What will I be doing?

Are you one of those people who love to plan events? Do you love all the arranging and preparing and detail that precedes a party or special occasion? Do you volunteer to set up meetings? If so, you may be able to turn your skills and interests into a profitable home business.

An event planner is hired to plan and coordinate meetings and other events for businesses, professionals and individuals. Events that need planning can include annual board meetings, company picnics, alumni events, anniversary parties and other get-togethers.

What will I need to start?

The first thing you need to start your event-planning business is organization skills. You must know how to manage a wide variety of elements needed for a successful event. You must be able to find and hire a caterer, make sure the podium and presentation elements are in place, find a meeting place, ensure there is adequate seating, promote the event and much more. You may specialize in one or more types of events, but you must know how to efficiently organize any type of event.

Of course, you will need lots of resources: meeting places, presentation equipment, caterers, promoters, transportation, etc. These resources will make your job easier or harder, depending on their abilities.

Who will my customers be?

Who will hire your event-planning services? Companies, associations, schools and individuals are all potential clients. Companies who profit from your event will pay the best. For this reason, some event planners specialize in working with companies to plan sales meetings, board meetings, staff meetings, client meetings and other events that can be profitable for the company--and for the planner.