036: Nora Sheils of Bridal Bliss & Rock Paper Coin
PLANNER LIFE PODCAST
036: Nora Sheils of Bridal Bliss and Rock Paper Coin
“And it's again, one of those things that I'm like, why did we not do this before?” - Nora
“Find a Community of Like-minded Planners” - Nora
Hey planners! In today’s episode, Nora Sheils of Bridal Bliss and Rock Paper Coin joins Heather for a candid conversation on her story, percentage pricing and creating a system to make planners and client’s lives easier.
Listen in as she shares how she and her team made the shift to percentage based pricing and never looked back. Plus, you’ll even hear about the inspiration behind her brand Rock Paper Coin that has created an easy to use platform for invoicing in the wedding industry, and the importance of choosing the right tech for your wedding planning business.
Connect with Nora:
rockpapercoin.com | Use code PLANNERLIFE for 6 months free!
Join me each week! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you will never miss an episode.
Keep the conversation going and get more free content, info on upcoming workshops and more over on @plannerlifeacademy and @plannerlifepodcast on Instagram. I love to see your tags and reposts of the episodes you are enjoying!
Ready to up level your wedding planning business? There are so many resources available for you at https://www.plannerlifeacademy.com/.
Be well and happy planning!
xo, Heather
Show Notes:
In this episode, Heather Hoesch Olsen and Nora Sheils delve into the complexities of the wedding planning business, discussing various aspects from pricing structures to the importance of tech integration. They share insights gained from their extensive experience in the industry and explore the evolution of client expectations and vendor interactions.
Nora's Background:
Nora shares her upbringing in Portland as a first-generation Iraqi immigrant, influenced by her mother's seamstress work.
Her exposure to bridal alterations at home sparked her fascination with weddings, leading to diverse experiences in the wedding industry.
Transition to Wedding Planning:
Nora's involvement in planning university events and winning a business plan competition set the stage for her entry into wedding planning.
Starting her own business straight out of college in 2002, Nora navigated the industry's early landscape with determination and hard work.
Growth and Team Expansion:
Initially handling weddings solo, Nora gradually built a team to manage increasing bookings and expand operations.
Recognizing the need for support and delegation, she transitioned to a team-based approach, empowering her team members and fostering a collaborative environment.
Transition to Percentage-Based Pricing:
Initially hesitant, Nora's team eventually adopted a percentage-based pricing model, leading to increased profitability and client satisfaction.
The transition allowed for more equitable compensation and improved service delivery, enhancing the overall client experience.
Overcoming Challenges and Educating Clients:
Nora discusses the challenges of transitioning existing clients to the new pricing model and emphasizes the importance of transparent communication.
Educating clients about the value proposition of the new pricing structure and addressing concerns about trust and transparency.
Episode Highlights:
Pricing Transparency and Professional Valuation: Heather and Nora discuss the challenges of establishing transparent pricing in the wedding planning industry and the importance of valuing professional expertise.
Technological Solutions in Wedding Planning: Nora shares the journey of founding Rock Paper Coin and highlights the role of technology in improving efficiency and client experience.
Managing Credit Card Processing Fees: Heather and Nora explore different fee structures and their implications for businesses and clients, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right payment solutions.
Community Support and Entrepreneurial Insights: Heather and Nora reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys, offering advice for new wedding planners and stressing the value of community support and mentorship.
Conclusion:
Nora reflects on the positive impact of the transition to percentage-based pricing, highlighting the benefits of aligning pricing with the value of services rendered.
She emphasizes the importance of trust and transparency in client relationships and the continuous evolution of the wedding planning industry.
Connect with Nora:
rockpapercoin.com | Use code PLANNERLIFE for 6 months free!