Sell With Empathy, Book With Confidence
How Venue Teams Can Close More Events Without Feeling “Salesy”
By Terry Rossi | SalesAutomation.com
Let’s get real for a second.
Most venue salespeople didn’t start out in sales. They were planners, hosts, operators—people who genuinely care about creating great experiences. So when it comes to closing deals, many feel uncomfortable, unsure, or even a little… fake.
That’s why I want to share some powerful insights from a recent episode of The Venue Rx Podcast featuring Maria Bayer, creator of the “Irresistible Selling” method. Her message? You don’t have to pressure people to win in sales. In fact, the opposite works better—especially in the wedding and event world.
Here’s what venue owners and sales teams can learn from her empathy-first sales approach—and how we support those principles through automation at SalesAutomation.com.
The Real Shift: From Selling to Serving
Maria reframes sales as a relationship-building process, not a transaction. When couples reach out to your venue, they’re not just comparing rates—they’re looking for someone they can trust to help pull off one of the most emotional days of their lives.
Your job isn’t to “convince” them.
It’s to connect, qualify, and guide.
5 Keys to Booking More Events—The Empathetic Way
1. Clearly Communicate Your Value
If your team can’t confidently explain what makes your venue special—beyond the basics of capacity and catering—you’re already losing to venues who can.
✅ At SalesAutomation.com, we help you build nurturing content and lead magnets that clearly articulate your value—automatically and consistently.
2. Qualify Leads Early
Wasting time on unqualified leads isn’t just frustrating—it burns out your sales team.
✅ Use smart intake forms and workflows to ask qualifying questions right away, so you spend time only with real prospects who fit your vibe and budget.
3. Respond Fast, Every Time
Maria emphasized the importance of prompt replies—and we couldn't agree more. Most venues lose leads not because of price, but because someone else got back first.
✅ Our automation system sends instant texts and branded emails the moment someone inquires, so your team can respond personally while still being lightning-fast.
4. Streamline the Process
Couples today want fast answers, easy booking options, and clarity. If your sales process involves six emails just to get a tour on the calendar—you’re making it harder than it needs to be.
✅ We help venues remove friction with automated booking links,AI assisted conversations, pre-built info packs, and a CRM pipeline that keeps everyone on the same page.
5. Support Your Sales Team With Tools, Not Pressure
Maria talks about building confidence and mindset. We agree—your team doesn’t need more pressure. They need more tools.
✅ That’s why we combine nurturing, automation, tracking, and review follow-up all in one system—so your people can do what they do best: connect.
Our Takeaway: Empathy Wins. Systems Scale It.
Maria Bayer’s approach is proof that authenticity, confidence, and process can co-exist. When your team is supported with the right systems, they can focus on relationships—not reminders and repetitive tasks.
And when those systems are designed for venues? That’s where we come in.
Ready to Empower Your Team and Book More Events?
Let us show you how to combine empathy-driven selling with automation that makes it easier to:
Qualify leads quickly
Follow up instantly
Stay organized and consistent
Close more deals—without selling harder
👉 Contact us today to see how we can move the needle for your venue.
