How to Start a Home-Based Event Planning Business, 2nd

by Jill Moran

• ISBN13: 9780762743995
• ISBN10: 0762743999
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2007-07-01
• Publisher: Globe Pequot

Summary

Are you passionate about planning events? Have you ever wanted to be your own boss and set your own schedule while pursuing something you enjoy? Now you can make your dreams a reality. Using plain language and easy-to-follow worksheets, Jill Moran takes you through every aspect of setting up and running a thriving home-based event planning business. She shares her professional experience and expert advice on everything from estimating start-up costs and finding clients to planning and executing weddings, parties, corporate events, fund-raisers, and more! Whether you're just starting to explore your options or are an event planning wizard looking to be your own boss, this guide can help you establish and build your own successful home- based business.

Author Biography

Jill Moran runs an award-winning event planning and management company, and has coordinated events throughout the world for both corporate and social clients. She lives in Medfield, Massachusetts.

Table of Contents

So You Want to Get Serious about Planning Special Events?	p. 1
Self-Assessment	p. 1
The Ingredients of a Successful Event Planner	p. 2
More Self-Assessment: What Do You Have? What Do You Need?	p. 3
Laying the Foundation: Skills	p. 4
Finding Your Niche: Types of Event Planning Services	p. 7
The Pitfalls of Event Planning	p. 11
The Challenges of Event Planning	p. 14
The Home Office	p. 19
A Space of Your Own	p. 19
Equipment and Technology	p. 20
Office Supplies	p. 22
Event Supplies	p. 23
Developing Your Business	p. 27
Your Business Structure	p. 27
Market Research	p. 30
Selecting a Business Identity	p. 31
The Business Plan	p. 32
Setting Goals	p. 36
Dollars and Sense	p. 41
Tracking Your Business	p. 41
Show Me the Money: Pricing Your Services	p. 44
Budgeting	p. 50
Marketing Your Services	p. 53
Specialist or Generalist? Defining Your Position	p. 53
Branding Your Company	p. 54
Creating Your Marketing Materials	p. 55
Developing a Marketing Plan	p. 56
Developing a Team	p. 65
Vendors	p. 65
Staffing	p. 67
Working with Your Support Staff	p. 72
Legal and Ethical Issues	p. 77
Liability	p. 77
Contracts	p. 79
Permits and Licenses	p. 84
Insurance	p. 85
Improving Your Risk Exposure	p. 86
Event Ethics	p. 87
Planning Basics: The Event Process from Proposal to Follow-Up	p. 91
Facts and Figures	p. 91
Making It Happen	p. 103
The Critical Elements of Every Event	p. 103
Resources Needed	p. 105
Marketing Your Events	p. 106
Social Celebrations: Weddings and More	p. 109
The Joys of Planning Social Events	p. 109
Social Planning Pitfalls	p. 111
Tapping into the Social Planning Market	p. 112
Social Planning Basics	p. 113
Weddings	p. 119
Corporate Events	p. 123
The Various Corporate Events	p. 123
Familiarize Yourself with Your Clients	p. 124
Events at Trade Shows	p. 127
Current Trends in Corporate Events	p. 129
Nonprofit and Fund-Raising Events	p. 133
Getting Your Foot in the Door	p. 133
Nonprofit Event Basics	p. 134
Celebrity Appearances	p. 138
Auction Basics	p. 141
Balancing Your Life	p. 145
Horne-Office Guidelines for You, Your Family, and Your Friends	p. 146
Caring for Your Children While You Work	p. 148
Priorities	p. 150
Balancing Your Wheel	p. 153
Support	p. 155
Being the Best: Education and Training	p. 159
Formal Education	p. 159
Professional Designations	p. 160
More Ways to Refine Your Trade	p. 162
Above and Beyond	p. 164
What Else Is Out There?	p. 165
School and Degree Programs	p. 167
United States-Four-Year Programs	p. 167
New England Schools for Higher Education in the Meeting, Event, and Hospitality Industry	p. 169
United States-Two-Year Programs	p. 172
Australia	p. 173
Canada	p. 173
Great Britain	p. 174
Korea	p. 174
Professional Industry Organizations	p. 175
Recommended Reading	p. 185
Internet Resources	p. 187
Index	p. 193
About the Author	p. 196
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