Starting a business in event planning can be super exciting. Whether you’re organizing charity events, after-school programs, or business meet-ups, it’s important to nail down the basics before getting into the fun, creative stuff. Having a solid foundation is crucial for a smooth and successful career in this field.
Make Sure You’re Insured
Holding public events without insurance can be risky. No matter how careful you are, things can go wrong. Not having public liability insurance increases your risk and might even make it harder to work with companies that require it. Look for an insurance plan that fits your specific needs. For example, Hiscox Public Liability Insurance in the UK covers up to £100,000 for legal costs and compensation if someone gets hurt at your event.
If you work alone, insurance might be optional, but if you have employees, you’re legally required to get Employer’s Liability Insurance.
Set Clear Goals
Think about the type of events you want to host, who your audience is, how often you’ll have these events, and what you aim to achieve. Defining your goals early on is key. You might have your own event ideas, or you might cater to what your customers want. Freelance event planners can find work with various businesses, making it an exciting career choice.
Manage Your Budget
As a freelance event planner, you’ll need to handle different budgets for each event. Regular events with set budgets can ease financial pressure. Start dividing your budget during your initial planning session and use that as a guide for future events.
Build Your Team
Evaluate whether you need extra help based on your workload. Hiring more staff will affect your budget, so check your finances to make sure it’s a smart move.
Check Out Your Venues
Once you know the type of event you want to host, it’s important to get familiar with local venues. Spend some time visiting potential locations whether your events will be at the same spot or move around.
Promote Your Event
Promoting your event is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. Get the word out through promotional materials and social media. Traditional methods like flyers, posters, and newspaper ads work well, too. Social media can be a cost-effective way to promote your event. Create profiles on sites like Twitter and Facebook and sign up folks through third-party apps. Free services like MailChimp can help you put a subscription form on Facebook or your website.
Event planning is a fun and dynamic career, but always make sure you handle the basics before diving into the creative side. Protect yourself and your team with something like Hiscox Public Liability Insurance UK to keep things running smoothly.