Make it Great

Here is her interview:

1. Why did you choose to join/start a home party plan business?
I chose this industry because I have a passion for it.  I love the diversity of the types of parties that I am able to plan.  I do many children’s birthday parties and it means a lot to me to be able to assist parents save time and be able to give the children the party that they still deserve.

2. Can you tell us a bit about the party plan industry and why it
is such a hot market to join? 

Many people think that anybody can do this business, so many people are attempting it.  Other people realize that there is a great need to help parents and businesses with the preparations because sometimes there just is not enough time.  When others can take some of the burden away, there is a great need and many people are cashing in on that need.

3. How do you book parties? How do you advertise your business? 

 Because I have a diversity of parties that I do, I do a variety of advertising.  I have a listing in The Perfect Wedding Guide, which is a free magazine for brides that are getting married.  I use this for my bridal showers and bachelorette parties.  For the children’s birthday parties I advertising in a local magazine that is designed for parents’ use for children’s activities and vendors.  I also advertise in the yellow pages, have my own website and on a local radio station website.

4. Do you find party plan companies more difficult than other direct sells companies that don’t have a party plan? Yes or no and why? 

I guess I am not sure the exact meaning of this question.  I find this industry more challenging than other direct sell companies because this is a newer industry that people are still getting used to.  As more people come around to the idea and realize the need for this business, it will become less challenging.

5. What are some challenges that you face in building your
business? 

 As I said above, this is a newer industry that people are still getting used to.  People are starting to realize that they can give the perfect party without having to do all of the work.  People are starting to learn to delegate and let go of some of the tasks needed to be done during the party planning because there just is not enough time to do everything.

6. How has owning a party pan business changed you as a woman?
(Specifically party plan aspect) 

It gives me a satisfaction that I am supporting my fellow working moms.  I am able to help them realize that everything can be accomplished, even if it is not by their own hands.  Owning my own business also allows me to work from home and spend time with my 4 year old.

7. How do you approach people to book parties? What do you say?
Where do you go? 

I am working with many of the local day care centers and passing information out in their facilities.  We have been running a free website for parents for 2 years and I have many contacts in that world.  I simply ask if I can send them flyers to share with their parents.  Any parent needs to have one of my brochures and I try to pass them out whenever possible.

8. What type of themes do you use for your parties? How do you
come up with fresh party ideas? 

I am able to personalize parties to any theme that parents want.  I use the hottest trends (Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Spider-man, etc.)  I use these themes and do a lot of research of great ideas that parents will not think of and to come with new ideas that are special for each party.

9. What are some tips for someone just starting out? Organization,
confidence, record keeping, etc.

Organization is IMPERATIVE!  You have to have everything in order and know exactly where you’re going.  Knowing what clients want what (because if you screw that up, you will lose that client right from the start).  Knowing where your money is going and where it’s coming from.  If you don’t know some of this information, then you will never make it. 

10. Can you describe a typical party? How long it lasts, how long you
talk, what the guests do, etc. 

My typical birthday party is about 2 hours depending on the age of the child.  I arrive about an hour early to set up and get everything in place as well as speak with the parent.  After everything is in place, I try to stay out of the way and let the parent take over.  I am available to help whenever needed but they are running the show.  At the end I help with the clean up also.

11. Do you have a mentor? If so who? Why did you decide to get a
mentor? How has it helped you? If not, how do you stay focused? 

I do not have a mentor because what I do is something a little different than anybody that I know around here.  I have checked into other companies just for competition factors.  I stay focused by my own self-motivation.  I set monthly goals with marketing and customer interaction and such.  I feel accomplished when those goals are reached.

I enjoyed reading this inteview because this is a service that so many busy moms need!

Thanks Angie,

Angie Travis, Master Mind Planner

614-374-6353

http://www.SpoyledRottynParty.com 

…Because everyone deserves to be Spoyled