Starting your own business can be quite challenging, especially if you choose one that depends on having many connections like event planning. To survive in the event planning world, you have to be a walking Rolodex! You have to be someone who has access to caterers, car rentals, party equipment, and many more. The process takes time, but the more you succeed, the more expansive your network will get. More importantly, you need to have effective communication skills, and you must be able to build long-term business relationships. If you have your own event planning company and you want to know how to promote it, check out these 6 sure-fire tips and recommendations.
1. Go Above and Beyond for Your Client
The success of any event planning business depends greatly on word of mouth. When someone attends a birthday party and admires the setup and food, they will eventually ask about the planner’s contacts. However, the only way to create a positive impression and guarantee being recommended by the host is by providing top-quality service. You have to impress the host and leave no room for error. Go the extra mile to show them that you paid attention to every little detail. If they request a rare flower for their centerpieces, pull all the strings you can and get your hands on it. This is the quickest way to expand your clientele base and receive many new offers, and it starts by perfecting only one event.
2. Work with the Best Suppliers
When it comes to planning weddings, the tolerance for blunders will be especially low. You need to provide your bride and groom with a unique experience starting from their limousine ride up until the moment of their big send-off. It is crucial that you find the right partners as they will be the ones who recommend your event planning services to their own clients as well. If you work in Perth, the luxury limousine services at https://www.lavishlimousines.com.au/ offer unmatchable wedding packages including champagne as well as a red carpet rolled out for the couple’s exit. These are the kinds of companies you want to partner up with since your job as an event planner depends on the suppliers you work with and the kind of service they provide. You need to make sure that you have an army of suppliers who share your same work ethic, and do not default on the quality of their services.
3. Harness the Power of Social Media
Having an engaging platform where you share snippets of your previous work can do wonders for your business. Do not just cram your profile with boring photos of your setup and decoration. Instead, create engaging videos to take your followers behind the scenes, and make it a fun watch. This way, you will not only be promoting your services, but you will also be creating your own talent pool in case you need to make a new hire.
4. Attend Conventions and Trade Shows
Be an active member in relevant trade shows and conventions where you can connect with people working in event planning. If you are unhappy with your current suppliers, this is a great place to upgrade. You can also showcase your work and hand out as many business cards as possible to promote your company. Moreover, you will gain great insights into the current trends and demands which will come in handy when you’re planning your next event.
5. Seek Partnership Deals with Big Brands
By securing exclusive partnership deals with hotels and companies, you can guarantee a steady flow of clients, giving your business more exposure. By associating your company with famous hotel chains and prominent multinationals, you will no longer need to worry about getting the word out about your business.
6. Do Not Forgo the Classic Promotion Tools
TV, radio, and billboard ads will never go out of style. Nevertheless, you need to be strategic about the way you use them. Target the right channels, and manage ad placements for maximum efficiency. For example, if you plan many sweet sixteen parties, select the radio channels that target younger audiences who probably make up the biggest chunk of your clients. As for the billboard ads, choose spots around common event venues like clubs and sports arenas.
There are many ideas that can help you promote your event planning business. As long as you keep it creative and away from the mainstream, you will definitely reap the rewards. Remember, the most important thing is to focus on your quality of service and always work on gaining your clients’ trust.
