Home Based Business Idea

P A R T Y  /  E V E N T    P L A N N I N G: 

Business Description:
Having a party is both fun and an art.  For someone who is a natural at planning, preparing and holding a party then you may be interested in a fun, profitable home business as - a party/event planner.  If you are creative and have a flair for organization and creating a fun and memorable occasion then why not put all that wonderful energy and skills together and start a fun home based business?  The nice thing about being your own boss is that you can decide how your business evolves.  You can choose to be a specialty party planner for smaller more intimate functions such as a child's birthday party or bar mitzvah.  Or you can orchestrate large gala events such as a corporate awards ceremony, Christmas party etc.  It is all up to you.  What are your strengths?  Evaluate your skills and then use your creativity to put your personal touch to the "perfect" party.  Duties you will typically perform can include: finding and securing flowers, gifts, invitations, and decorations.  You should have a competent and quality list of resources to suggest for services such as catering, entertainment, photographer, DJ's etc.  You may even be called on to secure the transportation.

Your Unique Skills
You are the maestro orchestrating every detail-oriented and adding flair - one step away from Martha Stewart when it comes to creativity and ingenuity. This is a competitive business and to be considered as a master party planner you must be able to differentiate yourself and provide something special to the business of parties.  What makes your party stand apart from the rest?  How are you leaving your mark?  Is it style, speed, attention to detail, a great knack for locating unusual and fantastic resources?  Once you secure a client your time is filled with lists, meetings and details up until the day of the event.  For large events you must be within the specified budget even if it means cutting corners or being ultra-creative in finding alternatives.  A cut here and a splurge there to make it just right.  It is your knowledge they seek in this area.  Do we switch the organza's with carnations?  It's your call.  Client's often get frazzled when the event they envision is not what they want (even when you know it is perfect).  You need to be able to calm their nerves and gain their trust.  You will be dealing with MANY personalities so use your charm and patience to orchestrate all the participants in the special event.    

Tools of the Trade  
Depending on the size of the parties that you plan to initially plan you may need very few tools.  Your tool is you.  But to gain the efficiencies of a home office and to lower costs you will want to create your marketing materials and business correspondence on your own.  If you don't know how to type take a quick typing course so that you can at least hunt and peck out a document quickly.  You want your letters to be professional so go to the library and see how to create a Block or Modified Block Business letter.

Purchasing a computer, printer, fax and cell phone should be high on the list to communicate with clients.  If you decide to organize large events these tools and a pager/cell phone are a must.  You will often end up transporting items to either show the client or securing at the last minute so a van or SUV for transportation will come in handy.

Create a scrapbook/portfolio to showcase your abilities to potential clients.  You can post this to a website and/or physically create something to show potential clients.

Further your knowledge and education by participating in design seminars, go to trade shows and purchase subscriptions to several lifestyle magazines.

Getting Your Foot in the Door
Hold a party!  That's right.  It does not have to be a lavish event or cost you alot of money.  This is where your imagination comes in.  Start by inviting close friends and acquaintances and then go from there.  You need to generate "buzz" that you are now in business.  Create a tasteful brochure that you can pass out to all of the party-goers.  After that it's on the road.  Go to specialty deli's, party stores, bakeries, bridal shops etc. and give them your brochure.   While you are there take a sample and begin to stock your resources files with their prices and products.

Create a special business name.  You want to pique interest in what you do.  Isn't it great when you select a business name that causes someone to ask - "What is it you do?"  The doors are now open for you to sell your business.  Be prepared with about two sentences that get right to the point of what you do.  Practice this and say it to anyone that will listen.

Creative Marketing Techniques
Identify your target customer and then determine where they shop, work, live and what activities they participate in. Word of mouth will be extremely important in getting new customers.  Make sure that each customer leaves extremely satisfied with your service.  Locate small, unique giveaways and attach a business card.  You should have plenty on hand and even make small display baskets that you can offer to small specialty shops.  Think of complimentary businesses or vendors that you would recommend.  Donate your services to a local fundraiser in the community.  Be creative! In the springtime a pack of seeds can be found for as little as ten cents.  Put some toile on them and present them to the ladies garden club - with a nice ribbon, your business card and voila!  Give a small bag of tees to the golf pro to present to the women's golf league (with your business card of course).  How about   

Show Me the Money 
It is customary to charge a percentage for large events including weddings, fundraisers, corporate events etc.  This can start at 10 percent and go up.  For the smaller more intimate events you can charge by the hour or a one time fee for the event.  For example a birthday party can begin at $125 and go up.  Or you could charge from $15 - $40/hour for your time.   Remember your prices will reflect only what the market will bear. 

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