So, you’ve come up with the perfect business for your area. You know how to plan events, you have the experience, and you are ready to get started. The clients are the most important part of the business and will allow you to make the money that you need. That is the point of having your business, isn’t it? If you don’t know where to start or you need some ideas for making your already established business better, we’ve come up with 10 great ideas to be able to get more clients.
Business Cards
Your business cards will be your number one tool for making clients come to you. The business card will give them a little bit of information about you, your event planning business and what you offer. Pro tip: be sure to include your name, your business’s name and a way to reach you if your clients wish to contact you.
Blitzing
Those business cards will be nothing if you don’t get them in the hands of potential clients. You must pass your business cards out in order to get your name out there. Consider going to events, shows, and other places where there may be potential clients. Pass your business card out to anyone who looks like they need one. Be sure that you only do it in areas where soliciting is allowed to happen.
Cold Calling
We know, your first cold call can be very scary. Take a deep breath and just do it. Consider practicing on family members and friends before you make your first actual call. It is a good idea to have a list of cold calling laws and regulations before you get started to make sure that you are always within code.
Advertising
It may seem like a simple idea, but you need to advertise your business to ensure that people know about you. While the traditional ways of billboards and radio ads will work, you can also try some new methods which are targeting today’s technology-savvy citizens. Make sure that you find an avenue that works for your area and your potential clients.
Vendor Shows
In most areas, there are vendor shows where people come to get more information on events. The most common vendor shows are wedding ones, but you can find ones in nearly anywhere that are targeted toward people who need all types of event planning. Bring all of your advertisement materials with you. Pass out business cards and goodies to everyone that you talk to.
Networking
A strong network will allow you to have everything that you need in your business life. Your network should be filled with people who will help you grow your business.. A “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” approach is great for networking.
Referrals
Referral services are a great way to give your customers a discount while getting more customers for yourself. Offer a small discount to people who use your business if they are willing to tell their friends about you.
Customer Service
You may think that your business is all about making money, but you will never succeed at it if you don’t have the customer service that is necessary for providing your customers with what they need. There are many ways you can increase your customer service skills; you can try a few classes.
Social Media
Social media is the way of the future. Everyone is connected. Make sure your event planning business is on social media sites. This will allow you to show off a personal flare for your business.
Stay Consistent
It’s easy to get a good start, but then slow down if it is not successful. No matter what, make sure that you always stay consistent with your efforts. Eventually, your efforts will pay off and you will gain the customers that you need.
This list is filled with great ideas. Which one do you think you will do first to make your business better? Let us know what you think.
If you’re just getting started and need more information check out how to start an event planning business.