Synopsis: Are you passionate about planning events? Have you ever wanted to be your own boss and set your own schedule while pursuing something you enjoy? Now you can make your dreams a reality. This comprehensive guide--now updated in its third edition--contains all the necessary tools and strategies you need to successfully launch and grow an event-planning business. Using plain language and easy-to-follow worksheets, Jill Moran takes you through every aspect of setting up and running a thriving home-based event planning business. She shares her professional experience and expert advice on everything from estimating start-up costs and finding clients to planning and executing weddings, parties, corporate events, fund-raisers, and more! Whether you're just starting to explore your options or are an event planning wizard looking to be your own boss, this guide can help you establish and build your own successful home-based business.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [217]-228) and index.

Acknowledgment Preface Chapter 1: So You Want To Get Serious About Planning Special Events? Self-assessment Ingredients of a successful event planner More self-assessment: what do you have? what do you need? Laying the foundation: skills Finding your niche: types of event planning services Pitfalls of event planning Challenges of event planning Chapter 2: Home Office Space of your own Equipment and technology Office supplies Event supplies Chapter 3: Developing Your Business Your business structure Business planning 101: market research Business planning 102: selecting a business identity Business plan Setting goals Chapter 4: Dollars And Sense Tracking your business Show me the money: pricing your services Budgeting Chapter 5: Marketing Your Services Specialist or generalist? Defining your position Branding your company Creating your marketing materials Developing a marketing plan Chapter 6: Developing A Team Support, part 1: Vendors Support, part 2: Staffing Working with your support staff Chapter 7: Legal And Ethical Issues Liability Contracts Permits and licenses Insurance Improving your risk exposure Event ethics

Chapter 8: Planning Basics: The Event Process From Proposal To Follow-up Facts and figures Making it happen Critical elements of every event Resources needed Marketing your events Chapter 9: Social Celebrations: Weddings And More Joys of planning social events Social planning pitfalls Tapping into the social planning market Social planning basics Weddings Chapter 10: Corporate Events Various corporate events Familiarize yourself with your clients Events at trade shows Current trends in corporate events Chapter 11: Nonprofit And Fund-Raising Events Getting your foot in the door Nonprofit event basics Celebrity appearances Auction basics Chapter 12: Balancing Your Life Home-office guidelines for you, your family, and your friends Caring for your children while you work Priorities Balancing your wheel Support Chapter 13: Being The Best: Education And Training Formal education Professional designations More ways to refine your trade Above and beyond What else is out there? Appendix A: School and degree programs Appendix B: Professional industry organizations Appendix C: Recommended reading Appendix D: Internet resources Index About the author.