Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Some weeks ago, I sought the SUN communities input on choosing a passion (since I have several).  I am proud to state that after having a beautiful 2-week vacation and doing significant self-reflection, I have decided to pursue the event & wedding planning passion.  I have planned personal and professional events for decades, have 2 degrees and currently working on a third.  I feel great, BUT I need your help, again.

I have read many "how to" books on the planning subject, have been strongly encouraged by loved ones (as well as experienced planners across several states) to pursue this adventure, and finishing up on Jeff & Rich`s "Open for Business".  Here`s where I require your input:

• Do/should I take a classes through ABC, ISES,  or other industry-specific programs?
• If you had this training, what are/were your thoughts?
• Is the training/certification needed?  Beneficial?
  
• What was your first step after you decided to become a planner (i.e. did you create a website, tell everyone, get business cards, etc.) ?
• How did you locate and develop rapports with vendors?

I know I`ve asked a lot and am assuming the responses will come from established or nearly established planners.  However, any insight that anyone is kind enough to provide is sincerely appreciated.

As stated in an earlier post, I will begin this dream after I relocate to a new state over the summer.

Well, I`m just now getting close to opening my business myself, but my answers to your questions are as follows:

I do believe you should get some formal training in this area.  It is highly competitive and credentials enhance your image as a professional.  It also ensures that you have a solid basis.   I`ve obtained wedding and event planning certifications.  I believe the ABC programs are good for the wedding side of things.  If you can get apprenticeships or shadowings, that would be helpful, too!

My first step after deciding I wanted to become a planner was to consider what market I most wanted to be in.  This has changed somewhat, but in general, I knew from the start that I was more interested in the social market than the corporate market.  The only thing that has really changed for me is that I didn`t really think I`d like to plan weddings and now I am focusing heaviest on them.

The second step I took was to find a suitable training program.  There are several out there depending on what you wish to focus on...

Although I am in the beginning stages of creating a vendor network, those that I have spoken to I have been upfront and honest with about what I want out of my career and what I`d like from them.  I treat them like partners because I see us all as having one goal - to make our clients` events everything they dream about.

Hope that gives you some insight.  :)

-------------------------

MeLissa
Independent Chocolatier for Dove Chocolate Discoveries http://www.ChocoRocco.com Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ChocoRocco

Hi, congrats on making your decision!

Let me just say that as a bride-to-be in the middle of planning her own wedding, I definitely look for membership in a professional organization.  There are too many "planners" out there who are fly-by-night and don`t have any credentials.  That`s extremely scary.  As a bride, I need to have full and complete trust in your ability to plan my day.  You get a good measure of trust instantly simply by having those little letters on your business card and website.  Definitely get certified.  Keep in mind that the average bride has heard a few horror stories about horrible planners - from tv shows, other brides, message boards, etc.  (I even have a horror story of my own.)  You need a bride to have so much trust in you that she`s willing to pay you $2000 or more to plan her wedding.  Certification and a professional image to instill trust are key.

I think the website/business card steps need to happen simultaneously.  If you can, get listed on the big sites like The Knot and Wedding Channel and whatever local websites have directories of wedding professionals.  Online was THE first place I looked to find my vendors.  I tried The Knot first (caters to a slightly more educated, upscale crowd), then WC, then because neither of those sites had any listings for my area (Mississippi), I googled to find MS wedding sites.  I found 3 of my vendors solely online.

The other thing is to definitely go to bridal shows.  We brides live for them!

I`ll be happy to be a sounding board for any of your ideas. 

Best wishes!

Diana

-------------------------

"Whether you think you can or you think you can`t, you`re right."
paraphrased Henry Ford

You might also want to check with the local colleges. I know here in San Francisco, both the community college and SF State offer event planning courses. Could be a relatively inexpensive way to get some background knowledge of the industry and start meeting people in a new place.

Good Luck!


-------------------------

Kathryn Lovell
KKL Image Consulting
www.kklic.com

Thanks ladies!