Top ten tips for new celebrants

On this special episode, Josh dials in from California to chat with Sarah about their Top Ten Tips for new Celebrants, as requested by Emily. But there are some tips in here for all celebrants, new or not! • Network, network, network - with anyone in the marriage industry • Find a buddy/mentor • Read the Guidelines to the Marriage Act cover to cover, and look at them regularly when you have a question • Watch lots of ceremonies to find out different ways of doing things • Learn how to business • Figure out your differentiator, your point of difference • Earn your fee ... aka don't just google other fees, but figure out how to charge what it costs you etc, and there's the sliding scale of learner to expert • Learn from other industries - business-wise - and ceremony wise • Attend OPD in person! (not distance) • PA system/tech gear • A bonus 11th tip is an ad, for Freshbooks - because honestly, the biggest tip you could get is to get on top of your money. Get on top of invoicing, getting paid, tracking expenses. But Freshbooks don't sponsor us anymore, so feel free to choose any accounting software.Times and topics 01.46 Tip 1 - Network, network, network. Sarah's all about going to every wedding-related event she can. Josh agrees - it's about building relationships, not only with other celebrants but with people and suppliers from all across the industry. It's not just about getting work, but about making our work lives more fun 08.24 Tip 2 - Find a buddy/mentor that you can bounce things off, and ask for help 09.48 Tip 3 - Read the (current) Guidelines to the Marriage Act cover to cover, and look at them regularly when you have a question. The Guidelines will answer 95% of any questions you may have. Even Sarah, who knows the Guidelines really really well, still goes back and checks the Guidelines 12.47 Tip 4 - Watch lots of ceremonies to find out different ways of doing things 16.45 Tip 5 - Learn 'how to business'. Understand your business accounts, how people want to pay for things, contracts. Know where & how to get advice and specialist help when you need it 20.00 Tip 6 - Figure out your differentiator, your point of difference. What are you good at/not good at? Your brand should reflect this, and explain how this matters to people getting married 27.10 Tip 7 - Earn your fee, aka don't just google other fees, but figure out how to charge what it costs you etc, and there's the sliding scale of learner to expert 34.59 Tip 8 - Learn from other industries - business-wise and ceremony-wise. Learn voice tips from other public speakers and even podcast hosts 39.44 Tip 9 - Attend OPD in person! (not distance) Josh has done both and it's way easier to attend in person; also it's good to meet other celebrants and learn from them 41.02 Tip 10 - PA System / tech gear. Know your gear and learn how to use it properly. Make sure everyone can hear you! 46.07 Bonus Tip 11 - Get on top of your accounts. Freshbooks accounting software can help with invoices and clients can pay directly from the invoice you send them •