If you have a knack for making parties and events look spectacular, consider starting your own event-decorating business. You can work for many types of clients, and the start-up cost is relatively low. This can be a fun and lucrative business, as long as you take care to plan your venture before starting it.
Pick a Niche
Choose a niche, such as wedding, convention or conference decorator, birthday party themes, or decorating for family events. Specializing in a niche will help you narrow down the type of customers you should target and keep you focused.
Create a Website
Develop a website. This will be one of your most useful marketing tools. Your site should list your contact information, the services you offer, your rates, photos of the work you've done – or plan to do – and testimonials from satisfied clients.
Start Your Portfolio
Get a portfolio together for potential clients. If you don't have photos of work you've done for previous clients, ask family members if you can decorate for their events or perform a couple of free jobs just to get the photos.
Plan a Meeting Place
Pick a site to hold client meetings. This can be inside your home if you have an area suitable for meeting clients, a rented business office, or you can even choose to hold client meetings at an appropriate restaurant.
Advertise
Advertise your services in print, online and by word of mouth. It helps if you offer a discount to go along with your advertisements. Be sure to put your website address on all ads.
Look for Additional Income Opportunities
Decide if you want to rent decorations. Commonly rented decorations include helium tanks to fill balloons, archways and columns for weddings, and silk floral centerpieces. That is another way to add income to your business.
Tip
Make sure you file for a business license, such as a sole proprietor license and a DBA, or "doing business as," license.
