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Last Updated on September 28, 2021 by Work In My Pajamas
When businesses or individual hire event planners, they do so to ensure that those attending their events will have positive and memorable experiences. For those seeking a career that can be challenging, but rewarding, special events planning can be the answer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for event planners are expected to grow by 33 percent between 2012 and 2022. This is faster than average or other jobs. You can build your event planning business by considering the following are 7 essentials to a profitable plan.
In This Post:
Get Organized
Determine how you will keep track of your clients, vendors, planning and finances. This includes developing checklists and timelines to make sure the work stays on schedule. Good record keeping is a necessary skill for successful event planners.
Specialize
As you build your event planning business, consider becoming a planner who specializes in unusual events. The term “event planning” usually brings to mind award dinners, retirement celebrations, weddings, ribbon cuttings, golf tournaments, business expos, conferences and political fundraisers. However, if you add niche events like Spartan racing or Tough Mudder to your list you may soon become the “go-to” event planner.
Assemble a Team of Partners
As an event planner, you will need reliable partners to help you provide the most memorable experiences for your clients. Contact caterers, hotels equipment rental companies, florists, companies that provide security and on site sanitation resources provide hand washing stations and showers for events like Tough Mudder or Spartan racing.
Offer Affordable Packages
Increase your opportunities for event planning by offering “packages” that are affordable for different organizations. Some groups may not need an entire event planned, but they may need someone to handle registrations, lodging and catering. Offer various meal and scheduling options that will allow groups to keep costs low. For example, a brunch buffet might be less expensive than lunch or dinner.
Publicize Your Work
Use a website and social media to publicize your best work. Many individuals and businesses seeking event planning help will do their shopping for an event planner online. If you have limited experience with websites and social media, consider getting help with Search Engine Optimization to drive traffic to your site.
Sponsor a Free Marketing Event
One way to get the word out is to offer a free event that will provide an opportunity for the community to learn about your business. Participate in business expos and other marketing opportunities so that your community will get to know your services.
Keep Your Ideas Fresh
Clients will be drawn to your business if they have had positive and fun experiences at an events you have planned. When working with a client, you can ask three basic questions that will help you identify some fresh ideas that will make his or her event a signature occasion: What is the purpose, what do you want people to remember most after the event is over, and how much do you want to spend?
