The event planning business is becoming quite popular today all over the world. It has endless growth potential, especially since there are many companies, groups, associations and institutions which need people to organize events for them. People do not have the expertise, the connections or time to organize the events themselves so this is where you can come in to the picture.
Creating a home based event planning business is not as hard as it may sound. Especially if you have some experience as an entrepreneur before, you can easily plunge into this new role. If you can, try to start as an apprentice in a similar company, because this can teach you the tips and tricks of the job, without spending any money at first. Acquiring some useful insight about the market can prove really helpful down the road. Educating yourself can make you more competitive and definitely more effective and productive.
Keep in mind that your target group is practically unlimited. The market for event planning services is huge. From the small local business that wants to organize an inauguration party, to the large companies and non profits that host fund raisings, sport events, conventions, seminars and so on everyone can do with professional help. You can learn how to organize all kinds of celebrations, from parades to anniversaries and weddings, educational events, such as conferences, meetings and seminars, as well as promotional and marketing events, such as fashion shows, product launches and presentations.
The start up cost is quite low when we talk about a home based business. You need to be perfectly organized though, which means that you will need some software that can keep a good record of clients and events, vendors and facilities. The event planning business expenditure cannot be more than 2000$ to start with, especially if you want to have all the latest technological equipment. You will need a separate phone line, printer and fax, internet connection and you will need to put up a website.
Launching a website to advertise and promote your business is something that you really cannot do without if you want to survive and increase your clientele. You need to go online and invite people to do business with you. Having a website will help you invite more vendors and suppliers, even collaborate with other planners in different states and countries.
You will need to do a lot of research too. Try to find whatever you need about vendors, facilities and prerequisites; all these can prove really helpful later on, so try to be proactive and social. Inform your local community about your work and offer discounts to the local businesses that will work with you. Creating a circle of contacts will prove to be very helpful because your home based business can definitely benefit from the viral effect of mouth to mouth marketing.
If you run a home based business, you might discover at some point that you need to move your ‘office’ somewhere else, even for a short period of time. It is proven that some people have a hard time expanding their businesses working from home, simply because there are too many distractions and disruptive elements around. Home based businesses can be really lucrative and their concept is definitely attractive, but the temptations are just too many.
You might find yourself tempted to watch something that is on the TV. Maybe your favorite TV program is on, or something you like is on the re-runs. It is absolutely normal to have a hard time focusing on your work when you are at home, because it’s a very familiar place, that doesn’t allow you to think unidirectionally. Especially when your wife or partner is around, or your kids want to play, it is really difficult to keep your home business away from home.
If you have trouble succeeding at home, then you should consider a few things that can dramatically change the course of your business. For instance, you can transform your garage or guestroom into an office. You will still be at home, but away from ‘home’. Try to use a particular part of the house as an office. If possible restrict entrance to kids and your spouse, unless it is absolutely necessary.
If your home based business grows enough, you might need to move your business into an office space, especially if you have to hire a couple more persons to work with you. Creating an office environment the way you want it, may sound a little too official, but in fact it is a good idea. You can isolate yourself, and deal with business frustration there. It is far better to do so outside the house, rather than conversing with your kids about your work problems and anxiety. One of the serious disadvantages of working at home is that people cannot separate their time and thoughts. They tend to bring tension to their family, simply because they do not have the space and time to unwind.
If that is not possible though, you might need to have a serious conversation with your spouse and kids. Allowing you some time for yourself, so that you can deal with work and do your best for its expansion, is something that you may require to do. Your family should support your efforts and your dream. If that requires leaving you in peace a few hours per day, then you need to discuss about it.
You should also be able to convince yourself to focus. Move all distractive objects away from your working space; TV, radio, fridge etc. You should be able to focus on your job and your business only. This is a mental game. If you make up your mind, you can most certainly do it.