When Stef married a farmer she didn't realise that owning a wedding venue would be on the cards. Having held her own wedding on the farm, she realised there was a huge opportunity to open up the farm to more couples. Now Stef runs a successful wedding venue and today she shares her story. We talk about the highs and lows of running a venue, the importance of business training and a training opportunity she has coming up in October!Join the training day on October 2nd at Bennetts Willow Barn.Use the code BECCA for a discount on your ticketFollow Bennetts Willow Barn Weddings on InstagramTime Stamps:Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)Stef shares her thoughts on learning and the importance of attending paid events for growth.Stef's Background (00:00:53)Stef discusses her journey from solicitor to wedding venue owner and her personal wedding experience.Transition to Farming (00:01:43)Stef explains her decision to leave law due to family needs and her husband's farming career.Life on the Farm (00:04:47)A glimpse into the busy daily life of Stef's family on the farm and its demands.Starting the Wedding Venue (00:06:53)Stef recounts how her wedding led to opening the farm for other weddings and events.Diversification of the Farm (00:07:11)The initial diversification into glamping and the planning of their wedding venue.Building the Venue (00:09:07)Stef describes the construction of the yurt for their wedding and subsequent bookings.Creating a Unique Experience (00:10:13)The venue's laid-back approach and how it caters to couples' desires for personalization.Flexibility in Weddings (00:12:03)Stef emphasizes the importance of flexibility in wedding planning and making it personal.Highs and Lows of the Business (00:14:49)Stef reflects on the rewarding moments and challenges faced in the wedding industry.Relationships with Local Suppliers (00:17:43)Stef discusses the significance of networking with local suppliers and building strong partnerships.Tips for Suppliers (00:20:51)Stef offers advice on how local suppliers can approach venues and build rapport.Introduction to Supplier Relationships (00:20:58)Stef discusses the importance of genuine connections with suppliers rather than cold outreach.The Need for Training and Development (00:23:08)Stef emphasizes the necessity of training for informed decision-making in business.Understanding Business Numbers (00:24:29)Stef highlights how knowing business numbers is crucial for evaluating performance and making improvements.Upcoming Training Day Announcement (00:26:15)Becca announces her visit to Bennett's Willow Barn for a training day in October.Details of the Training Day (00:26:31)Stef outlines the schedule and topics for the interactive training day, including networking opportunities.Importance of Networking (00:28:56)Becca stresses the value of building relationships and networking within the wedding industry.Ticket Pricing and Discounts (00:30:28)Stef shares ticket prices for the training day and a discount code for listeners.Future Plans for Bennett's Willow Barn...

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