When building your wedding planning business, it's important to make time for administrative work. Creating a framework for this work will make it easier to implement and get done. Problem is, there's so much to do, it may be difficult to see the big picture. I have three simple steps to get you started.
When a new planner begins coaching with me, one of the first things we do is create an organization chart. This helps to paint a nicely compacted picture of all the different things that need to be done in her business. We include all the positions/job titles in a traditional, small business and then we add the tasks that would be completed by each position.
Now, because you are flying solo (for now), your name will appear in every single section on this org chart. I know...sounds like a lot of work...but realistically, you ARE the person who needs to do it all. At least in the beginning.
The good news is, documenting it in this way helps to give you focus and clarity on what you need to do as a new business owner.
The second thing we do is to create a schedule of everything that needs to be done in a typical week. Blocking out chunks of time for similar tasks gives you the flexibility you need to work "on" and "in" your business which is just as important as doing "client" work.
For some new planners, this means including a regular 9 to 5 job. Let's face it, more than likely, you are starting your business by building it during evenings and weekends. I don't like to call it "part time" because if you are as ambitious as I think you are, building your wedding planning business is a 30-40+ hour per week job. There's nothing part time about that! This schedule will also help you to make sure nothing is missed and that you stay on track with the goals you've set for your new business.
And finally, the third important first step in creating the framework of your new planning business is to create your business plan outline. Notice I didn't say, "create your business plan." It's sounds so daunting and a little scary, I know. I said, "create your business plan outline", not "write your business plan". Creating a formal business plan can be a long process. I worked on my plan for almost a year before I felt ready to launch my business. Starting with an outline will give you the framework for a comprehensive and more traditional business plan, when the time comes to write it, which is very important for any business.
Now? The REAL work begins. You have a framework for your business and it's time to put a plan into place.
What else are you struggling with in your business? Have you setup your systems for when you get that first lead? You DO want to be ready BEFORE that first bride calls, don't you?
The Before the Bride Business Planning System is a 10 step program developed to help wedding planners start their businesses the right way...to become business owners and not just hobbyists. It comes complete with step by step exercises, worksheets and audio files to guide you in building a planning business that's ready to accept new brides. To get it, visit the services page at AspiretoPlan.com.
Wendy is the founder of Sacred Moment Weddings, a planning business that concentrates on giving her clients delightful food choices, music that delights and moves a crowd and wedding décor with a dazzling and inviting atmosphere. These are the three foundational elements she uses for planning her clients wedding day.
She is also the founder of Aspire to Plan and Before the Bride; a program created to empower and develop wedding planners into wedding industry leaders. She feels there is a need for more business coaching for aspiring wedding planners in order to promote more professionalism in the industry.
When a new planner begins coaching with me, one of the first things we do is create an organization chart. This helps to paint a nicely compacted picture of all the different things that need to be done in her business. We include all the positions/job titles in a traditional, small business and then we add the tasks that would be completed by each position.
Now, because you are flying solo (for now), your name will appear in every single section on this org chart. I know...sounds like a lot of work...but realistically, you ARE the person who needs to do it all. At least in the beginning.
The good news is, documenting it in this way helps to give you focus and clarity on what you need to do as a new business owner.
The second thing we do is to create a schedule of everything that needs to be done in a typical week. Blocking out chunks of time for similar tasks gives you the flexibility you need to work "on" and "in" your business which is just as important as doing "client" work.
For some new planners, this means including a regular 9 to 5 job. Let's face it, more than likely, you are starting your business by building it during evenings and weekends. I don't like to call it "part time" because if you are as ambitious as I think you are, building your wedding planning business is a 30-40+ hour per week job. There's nothing part time about that! This schedule will also help you to make sure nothing is missed and that you stay on track with the goals you've set for your new business.
And finally, the third important first step in creating the framework of your new planning business is to create your business plan outline. Notice I didn't say, "create your business plan." It's sounds so daunting and a little scary, I know. I said, "create your business plan outline", not "write your business plan". Creating a formal business plan can be a long process. I worked on my plan for almost a year before I felt ready to launch my business. Starting with an outline will give you the framework for a comprehensive and more traditional business plan, when the time comes to write it, which is very important for any business.
Now? The REAL work begins. You have a framework for your business and it's time to put a plan into place.
What else are you struggling with in your business? Have you setup your systems for when you get that first lead? You DO want to be ready BEFORE that first bride calls, don't you?
The Before the Bride Business Planning System is a 10 step program developed to help wedding planners start their businesses the right way...to become business owners and not just hobbyists. It comes complete with step by step exercises, worksheets and audio files to guide you in building a planning business that's ready to accept new brides. To get it, visit the services page at AspiretoPlan.com.
Wendy is the founder of Sacred Moment Weddings, a planning business that concentrates on giving her clients delightful food choices, music that delights and moves a crowd and wedding décor with a dazzling and inviting atmosphere. These are the three foundational elements she uses for planning her clients wedding day.
She is also the founder of Aspire to Plan and Before the Bride; a program created to empower and develop wedding planners into wedding industry leaders. She feels there is a need for more business coaching for aspiring wedding planners in order to promote more professionalism in the industry.
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