|
|
How to Start an
Event Planning Business
1 - 2 - 3
Event planners are needed for all sorts of events. Events are a popular way to celebrate - but are also a quickly-growing means of promoting products or raising funds. As you can see, there is a wide opportunity in this exciting field.
You can start an event planning business focused on festivals, weddings, corporate retreats, company meetings, sporting events, seminars, charity fundraisers, restaurant openings and more.
Being able to work well with people and present a professional image is essential in this field. You can grow an event planning business exclusively (and affordably) on referrals, so you want to maintain a large network of friends and business associates.
Learning from a professional in the field can be exceptionally helpful, since there are many "tricks of the trade".
Starting an Event Planning Business Checklist:
How to Become an Event Planner
- Get a business license. Requirements vary by city and state, so you want to check with your local government office to find out which licenses and permits you need to start your event planning business. If you plan to operate out of your home, see if there are zoning restrictions in your neighborhood.
- Open a business bank account with your local bank. This will enable to keep personal and business finances separate, allow you to write checks in the business name and professionalize your image with customers. You want a bank that is FDIC is insured.
- Meet with an accountant to discuss your bookkeeping needs, organize your paperwork and maximize business tax deductions. You can get referrals from other business owners you know or sometimes your banker.
- File your fictitious business name with the county clerk, or if you want to form a corporation, find out how to incorporate your business.
- Meet with an insurance agent to find out your business insurance options. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America) can help you find an agent in your local area. You can also get information and free business insurance quotes online.
- Set up your business phone system. A designated business line will help you establish a professional business image, look "bigger" and attract more clients. You can even set up a toll-free number for minimal cost or use VoIP internet phone service to lower your monthly bills. Some mobile businesses exclusively use a cell phone.
- Order business cards. Business cards are often overlooked as an effective, low-cost marketing tool. See how you can design and use your cards as "miniature walking advertisements" and get >> 250 Free Business Cards
- Set up a website. This actually can be really easy, and you can save money by creating your own website with simple online design programs. Take advantage of this low-cost marketing resource to display your services, rates, portfolio, customer testimonials, etc. Much cheaper than printing hundreds of brochures, and it can be seen by more people and display more information.
- Become a member of professional and local organizations such as the International Special Events Society or Meeting Professionals International where you can network with other event business professionals, educate yourself and stay on top of current events and trends in the event planning industry.
Jan Riddell is a Professional Event Planner who has organized events for over 15 years. She has put together an event planning business start-up guide with her knowledge, combined with tips and advice from other successful event planners.
Not only does she cover how to plan a successful event, she goes into depth on the business side of event planning, essential knowledge for event planners wanting to go into business for themselves.
See what you get >>
- How to gain valuable event planning experience and start an event planning business with little or no money
- Information on permits, insurance, etc and how to get certified
- How to write a business proposal, select reputable vendors and price your event planning services
- Step-by-step advice on planning a successful event, networking and advertising tips
- Ways to find entertainers for your events and how to get companies to sponsor your events
- Sample contracts, invoices and more
- Download Now >> Start an Event Planning Business
Marketing Your Event Planning Business:
Use public relations to get free press for your event planning business:
Referral Marketing. Referral marketing works especially well in service businesses like event planning, and it is one of the best ways to gain new clients. It's also virtually a free way to advertise your business. However, asking for a referral doesn't necessarily mean you'll get one.
- Write articles. You don't have to be a professional writer, but you can get free press and draw in customers by sharing helpful or interesting information in your area of expertise. Articles can be short, and you can submit them to multiple article directories online for free. See how to write articles to get customers.
- Use business cards. Often overlooked as a marketing tool, business cards can act as mini ads and be very effective at getting free publicity. Besides including them in all your correspondence - share them with other local business owners who offer similar products or services to yours - but don't directly complete with you. "Teaming up" with other local businesses enables you to refer clients to each other without having to pay for advertising. Get 250 free business cards.
- Use social media. Twitter and Facebook can get you a lot of free publicity when used correctly. The key is to combine useful content for your readers in addition to promotional efforts.
- Start speaking. Many local organizations or community groups like to have speakers at their meetings or events. This can be a great way to get free publicity for your business and at the same time establish yourself as an expert in your field. Public Speaking Made Easy
- Write press releases. It's free to write a press release, and journalists are looking for stories to report on everyday. Why pay for an ad in a magazine or newspaper when you can get a full-page story written about your company for free? The more newsworthy your story, the more likely it is to be published. Find out how to write a press release.
Getting lots of referrals can be easy and take very little effort when you follow effective referral-getting strategies that have been time-tested for years by expert marketers. David Frey is one of those experts, and he has developed a system for getting those referrals that will help you eliminate your advertising budget. You can see his free video about it here >> Instant Referral System.
29 Ways You Can Get More Clients
Take the guesswork out of finding customers by picking up the best marketing guide I've found. You'll find out free and extremely low cost ways to attract new clients to your business with very little effort - saving you tons of money
Respected Small Business Marketing Expert David Frey shows you how to implement these strategies right away, for immediate profit. The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Resource
See Also: Sales Letter Templates & Instant Marketing Toolbox
Event Planning Business Resources:
Event Planning Business Articles:
Hire Help the Easy Way:
Easily find a team of experts to help you build your business - virtually. Save money in overhead costs, get work done more quickly and eliminate payroll hassles.
oDesk makes outsourcing easy and affordable so you can grow your business faster. Get a Free Tour, Post a Job
- Website Designers and Software Developers
- Marketers, Salespeople and Telemarketers
- Accounting and Bookkeeping Assistants
- People to handle Customer Service and Administrative Tasks
Event Planners Associations
- Event Planners Association
The Event Planners Association is designed to assist members of the Event Planning, Catering, Inflatable, Game Rental, and Entertainment communities operate and prosper in an efficient and cost-effective manner through the services they provide.Professional Convention Management Association
PCMA's mission statement is to deliver superior and innovative education and promote the value of professional convention management.
- Meeting Professionals International
Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meeting and event industry’s global community, helps its members thrive by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces.
Copyright 1997- Home Business Center, Inc.
How to Start a Home Business
privacy policy
