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Lindsay J Williams

Build That Business Podcast, Business
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November 11, 2021

15: Popular lead generation strategies that didn’t work for me and what to do instead

Episode #15 : Build The Business Podcast
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Today’s episode is going to be a little different… we’re going to speak off the cuff about popular lead generation strategies that just frankly, didn’t work for me!

Excuse my negativity, I’m usually pretty positive… but I wanted to put this episode out there because I’m seeing these come up over and over again with my students, and I want to talk about them. 

Now, you may listen and think, “Linds, that lead generation strategy works great for me!” And if that’s you… then keep going. I’m not saying that these don’t work at all, I’m saying that they didn’t work for me. I’ve had my fair share of trying things that didn’t work in business and If I can help you avoid some of these mistakes… then you better believe, we’re gonna talk about it. 

So, ready to hear more about what I’ve tried and failed at? I can’t say I’m really ready to dive into my failures, but hey, let’s give it a go…

#1 My experience with Vendor Referrals

Okay, this one is going to make some waves. But, I tend to do that because I talk about things that no one wants to talk about. I firmly believe that it’s YOUR JOB to sell your business. No one else’s. Sure, vendor referrals are nice, I appreciate them and I take every chance I get to pass another vendor’s name along but at the end of the day, it’s not their job to sell your business. They’re busy selling theirs and serving their couples!

That’s your job. So, I want you to connect and network with other couples for the sake of creating a community…. Not for the hopes of getting referrals.

I’ll tell you a little story. A couple years into my business I had this thought that I would try to connect with local venues and planners to see if I could drum up some leads that way. I scheduled appointments with 20 or so vendors and created these because sample binders and little gift card boxes with hand crafted bows that they could give out to their couples. I met with these vendors and showed them my work and offered to deliver these beautifully little boxes that they could give to their couples as a gift. Inside was a giftcard to use on their wedding stationery.

It sounded like a great idea and these little boxes were so cute. Seriously, my mom and I spent hours and hours creating these special handmade gifts.

And guys, guess how many referrals I got from this… zero. No really, zero. I must have handed out hundreds of them. And had dozens of meetings with other vendors who were SO excited about them. And spent hours and boat loads of money printing sample binders that they could share with their couples.

But at the end of the day, it wasn’t their job to market my business to their couples. They have their own stuff to do! They have their own business to sell! 

I can’t tell you how many coaching calls I sit on and my students say that they’re putting together sample packs to send to other vendors. I immediately tell this story and caution against it. 

Instead, form relationships with those vendors and the referrals will naturally come. And if they don’t, well to be honest, I’m going to help you with lead generation strategies in that free masterclass… that you won’t need to rely on other people selling your business. You can just enjoy the relationship that you have with other vendors. 

Some of my best friends are wedding vendors in my area, and I don’t expect anything from them. Expect for maybe an ear when we’re having a rough day and need to talk to someone who gets it.

So again, it’s your job to sell your business. YOU are your own publicist.

#2 The time I tried to do a contest to get referrals

Okay, so I had this idea to design these BEAUTIFUL note cards and I put together a contest basically saying that if you referred me, I would send you a pack of these notecards for free.

I spent all this time designing them, taking gorgeous pictures, putting together posts and emails. Guess how many referrals I got from the notecards… ZERO.

In fact, I’d get referrals but no one ever even asked about the fricken note cards. I can’t help but laugh now but at the time this was so frustrating because I spent so much time and energy doing things like this. I have tried everything in the book to bribe my couples to pass my name along. I’m just gonna get totally transparent here and pull back the curtain. I’ve done contests and thought about kickbacks, I’ve considered it all. But at the end of the day… The only way to get quality referrals is to serve your couples well. Do that, and they’ll tell their friends. If you give them a good story to tell about their experience, they can’t help but share it.

Really, ditch the contests and the referral fees… just serve them well. Love up on your couples and they will sing your praises.

#3 My experience with paid vendor sites

I’m not going to name names but you know what I’m talking about… 

This is probably a question I get weekly, should I sign up for xyz. My answer to that question is no, I don’t think you need them. 

Yes, I have students who have had luck here, but if I’m being honest, for me, it was a waste of money. I would get the occasional lead but the leads were not couples I’ve connected with and therefore the lead was cold. So, the only thing they had to compare me…. was price. 

And when I did actually book couples from these sites, they actually have heard of me through other sources (social, friends, bridal shows, etc). SO, they would have booked me anyway! I didn’t need to spend $100 a month on the site.

Also, a work of caution, these sites will give you awards that I’m telling you will stroke your ego. The Couple’s Favorite award, the Top Vendor in Your City award. They’ll be so tempting to post about and to put on your sites. But, here me girlfriend this is a BIG BUT… are those awards generating leads? Or are they just making you feel good?

_______

Head to my instagram (MsLindsayJWilliams) and tell me what you thought of this episode. Anything else you would add? I want to keep the conversation going of what worked and what didn’t work to generate leads. Let’s build these businesses together, girlfriends! 

LINKS MENTIONed IN THIS EPISODE:

Our Private Facebook Group

Our Free HoneyBook Guide

Coupon Code for 50% off HoneyBook

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Hi There!

Hi There!

I'm lindsay

Wifey to Ryan and new mama to our sweet baby boy, Jamison. I’m also the owner of a custom wedding invitation company, Hoopla House Creative and I know a thing or two about closing a sale. Through personality packed content, and out of this world customer service, I’ve managed to grow our company by 10x in yearly revenue. All from the comfort of my home, in my PJs.

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Follow on Instagram

My mentorship student, Ashley of @bybeachcity , booked 34 new couples at her latest bridal show 😳🔥🙌🏼 She is on absolute fire and I’m so proud of her 🥰

Are you doing bridal shows in your business? 

Do you see how they can be a goldmine if you know how to do them right? 34 couples booked at ONE show!! 

Shoot me a DM to learn more about how I can help with your bridal show success 💃🏼
•
Follow
My mentorship student, Ashley of @bybeachcity , booked 34 new couples at her latest bridal show 😳🔥🙌🏼 She is on absolute fire and I’m so proud of her 🥰 Are you doing bridal shows in your business? Do you see how they can be a goldmine if you know how to do them right? 34 couples booked at ONE show!! Shoot me a DM to learn more about how I can help with your bridal show success 💃🏼
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
I've grown a $300,000 (that's yearly revenue) wedding business posting my dog...​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Okay, maybe there was a little bit more to it than that, but I'm going to teach you! ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Jokes aside - I know what works when it comes to connecting with your couples, increasing engagement, and booking more weddings with social media. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The gist of it all? People connect with people (or cute fluffy dogs) - NOT products. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
In my upcoming workshop, I'll show you exactly what to post, how to plan that content, and how to schedule it all in just 3 days. One month of content in 3 days. So, you'll finally feel caught up and AHEAD to free up your time to work on other things.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Sounds amazing right? It's all happening live this Monday, September 19th and you sign up at the link in our bio 😉​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
PS: Really though, Chewi is in our Top 9 every single year.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
PPS: Can't make it live? Don't sweat it! You'll get the replay in your inbox the next morning!
•
Follow
I've grown a $300,000 (that's yearly revenue) wedding business posting my dog...​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ Okay, maybe there was a little bit more to it than that, but I'm going to teach you! ​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ Jokes aside - I know what works when it comes to connecting with your couples, increasing engagement, and booking more weddings with social media. ​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ The gist of it all? People connect with people (or cute fluffy dogs) - NOT products. ​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ In my upcoming workshop, I'll show you exactly what to post, how to plan that content, and how to schedule it all in just 3 days. One month of content in 3 days. So, you'll finally feel caught up and AHEAD to free up your time to work on other things.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ Sounds amazing right? It's all happening live this Monday, September 19th and you sign up at the link in our bio 😉​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ PS: Really though, Chewi is in our Top 9 every single year.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ PPS: Can't make it live? Don't sweat it! You'll get the replay in your inbox the next morning!
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? @shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now. This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it. Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: ➤ Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali. ➤ Discover how to start building your business on social media now. ➤ Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels. How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? I would love to know! Comment below 👇 🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? 

@shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now.

This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 
➤  Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali.
➤  Discover how to start building your business on social media now. 
➤  Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels.

How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? 

I would love to know! Comment below 👇

🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? 

@shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now.

This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 
➤  Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali.
➤  Discover how to start building your business on social media now. 
➤  Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels.

How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? 

I would love to know! Comment below 👇

🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? 

@shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now.

This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 
➤  Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali.
➤  Discover how to start building your business on social media now. 
➤  Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels.

How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? 

I would love to know! Comment below 👇

🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? 

@shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now.

This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 
➤  Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali.
➤  Discover how to start building your business on social media now. 
➤  Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels.

How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? 

I would love to know! Comment below 👇

🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
•
Follow
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? @shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now. This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it. Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: ➤ Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali. ➤ Discover how to start building your business on social media now. ➤ Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels. How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? I would love to know! Comment below 👇 🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Do you feel like you keep saying the same things on social media over and over again?

It’s  frickin hard, right?

The key to having unique, engaging, captivating and persuasive content is by expanding your topic ideas.  50% of what you post needs to be something other than what you sell. Your social feed should create connections, communicate your value, and warm up your lead.

Our workshop theme for September is, you guessed it, social media! We’ll cover how to plan, create, and schedule a month of social content in just 3 days 🙌🏼🔥

👉 Grab your ticket at the link in our bio! 
LindsayJWilliams.com/septemberworkshop

PS: Can’t make it live? Register and get the replay to watch anytime!
•
Follow
Do you feel like you keep saying the same things on social media over and over again? It’s frickin hard, right? The key to having unique, engaging, captivating and persuasive content is by expanding your topic ideas. 50% of what you post needs to be something other than what you sell. Your social feed should create connections, communicate your value, and warm up your lead. Our workshop theme for September is, you guessed it, social media! We’ll cover how to plan, create, and schedule a month of social content in just 3 days 🙌🏼🔥 👉 Grab your ticket at the link in our bio! LindsayJWilliams.com/septemberworkshop PS: Can’t make it live? Register and get the replay to watch anytime!
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
My mentorship student, Ashley of @bybeachcity , booked 34 new couples at her latest bridal show 😳🔥🙌🏼 She is on absolute fire and I’m so proud of her 🥰

Are you doing bridal shows in your business? 

Do you see how they can be a goldmine if you know how to do them right? 34 couples booked at ONE show!! 

Shoot me a DM to learn more about how I can help with your bridal show success 💃🏼
•
Follow
My mentorship student, Ashley of @bybeachcity , booked 34 new couples at her latest bridal show 😳🔥🙌🏼 She is on absolute fire and I’m so proud of her 🥰 Are you doing bridal shows in your business? Do you see how they can be a goldmine if you know how to do them right? 34 couples booked at ONE show!! Shoot me a DM to learn more about how I can help with your bridal show success 💃🏼
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
I've grown a $300,000 (that's yearly revenue) wedding business posting my dog...​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Okay, maybe there was a little bit more to it than that, but I'm going to teach you! ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Jokes aside - I know what works when it comes to connecting with your couples, increasing engagement, and booking more weddings with social media. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The gist of it all? People connect with people (or cute fluffy dogs) - NOT products. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
In my upcoming workshop, I'll show you exactly what to post, how to plan that content, and how to schedule it all in just 3 days. One month of content in 3 days. So, you'll finally feel caught up and AHEAD to free up your time to work on other things.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Sounds amazing right? It's all happening live this Monday, September 19th and you sign up at the link in our bio 😉​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
PS: Really though, Chewi is in our Top 9 every single year.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
PPS: Can't make it live? Don't sweat it! You'll get the replay in your inbox the next morning!
•
Follow
I've grown a $300,000 (that's yearly revenue) wedding business posting my dog...​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ Okay, maybe there was a little bit more to it than that, but I'm going to teach you! ​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ Jokes aside - I know what works when it comes to connecting with your couples, increasing engagement, and booking more weddings with social media. ​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ The gist of it all? People connect with people (or cute fluffy dogs) - NOT products. ​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ In my upcoming workshop, I'll show you exactly what to post, how to plan that content, and how to schedule it all in just 3 days. One month of content in 3 days. So, you'll finally feel caught up and AHEAD to free up your time to work on other things.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ Sounds amazing right? It's all happening live this Monday, September 19th and you sign up at the link in our bio 😉​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ PS: Really though, Chewi is in our Top 9 every single year.​​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​ PPS: Can't make it live? Don't sweat it! You'll get the replay in your inbox the next morning!
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? @shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now. This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it. Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: ➤ Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali. ➤ Discover how to start building your business on social media now. ➤ Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels. How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? I would love to know! Comment below 👇 🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? 

@shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now.

This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 
➤  Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali.
➤  Discover how to start building your business on social media now. 
➤  Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels.

How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? 

I would love to know! Comment below 👇

🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? 

@shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now.

This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 
➤  Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali.
➤  Discover how to start building your business on social media now. 
➤  Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels.

How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? 

I would love to know! Comment below 👇

🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? 

@shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now.

This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 
➤  Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali.
➤  Discover how to start building your business on social media now. 
➤  Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels.

How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? 

I would love to know! Comment below 👇

🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? 

@shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now.

This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: 
➤  Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali.
➤  Discover how to start building your business on social media now. 
➤  Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels.

How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? 

I would love to know! Comment below 👇

🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
•
Follow
When was the last time you showed your face on your social media? Are you still hiding behind that beautiful work of yours? @shannonsegall and I dive into standing out on Instagram among the never-ending noise in this episode. It's one of the most actionable episodes we've ever recorded, filled with step-by-step tips on things you can implement starting now. This episode is for you if you're ready to stand out from the crowd, get serious about your content marketing strategy, and have fun doing it. Top reasons to listen to the entire episode: ➤ Learn how Shannon quit her corporate job and moved across the world to Bali. ➤ Discover how to start building your business on social media now. ➤ Uncover the difference between educational vs. entertaining reels. How are you showing up and standing out on Instagram? Did you find any strategies you can implement into your business? I would love to know! Comment below 👇 🎙 Tune in at the link in my bio! 🥳
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Do you feel like you keep saying the same things on social media over and over again?

It’s  frickin hard, right?

The key to having unique, engaging, captivating and persuasive content is by expanding your topic ideas.  50% of what you post needs to be something other than what you sell. Your social feed should create connections, communicate your value, and warm up your lead.

Our workshop theme for September is, you guessed it, social media! We’ll cover how to plan, create, and schedule a month of social content in just 3 days 🙌🏼🔥

👉 Grab your ticket at the link in our bio! 
LindsayJWilliams.com/septemberworkshop

PS: Can’t make it live? Register and get the replay to watch anytime!
•
Follow
Do you feel like you keep saying the same things on social media over and over again? It’s frickin hard, right? The key to having unique, engaging, captivating and persuasive content is by expanding your topic ideas. 50% of what you post needs to be something other than what you sell. Your social feed should create connections, communicate your value, and warm up your lead. Our workshop theme for September is, you guessed it, social media! We’ll cover how to plan, create, and schedule a month of social content in just 3 days 🙌🏼🔥 👉 Grab your ticket at the link in our bio! LindsayJWilliams.com/septemberworkshop PS: Can’t make it live? Register and get the replay to watch anytime!
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
@mslindsayjwilliams
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