How to Start a Home-Based Event Planning Business

A home-based event planner at work

Top-notch event planners work for corporations planning meetings and setting up conventions to ensure that everything goes as planned for the business that hired their services. Most companies do not have staff who can properly coordinate the array of services an event planner can provide. Event planning is best suited for people who are task oriented and thrive on seeing things done properly. Many event planners find that their initial contacts with large corporations supply them with job leads.

Things You'll Need

• Financial management software
• Database software

Instructions

1. Use your verbal, written and interpersonal skills to achieve success with a home-based event planning business. Organizational skills are paramount, along with knowing how to negotiate business deals and follow through on the client company's budget plan.

2. Learn to wheel and deal with suppliers, find bargains, and negotiate best prices for your clients to achieve success. Contact local colleges to see if they have event-planning courses or workshops to sharpen your basic skills.

3. Find creative ways to finance your event planning business. Apply for a small-business loans, which will likely require a business plan. Many use a credit card or personal bank account for their business start-up money. Using these funds is risky but worthwhile for those strapped for cash.

4. Create a fully functioning event-planning home office with a telephone, an answering system, a copier/scanner, office supplies and a computer with Internet access. A computer is mandatory for keeping tract of suppliers and clients, scheduling and performing other business functions.

5. Place ads in business journals and local business newspapers, and send direct mail to potential customers announcing your new event-planning business. Target business owners in your community by joining local business organizations and networking with other members.

6. Research in your community and find out what other local event planners charge clients. Base the fees that you charge your customers on these findings.

Tips & Warnings

• According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average income for an event planner is between $34,480 and $57,820 per year.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook