ALT-1 How to get Started as an Event Planner
An event planner is essentially a coordinator. This person is responsible for all aspects concerning the event including defining the list of invitees, sourcing vendors, selecting a location, budgeting and much more. The event planner must therefore be capable of performing several tasks at once and should also be able to quickly come up with alternatives as situations arise.
Success at breaking into the event planning industry requires the same skills that are necessary for a profitable business, creativity and drive. The first step is realizing that potential clients are everywhere. People need help planning several different types of events, from children's birthday parties to corporate conferences, book launches and charity fundraisers. The best way to land your first client is to be ready to talk about your service to everyone at any time. Of course, you must properly research costs and possible venues in your area as well as have an idea of what types of entertainment is suitable for certain functions before you announce that you are in the business of event planning. As soon as you are confident that you can handle simple questions on the spur of the moment you are ready to start spreading the word.
You may decide to focus on certain types of functions from the beginning, but it may be worthwhile exploring your options by being open to any type of function you can confidently execute. The reason behind this is that being new to the business you may assume that you would enjoy a certain aspect the most, while the opposite may be true. You may also incorrectly assume that a particular specialty would earn a greater profit margin and never discover other more lucrative areas.
Casting your line and waiting for your first nibble may be nerve wracking but you can use the time to ensure that you are fully prepared for what comes next, closing the deal. The following steps offer a list of issues that need close attention if you are to get your first contract.
1. Conduct a Consultation
You must enter the conversation with a goal, which is to gain a better understanding of your potential client's expectations and conveying that you are capable of satisfying them. You should have a list of questions ready to help in the process, but also be prepared to answer any queries the client may have as well.
2. Draw a Rough Sketch
You should be able to identify certain basic facts upfront. The intended date of the function, the list of invitees, the theme or mood the event should project and the objective. Every event has an objective, the objective of a young child's birthday party is to ensure that everyone has a great time, but also that they are safe, while a corporate event may have several goals such as time to engage clients in conversation as well as getting information out to it's invitees and leaving a good impression.
3. Budgeting
You should have a plan for how you will spend your resources of both time and money. This is an important aspect and one that must be constantly revisited to assess progress.
4. Selecting Vendors
You should have a list of reputable service providers for everything from catering to music and decorating that you can draw upon when you have landed your contract. It is always good practice to personally do a quality test on each of your vendors before committing to any one in particular.
5. Marketing
This involves getting the word about the event out and may involve more traditional elements such as printed invitations for closed list functions, but may also include getting free publicity and generating a wider appeal for those events that may depend on ticket sales or seat bookings.
6. Negotiating Skills
Brushing up on your negotiating powers always comes in handy as event planners are always in a position to bargain. Becoming a pro at getting a better deal will be a great boost to your business.
Few professions actually give merit to the idea of a baptism by fire, but if you are thinking about a career in event planning and you lack theoretical knowledge but you have the fortitude to learn on the fly, there may be room for your type in the field. Getting started as an event planner is an exciting and invigorating experience. To ensure that it is also lucrative be prepared by researching the areas outlined above.
