Fund raising/event planning business?

[fizzle7033]

I hope I'm posting in the right place. I have been trying to think of ways to make money at home. I work for the government and I am growing sick of all the politics and to be honest feel like I'm selling my soul to the devil everyday I go to work. Anyway, I have about 6 months formal paid experience in event planning for a national park, as well as about 6 years of volunteer service doing this. I have volunteered for countless non profits and I am quiet good at fund raising. I have also worked on quite a few political campaigns, mostly at the grassroots door to door level. I am actually quite good at what I do, DH says I'm the best person he has ever seen at separating people from their money lol. I've been trying to think of ways to turn this into a work at home business. Maybe act as a consultant? Does anyone think there would actually be a market for this? My other problem is that while I am quite good at organizing things, I'm clueless about starting a business!!!! Where do I go for advice about this sort of thing. Thanks!

[Anon001]

I don't really know a lot about it except that I did work some with one eent planner.

I would think there would be a market for it. Depending on where you live, it may require some travel.

I have no idea how you would get started. The only thing I would suggest is to first start doing it part-time while keeping your regular job. Keep very detailed reports of expenses and revenues.

Just because you are good at it and want to do it doesn't mean that you would enjoy it if it was your own baby. lol. That's why I would suggest starting into it while keeping your govt job to make certain you can create a market for you skills and enjoy it.

On second thought.....

Maybe you could talk to your Convention & Visitors Bureau. They may be able to give you some suggestions or some insight into how to get started. Also check with your Chamber of Commerce. If you are in a city or near a large city, the C of C is a fantastic way to network and get your face out there. Most of them have monthly get togethers for social and business networking.... if you were to become a member. Also, go visit the convention centers, casinos, race tracks, hotels, any place that would provide space for events large enough to need a planner.

All these places have events on a regular basis.

If you do this, you will also want a good looking and professional website with your own domain name, preferrably the same as your business name. Having a business and website called mybusiness.com is a lot more professional than going with a free hosting service and have it something like mybusiness.tripod.com or similar. After that you would definitely want to get on good enough terms with the places listed above so you can get their endorsements, referrals, and links on their websites.

Paul