How to Start an Event Planning Service ( АНЯ)

Put your party experience to good use by planning, designing and throwing events for private and corporate clients.

Editor's note: This article was excerpted from our Event Planning Service start-up guide, available from SmallBizBooks.com.

The special events industry has grown enormously in the past decade. According to recent research conducted by Dr. Joe Goldblatt, CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional), spending for special events worldwide is $500 billion annually. Goldblatt is the founder of International Special Events Society (ISES), the founding director of the Event Management Program at George Washington University, and co-author of The International Dictionary of Event Management. "Suffice it to say, the marketplace is large enough to support and sustain your endeavor," says Goldblatt. "If you're working in one special events area, there are many directions in which you can expand. If you're just entering the profession of special events, there's a lucrative market awaiting you on many fronts."

According to Goldblatt's research, profits in this industry continue to rise. Just a few years ago, Goldblatt says, the average profit margin for an event planning entrepreneur was around 15 percent. His most recent studies, however, show profit margins anywhere from 30 to 40 percent. He attributes the industry's good health to several factors, including the improved economy and the trend of corporate America to outsource their meeting-planning functions.

What Is Event Planning?

This question actually breaks down into two questions: What kinds of events are we talking about? And, what is event planning?

First things first. Generally speaking, special events occur for the following purposes:

• Celebrations (fairs, parades, weddings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries)
• Education (conferences, meetings, graduations)
• Promotions (product launches, political rallies, fashion shows)
• Commemorations (memorials, civic events)

How to Start a Hair, Nail or Beauty Salon 1-2-3 (АЛЁНА К.)

Hair styling businesses, nail salons, spas and tanning salons can all provide consistent monthly income from repeat clients. Plus - reports are showing that the beauty industry is going strong, even during the economic downturn.

Start by downloading the Free Beauty Salon Checklist and get the salon start-up guide below.

You'll find out industry secrets and shortcuts of 12 successful salon owners and be able to apply their experience to your own business.

What is the Cost of Starting a Salon?

The cost to start a beauty salon includes salon equipment, supplies, styling chairs, signs, insurance,business license, a building lease and advertising. Start-up costs vary widely, since you can choose how much to spend in each of these areas.

When you are investing in your business, think about the profits that these investments can potentially bring you - and decide how much you want to spend. In addition to providing a service, salon owners can generate more revenue by selling specialty salon products and hosting events or beauty parties.

Start-Up Resources | Salon Supplies | Salon Marketing

How Do You Get More Clients to Come to Your Salon?

Build and keep your clientele base by being different from the other beauty salons - offer a variety of services, a unique atmosphere, more convenient hours, special events, etc. Get expert instruction and guidance from beauty professionals - those who already own their own businesses can truly save you lots of time and money with their insight.. Simply follow their tips, and your salon can achieve success in a faster period of time.

You'll find several salon start-up guides, business plans and tips below to help you maximize your profitsfrom your beauty business while minimizing your risk.