Is Party-Planning For You?

By : Lynn Powers 29 or more times read

Do you love a good party? Are you always looking for reasons to throw one yourself? Do your friends call you for advice when planning their parties? When asked, do you jump in to help, without thinking twice?

If you answered “yes” to any of the previous questions, starting up a party planning business may make perfect sense for you. Working from home while doing what you love to do? What could be better than that?

But although others may gush over the wonderfully creative parties you throw for your kids, how can you be confident that you’re qualified to actually get paid for planning their events and celebrations? Here are a few sure ways to tell whether you’re cut out for the party planning business:

• You’re a good listener. Whether planning your own child’s birthday party, an acquaintance’s bridal shower, or a stranger’s retirement party, one thing’s for certain: it’s all about tuning in to what your client is looking for. If you’re good at focusing on others’ needs and clearly visualizing the big picture of exactly what they want, you’re bound to be successful. Although various options and your solid suggestions will be appreciated, people want to know you’re listening carefully to what they want and not trying to force your own opinions down their throats.

• You’re a people-person. If you love to volunteer, prefer crowds over solitude, and are constantly looking for opportunities where you can interact and socialize, party planning would definitely allow plenty of chances for you to do just that.

• You’re detail oriented. Do you pay attention to the little details other people often overlook? Color coordination, theme tie-ins, exquisite extras, etc. Even though the subtle details aren’t always exclusively recognized, when added, they are precisely the things that turn a mediocre party into a memorable one.

• You’re a great multi-tasker. Can you deal with the florist, the caterer, and the mother-of-the-bride at the same time? But, more importantly, can you do it without getting flustered? If you thrive on activity and don’t bat an eye when ten things are thrown in your direction at one time, then you’re already a pro! Party planning is the perfect choice for you!

• You don’t take things personally. If someone screams at you because the flowers haven’t arrived yet or angrily pulls you aside because a typo was found in the invitations, could you keep your cool or would you break into tears? When it comes to planning an event and making it as special as possible, people can get a little testy. But if you can maintain your composure and smooth out the wrinkles with your tone of voice and reassurances, chances are you may receive an apology or two when the day is done. And, hopefully, because you expertly handled the stress, you’ll receive a couple of client referrals, as well.

Party planning is not for the timid, shy, or introverted. For the outgoing and extroverted, however, it can be the ideal work at home career choice. After all, there isn’t much that can compare with actually getting paid to party. Lynn Powers is a staff writer for WahmZone. Visit WahmZone, the ultimate community for the Wahm and work at home mom. http://www.wahmzone.com or http://www.wahmforums.com/

Lynn Powers is a staff writer for WahmZone. Visit WahmZone, the ultimate community for the Wahm and work at home mom. http://www.wahmzone.com or http://www.wahmforums.com/