Search online and use the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office’s trademark search tool (or your country’s equivalent) to check potential names against existing trademarks. [1] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source You will may need to register your company as a “Doing Business As” name with your state or county government. Consult local business laws to find out. [2] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
Double-check with your state and local government before you start doing any business. You could run into legal trouble if you aren’t properly registered. [3] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
You may choose to rent out a permanent office space or a temporary meeting room when seeing clients. Many professionals who work from home see clients in public spaces, such as a coffee shop or restaurant. [4] X Research source
Early on, take as many jobs as you can. This will help you establish a reputation as a great planner, which is a great way to set yourself apart!
Look at how your competition prices their services to get a good sense for the range in your area. How much experience do you have? A planner with previous professional party planning experience will command a higher rate than an unseasoned planner. To attract clients, you may have to start out low and gradually raise your prices over time as you gain a positive reputation. Most planners will charge a 15% commission per vendor. For example, if you find and hire the florist, you could charge 15% of their cost as a fee. [5] X Research source
This is especially important when planning outdoor events. Always have a backup plan for inclement weather!
The two most popular types of party planner are corporate and social. Corporate party planners organize events for companies, while social planners focus on weddings, birthday parties, etc. Many party planners pick a niche based on what they enjoy the most. This can be a specific type of event or a unique style you offer. Most party planners either focus exclusively on children’s parties or only offer services for adult parties. [7] X Research source
Study your local competition. If there’s something you can do that they can’t, you can gain a big competitive advantage! Establish relationships with local caterers, suppliers, entertainers, and venue owners. It will be your job to organize and coordinate these disparate elements to create a memorable event.
Using your market research, determine the rates you will charge for your services. Don’t undercharge, but aim to set competitive rates. [13] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source Estimate your startup costs and secure funding. If you can’t fund the business yourself, you may need to take out a small loan or find investors. [14] X Trustworthy Source U. S. Small Business Administration U. S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
Make sure your website is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate. Try to have your company’s name and contact information written clearly on each page. Create flyers that show off your graphic design skills. Distribute them door to door and ask local businesses to display them on their corkboard. Tell family and friends about your new business and ask you to recommend you to anyone they know who is looking for a party planner.
Actively and directly engaging with customers will show them that you care. Respond to folks when they comment on your posts or ask questions. Use hashtags to target specific areas or holidays. For example, if you want to advertise your services for a Halloween party in Chicago, you could use #HalloweenCHI. Showcase your talents by uploading photos and videos of successful parties you have planned. Be sure to always obtain express written permission from your clients if they are featured in them.
Register (or claim) your accounts on the applicable review sites that people use in your area. Address any concerns or negative reviews honestly and maturely. Remember, these posts may be a first impression for potential future clients.
Always be on the lookout to make contact with new vendors the area. You never know when a client may request a specific type of food or performer. Attend event planning trade shows to meet other planners and service providers. Trade shows are also an opportunity to learn about new trends and developments in the industry.
