It is a bit like a dream job. Getting paid to spend other people’s money, having gorgeous events, and expensive invites aplenty. But how do you get to that point? Sometimes, we realize while going about our day, or at our typical 9-5 that it just isn’t what we want to do. It’s time to quit, and to explore your other options. Luckily we live in a flexible society, and in most cases supports the start-up dreamers.
So if you have been thinking about starting an events company, perhaps creating and managing beautiful weddings, or maybe just rad outdoor festivals, then this is the article for you.
Skill Check
It is all well and good dreaming of being an events coordinator, but if you don’t have the skills then there is some bad news for you… However, as with everything, a little bit of research goes a long way. You will need to be budget savvy, able to work to tight deadlines, neat, with the ability to delegate and dictate when required. There are other things too, like research skills so that you can get the best deals. A certain charm helps also – to keep those suppliers for future jobs.
Qualified…
Or not. That is the question. Do you want to be a qualified industry expert, or simply someone who knows what they are doing and how to do it? It is up to you, but if you choose the latter, you will be relying on recommendations both written and word of mouth in order to bring business in. You can take online smaller courses rather than spend out a huge chunk of cash in one go.
Names and Stock
Your name will need to be easy to say, easy to pronounce and memorable. Decide what you want to do in terms of event types. For weddings, you might like to have a range of chair and table decorations, if you are doing outdoor events with live music buy a PA system and cut your rental costs on an event by event basis.
Cash
You’re going to need some money to get it off the ground. Think about crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter, Seedr, Indiegogo and more. Of course, you can also check out a bank loan, either way, you will need to make sure you have a well put together a business plan, decent forecast and an excellent marketing plan too.
First Client
Once you have everything arrange it is time to get your first client. Perhaps just this once, you will want to offer one out for free. Get in touch with your friends and family, to see if anyone has an event coming up that you could help take care of. If you are really great at marketing, you might land a client outside of your circle – hurrah!
Event management is not something to enter into lightly, it takes a lot of very long days and night to pull off something that people are talking about for years to come. But, seeing people eating, drinking and dancing at something you have created is rather unique.
