Research the Industry

Before you get into event planning, it is important to get to know about the industry. Check out industry magazines and websites. Read articles and blogs from event planners. Participate in free online webinars about industry topics.

I recommend: Meetings.net is a great information source for event planners. They do free webinars to keep you up to date on the current trends in the industry.  I also recommend MCmag.com which is the website for Meetings and Conventions Magazine.  The online version of the website offers great articles on a wide variety of topics.  There is a venue finder on this website.   Another industry magazine that I recommend checking out is called Special Events.  They focus on galas, weddings, vendors, unique catering and venues.  Their website is SpecialEvents.com.

Gain experience and event planning skills

Take an entry level position planning events for a company. Watch and learn from experienced event planners in the company. It is important to understand that event planning is far more than planning parties. When you plan events for companies it is often looked at as a marketing technique and a way to advertise to the customer. To be an effective event planner you need to develop your communication skills, negotiating ability, time management, creativity, organization, and ability to see the details and the big picture of the event.

I recommend: Check out websites like Careerbuilder.com or Monster.com and look for event jobs.  They often come up under Marketing positions.  Often companies have event planners on staff.  Check with event planning companies for openings.

Find your Niche

The event industry has many types of events that you can focus your energy on planning. If your experience is planning weddings, then that may be the niche that you focus on when you start your company. Likewise, if you primarily plan educational seminars you should stick to events of that nature. Clients hire event planners for their experience in planning their specific type of events. They want to know that you know what you are doing.

I recommend: Before starting your company, figure out one or two types of events that you will specialize in.  Spend your time becoming the expert in planning those types of events and building relationships with vendors that can work with you on your events.

Know your customers

It can be scary to leave a secure job to start your own company. If you plan to do this, it is always best to have a few customers in place that will work with you when you venture out on your own. This is done by building relationships with customers and getting to know the ins and outs of their company and their event. They will want to work with you because it is hard to find and teach new people all the knowledge that you have already acquired.

I recommend: Let people know that you are considering branching out on your own and see what they say.  You have to be cautious because you do not want your current employer to think you are leaving or that you are trying to steal their customers.  You also need to be aware of any non-compete clauses that  you employer may have in place that would keep you from taking their customers.

Create Your Network

As you work in the event industry, keep track of the people you meet. Input business card information into an address book with information on where you met the person. Take a few minutes to check in with your contacts every couple of months. This puts your information in front of them again and let's them know that you are still around.

I recommend: If you are a Mac computer user, than utilize your address book.  If you have an iphone, it will sync with your address book so that you always have your contacts with you.  Otherwise there are online address book sites that can help you track your contacts as well.  One that I recommend is Plaxo.com.

Write Your Mission Statement

A mission statement states your companies goals in a few short sentences.

I recommend: When writing your mission statement, incorporate the services you will offer to your clients, the types of events you will plan, what role your company will play in the industry, and your future goals for the company.

Determine Your Start-Up Costs & Write a Business Plan

When starting a new company, it is important to determine what start-up costs there will be. Will you work from home or work out of an office? What are the costs for phone, internet, and utilities? Will you hire staff or contract workers immediately? What equipment will need to be purchased? How will you advertise? Are there any legal fees associated with setting up your new company? Who will handle your accounting? Will you acquire insurance immediately? What is the cost to get a logo and stationary package created and printed?

I recommend: Put together a business plan that maps our your business structure, location, services that you will offer, types of events that you will plan, target clients, who your competition is and how you will compete, and your income level and cash flow plan.  The idea of writing a business plan can seem overwhelming, but the Small Business Administration offers a free online course on How to Prepare a Business Plan.  Check out their website for information on this and all of their free online courses to help start new small businesses: http://www.sba.gov/services/training/onlinecourses/index.html

Get Started

Once the foundation for your company has been laid with a well thought out business plan, it is time to get started.

I recommend: Contact the people that you already know and let them know about your company and see if they could use your help planning their events.  Get involved with associations.  Go to networking events and give your business card out.  Get a website created. Do an extraordinary job planning the events that you have so your client will spread the word about you to people they know.