Amy Peters is the co-developer of a home-based children's birthday party business based in Madison, Connecticut. In business since 2004, Art Escapades offers art- and craft-based birthday parties to children ranging in age from toddlers to teens. Developed on a shoe-string budget, Art Escapades was almost immediately profitable.Peters is also the author of several business books, including How to Sell Jewelry on eBay (Entrepreneur Press, 2006); Start Your Own Wedding Consultant Business (Entrepreneur Press, 2007); and Start Your Own Event Planning Business (Entrepreneur Press, 2007). She is the author of The Everything Fairy Tales Book (Adams Media, 2001). She also has written for Gannett-owned newspapers.
Description
How to Start a Home-Based Children's Birthday Party BusinessTOCChapter 1 Happy Birthday Party Business to You! Why Now Is the Moment The Key Characteristics of a Children's Party Planner An Honest Self-Assessment Challenges of the Field Opportunities in a Rapidly Growing Area Chapter 2 Envisioning Your Business From Princesses to Ponies, What Type of Party Business Choosing Where to Conduct Parties Who Is the Audience for Your New Business? Weighing Part-Time and Full-Time Options Specialization Chapter 3 Creating Your Home Work Space Setting Up a Dedicated Work Space Buying Office Equipment Selecting and Purchasing Party Supplies Zoning Issues Applying for Licenses Choosing Insurance Keeping It Professional Chapter 4 Ready, Set, Start Writing a Business Plan Research, Research, Research Keeping an Eye on the Competition Creating a Niche Naming Your Business Crafting a Compelling Mission Statement Selecting a Business Structure Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Incorporation Limited Liability Company Chapter 5 Hanging out Your Shingle Start Spreading the News Avoiding Common Early Mistakes The First Event From Cakes to Party Hats, Finding the Right Suppliers Developing References and Referrals Documenting Your Successes Chapter 6 Planning Your Finances How Much Do You Hope to Earn? Being Realistic About Earning and SpendingFinancing Your BusinessPricing Goods and Services Determining a Budget Chapter 7 Tracking Your Money Billing Your ClientsFinancial Software Key Financial Statements Chapter 8 Tax Time Record Keeping to Ease Tax Time Stress Hiring an Accountant Tracking Deductions Financial and Record Keeping Software Chapter 9 Keeping It Legal When to Hire an Attorney Choosing the Lawyer That Is Right for You Written Agreements and Contracts Hiring Employees Customer Confidentiality Chapter 10 Start Spreading the Word Creating a Marketing Plan Advertising News Features and Press Releases Newsletters A Walk through the Yellow Pages The Power of Word of Mouth Making and Distributing Brochures and Business Cards Networking News Chapter 11 Strength of the Web Creating a Persuasive Web Site Using On-line Sources E-mail Newsletters Chapter 12 Onward and Upward Growing Your Small Business Charting Trends in Your Industry Appendix Training Bibliography Trade Associations Trade Shows Index About the Author
Reviews
"This enthusiastic book provides practical advice on the possible pitfalls of event planning, particularly when dealing with children and their parents. It reads like a conversation with an experienced friend." -Library Journal