How to Become an Event Planner - Home Based Business

If you are looking to fire your boss while using your organizational and interpersonal skills, event planning is for you. The current state of the economy is the perfect time to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and own your own business. The event planning industry is growing by leaps and bounds and proving very profitable for entrepreneurs. This article shows you how to become an event planner which is an ideal home based business.

If you have decided to stop putting money in someone else's pocket in a regular 9 to 5 job from which you derive no fulfillment, going into business for yourself is the way to go. Event planning as an at home job is a great option for the creative individual with excellent interpersonal skills. A lot goes into planning an event and you must be up to the challenge.

There are various types of events that need an event planner such as corporate events, weddings including the currently popular destination weddings, birthday party, bar mitzvah, as well as other party planning.

You can specialize in one area such as corporate events or offer your services for any event. Here are a few points to note before you get into the event planning business.

1. Skills and Abilities

Most event planners do not have college degrees although event planning degrees are available at some colleges. Most event planners will take a few classes to help them with some of the aspects of owning a business such as marketing, management, etc. You still may want to get certified just to offer some credibility to clients and potential clients.

Most event planners entered the business because they have great organizational skills and are great with people. They may have assisted someone else with some aspect of planning for a party and discovered that they have a skill in this area. If you are not very organized, there is certainly software that can help with organization.

2. Volunteer

If you are uncertain whether this is an area that you could excel in, volunteer to help a friend, family member or charity looking for party planning help. See how you like it before you decide to become an event planner.

3. Register the Event Planning Business

It is important to register the business to avoid any legal issues. The additional benefit of registering is that there are certain tax advantages for a home based businesses that you could use.

4. Professionalism

To be taken seriously in the industry, you must present yourself in a professional manner starting with your appearance. The way we are dressed is usually the first thing people notice about us. If unsure, consult an image consultant and get help.

All your correspondence with clients or vendors whether electronic or print, should be on your company letterhead. Most businesses have an online presence so this should be one of your marketing strategies.

Join local networking groups to help you spread the word about your business so that you can get referrals.

Your local chamber of commerce will provide guidance and are a great resource for starting your small business. There may even be opportunities for obtaining small business loans to help you with start up capital that you may need.

The success of this business is entirely dependent on your skills and abilities as well as your perseverance during tough times. The event planning industry is very profitable and continues to be and has the potential of making you financially free while doing something that you love and ensuring that people enjoy themselves at the events that you plan.