A work at home business event planning is an extremely
lively way to make a living. The process of planning bridal showers, baby
showers, weddings, anniversary celebrations, conferences and even family
reunions can be a daunting task. Not only are you responsible for getting everything
and everyone involved in order, you also have to keep the point person paying
your bills included in decisions as well as keeping them informed with
checkpoints on where you are in the planning process.
An event planning career is a wonderful way to make a living.
These are some basics on how to start an event planning business.
What you do
Event planners handle details such as staying on budget,
decorations, lodging, entertainment, food, activities, transportation and other
things related to an affair. They will create, organize and manage an activities
or celebrations for clients.
Education and
training
Most event planners have no formal training or event
planning degree. However, there are educational resources available. You can
get a degree from most colleges and universities in this field of study. Meeting and event planning, tourism and
hospitality are options for majors.
Community colleges or online educational resources are
wonderful for certification in this field. Certifying to become a CSEP or
certified special events specialist or certified meeting planner or CMP is easy
and requires only a fraction of the time for a major degree at a state university.
Most programs for certification require only a couple of months of your time
with a cost around $700 or $800.
Materials to start
Starting your business will require a very small dollar
investment when compared with other home based business entrepreneurships. Generally
a telephone, fax machine, truck or van, computer, printer and a business
license are the basics. Basic party supplies and other materials related to events
are customarily part of the cost seen by the client. Marketing and
advertisement costs can vary.
Marketing using a web page or site will cost depending on
how you set it up. If you build it yourself o ruse a web designer will affect
how much you spend. Additionally, if you have to buy a web address and pay for maintenance
can also shape expenses.
Personality
Generally people that have a certain personality will excel
at this type of home based career. Creative and outgoing personalities work
well. Great written and verbal communication skills are a must have. Organizational
and time management tools are also invaluable for the business. Remember, you
will need to budget, plan and even negotiate at times to get the job done.
In conclusion
A home based business event planner may be your calling. Most
people in the industry work in a specific niche. Selecting one theme for your
business works extremely well allowing you to focus all of your resources in
one direction. For an example, if you are a home based business event planner
working in charity events relationships can build with contractors for
supplies, food, catering and other resources needed to make your business run
smoothly.
One of the best investment directions for this career choice
is corporate event planning. The pay is exceptional and the work is certainly
less stressful than emotionally invested events like weddings or baby showers.
Note; these are some resources to utilize for
education and other reserves needed for successthese are courtesy of the work at home woman.com
Event Planning Resources
Association for Wedding Professional International (AFWPI) this organization gives excellent resources for Wedding Planners. This site offers membership and a Wedding professional newsletter full of useful information.
BizBash provides professional event planners motivational ideas, tools for marketing and tatics, resources and the latest news in the industry. Check out new trends innovative ideas or sign up for a trade show and events related to planning for your business needs.
Event Marketer Magazine has the newest trends and related news connected to planning event strategies & logistics for planners in the industry.
Event Solutions resources, news, trade shows and even a variety of various conferences for event professionals.
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) this professional tenders a variety of news and networking sources for event planners in the travel, hospitality and tourism related genres.
International Special Events Society offers professional membership for event planners, which includes resources, discounts, networking and education. Also planners interested in Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) testing and education are found here.
Meeting Planners International offers resources, education, and a community where you can connect with other planners in the industry. See site for membership info for the business.
National Association of Catering Executives a professional membership and certification is available for all facets of the catering industry. This is a great place to network, obtain educational resources and to find other aspects of the trade.
Special Events Magazine provides information related to the newest trends in event planning resources. This site even has a free Event-line E-newsletter.
Event Planning Schools
QC School of Event Planning with a comprehensive home study Event Planning course including lessons, guides, professional organizing software, a personal organizer and a business start up kit this is a wonderful resource for planners investing in education. QC School of Event Planning is a member of the Canadian Better Business Bureau. The cost is around $1048.00 and can generally complete it in as little as 6 – 8 weeks.
The Association of Bridal Consultants with courses for wedding and event planners focused on bridal connections, this is an excellent source of trending info, news and events. The Association of Bridal Consultants has been around since 1955. Also providing professional membership at a reasonable cost of $24.00 a year. See site for additional information.
The Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC) providing a professional training program for wedding consultants at a cost $895.00. Courses are usually done in as little as 3 to 4 months.
US Career Institute the institute has an online Wedding/Event Planner program. Courses are generally done in as little as 4 months at a cost of $887.00. The BBB has approved US Career Institute as a member.
