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Posted by Gizheila_Network on January 2, 2010 | No Comments How do I know the financial business...As we know, a lot of growing businesses while now, from a variety of information, that the financial business that many people interested enough, indeed, quite rapid progress, but we can learn from the...
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Posted by Gizheila_Network on October 1, 2009 | No Comments Home Business Basics You Need to Kno...Keith Londrie asked: So you are thinking of starting a new business? Well, that’s not that difficult especially if you start it from home. Indeed, there is no need to hire office space if you are...
Home Party Success Revealed! : 10 Deadly Direct Sales & Home Party Plans Business Mistakes – a Review by Therese Ahmad
Posted by
Gizheila_Network in
Plan Business on
March 25, 2007 |
No Comments
Patricia Kagwiria Makhulo asked:
Hi,
My name is Therese Ahmad
Let me point out that this contained in the 10 DEADLY Home Party Plans Business Mistakes is information can be used with any business and must be used if you want to get ahead and out of your 9- 5!
* Do your research, I can’t tell you how many home party companies I have gotten involved with over the years, from Mary Kay to Pots and Pans and even the old Amway now known as Quixtar. It all looks good from Their Standpoint, but what is going to work for you http://www.homepartyplansuccesstips.com/2008/07/08/to-home-party-plan-or-not-choosing-a-home-party-plan-business-opportunity/
* Are the people you work with your only market? Everybody that has kids selling the same candies and cookie dough?
* Have you called the same 5 friends and invite them over and over and over to your home parties thinking that their reasoning will change or the light will finally come on?
* I can remember going to casinos looking for prospects (yeah I live in Vegas, oh the things we do in the name of building a business), rather stalking them waiting for the moment to strike! 3 ft yikes! get away from me!
* When you do get your best friend involved, don’t buy the home party product for them to get you a commission that was 1/10 of what you invested (really spent).
* Paying for direct sales leads, never did it, never will. However there was a time when my husband and I got involved with a Real Estate Notes business and they promised us xx number of clicks…. For one year maybe we had one or two then during that last 30 days the numbers were flying and we never made a sale!
* The Product speaks for itself. I always thought that but with Patricia’s guidance I have learned differently. You Must brand yourself!
* This is where F.E.A.R. comes into play. You honestly think they won’t like you, but it’s because the don’t know you. Let them get to know you and they will buy anything that you have to sell.
* I always said I would never go back to school and do homework again but BOOTCAMPS I’ll do in heartbeat! I am a Tom Hopkins graduate you know.
So after all is said and done, get with Patricia. You will be very pleased I know that I am. Thank you Patricia.
Therese Ahmad
Hi,
My name is Therese Ahmad
Let me point out that this contained in the 10 DEADLY Home Party Plans Business Mistakes is information can be used with any business and must be used if you want to get ahead and out of your 9- 5!
* Do your research, I can’t tell you how many home party companies I have gotten involved with over the years, from Mary Kay to Pots and Pans and even the old Amway now known as Quixtar. It all looks good from Their Standpoint, but what is going to work for you http://www.homepartyplansuccesstips.com/2008/07/08/to-home-party-plan-or-not-choosing-a-home-party-plan-business-opportunity/
* Are the people you work with your only market? Everybody that has kids selling the same candies and cookie dough?
* Have you called the same 5 friends and invite them over and over and over to your home parties thinking that their reasoning will change or the light will finally come on?
* I can remember going to casinos looking for prospects (yeah I live in Vegas, oh the things we do in the name of building a business), rather stalking them waiting for the moment to strike! 3 ft yikes! get away from me!
* When you do get your best friend involved, don’t buy the home party product for them to get you a commission that was 1/10 of what you invested (really spent).
* Paying for direct sales leads, never did it, never will. However there was a time when my husband and I got involved with a Real Estate Notes business and they promised us xx number of clicks…. For one year maybe we had one or two then during that last 30 days the numbers were flying and we never made a sale!
* The Product speaks for itself. I always thought that but with Patricia’s guidance I have learned differently. You Must brand yourself!
* This is where F.E.A.R. comes into play. You honestly think they won’t like you, but it’s because the don’t know you. Let them get to know you and they will buy anything that you have to sell.
* I always said I would never go back to school and do homework again but BOOTCAMPS I’ll do in heartbeat! I am a Tom Hopkins graduate you know.
So after all is said and done, get with Patricia. You will be very pleased I know that I am. Thank you Patricia.
Therese Ahmad
Building Your Event Planning Business
Posted by
Gizheila_Network in
Plan Business on
March 14, 2007 |
No Comments
BH Tan asked:
Do you ever feel like you know just enough about business to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from business experts.
The best time to learn about business is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable business experience while it’s still free.
Owning any sort of business often takes time to grow, but building an event planning business is one venture that typically takes a considerable amount of time. The main reason for this, however, is because you are typically working with one or two customers or clients at a time and the way advertising works in the event planning business much of the time is through word-of-mouth. Event though word-of-mouth advertising is an excellent way for prospective clients to be told about your services and business, it is also a very slow way of spreading the word about your particular services. However, there are some other things that can be done in addition to the word-of-mouth advertising taking place, but that will of course require advertising and a lot of marketing on your part. If you don’t have a degree in business marketing or the like then here are some suggestions of how to advertise your event planning business from the ground up:
Use Business Cards
A great way to spread the word about your business is through business cards. The most obvious people that you will be giving your event planning business cards to are the clients you’ll be working with. On the other hand, there are many people who contact retail stores and other service businesses and ask them whether or not they can place their business cards on countertops or somewhere within their company’s building so that prospective clients and others will be able to pick one up when needed. Of course this often requires that you pay a fee in order to be able to do so, but using business cards in this way is a great idea to spread the word and make sure that your name is out there!
Use Professional Correspondence!
Aside from business cards for your event planning business, another great way to make sure that the public knows about your services is to use professional correspondence with everything that you send out. For example, do you have a professional letterhead that you use when billing customers? Using that professional letterhead with your company name, logo, and contact information is very important so that others will know how to contact you when you’re needed. Another method of professional correspondence for your event planning business is through email. Do you have a professional email address that you can be reached at? An example of a professional email address of your business may be something like, ” name@businessname.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .” Of course, this will also require money or some sort of fee, but setting up an email alias for your business is very important!
There are many other things that one can do in order to build his or her event planning business services. Advertising in newspapers or placing information brochures on doorknobs throughout your neighborhood are two other excellent ways to advertise and grow your client base. All in all, all of these methods are sure-fire ways to spread the word about your services!
Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about business into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about business, and that’s time well spent.
Click here for your Free 7 Day Profit System Video Training
Do you ever feel like you know just enough about business to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from business experts.
The best time to learn about business is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable business experience while it’s still free.
Owning any sort of business often takes time to grow, but building an event planning business is one venture that typically takes a considerable amount of time. The main reason for this, however, is because you are typically working with one or two customers or clients at a time and the way advertising works in the event planning business much of the time is through word-of-mouth. Event though word-of-mouth advertising is an excellent way for prospective clients to be told about your services and business, it is also a very slow way of spreading the word about your particular services. However, there are some other things that can be done in addition to the word-of-mouth advertising taking place, but that will of course require advertising and a lot of marketing on your part. If you don’t have a degree in business marketing or the like then here are some suggestions of how to advertise your event planning business from the ground up:
Use Business Cards
A great way to spread the word about your business is through business cards. The most obvious people that you will be giving your event planning business cards to are the clients you’ll be working with. On the other hand, there are many people who contact retail stores and other service businesses and ask them whether or not they can place their business cards on countertops or somewhere within their company’s building so that prospective clients and others will be able to pick one up when needed. Of course this often requires that you pay a fee in order to be able to do so, but using business cards in this way is a great idea to spread the word and make sure that your name is out there!
Use Professional Correspondence!
Aside from business cards for your event planning business, another great way to make sure that the public knows about your services is to use professional correspondence with everything that you send out. For example, do you have a professional letterhead that you use when billing customers? Using that professional letterhead with your company name, logo, and contact information is very important so that others will know how to contact you when you’re needed. Another method of professional correspondence for your event planning business is through email. Do you have a professional email address that you can be reached at? An example of a professional email address of your business may be something like, ” name@businessname.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .” Of course, this will also require money or some sort of fee, but setting up an email alias for your business is very important!
There are many other things that one can do in order to build his or her event planning business services. Advertising in newspapers or placing information brochures on doorknobs throughout your neighborhood are two other excellent ways to advertise and grow your client base. All in all, all of these methods are sure-fire ways to spread the word about your services!
Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about business into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about business, and that’s time well spent.
Click here for your Free 7 Day Profit System Video Training
6 Ways to Errand Advertise Your Party Plan Business
Posted by
Gizheila_Network in
Plan Business on
March 13, 2007 |
No Comments
Rayven Perkins asked:
Some of the best ways to advertise your party plan company are through local, inexpensive methods of “errand advertising”.
What is errand advertising? This is advertising you do on your own, as you carry out your daily errands. Most of it is free, or costs very little to implement.
When you are involved in direct sales, most of the time, the customer is purchasing products from you because they like you, not because they desperately need the products. There are exceptions to this, of course, but I’ve found that the friendlier and more dedicated the consultant, the higher her sales.
There are many ways to advertise “you” while out and about. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1.Always look your best
The first, and probably most important part of Errand Advertising is to always look your best when out and about. You don’t necessarily have to dress as though you are attending a demonstration, but make sure you clothing is neat, pressed, clean, and attractive.
Do your hair, put a little make up on, don’t appear as though you have just rolled out of bed or have been painting the house.
A little goes a long way here. With errand advertising you are representing your business. You want strangers and future customers to believe you run a neat and tidy business, so you have to appear neat and tidy as well.
2.Personality is a plus
Whether you are talking to a burned-out grocery clerk, the woman in line behind you at the bank, or even your own children in public, personality is very important when advertising you.
Having a negative or bad attitude or being cranky, unfriendly, or unapproachable will do little to further your goals. Instead, remember to smile often, make positive comments, and reprimand your children publicly in a manner that does not convey how stressed-out or frustrated you are.
People are naturally attracted to positive people. When you radiate positive confidence, others instinctively want to do business with you.
3.Tote your catalogs
The most important part of errand advertising is to actually advertise that you are a consultant for a particular direct sales company. One of the most effective ways to do this is by purchasing a clear pocket tote bag.
This clear pocket is built specifically to hold your catalogs. You place a catalog or brochure in the window of the tote, and use it as your purse. The totes come in a variety of sizes, or can be custom made to fit your particular needs.
As you go about your errands, potential customers can see that you are a representative or a consultant for a direct sales company, and if they are interested in you and your products, the customers will approach you to ask for a catalog.
While this is the exact response you are looking for, I caution you to not just give your catalogs away, but tell the customers in a cheeky way that you trade catalogs. Let them know that you will give them a catalog in exchange for their business card.
If they do not have a business card, have them write their name, email, address and phone number on the back of one of your cards instead.
This way they have what they want: a catalog, and you have what you want: a contact.
4.Leave your nametag on
Another way to advertise what direct sales company you are a distributor for is to casually leave your nametag on. This works especially well on those days when you are dressed as if you are giving a direct sales home party.
Interested people will stop you and ask if you have any catalogs available, which, of course, you do, so long as they will trade their information for it.
5.Buttons prompt action
Simple pin-back buttons can also be a great addition to your errand advertising accessories. You can place a pin-back button next to your name tag, or attach it to your clear view tote.
The button should have some sort of catchy saying on it that will entice strangers and potential customers to take action to approach you about your party plan business.
Things like, “Place an order, get a gift” or “Ask me how to earn $1000″ are examples of what you can do.
Some consultants get very creative with their pin-back buttons. They offer discounts, mention fundraising, offer their opportunity, or even offer incentives for asking for a catalog.
Keep your message short, simple, and noticeable.
6.Let your car do the talking
Probably the easiest way to advertise your home party plan business while you are running around doing errands is to purchase a vinyl decal for your vehicle.
These decals are very inexpensive, and can be custom made to advertise the information you wish.
First and foremost, you want your home party company name in big bold letters. After that, you can choose to include your telephone number and/or your website address.
Depending on your area, and your direct sales company, you may wish to omit your telephone number for safety issues. Make sure you measure your car’s back window to see how large your decal should be, and get your letters done in white.
Now everywhere you go your car will be advertising for you!
Some of the best ways to advertise your party plan company are through local, inexpensive methods of “errand advertising”.
What is errand advertising? This is advertising you do on your own, as you carry out your daily errands. Most of it is free, or costs very little to implement.
When you are involved in direct sales, most of the time, the customer is purchasing products from you because they like you, not because they desperately need the products. There are exceptions to this, of course, but I’ve found that the friendlier and more dedicated the consultant, the higher her sales.
There are many ways to advertise “you” while out and about. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1.Always look your best
The first, and probably most important part of Errand Advertising is to always look your best when out and about. You don’t necessarily have to dress as though you are attending a demonstration, but make sure you clothing is neat, pressed, clean, and attractive.
Do your hair, put a little make up on, don’t appear as though you have just rolled out of bed or have been painting the house.
A little goes a long way here. With errand advertising you are representing your business. You want strangers and future customers to believe you run a neat and tidy business, so you have to appear neat and tidy as well.
2.Personality is a plus
Whether you are talking to a burned-out grocery clerk, the woman in line behind you at the bank, or even your own children in public, personality is very important when advertising you.
Having a negative or bad attitude or being cranky, unfriendly, or unapproachable will do little to further your goals. Instead, remember to smile often, make positive comments, and reprimand your children publicly in a manner that does not convey how stressed-out or frustrated you are.
People are naturally attracted to positive people. When you radiate positive confidence, others instinctively want to do business with you.
3.Tote your catalogs
The most important part of errand advertising is to actually advertise that you are a consultant for a particular direct sales company. One of the most effective ways to do this is by purchasing a clear pocket tote bag.
This clear pocket is built specifically to hold your catalogs. You place a catalog or brochure in the window of the tote, and use it as your purse. The totes come in a variety of sizes, or can be custom made to fit your particular needs.
As you go about your errands, potential customers can see that you are a representative or a consultant for a direct sales company, and if they are interested in you and your products, the customers will approach you to ask for a catalog.
While this is the exact response you are looking for, I caution you to not just give your catalogs away, but tell the customers in a cheeky way that you trade catalogs. Let them know that you will give them a catalog in exchange for their business card.
If they do not have a business card, have them write their name, email, address and phone number on the back of one of your cards instead.
This way they have what they want: a catalog, and you have what you want: a contact.
4.Leave your nametag on
Another way to advertise what direct sales company you are a distributor for is to casually leave your nametag on. This works especially well on those days when you are dressed as if you are giving a direct sales home party.
Interested people will stop you and ask if you have any catalogs available, which, of course, you do, so long as they will trade their information for it.
5.Buttons prompt action
Simple pin-back buttons can also be a great addition to your errand advertising accessories. You can place a pin-back button next to your name tag, or attach it to your clear view tote.
The button should have some sort of catchy saying on it that will entice strangers and potential customers to take action to approach you about your party plan business.
Things like, “Place an order, get a gift” or “Ask me how to earn $1000″ are examples of what you can do.
Some consultants get very creative with their pin-back buttons. They offer discounts, mention fundraising, offer their opportunity, or even offer incentives for asking for a catalog.
Keep your message short, simple, and noticeable.
6.Let your car do the talking
Probably the easiest way to advertise your home party plan business while you are running around doing errands is to purchase a vinyl decal for your vehicle.
These decals are very inexpensive, and can be custom made to advertise the information you wish.
First and foremost, you want your home party company name in big bold letters. After that, you can choose to include your telephone number and/or your website address.
Depending on your area, and your direct sales company, you may wish to omit your telephone number for safety issues. Make sure you measure your car’s back window to see how large your decal should be, and get your letters done in white.
Now everywhere you go your car will be advertising for you!
5 Business Card Marketing Ideas for Your Wedding Planning Business
Posted by
Gizheila_Network in
Plan Business on
March 13, 2007 |
No Comments
Kat Nocom asked:
You can promote your wedding planning services with the use of business cards. Business cards are effective tools that can help you communicate and introduce a professional image to your prospective clients. Use the cards as a point of contact between you and soon-to-be-wed couples. Below are some creative business card marketing ideas that you can use to boost your wedding planning business:
Dedication Card: The back of your cards can be used as dedication cards. You can also utilize the cards as gift tags where you can write a short message for your previous clients. Print online for convenient and fast business card printing. Use 13 pt. Cardstock, Uncoated so that you can write on the printed cards. Card Calendar: Business cards can be used as card calendars. The back side of the prints can contain a calendar that can serve as an appointment guide. Clients can refer to the card regarding their appointments with a certain designer, wedding photographer, decorator, and caterer. Appointment Card: You can leave blanks on the back side of your prints where clients can write the date of their next appointment with you. Referral Card: Use the back side of your print as a referral card. You can refer various services to clients including wedding site reservation, catering services, limousine services, and photography services. Business Card Map: You can point out the location of your office by providing a map on the back side of your printed card. Include the nearby business establishments that can help couples complete their requirements for a specific wedding plan. The map can point out the location of photo studios, catering services, jewelry shops, gift shops, and bridal shops near your place.
Follow these business card marketing ideas to increase profitability. Create cost-effective prints to gain more clients for your wedding planning services firm.
You can promote your wedding planning services with the use of business cards. Business cards are effective tools that can help you communicate and introduce a professional image to your prospective clients. Use the cards as a point of contact between you and soon-to-be-wed couples. Below are some creative business card marketing ideas that you can use to boost your wedding planning business:
Dedication Card: The back of your cards can be used as dedication cards. You can also utilize the cards as gift tags where you can write a short message for your previous clients. Print online for convenient and fast business card printing. Use 13 pt. Cardstock, Uncoated so that you can write on the printed cards. Card Calendar: Business cards can be used as card calendars. The back side of the prints can contain a calendar that can serve as an appointment guide. Clients can refer to the card regarding their appointments with a certain designer, wedding photographer, decorator, and caterer. Appointment Card: You can leave blanks on the back side of your prints where clients can write the date of their next appointment with you. Referral Card: Use the back side of your print as a referral card. You can refer various services to clients including wedding site reservation, catering services, limousine services, and photography services. Business Card Map: You can point out the location of your office by providing a map on the back side of your printed card. Include the nearby business establishments that can help couples complete their requirements for a specific wedding plan. The map can point out the location of photo studios, catering services, jewelry shops, gift shops, and bridal shops near your place.
Follow these business card marketing ideas to increase profitability. Create cost-effective prints to gain more clients for your wedding planning services firm.
How to Position your Events Planning Business at the Top of Customer’s List
Posted by
Gizheila_Network in
Plan Business on
March 11, 2007 |
No Comments
Girlie Nuqui asked:
To allow your events planning business to grow further, you must gain a number of loyal customers who will provide support for your business. Customers’ continued support is a valuable asset to your business. Positioning your events planning business at the top of your customers’ list requires you to take necessary actions that will make your customers consider you as the top choice for handling their special events.
• Make an impression. What makes your company different from all the other events planning business? Your answer to this question should be your business’ unique selling point. You must be able to offer innovative and creative ideas that can beat all your competitors. Customers will find difficulty in switching to another events planning company if they are satisfied with your service.
• Build connections with other business. Other businesses like catering services and party supplies can lead you to their clients looking for an event planning service. This will help you to gain more customers and increase your business profitability. Distribute cheap business cards to the other businesses participating in trade shows to help you build a relationship with them. These businesses can either give you a call or send you an email in case an opportunity arises.
• Advertise: Allow your business to reach more potential customers by advertising your events planning service. Create effective advertising tools that have the power to convince customers that you are the right choice. Promotional tools like brochures are the right print materials to use for your business. Brochures carry all the essential information about your company and services.
• Express gratitude to customers: A simple “thank you” note after your business transaction can already generate a positive perception from your customers. Let them know how grateful you are for the opportunity that they have given you. This will make your customers feel that you value their trust and contribution to your company.
To allow your events planning business to grow further, you must gain a number of loyal customers who will provide support for your business. Customers’ continued support is a valuable asset to your business. Positioning your events planning business at the top of your customers’ list requires you to take necessary actions that will make your customers consider you as the top choice for handling their special events.
• Make an impression. What makes your company different from all the other events planning business? Your answer to this question should be your business’ unique selling point. You must be able to offer innovative and creative ideas that can beat all your competitors. Customers will find difficulty in switching to another events planning company if they are satisfied with your service.
• Build connections with other business. Other businesses like catering services and party supplies can lead you to their clients looking for an event planning service. This will help you to gain more customers and increase your business profitability. Distribute cheap business cards to the other businesses participating in trade shows to help you build a relationship with them. These businesses can either give you a call or send you an email in case an opportunity arises.
• Advertise: Allow your business to reach more potential customers by advertising your events planning service. Create effective advertising tools that have the power to convince customers that you are the right choice. Promotional tools like brochures are the right print materials to use for your business. Brochures carry all the essential information about your company and services.
• Express gratitude to customers: A simple “thank you” note after your business transaction can already generate a positive perception from your customers. Let them know how grateful you are for the opportunity that they have given you. This will make your customers feel that you value their trust and contribution to your company.
Start a Party Planning Business
Posted by
Gizheila_Network in
Plan Business on
February 28, 2007 |
No Comments
Lisa Paredes asked:
Are you great at organizing? Can you create a memorable party atmosphere without necessarily having to be the life of the party? Are you searching for a way to make extra money; or considering, going into business for yourself? If, you answered yes to these questions, there is a perfect home based start up business for you.
The Concept
Home based party planning businesses are great for well organized extroverted individuals, who know how to put these skills to good use. And, as more people look to outsource activities that they no longer have time to complete, the industry is growing. There are typically elements of a good party that the average person forgets, such as contracts with the photographer, disc jockey or band, and caterer, that ensures things turn out as planned. However, it takes a skilled and flexible person to turn into a problem solver when surprises do arise. As a party planner, you can choose to tailor your business around particular types of parties, like wedding receptions and business parties; or, you can choose to offer a variety of party planning services.
Start-Up Costs
Like other start up businesses, your first and most important costs will revolve around any necessary business licenses and insurance. Other initial and on-going costs will be due mainly to marketing strategies. Aside from these expenses, a home-based party planning business has few other initial costs.
Marketing
One unique way to debut your party planning services is to throw a free party. Although many resources suggest throwing this free party for friends and neighbors, consider taking your debut party a step further by throwing it for a local charity, non-profit, or even for select businesses. Depending on your start up capital you may even decide to throw more than one of these parties. Another great marketing tool is a portfolio of party themes, ideas, and decorations. This will really allow you to showcase your creativity and the ideas that will set you apart from your competitors. As a party planner, you need to have a website that highlights your creativity without being too busy. Yet, there is no substitute for old fashioned marketing. So, remember to pass out business cards and place ads in local papers.
Take-away Tips
To be an effective party planner you need to familiarize yourself with many of the food, beverages, and entertainment vendors in your area. It is important to know their pricing; whether you can workout more favorable terms, and the quality of their service. Create contracts templates for the service providers that you may need to hire. Contracts ensure that you and your client are receiving the specific services that you are not only expecting, but also paying for. Before you plan a party for your first client, decide how you will charge for your service. Some party planners charge either, a flat flee, by the service, or by the hour. And, as always, keep good financial records to be able to claim the most tax deductions possible.
Are you great at organizing? Can you create a memorable party atmosphere without necessarily having to be the life of the party? Are you searching for a way to make extra money; or considering, going into business for yourself? If, you answered yes to these questions, there is a perfect home based start up business for you.
The Concept
Home based party planning businesses are great for well organized extroverted individuals, who know how to put these skills to good use. And, as more people look to outsource activities that they no longer have time to complete, the industry is growing. There are typically elements of a good party that the average person forgets, such as contracts with the photographer, disc jockey or band, and caterer, that ensures things turn out as planned. However, it takes a skilled and flexible person to turn into a problem solver when surprises do arise. As a party planner, you can choose to tailor your business around particular types of parties, like wedding receptions and business parties; or, you can choose to offer a variety of party planning services.
Start-Up Costs
Like other start up businesses, your first and most important costs will revolve around any necessary business licenses and insurance. Other initial and on-going costs will be due mainly to marketing strategies. Aside from these expenses, a home-based party planning business has few other initial costs.
Marketing
One unique way to debut your party planning services is to throw a free party. Although many resources suggest throwing this free party for friends and neighbors, consider taking your debut party a step further by throwing it for a local charity, non-profit, or even for select businesses. Depending on your start up capital you may even decide to throw more than one of these parties. Another great marketing tool is a portfolio of party themes, ideas, and decorations. This will really allow you to showcase your creativity and the ideas that will set you apart from your competitors. As a party planner, you need to have a website that highlights your creativity without being too busy. Yet, there is no substitute for old fashioned marketing. So, remember to pass out business cards and place ads in local papers.
Take-away Tips
To be an effective party planner you need to familiarize yourself with many of the food, beverages, and entertainment vendors in your area. It is important to know their pricing; whether you can workout more favorable terms, and the quality of their service. Create contracts templates for the service providers that you may need to hire. Contracts ensure that you and your client are receiving the specific services that you are not only expecting, but also paying for. Before you plan a party for your first client, decide how you will charge for your service. Some party planners charge either, a flat flee, by the service, or by the hour. And, as always, keep good financial records to be able to claim the most tax deductions possible.
