Want to start an event planning business and thinking it will be incredibly difficult? Well, do not get stressed. I’m happy to inform you it’s not true, but with a small note — PASSION. That’s the mysterious key to success. You have to love what you do. Period.

Steve Jobs said, “The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, and don’t settle.”

First of all, ask yourself if you are daydreaming about starting up your own event planning company. Is the answer positive? Great! It’s time to turn your dreams into action. Here’s what you need to know when starting an event planning business.

What Is Event Planning?

Occupations within an event planning business can vary, but here is a list of some typical ones:

• Research
• Design and Decorations
• Food
• Entertainment
• Logistics (planning transportation)
• Accommodations
• Personnel Coordination
• Website Design and Site Management
• Event Evaluation
• And more.

The package of activities depends on the type and size of the event. There are four main types of event purposes:

• Promotions
• Education
• Celebrations
• Commemorations

Let’s find out why people need event planners.

Why Do People Hire Event Planners?

What is the difference between a charlatan and a specialist? The one-word answer — experience. Nobody escapes from failure. The person with a strong knowledge base, huge experience in the field, proven achievements and inspiring success stories is closer to the goal than most.

Who Becomes An Event Planner?

When starting an event planning business, this question might be crucial for you.

What you need:

Event Planning Skills and Experience

Ok, what makes a great event planner?

1. A good planner is a good manager. There are four management functions known as POLC (plan, organize, lead, control)
2. Multitasker
3. Cunning communicator and nifty negotiator
4. Enthusiast
5. Self-starter
6. Responsible
7. Teamplayer
8. Time Management Professional
9. Strong verbal and written communicator
10. Leader, visionary and inspirer
11. Realist and a dreamer at the same time

Would be a big plus to have knowledge in areas such as:

• Project management
• Marketing and public relations
• Accounting

You also have to set priorities and define the core specifications for the must-have list. So, first of all, outline the working area. In other words, decide what are the types and sizes of businesses you are going to work with — but DO NOT rely on it too much. Your expectations could set you up for disappointment. Reality and theory are not always the same. Define your strategic goal, make it BIG and create strategies.

Legal Needs

You will need to register your company’s name to start. Take into consideration that you have to have general liability insurance and compensation insurance for your workers.

Certifications

Words are nothing. People will not trust only words. They could had bad experiences before, heard friends’ or experts’  advice, and maybe horror stories. They will not hire you just because you are a good person, nope. Sorry for the harsh truth, but it’s better to face the rules of reality here. Anyways, do not get upset and just work really HARD. Never give up on yourself. You have to know that there is at least one person in this world who also believes in the success of you starting an event planning business. Hello, that’s me. ?

Get a certificate or degree from a local university in management or event planning. Become a CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) or CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional). These designations are given out by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and International Special Events Society (ISES) respectively.

Marketing

Promote yourself. Create a Facebook fan page, discover the power of Instagram, use Twitter, and more. Build a website or a landing page even. Talk to your audience.

Partnerships

One stone alone cannot grind corn. If you are crazy about starting your own event planning business – networking is your everything. Make partnerships with caterers, photographers, or florists. They can recommend you to their clients and vice versa.

Determine Your Event Planning Market

There are two main markets for event planning services: social and corporate. Let’s go through them briefly.

The Corporate Market

These are corporations, NGOs and charities.

The Social Market

The social events are weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, hen and stag parties, farewell parties, sweet 16 birthdays, and so on.

Develop a Business Plan

Structure your ideas by developing a detailed business plan. Find the best template and follow simple rules to make it clear for you and your investor (or partner).

Staffing

Even when starting an event business from home, you have to think about staffing. Use your network and online services (such as LinkedIn) to find your best candidates, review their profiles carefully and focus on your needs. It should be a perfect match. Do not hire your friends, relatives or hobbyists. Though it takes time and isn’t that easy, it’s worth it. Getting the right candidates is already 50% of your success!

Wishing you a good start when opening your very own event planning business!