, they've got you covered. The group discusses strategies like researching attendees, setting small connection goals, shifting big rooms into one-on-ones, and bringing a wing buddy who can make warm introductions. They celebrate the compounding ROI of kindness—how small acts of support create a resilient referral ecosystem—and reinforce continuous learning as your competitive edge in this fast-changing wedding industry.

Expect stories, actionable tactics, and mindset shifts you can apply this week to build a vendor bench you trust and a community that has your back.

Enjoy the conversation and, if it resonates, subscribe, share with a planner friend, and leave a review so more wedding pros can find this resource. Ready to go deeper? Join the CWP Society, tap into the workshops, and put community to work for your business. 

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 0:00

You're listening to the Wedding Planner Society podcast, brought to you by the CWP Society.

SPEAKER_02 0:15

Welcome back to the Wedding Planner Society Podcast, brought to you by the CWP Society, the world's leading certification program and the largest community of certified wedding planners and professionals. I'm Chrissy Thomas, the COO of the CWP Society, and I am so excited about today's episode because we're diving into something that is truly at the heart of what we do, and that is relationships. And I have the perfect two people to have this conversation with. Joining me today is Amanda Barrero. She is a certified wedding planner and a certified educator who specializes in wedding pro relations and really understands the art of building strong vendor partnerships. And I also have Aisha Garnett, who is a master certified wedding planner and a certified educator who focuses on the CWP Society member relations and helping our planners tap into every single benefit that their membership offers. What I love about having them both here is that they're tackling the same thing, but from different angles. How do we build authentic, meaningful relationships that actually move our businesses forward? Whether that's with our fellow wedding pros or within our own CWP society community, these connections matter. So let's get into it. Hi, Amanda. Hi, Aisha. Hey.

SPEAKER_01 1:30

Hi, Chrissy.

SPEAKER_02 1:31

Okay, so I love that we have both of you here again because you are both the relationship experts, just in two totally different ways. Amanda, I want to start with you. When you think about building those strong vendor relationships, what's the thing that makes the absolute biggest difference?

SPEAKER_03 1:48

Yeah, so I love talking about our vendor relationships, of course. And I think one of the biggest differences between, I guess the terminology would be having a friender to just having another vendor that you like to work with would really be the connection. So, you know, I feel like relationships are built off of the original connection that you make with somebody. And I think being relatable is so important because at the end of the day, we're not just creating these vendor relationships for ourselves, we're creating them for the client. And as we become even closer with these people that we constantly work with, which I always say they're basically our coworkers, then we have so much more value to add to our clients that we're telling about these particular vendors. We get to build such a better rapport with both the client and the vendor. So I think it all comes down to essentially having a great connection with somebody and being able to then translate that to our clients because it is just such a different feeling when you have that great connection with the vendors. Again, it can be different. You can love having working with a vendor and they may be on your approved vendor list because they're amazing humans and you know they have great communication and they just check all our boxes, but having a deeper connection with somebody and having that relatability just gives that friendship and vendor relationship just a higher relationship.

SPEAKER_02 3:13

Yeah, and I love it that you mentioned it because there is a difference between a friend or and just a phenomenal vendor. Right. Vendor, friend or vendor. It's there's definitely a big difference between the two. Obviously, like you said, like a phenomenal vendor on your list can just do just such an amazing job. You love working with them. But with the friendor, it's like you both are supporting one another. You both get to celebrate each other's wins. And your description of them being coworkers, I love that because when you are in a role or you own your own business and you're an entrepreneur, we don't have that benefit of working in an office where we could just like walk to the water cooler and catch up. We don't have that, but we can build that within the people that we work with and who we recommend for our couples with our amazing approved vendor team. So I love that you mentioned it that way. Aisha, same question, but for our CWP community, when is that secret sauce to members actually building real connections with each other?

SPEAKER_01 4:08

Well, Chrissy, I'd say first you have to be open to even wanting to build those relationships. Our CWP community has thousands, literally thousands of members that are all on different journeys in their careers when it comes to being a certified wedding planner. One of the beautiful things about our CWP society community is that there's kind of a built-in invitation to start a meaningful relationship with one of those individuals. We are all here trying to learn, we are all here to support each other, and we are all here passionate about the wedding industry. So to me, we already have a few relatable connections to help break the ice and it opens up the door for us to even start connecting with one another.

SPEAKER_02 4:50

Oh, exactly. And you know, it's it kind of reminds me of like for me, I'm terribly introverted, Aisha. I know you're also introverted. Amanda is not. But us having that, okay, that's a CWP. I'm a CWP. As an introvert, that automatically makes me feel more comfortable. A, because I know CWPs in this family, it is so different. I know that I'm not going to be met with, you know, like that up and down look of like who does she think she is? Look, I'm gonna be welcomed. Yes. And that makes me feel a whole lot better knowing, again, like you said, that's already kind of that step one. I've got it done because I'm a member of the CWP and what a beautiful thing that is to have that stepping stone to already building great relationships.

SPEAKER_00 5:28

Right.

SPEAKER_02 5:28

And I do want to talk a moment a moment with you, Aisha, about when a relationship just clicks. You know, I want to hear from you firsthand. What does that moment feel like when you actually see two members really connect with one another?

SPEAKER_01 5:41

Oh my goodness, Chrissy. It feels it feels really, really good. I say it all the time. The CWP society community is like no other. Okay. So period. Okay. The level of respect that we all have for one another is what the industry needs. To see our members literally go to bat for each other, from assisting each other on wedding days or being there for one another during a personal battle or even a personal or professional crisis. The way our members show up for one another, it literally goes beyond the wedding industry. I have personally connected with so many CWP members over the years in multiple states, I might add. It started from a simple DM, an email, a networking event, or just offering up my time to assist them on a wedding day. The CWP Society brings us together and we connect on so many other levels. But this organization has started some valuable friendships in my life, and I see it across the board with our other members.

SPEAKER_02 6:41

And I mean, you just look at the three of us here, like we are all in three different states, yet we are all wedding planner besties. I got to actually see the both of you this summer, and Aisha wasn't even planned. Amanda's planned, got to spend some time with Amanda down in Florida. But I was at the airport to go see Amanda, and Aisha was there, and I just Aisha, and we heard those girls jumping up and down screen.

SPEAKER_00 7:05

Oh, I love it.

SPEAKER_01 7:07

We ran to each other. It was like a slow motion romance. Oh it was like my sister.

SPEAKER_02 7:13

Oh, truly. It really, really is. So um, it's it's just a phenomenal thing. And what brought the three of us together was the CWP Society. Amanda, how do you know when you build a solid vendorship? What does it actually look and feel like?

SPEAKER_03 7:28

Well, I have to just back up Aisha with everything she mentioned about CWPS because it is so true. I mean, just like you said, just us three here in this room, and just being able to see each other on in in the same state, or just even just seeing each other on Zoom calls and things. It's just we get so excited, and there's a reason for that, and it's because we understand how important relationships are. And and you know, back to my talk, I think what two years ago, maybe for one of our conferences, we talked about how vendor relationships affect our bottom line, and that's just that just goes across the board. It's not necessarily about the dollar, but it does affect that bottom line. So that actually goes into a little bit of my answer. I feel like when you build a solid vendor relationship, you keep working with them. And why do you keep working with them? Because they like working with you, and literally because of that, that helps you both to build your business. I mean, it's bananas how you can connect with someone on such a beautiful. So I would say the moment of like, oh, we're gonna be besties. It's when you have that connection, it's when something clicks in the both of you. And I owe I love to tell planners or just new vendors in the industry the way to get these vendor relationships is boots to the ground. Like you have to go and make these connections. No matter if you're an extrovert or an introvert, if you're an introvert, grab coffee on Zoom. I don't know. Do something that's gonna make you feel comfortable, like in the comfort of your home, invite them, send them a Starbucks gift card, they can grab Starbucks and sit at their computer, or going to venues, putting yourself out there, and just not making it about you, it's really making about them, finding out who they are as a person. And I feel like people need that human connection. We are not AI, like we need human connection. And once you guys start on a topic that you both just hit it off with, forget it. Like, that's that's it. You can resonate with that, and you guys will just have such a beautiful friendship blossom from that. And again, even if you just love how they work and that like really excites you. I feel like that also translates into I want to work with you more. How can we do this? Let's figure it out. So at the end of the day, it really does affect your bottom line, but it's because of that connection you already made, and it's so exciting, and it's just I feel like my heart jumps when I get to connect with people on a deeper level. Like it's not surface level business. We're talking about real life and how we're all dealing with these things in the wedding industry and how we can just you know spur each other on. So that is just one of my this is the moment feelings. Like, we're gonna be best friends, and I love it.

SPEAKER_02 10:03

It kind of reminds me of that movie. I think, I think it's Step Brothers. It's a Will Farrow movie where he's like, Did we just become best friends? Yeah, like and like when you feel that with a fellow vendor, and I love that she mentioned it, Amanda, it also impacts your bottom line. To me, that's just a win-win, where you get to enjoy and have fun doing your job, and our job is quite stressful. Being in the industry is stressful. So you have you know a group of people who you love working with who makes your job easier, but I'm also able to pay my bills and have people who I love and adore and I trust and connect with like all those three things, all because you took the time to create these beautiful and impactful relationships. I'm so so glad that you that you mentioned that. Now, here's something that I'm curious about because we talk a lot about you know, don't compete, collaborate, that community over competition here in the wedding industry. Amanda, you first on this one. How do you actually do that with your fellow vendors without it feeling forced in a way?

SPEAKER_03 11:01

Kind of similar to what I was saying, especially when it's a new vendor that I meet. Um, I love just helping. I love it. I asked them again about their life, about their business, what got them there. That's my favorite question to ask. Like, where did you come from and how are you here now? Like, where how did this all originate? So I love hearing what they did before they were a venue manager or became a photographer or whatever. And then I try to help. I feel like that's something that CWPS has really instilled in us is to offer ourselves almost, like the as planners, particularly. Like, we are the connectors. So I love just saying, Well, what vendor venues are you currently recommended at? If none, well, I have some amazing ones that I think you do really great there. How about I introduce you to the venue manager? How about I connect you with this videographer? Because I think you guys really compliment each other's services. How about, oh, I know a hair and makeup girl, she's a team of one, she could be able to help you and you can help her. You know, so I just that is one of my favorite things ever is connecting. So that is really my go-to. Is we can all be on the same venue list, and I I want to help you. Like, there's enough weddings to be spread around, whether it's a planner or not. If they are a planner and they're not certified, the first thing I do is you need to get certified. I just had somebody today ask, hey, I have some friends that are interested in event planning, which is slightly different. They want to just pick your brain. Love when people say that because my immediate response will be, of course, send them my way. So have you thought about being educated? Because that's really the only advice I have for you at the moment. And after that, come back to me, where we'll set a game plan. But that really is my for planners, let's get educated. And for all my other vendors, how can I help you?

SPEAKER_02 12:46

Yeah, I love that. Because I mean, the way that you do that, how you're connecting people, you're basically kind of building a community within your own community. And I think all that does is just better your market, better your industry when you have that community over competition mindset. It's just going to be a benefit for everyone. And I should, I know you see this play out with the wedding planning community all the time. How do you encourage that collaboration mindset among our CWP members?

SPEAKER_01 13:13

Well, one of the first things that come to mind is the fact that whatever your expertise is in the wedding industry, none of them can plan and execute a wedding by themselves. It's a full-on production from the smallest guest count to the most massive wedding days. As a planner, I can't be the caterer, the floorist, the photographer, the list goes on. I have to collaborate with those professional vendors to make the wedding day possible in most cases. So think of it that way as a wedding planner. I'm not gonna show up on wedding day to compete with my photographer. So if I have a relationship with a wedding planner, I don't want to compete with you either. Yeah. There are so many certified wedding planners out there that I admire, YouTube being in that pool. Like you, but there are so many. So I can learn from them or share information with them. So, what good does it serve me if I'm against collaborating with them? We all have signed up for a career that literally takes collaboration on most events. Being helpful is not going to take away from my expertise. If anything, it should add value to me as a person and as a wedding plan. And most importantly, it should leave a positive mark on the wedding industry altogether.

SPEAKER_02 14:28

I love that, Aisha. Being helpful is not going to take away from my expertise. Because they may not be in groups like the CWP society. There, I've seen these groups, and these groups are not as open. In fact, they're downright mean, some of them. If any of them are listening, I hope you hear that statement. Being helpful is not going to take away from your expertise. You know, I used to you are always encouraging our members to actually use their benefits instead of just having them sit there. Why do you think some of our members don't take advantage of what is literally right in front of them?

SPEAKER_01 15:09

That's a tough one, Chrissy. But, you know, sometimes it could be a matter of not having the time, or there could be moments in their life that prevent them from taking advantage of the many benefits that the CWP Society offers. There could also be moments where new planners feel they aren't ready for the information, or they may feel they haven't reached a certain level in their career yet. I literally just made a post on social media and one of our CWP members commented and said, I need to get back on it. I've been so out of it lately. I immediately responded and said, I know the feeling and it happens. I then went on to offer up my time to chat with them if they needed it. And I even encouraged them to join our upcoming workshop. At that very moment, I wanted to make sure I gave them a bit of a push to get back on it. Because one thing is for certain, the CWP Society is here to stay. And I wanted to encourage that planner to get involved, or in their case, to get back involved. The industry can take so much out of you. And sometimes you need that reminder that taking advantage of those CWP society benefits not only comes with the educational tools and resources, but there's also a supportive community on the other end of staying involved.

SPEAKER_02 16:22

I love that you reached out to her, that you followed back up and was just like, oh my gosh, you you can still get involved. Because I think that sometimes that happens. Like you said, life happens where maybe you're not doing what you were initially planning on doing with your wedding planning career. Maybe your full-time nine to five job is taking over. And sometimes it just takes that reminder of, don't worry, we are waiting for you. We are still here. Because I feel like sometimes what happens with planners is they kind of get so deep in that, well, it's been a year, like they're not gonna remember me or it's um it's gonna be too overwhelming. It's that, you know, that may make them nervous to go ahead and take that next step and be pushed, like you said. But again, we're always here and we're always welcoming our members back with open arms when they are ready to really take that next step forward. And even if you don't feel like, okay, I'm not where I can take my career in the next step forward, you can still be involved. You can still be a part of our workshops where that way, when it's you're ready to really go full in with your wedding planning career, you at least have that information, that knowledge, so you can go ahead and take that jump start. And it's it's funny, I had a coaching call a couple of days ago with one of our new CWP planners. And to me, when you're fresh out the gate and you don't have very many weddings under your books, and I can see the overwhelm because it's daunting. Building a business is daunting. But I always have to remind them hey, you are at the peak position to do this. You know, what happens when you're very experienced and you have a full workload of weddings, you're not able to work on your business because you're shown knee deep in your business. And sometimes that can also be another daunting thing. But when your brand's making new, giving yourself that grace and knowing you have all this information, now you have to implement it. It's not going to happen overnight, unfortunately. It's just not. So, just that reminder of for both, whether you're knee deep in weddings or you're just starting out, giving yourself that grace as you build the business that you want to reflect and and what you want your business to actually look like as a CWP. And I bet you see the kind of the same things when it comes to vendor relationships where they have these connections, they know these people, but they're not leveraging on them. Why do you think this happens?

SPEAKER_03 18:31

Yeah, that's a great question. And I really believe that they there's a few different things, kind of like Aisha said, I feel like it could be time, depending on where they are in their business. So when you're new, you're hungry. You want all the relationships, you want all the venues, all the vendors, like you want, you want it all. Um, and like you said, you have the time to like push yourself to do that. And some people get out of that mentality once they're booked in busy, they're like, oh, well, I don't really need it. I have seen that happen so often. And then those vendor relationships that they've built kind of fall off because they're like, Well, I haven't heard from so-and-so lately, or you know, I'm not really hearing from them, so I'm not like getting business. So then the opposite happens where the vendor stops like kind of reaching out to, let's say, the planner, which is heartbreaking because you don't want to just fall off somebody's list if you didn't do anything wrong. You know, you just don't know what's what's happening. So I feel like there's there's kind of like that, there has to be a balance. And I have loved that I have continued those vendor relationships that I have built over the years. Some vendors have kind of fallen off of the industry, and then I have one particular um videographer that just kind of came back in the industry, and I was so excited. I was like, you know, a kid in the candy chair, I'm like, oh my gosh, I haven't seen you in years. Like, what have you been doing? And we were just so excited. We connected so long ago, and now that he's back in the fold, you know, we're we're eager to work together again. So I think it's important to continue to water those relationships. So even when they do fall off, you can have that moment of like, oh my goodness. Is I get to work with you again.

SPEAKER_02 20:02

You know, Amanda, you mentioned watering those relationships. And I think that is something that we sometimes forget that we have to do because just like with any other relationship, whether it's a significant other or a friendship outside of wedding planning, you have to take the time for that person. You have to nourish that relationship. You have to make sure that you're checking in on those people and that you're putting in the work for those relationships. It works the same way with our vendor relationships. And kind of the opposite of that with the situation you mentioned, Amanda. You know, I've had situations before where I thought I had developed like true like vendor friendships, my BFF, and realized that it wasn't what I thought it was, and it was business. And that was there, I was just being used basically for my connections. And it wasn't a genuine relationship like I thought it was. That hurts. That's not fine. Because I'm I'm like, I pour so much into my vendor relationships, especially when they turn into true friendships, that seeing that was just like, oh, that's a gut punch. But it happens, but it's still, I didn't let that stop me from you know watering and taking care of my other vendor relationships. It was just like a mental note of like, okay, check, you're a phenomenal vendor. I'll keep working with you, but I won't be so emotionally invested right.

SPEAKER_03 21:19

I agree. I agree.

SPEAKER_02 21:20

Man, I want to ask you a question. What is a wedding vendor relationship red flag that maybe planners need to look out for?

SPEAKER_00 21:29

Ooh, that is a good one.

SPEAKER_03 21:31

I think kind of piggybacking off of what you just said, when you feel like you're being used, um, not a fun feeling, as you just mentioned. You know, as planners, we we really are again the connectors. So we should have a lot of connections. We should know a lot of people, or at least amazing, you know, vendors that we love to work with. So, you know, it's kind of sad when you build a relationship with a DJ and they're like, oh, what venue should I go into? And and how can I get in? And they're just like more hungry for the business than you than you. That's really important. As I said earlier, it's about the human, it's not just about your bottom line. While you as the vendor and planner will help each other with your bottom line, it should come so organically, like if you because you just want to work together. It shouldn't be pressing big red flag is hey, I'll give you a hundred dollars every client you send me. Do not do that. One that goes against our CWP standards, and two, it's just not morally ethical. We just don't do that. We work with people because they're vetted, they're amazing, and they hit all of our um boxes that need to be checked. It is not for something in return. Yeah. Um, so I think that's like a super big red flag. But on the opposite hand, it is awesome when you do build a relationship with people and then they just do things for you because they want to, because they love you. These are people that you give business to, them, they give business to you, etc. And I just had, for example, a DJ company, I had a gala that I did for um an adoption agency, and they needed a photo booth. And I asked him for what the price would be, you know, that it's it's for an event. We are looking for sponsorship, but it's not necessary. And they donate a photo booth and their time, two of them, to come to the event. It was the owner and another worker, and they just were like, Of course, we'll do that for you. You do so much for us, and that is such a beautiful feeling, and that's a green flag with vendors because it's it's reciprocated, and that is just such a beautiful relationship, and that's one you can say, I know I can count on them.

SPEAKER_02 23:35

Yeah, and it's funny because I had a similar situation when it came, which a lot of vendors who don't know me well, who have not wanted to really start that relationship, that's kind of what they first start off with. Is it like I will give you$200 for every booking you send me? And I know in their hearts they're thinking, well, that's just a good business move on my part. Right. And even one of my go-to vendors who I love working with still on my pre-ventor list, he had mentioned this. Of course, at that point, I knew his heart. I knew like we had been working together for years, but I I quickly turn around like, I understand why you want me to do this. I'm already sending you the business. Instead of giving me that hundred for$200, can you just take that off and make that an exclusive Southern Sparkle edition? Absolutely. So like, absolutely. So that's kind of if it's a vendor that you know and trust who mentions that to you, that's maybe a workaround, a turnaround.

SPEAKER_00 24:19

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_02 24:24

And I'm like, you don't even know my name.

unknown 24:26

Absolutely.

SPEAKER_02 24:26

I deal with this a lot because you're the name of your company, I bet, because people see Cherie in more events, they just assume hi Cherie, and you're like, No, it's Aisha. You didn't even do that much looking into my website to know what my name is all the time. Yeah, yeah. That's not a great way to build a great relationship. Aisha, let's kind of turn this into something positive when we're talking about red flags. Let's now talk about something more positive. What's one sign that tells you a member is really going to actually thrive in the community?

SPEAKER_01 24:56

Well, starting with the CWP Society, Chrissy, it's their involvement, their attitude about learning and continuously learning. It's their personality. This industry is not for the weak, and you can't thrive in this industry alone. There is no event that you can pull off as a one-person show. So if you think of it that way, you will thrive in our community if you simply stay involved, lean on one another. But because nine times out of 10, we are all experiencing similar situations. And it helps when you have a community that can relate to what you're going through and a community that can problem solve with you and grow with you in such a demanding and changing industry.

SPEAKER_02 25:37

I love that you mentioned their attitude about learning and continuous learning because all three of us know all three of us are very experienced planners, but we have seen other experienced planners who had that mindset of, well, there's nothing else I can learn. I know everything.

SPEAKER_01 25:50

Absolutely wrong.

SPEAKER_02 25:52

And wrong, absolutely wrong. Because again, this industry is always changing and it's it's a very demanding industry. But I look at learning as like I'm just getting better. And I know the ceiling is not, I can't reach it because I'm always wanting to learn, I'm always wanting to get better. So when you have that more positive attitude about learning, not that attitude of I know it all. Oh, I don't, I just there's nothing about someone who says that. And I'm like, but you don't though, because our couple from five years ago is not our couple today. It's so true. So and none of us are at our cap, none of us have hidden at our education. Even the founder and CEO, Lori Hartwell, who's been in this industry for over 30 years, she is still continuously learning to pour, and all that does is help pour into our members. For me, if anyone were to be like, I know it all, it would be someone who's got 30 plus years of experience. But she's really like no, that's the whole point. I want to continue to grow, I want to continue to learn. So I love that you mentioned that, Aisha, so much. So tell me about the most surprising connection that you've seen blossom in our community, like one that made you think I did not see that coming, but it's perfect.

SPEAKER_01 27:05

This this is a very tough question, Chrissy. I'm sorry. What? I don't think there's one. There's the way I've seen our members come together and the relationships that I've seen built between our members, I can't describe just one. There, there, there are just too many. I mean, just too many. The fact that we're all on this phone, like you said, we're we're not the phone, but the fact that we're all on this podcast, it feels like a phone call. It feels like I'm catching up with my girls. We're we're all in different states. It's just there's not one. And every time I see the CWP society community, and every time I'm on a workshop, or if I go to a networking event and there's some planners in my area, and we're all CWP Society, it's such an amazing time together. And it's just I did not see here's what I didn't see coming was me becoming a certified wedding planner and the relationships that I've built with our certified CWP society members. I know it's coming. And it doesn't stop because we're getting like the member, the members are coming. They're, you know, wedding planners are getting certified. They're they're jumping on the certified side. There, there are so many planners that we're we're introduced to, and we're, you know, they're they're looking up to us as the veterans, I would say, and we're here to help them. So all the relationships, every relationship just has room to blossom. And that's what I've seen with our CWP community.

SPEAKER_02 28:47

I'm right there with you. I don't think I I didn't expect this at all. I expected to gain my education and to create my business and for my business to grow and develop. What I did not expect was to find people who I am so connected with, who I know if I were to call Amanda and be like, I can't do these weddings, she would be on my airplane, flying up, ready to execute those weddings. I know that's happened with Amanda with her first pregnancy. Haley flew down and was able to finish her final weddings. I've done the same thing in that tiny little airplane, mind you. I could literally tap the pilot on the shoulder for one of our CWPs years ago to help her with a wedding that she could no longer commit to due to some really tragic family stuff. That I did not expect. I did not expect people who not only would be willing to help me, but people who also cheered me on and rooted for me and wanted nothing but the best for me, did not expect that when I became a certified wedding planner at all.

SPEAKER_01 29:41

It's that this is really a family. It is a family.

SPEAKER_02 29:46

Amanda, have you ever experienced that with like a vendor version? Like where it was like, oh my gosh, this has really impacted my life, or you've seen a vendor relationship impact someone else's life.

SPEAKER_03 29:55

I feel like it's a party every time that I make a venue connection, to be completely honest. I mean, every time it's so incredible to me that that happened. I it's like it should it almost is as if I don't give myself enough credit because obviously the only way a relationship happens is because you did the work. So I feel like that is every every vendor, any any new venue relationship that I make is like awing to me. Again, I I'm probably being super hard on myself and dramatic, but um, in addition to that, which I am beyond grateful for all my venue connections, um, one thing that I do to water my relationships is go and visit them yearly. Like obviously, we see them throughout the year because we work with them closely, but just like giving them a little, you know, token of appreciation um in January during our like anniversary month, bit biz versary, is really exciting for me and the girls. So I'm really excited for that. But one relationship recently was a younger photographer. She is more of she kind of brands herself as a luxury photographer. And I guess I'm I was I'm really so fascinated with how we connected so well. And somebody that is younger than me looks up to me and sees me as this like incredible planner, and I again I'm just like taken aback, I guess, because I'm like, who do you think I am? Like, I'm just Amanda with for the love of events. Like, what do you mean? What's the big deal? But she really just it's like I inspire her and I I just find that so sweet, and I just love the relationship that we've made. We've both helped each other. She helps me with certain tips on like social media things because you know I'm ancient because I'm 30. Um, and she's just been so incredible to just my business and just being such a kind human. Like, I'm we talk about this all the time, but being kind takes you so far. I mean, if there's one piece of advice I can give people, it's that like just be a kind human and you will get far in life.

SPEAKER_02 32:00

Yeah, it's funny. I mean, I think because one reason why it kind of shocks and blows your mind that these relationships have really built into something that has helped your career is because relationships come so natural to you. Like that, you being a good person, you being a good friend comes so natural to you. So you, of course, you're you're not thinking of it as a big deal, but it is a big deal because you know, you put in the work, and for you it's not work. For you, it's just you're like, this is just what I do, this is who I am. But you should definitely pat yourself on the back for all of the hard work that you've done. And kind of tying into that since you are so good at relationships. If someone is listening right now thinking, gosh, Amanda, I hear you, but I am terrible at relationships, or I'm so awkward at this stuff. You know, what's the one thing that maybe those people can do this week when it comes to their vendors?

SPEAKER_03 32:47

Listen to self, like better self podcasts, listen to encouraging things because you got this. Like, seriously, listen to people that will encourage you to just do it. I say that a lot too. Like, just like be like Nike and just do it. Um, like I mentioned earlier, try to do things that make you feel comfortable as an introverted person. When I first started, um, I've never really been an introvert, but I needed to, I kind of reverted to that slightly because when you don't know anybody, you you kind of you just don't know where to start. You can yap all day, but you don't know who to start that conversation with. So I always suggest clinging on to somebody like a me that's an extrovert to go ahead and start networking with them. Of course, we are always as extroverts, we're always encouraging that. I think networking is huge, and that's something that you need to do to show your face to the industry, to just be out there. So if that's something that makes you super nervous, just cling on to somebody that is more um seasoned and can help you. I love bringing newbies to networking events. I'll tell them all the time, hey, I'm gonna be here this day. You should come with me, buy your ticket. I'll be your buddy. Like, let me introduce you to people. And they love that because then it's not awkward.

SPEAKER_02 34:04

I love your networking advice, especially someone who is introvert. But I love that you mentioned find something that makes you comfortable because that's that's what I did. Whether I would bring my assistant Tori, who's a certified wedding planner, who's extremely extroverted, so she would be my wing girl. There you go. I was just kind of doing my research on who was attending. Like I would read their websites, read their blog posts. That way I have some type of connection of like, hey, I think there was one networking event I'll never forget. They were building a house and they were posting it out on their blog. So I saw them and I knew this was someone I wanted to connect it with, and I immediately went up to them and I was like, hi, I'm Christy. I was just reading your blog. How is the house building coming? And they were kind of taken aback. Probably like you, Amanda, like, who is this person and why do you know that I'm building my house? And I'm like, Your blog. You put that on the internet for everyone to know. And she was like, Oh, I didn't think anyone read my blog. I mean, that's so sweet that you read it, and you know, we connected and we still learn. And then because networking events and large groups of people make me really nervous as an introvert, I always make it a goal to find at least five people I can connect with then one-on-one. So that way I can take it from this big setting to something more intimate where we can have coffee where it's one-on-one. So that helps me too in my process of building these relationships. But I think you cannot be in this industry and be terrible at relationships. Right. That's that's kind of our truth because like Aisha has mentioned several times throughout this podcast, we are not a one-person show here. No, so if you can't work well with others, this unfortunately is not going to be the career for you.

SPEAKER_03 35:36

Not at all. Our job. It's our it's literally part of our job to connect.

SPEAKER_02 35:41

Yeah, exactly. Aisha, let's talk about with our community and what's one simple thing that they can connect better with within the CWP society.

SPEAKER_01 35:50

I'd say be open to wanting to start that connection. Whether you admit it or not, like we just said, we all need each other in this industry, even if our expertise is the same. I need you as a wedding planner, even though I'm a wedding planner. The CWP Society was not built just for me alone. It was created so that all wedding planners could thrive and become certified. So if you join the CWP Society, please be prepared to join a community of supporters and like-minded individuals that are here to root for you and with you. Exactly.

SPEAKER_02 36:25

And we talked about maintaining relationships already with Amanda, but I want to talk about it with you as well, Aisha, because you know, starting them is one thing, but keeping them alive, that is the real skill, like Amanda talked about. Aisha, what's your approach here to doing this within the CWP society community settings?

SPEAKER_01 36:43

I'd start by saying you can't grow what you don't nurture. The simple step of checking in on our fellow CWP members or collaborating with them on their events, because nine times out of 10, most of us need an extra set of hands on wedding days. So simply letting other CWP members know that you are available to assist them if they need it, even connecting with one another outside of the industry-related events, if time allows, can help keep those relationships alive. I know that some of our, you know, some of us are so consumed with our careers and it's hard to have a healthy balance. But sometimes all it takes is an invitation to dinner, lunch, or coffee. And those moments can turn into great conversation and time well spent with your fellow CWP members. But most importantly, it's making an effort to truly value those relationships.

SPEAKER_02 37:33

I love that advice so much. It reminds me of two of our members, um, Nikki, who's one of our certified educators, and Brittany, who's one of our industry advancement directors. They don't live in the same state, but they will occasionally hop on a Zoom call and just work with each other. Or like they're up in the background, they're working on timelines together because again, we don't have coworkers, so it can be quite lonely. But I love that that is their relationship developed from just being in CWP members, being involved in our community, and now they just they have little Zoom work date. I was like, I love that so so much. Before we wrap up, I want each of you to finish this sentence. Aisha, I'm gonna start with you first. The relationship advice I wish every planner would actually hear and follow is we all need each other, and I don't even know if that's advice, but it's true.

SPEAKER_01 38:23

It is true.

SPEAKER_02 38:24

I think it is advice, it's a mindset shift. And like Amanda mentioned earlier, we can't do every single wedding. I don't want to. I want to recommend my fellows CWPs, and not only that, I want we need someone to lean on because no one knows our crazy. Like we know our crazy. This industry, it's hard to explain to someone who's not in this industry. I remember one of my sweet uncles helped me on a wedding day. He helped my mom, my mom was a florals, floral designer at the time, and he was on site all day helping us. And at the end of the wedding, he was like, I just, this is not what I expected. And he calls, he calls me Sisty. He's like, Sissy, you work so incredibly hard. He's like, not only that, but you're managing all these emotions. All these people keep coming to you with questions. This does so much more than I thought it was. So he respected that because he saw me in it. But until you see us in it in our lives, how we execute weddings our day to day, you don't understand how hard this job is. So, what a beautiful thing that we have an entire community of other certified wedding planners who do understand that. So, tapping into that and realizing we all need each other, I think that was great advice, Aisha. I love it. Amanda, bring to tone with your same sentence. The relationship advice I wish every wedding planner would actually hear and follow is.

SPEAKER_03 39:38

I think I'm gonna stick with what I mentioned earlier. Kindness gives you goodness. Goodness comes from being kind. There are so many good things that come from that. And again, just being a kind human will open so many doors for you in so many different ways for relationships, for um friendships, for business. It is just having a positive attitude, being kind, and what you do with those relationships are just gonna be huge for you.

SPEAKER_02 40:10

Put that on a coffee mug. Kindness brings you goodness. Like, yes, it does. Yes, Amanda. Um, thank you both so much for this conversation. Because to me, this is exactly the kind of real talk that is needed today. And if you're listening to this and thinking, gosh, I want to be part of a community like this, now is the time to join the CWP Society and gain your certification. This is where you get the education, the community, and the support that actually transforms your business. And if you're already a CWP Society member, but you're not tapping into your full benefits, I'm calling you out with love. Do it this week. If you're an executive level member, join us at the weekly Wednesday workshops. And if you're a free pro member, come to our monthly gatherings or better yet, upgrade your membership by gaining your certification and becoming an executive level member and an official certified wedding planner. So you can have access to everything that we offer. Your business deserves this investment and you deserve this investment. Again, thank you, ladies, so much for being a part of it. For those of you who are listening, if you're running of our membership, visit CWP Society.com to learn more. Thanks, guys.