I want to start a business where I assist with planning/creative ideas for special occasions?

I have been planning events for family and friends for years and I have been told over and over again that I should start a business. The business I would like to start is planning /creative ideas to surprise people on birthdays, anniversaries, assist with marriage proposals and other special occasions. Where should I start?

Public Comments

1. Hey, You need to analyse how much money you have to spend, analyse compitition and your target market, what are your plans for the future? If your business booms then how are you going to keep up? You MUST have a business plan. How are you planning to make your business different from all the other ones which are similar and established? Your going to need to make sure that the people you are aiming your special events at can trust you with the planning. Since you are planning to create things for SPECIAL occasions you cannot afford a slip up. Where will you operate from? The internet? Buy a place? You have to raise awareness and make sure people recommend you to their friends and family. What will you do with your profits? You need to make sure you know what you'r going to do with profits and you also have to estimate profits. Some people dont realise this but your appearance matters. Look at Apple inc. for example they are known for their sleek white and black designs which seem to show what the company is. You need to set some kind of tone for your business. Finally, you WILL make mistakes at the start all the way to when its established don't let those mistakes put you off, everyone makes mistakes which will holt their growth but everyones done it. Good luck, hope my advise helped.
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3. Use this basic checklist to make sure all the important steps are taken before you launch your new venture. This business checklist will make sure that you cross all your t's and dot all your i's before your business launch. Steps to Starting a Business - http://www.developer-resource.com/starting-a-business.htm Other sites you might find helpful are: SBA - http://www.sba.gov/ SCORE - http://www.score.org Small Business Resource - http://www.small-business-software.net Business Link - http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home Goodluck!
4. I suggest that you put up a blog, put a few ideas there (but not all, just do it as a teaser). Online presence is important, so people can find you. Try wordpress.com. Look for organizers of events, or sign up for event listing sites, and start making friends with event organizers -- and pitch your services to them. One such event site is http://www.kangalope.com --- check it out, they list the contact info of the organizers.