How to Network and Get Customers as a Freelance Event Planner
We have all heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. This is especially true in the freelance community. Working as a freelancer, you need to know people, and they need to know you. You are not backed up by a big brand. You can’t say “This is me, I am calling from (insert name of well known company!). You are on your own, your own brand and your own company. Work comes from recommendations and reviews, and you are competing with some of the big companies and big event locations in your chosen industry.
To succeed as a freelancer, even if you’re already well-established or just starting out, you need to be proactive about staying ahead in the game. Client acquisition is a continuous process in the event planning industry. You must contact prospects while working on calendared activities. Therefore, marketing your events is one strategy, but pulling visitors to your storefront needs continual attention and focus. Working on multiple projects at the same time is the only way to make money in this sector. Especially if you take into account the seasonality of events and parties.
There are summer parties, Christmas events, and New Year celebrations, but then work through the year for weddings, birthdays, christenings, graduations and non-seasonal events all depend on your marketing strategies and on who you know. Networking is key to success, and having business cards, linked in profiles, websites and up to date information will be the key to success.
Here is some simple advice on how to network and get clients as a freelance event planner if you’re trying to get your event planning business up and running.
Tip #1: Expand Your Online Network. It’s no secret that having an engaging website and active presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn is essential in today’s competitive business environment. Thus, use that leverage to grow your digital presence and boost your business’ publicity.
Tip #2: Hand out business cards. To leave a lasting impression on your clients, create personalised business cards that reflect the individuality of your brand. Pick a business card design from the many available that best portrays who you are and how you want your event planning business to be seen.
Tip #3: Make it a practice to extend out to anyone. Basic communication methods include sending out cold emails, participating in online communities, and creating content that is useful to your target business audience.
Tip #4: Network with other freelancers. When we talk about networking, it’s important to note that you should not only get to know potential customers but also other freelance event planners. Having a community to lean on, share successes and failures with, and learn about the techniques others are doing to get clients is priceless.
Tip #5: Ask your connections for referrals. It’s a good idea to get the support of loved ones in marketing your business. In addition, you should seek the help of former customers by having them tell their dear ones about your market.
Always take photos and videos of your events in action, it brings in the crowds and gets people to see how great your party was. Showing people having a good time engages people and they want to be a part of it too.
If your event was a success, get reviews, commendations, and comments from guests. Make sure that you get the contact details of all the guests in attendance. They will have birthdays, and events that they need planning too
Growing your network is essential in this customer-driven sector
