Duties of an Event Planner

If you've always loved arranging parties and your guests talk about them for days after the event, you could make a good candidate for a career as an Event Planner. You probably already know the best caterers in town and the ones that will give you the best deals. Who are the local show-stopper entertainers and who do you call if you need to rent a hall? Do you have a list of the party stores and their phone numbers? Where can you get the best deal on flowers and could you arrange them yourself if you had to? Are you organized and detail-oriented? These are just a few things to consider that will make you a successful event planner.

Skills

You think being an event planner would be a fun job, but it's also a lot of hard work. Be sure you have the temperament, personality and skills to be successful. A strong event planner must be a good decision maker, a people person, creative and full of ideas, resourceful, skilled at bargaining, organized, able to multitask, possess strong communication and listening skills.

Specialized or Not

There are many areas in which an event planner might specialize. If you will be working in a larger city, this may be a smart move. Become really good at one area such as weddings, fundraisers, grand openings or award ceremonies and everyone will know who to go to for their particular event. However, if you live in a medium-sized or small town, you might want to consider being a do-it-all person or at least choose one category such as a wedding, anniversary, bridal shower event planner. You don't want to put out your shingle only to find out there isn't enough work for a business grand opening event planner.

Clients

You must have an appropriate location to meet with clients. If your home is in a convenient location and you can designate a professional office to your business you might consider a home based business. Otherwise, you must consider a location that is conducive to meeting clients and discussing arrangements for their event. And remember, your office will be the first impression you give, so make sure it is tasteful and it reflects your orderliness. You must be available to our clients. That means having your cell pone on as well as being flexible about meeting them at locations other than your place of business. Always have good communication by staying in touch with your clients. It is not only reassuring to them, but will keep you apprised of any changes.

Vendors

As an event planner you will work closely with vendors therefore it is important that you have a good relationship with them. Know who you can count on and who gives the best service and/or product at the best price. Always double check details with them to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding price, dates, locations and details.

Be Prepared

A successful event planner is always prepared. No event will ever go off without a glitch. Always have a plan "B" for those unforeseen happenings. You have to be a person who can think fast on her feet and doesn't get flustered by a last minute change. The event planner always arrives early to make sure the event is set up properly, stepping in to pick up any slack or an employee who is absent. And, she always stays late to make sure every detail of the clean up is managed.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Event Planner Resources