Starting a wedding or event business can be a thrilling venture. For many, the allure of being part of couples’ special days or planning memorable events is a dream come true. However, like with any new business, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. Will clients trust you? Will your business be successful? How do you even begin?
Here are the top five things to do to overcome that fear and confidently launch your wedding or event business:
Educate Yourself:
- Industry Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with wedding and event planning basics. Attend workshops, webinars, and seminars to get a grasp of industry trends.
- Business Acumen: Understand the nitty-gritty of running a business, such as creating a business plan, licensing, and understanding local regulations.
- Networking: Attend industry events, join professional associations like the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) or the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA). Networking can offer you mentorship opportunities and can open doors to collaborations.
Start Small & Gain Experience:
- Pro Bono Work: Offer to plan events for friends and family to build your portfolio. It helps you practice without the pressure of paying clients.
- Intern or Assist: Before you go solo, consider interning or assisting a seasoned event planner. The hands-on experience can be invaluable.
- Testimonials & Reviews: Once you’ve successfully planned a few events, ask for testimonials. Positive reviews can alleviate future clients’ fears, and yours!
Develop a Clear Brand & Marketing Strategy:
- Brand Identity: Understand your niche. Are you focused on lavish destination weddings, local intimate ceremonies, or corporate events? Define your brand’s look and feel.
- Online Presence: Build a professional website showcasing your portfolio, services, testimonials, and contact information. Also, invest in social media. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are particularly beneficial for the wedding and event industry.
- Network Locally: Partner with local vendors – photographers, florists, caterers. They can often refer clients to you.
Set Realistic Expectations & Be Patient:
- Financial Buffer: It might take time before you start making a significant profit. Ensure you have enough savings to sustain your personal and business needs in the initial phase.
- Mistakes are Learning Curves: You’ll likely make mistakes. Instead of letting them overwhelm you, treat them as learning opportunities.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every event you successfully complete, every positive feedback, and even minor milestones, like getting your first client, are reasons to celebrate.
Mental & Emotional Well-being:
- Build Resilience: The events industry can be stressful. Cultivate mental strength and resilience to handle challenges gracefully.
- Seek Support: Join support groups or forums where you can connect with other new business owners. Sharing fears and hearing others’ stories can be therapeutic.
- Practice Self-care: Starting a business can be all-consuming. Remember to take breaks, indulge in activities you love, and ensure you maintain a work-life balance.
Starting your wedding or event business is no small feat. But with the right preparation, continuous learning, and an unwavering spirit, the fear will transform into excitement. Believe in yourself and your passion for the industry, and remember that every big event planner started with that first step. Your dream business is just around the corner!
If you are new to the wedding and event planning business or needing to jumpstart your growth, join us at The Event Planners Society Facebook group.
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WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO SHARE THIS IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEBSITE BUT PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING COMPLETE INFORMATION: Event Producer Strategist, Entrepreneur, Speaker, and Coach, Annette Naif, CEO & Creative Director of Naif Productions
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About Naif Productions:
Naif Productions is a strategic event planning, design and production firm specializing in corporate, live coaching sales events, social, non-profit, and weddings. Based in New York City, we produce events worldwide from Fortune 500 clients and coaches to families and charities. Naif Productions specializes in helping clients attain their goals, realize return on investment, and achieve the most unique, creative experiences.
About Annette Naif:
Since 1986 Annette Naif has been designing and producing custom events, helping clients create their unique style that translates into a memorable and profitable experience. Annette spent 17 years producing events in the motion picture industry where she helped coordinate numerous productions for film and episodic television programs. Since then Annette’s been running her own event production company, coaching other event planners, teaching an event operations and production course at NYU, and now is the CEO & Creative Director of Naif Productions.