Venturing out into the business world on your own as an independent meeting planner can be a daunting task. Here is what some veteran planners interviewed by Meetings West recommend:
Have a Financial Cushion
Because it can take at least a year to get a business going, it’s important to have savings or supplemental income when starting up.
Be Business Minded
Understand that you need to be a business person. Someone may be a good meeting planner, but they may not succeed in business.
Ask yourself if you are comfortable wearing all the different hats that you have to wear. Also, you really need to determine what services you are going to offer and what will make you identifiably different from any other independent meeting planner out there.
Seek Advice
Check out sources such as Service Corps of Retired Executives, a volunteer organization that helps people start small businesses. Industry resources such as the Convention Industry Council Manual also have helpful business information.
Get Involved
Becoming active in industry organizations such as MPI is a good way to meet people, keep current on trends, make connections and get established.
