Starting an event planning business successfully requires great effort. This effort will pay-off in the long run if you know what you are going into and get yourself prepared to launch out.
Starting with no money
Obviously, money is required to start any business but then you can start without money as the CEO of Events by DMK, Oluwadamilola Olugboji said.
“You may not need money to start event planning business. If you have a friend that is getting married, you can start by helping her plan her wedding or party. That is how it starts. You do it for free. Do it seven or eight times and you will get better. Then step out and see what professionals are doing. If you don’t get out and see what they are doing you may not understand it, Olugboji said.
Oluwadamilola Olugboji left her job as a banker years ago to become an event planner.
“I left banking to start planning events because of my passion for seeing things organised. I like being at the background organising things, making sure everything is on point ”.
Establish a niche and target market
Before starting an event planning business, you should already know the market. You should also know exactly which services you will provide. For example, are you going to be a general event planner or have a more defined niche such as a wedding planner? Determining the specific services you’re going to provide will help you establish a target market.
Work long hours
On this Olugboji says. “I can sleep on site just to make sure I get things right. I don’t want to come the next day and things are not in order. I do this because I love what I do. For me, event planning is fun.”
Interpersonal relation is key
Despite your skills as an event planner, good customer relation is key. Olugboji corroborated this. “Being a service-oriented business, customer relation is key. Interpersonal relation is key in this business because clients can be rude to you. So, you must learn to be polite to everyone.”
In event planning, referrals work like magic
Olugboji explains further. “ In event planning, referrals work like magic. It will take you double effort to convince a new customer, than for a customer who you have worked for and liked your services to tell someone else to come to you. This is how I get my clients.”
Register your company
Make sure that you register your company with the relevant body, for example the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Marketing your services
Marketing your services may require you sending out emails to promote your company. Social media is a great way of marketing your services as well.Tell people what you do on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp and more. Showcase pictures of events you have planned also on Instagram. Word of mouth is also a great way to market what you do. You need established business connections and also give out your flyers or your card.
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