Grow Your Business in 2011

Grow Your Business in 2011

Grow Your Business in 2011

Asthis year is coming to an end, we should sit back and analyze the pros and cons of 2010 with respect to our revenues, business practices, new business developments and our growth as an individual and as a wedding/event planner.

With this said, there are certain business practices, etc. hat we should not carry into the new year, such as:

Bad Experiences with Clients: Of course eeryone has experienced the client from hell but we should not carry ill feelings into the New Year. We should classify this experience as a lesson learned and never to be repeated.

Fear Factor: As planners we have excellent ideas about how to grow our business or to jumpstart our side hustle if you are new to the business. Unfortunately, some of your goals for 2010 have only been drafted on paper; never coming to fruition. Lets make a list of those items we want to accomplishin 2011 and let's get started.

Contracts: I have stated this over and over again -- everytime a client (corporate, not-for-profit, wedding, event, party, etc.) hires you, you should be able to produce a contract that protects you individually and your company. You should also include the term "non-refunable retainer" with respect to your client leaving a deposit. No excuses for 2011.

No Drama: In 2011, we will contract with clients who we feel are our ideal clients. We will not work with clients just for the money but will work with clients who we strongly feel we can assist them with their goals and objectives for their eventand they are able to take us to the next level.

Charging the Right Fee: I think every planner has faced this issue: How to charge clients. Should we charge by the hour? Certain percentage of the budget? How much should a new planner charge? Most planners lower their fees to get the business, use the economy as an excuse for lowering fees, or to gain exposure. I strongly feel that if you are working with your ideal client, he/she client should be willing to pay your fees becauseyour ideal clientvalues your expertise, knowledge, professionalism, training and your vision for their event. I used to lower my fees just to get a client. Soon thereafter, I became frustrated when I realized that after lowering my fees, the work that is expected to be done is at the same level of my original fee.

Every client (even when I was lowering my fees) took me to a new level. My first client opened my eyes to include an event rental business; my second client made it possible for me to conduct workshops/seminars for newly engaged couples and new wedding and event planner. Let's start charging for our services appropriately for 2011.

Wishing You a Productive, Drama Free, Out of the Box 2011.

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