If you are an experienced event planner, you already know that staying organized, keeping up with trends and expecting the unexpected comes with the territory. But there are additional steps you can take to make sure your business stands out. These extra measures will help establish your reputation and build stronger relationships with your clients and vendors.
If you are wondering what you can do to set your business apart, here are some best practices that event planners can use to help them succeed.
Network
We’ve all heard that famous expression, it’s not what you know, it’s who.
We are fortunate to live in the time of the internet where networking can be done via email and any number of social media sites, but there’s nothing like face to face contact when it comes to making a connection.
In addition to making yourself known via online outlets, be sure to attend conferences, workshops and other events where you can meet people in the event planning industry. You will want to connect with businesses you can partner with and that might become potential clients. You will also want to focus on meeting people that make up your event’s target audience.
Networking with Businesses and Event Venues in Sydney that provide services like catering, musical entertainment, photography, floral arrangements is also an important part of building your business. If you use these vendors regularly, you will be able to get good deals on their services for savings that you can pass on to clients. One of these vendors may be security, especially if you are planning events on a large scale. Using event security services will help your event be safe and give more visibility to this vendor.
Create a Mailing List
Emailing is still one of the most effective ways of marketing. But snail mail can also offer a personal touch that will make your brand stand out.
No matter how you choose to handle your communications, the focus is on staying in touch. Build a mailing list of people who have attended your events to let them know about what’s coming up in the future.
You should also keep in touch with vendors and other companies you work with. Sending them thank you cards, holiday cards and even gift cards and gift baskets can be a great way to express your gratitude and build a strong relationship that can be beneficial to your company.
Host Events for Network Partners
A party is another way to let the people you work with know you care. And since this is your specialty, why not give them a freebie every once in a while?
These parties don’t have to be elaborate and expensive. You can rent a small space to create a more intimate vibe. These types of events are a great way to say thank you and to give others in your industry a chance to network.
Letting the people you work with know how valuable you think they are is always a good move. Workers who know they are appreciated tend to be more loyal and productive.
And if you go out of the way to show your gratitude to outside vendors, they may also refer you to people they work with to generate more business for your company. You can also look for commercial and Industrial Tents provided by companies, who you can partner with. By coordinating with such professionals, you could grow your business and help others as well.
Present Well Organized Events
While these extra steps are all great for helping your business to stand out, they won’t mean much if you can’t deliver the goods. Here are some event planning basics every good planner should include in their practices:
- Establish Timelines and checklists
- Establish a budget
- Know the goals of your event
- Choose a date and venue
- Book speakers and entertainment
- Set up online registration
- Market your event
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team
- Communicate with your vendors
- Walk the floor during your event to see how things are going
- Assess how the event went and make any necessary improvements moving forward
The event planning industry is blowing up and with so many events out there, it can be difficult to make yours stand out. Creating solid relationships with the people you work with and others in the industry can help you get your name out there while making for a happier staff that is ready to provide the best experience possible. What practices do you like to incorporate to make your event planning business the best it can be?
