5 Tips: How to Talk to Clients! (Event Planning Career 101)

[@sandramitchelle6077]

Thank you for sharing your videos, they are really good and very helpful tips to some of us who are considering to start a career in event planning.

[@BashBesties]

Thank you for watching Sandra, I'm glad it gave you some insight! ❤

[@erinhickey8113]

Great tips! My favorite was the no phone number listed on the website. And I highly agree with writing everything down!

[@BashBesties]

Hi Erin, thank you so much! Yes, that is a life saver for me otherwise I'd be on the phone all day! The only thing is it can detour some people who just want to talk and are used to being able to speak to someone whenever they want. So, you kind of have to pick your poison. Thanks for watching! :)

[@ebonykelsey9419]

So glad I found your videos. I have been trying to start my spa party business for 2 years now. i was thinking that I needed to have everything before getting out there. Very helpful tips.

[@BashBesties]

Hi Ebony, so glad you found me too! and before you spent all your start up money lol I wish I could have avoided a lot of useless purchases and saved the money to use when and where I really needed it. Send me your business IG, I'd love to follow you and see what you're up to! I'll try to post some more specifically spa party business videos to in the future! If you have any specific questions let me know! :) Thanks for watching!

[@IHRTJSUS]

great video! Can you give us an example of a questionnaire. more over what most important to cover.

[@BashBesties]

Hello, I love your KZbin name, so cute! Yes, I think that's a great idea. I will note it and get back to you guys with a questionnaire video! Thanks for watching!

[@balancedhealthyliving6500]

Great tips, love the FAQ advice!! 👍😊

[@BashBesties]

Thank you, yes it's a life saver! lol

[@parinazmousavi8393]

Thanks for the great tips. I couldn’t find any questionnaire on your website.

[@BashBesties]

Hello! Thanks for watching, it’s in my Etsy Shop! Etsy.com/shop/MissEventPlanner

[@marcymiles9921]

Thank you, great video and tips, you are awesome!

[@BashBesties]

Thank you, I appreciate that! 💕

[@MissPotte]

I just found your channel! I'm currently taking the education as an event planner in Denmark! And I really needed something or someone to inspire me!.. So thank you so much! I am really inspired by your videos !

[@BashBesties]

Hi Charlotte, I apologize for the late reply, I haven't been on YT lately. Best wishes with your studies!!! It is so awesome to have viewers from around the world!! That just blows my mind. I'm so glad I could help be of some inspiration. I really want woman to know, that despite what obstacles they may be facing that they can truly excel at anything they choose to work hard in and pursue!...I hope school is going well, I'm thinking you may be on break right now for the holidays, when you get your business IG message me so I can follow you! 💕

[@mirandarodriguez1662]

My wedding is this coming Wednesday. And I have to admit... I absolutely loved planning it. especially making the small details like the flower girl basket, the favors, the card box and so on and so forth. My question is, even though I like planning it out and doing all those things, Is it enough to pursue in a career of event planning?

[@BashBesties]

Congratulations on getting married Miranda! That's awesome to hear because some brides get done and are like that was the most stressful time of my life planning my wedding. If you liked it enough to say, I'd do it again or I could do it again for the rest of my life then yes! You did it this time for free, next time you'd be getting paid to do it too. Now, you have to remember that it's a lot more fun planning your own wedding, but it's still enjoyable to do others. If your even considering it, I would definitely do some research on the industry. There is the option of being an event planner or an event stylist as well. If you enjoyed making the decor the most, then event styling may be more of your passion. Good luck with everything! :)

[@gibsonfamily1535]

Great tips! Can you further explain how to end a cliental phone conversation professionally. Thank you

[@BashBesties]

Hello there, so I always kind of signal that the conversation is over! I'll say something like "This all sounds great, so did you have any more questions for me?" They usually can't think of anything else, so then I'll briefly rundown the details we decided on and let them know I'll email them a confirmation and any more information that they need to move forward." Then they may say can I call you if I have any more questions, you can say yes and give them your phone hours or let them know they need to email you or can text quick questions they might have. Whatever your contact policies are just let them know!

[@ebonybutler63]

I'm the same way lol, I think that's why I haven't started my business yet.

[@BashBesties]

It took me a long time to get over talking to clients, I still have a bit of nerves, but with every client it gets easier and easier. You just have to be prepared and confident in what your business offers. If that's the only reason you haven't started, then trust me just go ahead and do it girl, all of those nerves will fade away in time!

[@fambamthankyoumaam6119]

Hello! Thanks for great advice !!! Can you do a video on how you coordinate the spa parties , with a two hour party, and the amount of help you have doing nails , hair, girls waiting for there services ? Basically being organized during the party so it can go smoothly ! Thank you

[@BashBesties]

Of course! I can run down a few tips right now too. Parties up to 12 girls I take 2 people. You could essentially do 6 girls by yourself, but I don't like to do parties alone. More than 12 will need another hostess and another as the count grows. During service wait times girls alternate with crafts, kareoke, or eating. I'll try to make some more tools specifically for starting a spa party business too soon! :)

[@breeonajackson5583]

Hi Taylor, I have been watching your videos all day while at work lol I appreciate your time for giving us this motivation to just do it and not over think it. I too was confused on what i wanted to do careers wise. Before my son i had it all planned out. My son is 4 now and i tailor my day around my son and on his annual Kings Day (BDAY) I go all the way out. I LITERALLY had an epiphany over the weekend that this may be my niche (because i love kids and love to see the happy) and wanted to get as much information as possible. I have not established anything but a name which is still under review. I would love to see more videos. What are some investment for kids parties that you suggest for beginners? Thanks Breeona

[@BashBesties]

Hello Breeona, awe I'm glad you are finding my videos helpful, don't get in trouble though girl! 😂 Thank you so much for the sweet comments, I appreciate you watching and supporting! That's awesome, yes it definitely may be your niche if you find working with kids enjoyable and if you're a go all out birthday mama, there are people who would love to pay you to do so for their kids too! I will definitely be posting more videos. I'm actually going to be splitting my channels, so that I can have one dedicated "Event Planning Business" one. You can follow that one here: kzbin.info/door/XSZDDiw2XLAjaTa0nZnHhg For investments I recommend only investing in branding and marketing to begin with, building your website, cards, and handing out flyers and such. This is because in the beginning you really don't know what you need, and most times you'll just be buying things you think are cute or just "want" and calling it a "need" for your business. Trust me because kids stuff is the cutest, you'll wanna buy everything, I know from experience! lol I also recommend doing a lot of styled shoots in the beginning to build your site up and portfolio. If you want to invest in some little things like a couple tablecloths or things to do styled shoots for the purpose of your site and marketing materials that's okay to, just don't go overboard. Try to use what you have already if you can!! ❤

[@andreatate6702]

where have you been girl. i was just on your channel yesterday looking for a new vid.

[@BashBesties]

haha Hi Andrea, Girrl...as much as I love KZbin. It do not pay the bills. When work and life pick up, I got to take a little break and focus. My event planning business is a higher priority right now, so I never want to give my clients less than they deserve or pay for. It can be hard to balance everything, but I'm tryna work it out! How are you loving that new bundle of joy!?!

[@beccawood9142]

Love your videos! What sort of questions did you ask on you ur contact form? X

[@BashBesties]

Hi Becca, thank you so much! I ask anything I would want to know upfront before talking to them. Name, contact info, package they'd like, dates, guest count, if they want any add ons, color scheme choice, how they want to pay remaining balance, etc. I gather enough information that I can immediately send off a Party Quote without even needing to talk to them. Think of any information you feel you'd like to have before tackling an event, and include it. If you do choose to have a phone consult after, this really saves time as well. :)

[@Random-pug13]

I just bought the guide and I'm super excited to get started on event planning i really want to do girls parties as well 😘 love your videos they super helpful!!!

[@BashBesties]

Aww thank you Iyane! Let me know how you're doing throughout and if you have any questions. What kind of girls parties do you want to do? Like spa parties w/ services and such like me? Or just event planning and design, specializing in girl's events? Thank you so much for watching!!

[@ellaale1205]

Hello,people always write to me and expect that I find a Cain of perfect party for them because they need ideas,after I pass all day searching images to send to them like an idea how they party is going to be,and the price of the party they say to me “I let you know” or maybe “oh I don’t want to spend so much”or “oh this is to much for me”and I feel upsed because I loose a lot of time searching beautiful ideas to send to them and then they don’t want to do the party anymore.I don’t know what to do 😞

[@BashBesties]

Hi babe, that’s because you’re already working for them for free! A lot of early planners fall into this client trap. I’ve done. too! Remember no work until you’ve received a deposit. Now, let’s say you want to present a couple ideas, tell yourself and be strict I’m only looking for 10-15 minutes max. (Set a timer) and stick to it. Also, talk about their budget upfront and your base pricing. If you find this happening consistently, I’d say try charging a small fee for your party vision consultation, say $20 to start. Tell the client if you book the fee is deducted from the party cost, you’ll be shocked out how many people will change their mind about wanting to chat sooner than later. Also, be okay with clients walking away, more will come! You will find the ones that are willing to pay your rate, and those are the clients you truly want and want to build your business around! 💕 Don’t be discouraged, use it as a lesson to make adjustments in your policies and tighten up your business practices!

[@ellaale1205]

Oh I really apriciate u answer to me 🙏 actually I live in Rome Italy and people don’t want to spend a lot of money for this,which make me sad,but anyway they write everyday and ask me what can I offer to them,what Cain of party and the price and after this,thay say no.i can’t charge 20€ to them before because they don’t even write to me anymore.i don’t think Italy is the right place for me to work like a beginner...

[@vegaschick4eva590]

Lil one can u tell me WHAT are the questions normally asked? Are all your forms the same that u have 4 each customer 2 fill out? Do u have a biz license? If so who did u go thru? I have thought about doing this but I live n Vegas and everything is ALWAYS over the top so it is intimidating just bc I don’t know how much is too Little and what really WOULD be over the top . Of course depending on the clients needs , wants , number of children n the party prices vary. So have to have different package deals. So what would you consider a basic party deal then what would be the add ons meaning what would do u offer that makes the prices go up? Longer party ? Another activity? And what are the number of children that your basic party starts out with? Do u charge individual price for each additional child ? EEEK. I know tons of Questions. Do you do these parties all by urself or do u have an employee? If so how did you go about finding them? BC how r u throwing the party, doing nails, taking pics etc etc and handling a bunch of out of control excited lil girls ANDDDD MOMS!!! 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️-THATS u after reading my questions loll😁😆😁😆🧐🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@BashBesties]

Hey Roxy, 😂😂 let's weed through this question list! 1. Not sure what kind of questions you mean. I'm thinking you're referring to questionnaire. I ask specific details needed for the party..date, guest count, location, contact info, a little about the guest of honor, what they envisioned, what party package they want, and extras or add-ons, etc. 2, Yes, I give the same one to everyone, it's displayed on my website, so they can fill it out when they inquire to book, 3. In Cali, you only need register a DBA name if you're a sole proprietor. Filling out forms are usually pretty simple though and can be done online. Call into your city hall or check your states business website. 4. Don't be intimidated. Find your niche, what you do amazing, and try to do it better than anyone else who does it in your area. Or specialize in one thing so you become the authority when someone needs that specific party element. (For instance, say you were just a little ol balloon decorator...Well come up with a few designs that are completely over the top that look amazing in pictures and people couldn't help but want to book you for for their over the top events...See what I'm getting at.) 5. See if someone offers the same type of services as you, if so then you can see an idea of what you need to be offering to stay competitive. Some people don't have packages at all, a lot of planners don't actually. I prefer them because I like to know my math quick and easy and try to minimize questions and the back and forth. Most planners have a starting price and it's dependent on several factors like you listed. 6. My starting packages include set-up and decor, party attendants, an activity based theme and a fun service, like tattoos or something. I go up for extras like party favors, additional party time, extra services/crafts etc, but I limit add-ons because clients just get to crazy sometimes. The industry kid standard is usually between 8 and 12 guests to start, additional fee per additional guests over the set number included. 7. I have party assistants, not employees. They are independent contractors. I usually use people I know already somehow because I find it hard to trust people, but just putting in an ad on like Craigslist and Indeed works too. I've had other people I find online and they've worked out well too though! 8. Yes, I do it all! with the help of my assistant though. I need at least one for each party, two is ideal though, but is also expensive depending on your pay rate..it's been a lot of practice to learn how to multi-task to that extent, but it can be done! It's not necessarily recommend, but might be required in the beginning until you're able to grow to hire more people on for help. Now, though I've told myself I need to start bringing more help so I'm not as stressed out, but I like to make as much profit as I can so I always just opt in to working the party myself every time lol Wheeew 😅 Hope that helped! ❤

[@eluchael]

How do you respond to clients that think your pricing is too high? Or expensive

[@BashBesties]

I tell them that our price is based on the exceptional quality product and service we provide, plus years of experience and education put in to curate the perfect party for our exclusive clients. If it's too high for their budget, I will recommend a smaller package if I have one being offered. If they want the bigger package that's more expensive (which they normally do) then I recommend them to my competitors and tell them they have a comparable package that services their area. I don't hassle with pricing anymore. It's a big red flag if someone is haggling over price, it always ends up bad for you in the end more times than not. I would only go back and forth with pricing it if say it was for some type of large corporate event, media, etc. that would in turn get me substantial exposure or something. Be confident in the price you're charging, just make sure it equates to the level of services and quality you're providing. You have to pay your bills. If people think it's too high, then they're probably not your clientele. Be able to let them go knowing that more will come! They always do. :)

[@joyetapuja5436]

I need help from u...how can I contact with u???

[@keithrogers259]

Shared :-)

[@BashBesties]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@mrpeace7708]

Hey good evening. Do you think the Events industry (including E Management+coordinators) is dominated by women? If so, why? I've noticed this while browsing linkedin. Thanks

[@BashBesties]

Hello, I do think that the Events Industry is dominated by women, with that being said there are plenty of men coordinators and planners out there. They just don't tend to get as much spotlight it seems. I think bottom line there is just more women planners than men in the industry, so we dominate due to numbers. I guess the real question is why is there so many women planners in ratio to men? I think the answer to that comes from simple societal norms. I think since way back in time, woman have been domesticated, which included the responsibility of hosting of company in their homes. For many occasions, take Thanksgiving...women invite the guests, women shop for the food to cook, they cook the food, they clean and decorate the house, they play hostess to their family and friends who have gathered together on that special day...basically they took on the role of a party planner, we just don't use that term to refer to it. It's just evolved from a responsibility to a career path over time in my opinion! :)

[@cee4165]

Your zodiac sign?

[@BashBesties]

Scorpio 🦂🦂

[@jaytan6982]

Hi do you have any education background/ experience on events planning prior to starting up? I am very keen on starting my own events planning biz. I’ve planned many events (team building events, bonding camps, christmas parties etc) previously for my friends & colleagues but i have no education credentials. Can you advise on that?

[@jaytan6982]

Should i still go ahead?

[@BashBesties]

Hi Jay, I did not have one single bit of experience when I started! it actually sounds like you have quite a bit of experience already, way more than I did for sure. Clients really care about results to be honest with you. Education and credentials mean nothing to them if you can't produce the event that they desire. If you have the passion for it and are willing to work hard, as well as be patient with yourself, then I would advise you go ahead! The great thing about this industry is that there is no barriers to entry! It's also it's downfall because the market is over-saturated. Find your niche, your specialty, or market yourself in a way that makes you stand out from others and target the RIGHT customer. You will be just fine! Take pictures all the time of everything you put together, start your Yelp page and start building reviews, and have a few of your colleagues write up some references for you to keep in your portfolio. To build credibility you can also start your website for free or with a low cost plan, like I did. I believe if this is your dream then you should absolutely pursue it. Do your research first though, learn as much as you can about the business. Set your goals, learn and adapt as you move forward, and don't be too hard on yourself if things seem slow at first. Make sure to stay in touch, would love to see what you accomplish this year! By the way there is a lot of money in corporate events (ie. your team building, bonding camps.) If you like that aspect of the industry, I would definitely think about making that a crucial part of your business model! :)

[@tammiecurrie930]

Great info, music a distraction though

[@BashBesties]

Yea this one was a little off lol Sorry about that. I I noticed it too after I had it uploaded to KZbin. We don't have very many options for music from the Creator Studio that aren't boring. I wanted something a little upbeat since I was doing a lot of talking, but this was a little too much and a little too loud and didn't fade correctly. It's just a lot to go back and re-edit after it's already uploaded here. Thanks for the feedback!

[@justcraftingaround4276]

Hi what website do you use ?

[@BashBesties]

For my event planning website, I use wix, the link is in the description box! ❤️