How to Start a Party Planning Business

Learning how to start a party planning business is an excellent idea for people who are interested in a fun, profitable business that doesn’t take a lot of money to get started. Planning parties isn’t always easy, but that is exactly why this industry is growing so fast. Many people and companies do not have the time to properly plan a party and make it a success.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

You will need to be a highly organized person and be great under pressure to start a party planning business. And it is a big benefit to have an eye for decorating as well. Most community colleges offer courses that can help you to be better at party planning – and running a business in general, but no specific education is necessary.

When first learning how to start a party planning business, you might want to consider offering your services for free to friends and family. Honing your skills and knowledge this way will pay off in the long run, even if you aren’t getting money for it right now.

You’ll need a business license for this business, but no special certifications or permits are usually required. For office equipment, a reliable computer and printer, along with other basic office supplies will suffice.

Forming relationships with local caterers, DJs, and party supply stores is a good idea, as you will likely be using their services a lot in your party planning business. Do some research and ask around to find those in your area that have the best reputations. The clients who hire you for birthdays, retirements, office parties, graduation parties, anniversaries, etc. will expect their party come off without a hitch and be memorable to their guests. If you hire someone who lets your client down, they will likely blame you.

One of the most important skills to hone during your time learning how to start a party planning business is the skill of customer service. In order to achieve and maintain a positive reputation (something that is a must in this industry), you’ll need to know how to deal with clients in a positive way, even when something has gone wrong. Most people understand that mistakes happen, but they will not be understanding if you don’t handle it well.

How to Market a Party Planning Business

Advertising a party planning business in local newspapers can work well, and many people have had success with direct mail to businesses as well. It is also important these days for all businesses to have a presence on the Internet. People are known to conduct online research before making decisions on who to use for services such as this. More than anything else, your reputation and the word of mouth it generates will be your best marketing tool.

As your party planning business grows, be sure to solicit testimonials and referrals from your satisfied customers. Also build a portfolio that contains pictures of your work, both before and during the parties you have planned.

When you learn how to start a party planning business, you begin to look at the world in a different way – like everything is a party!

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