Last week, we began a series of posts where I answer the question, “What is the first question you would ask me if we had a one on one meeting together?” Here are answers to five more of those questions:
1. Da’Diva Jones asked: How can an unknown event planner market and attract his/her business? Da’Diva: I suggest you start with friends and family, then offer your services at church or any other social setting. I make this suggestion because nothing beats gaining actual experience when you start. Make sure you photograph and also get letters of recommendation from all of these occasions. Whenever you can, always ask for a small fee to cover your time and effort.
2. Keisha Siggers asked: Can I be your apprentice? Keisha: of course I’d love to say a big fat YES. Fortunately, I have a full staff of amazing folks already on staff, and this is one of the main reasons I am starting an online design course this summer. I have gotten many requests like yours, and I thought that if I developed this very comprehensive course on design and how to get clients, it might be a great way to have you learn from all of my mistakes and successes. For more information on the course, or to take a sneak peek tour, click here.
3. Kate Henry asked: Two part question…what makes you love to do what you do every day and where did it begin? Money of course! Just half kidding…Kate, I am one of the many folks who consider my work not to be work anymore, but all play. Can you imagine having a job where people pay you to make up ideas and design for a party? For me, this is the ultimate job.
Sanaw making magic.
4. Barbara Poe asked: Where did you find Sanaw? He is amazing!!!!!!! Barbara: Yes, he is more than amazing. Sanaw is my main floral designer and I consider him to be more than family. He is from Thailand and has been with me for over 15 years. He is one of the few people that can actually capture what’s in my head and make it better.
5. Deborah Griffin-Woodson asked: Your fee!!!! Deborah: VERY EXPENSIVE. Again, half joking. I think that is going to be my epitaph: “Here lies Preston Bailey, he was very expensive.” More than one client has mentioned that they resisted calling my office because they thought we were too expensive. I never try to defend my prices, however I can say one thing: my prices are not far from many other folks in the industry.
As I mentioned last week, I’d love to continue answering all of your questions. So, please ask away!
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Preston P.
July 27, 2010
Hello! I’m 16 now and I already know I want to plan events in LA and Hollywood, but I’m confused in the college I want to go to. I have looked into a few and it looks like Lasell College in Mass. Is the only one that has a masters in event planning. Are there any other? Thanks!
-Preston P.
Apple Mackenzie
July 27, 2010
Great advice & tips, always love getting feedback from somebody who’s “been there, done that”. My question: As someone new getting in planning, if you’re plan is to be high end, can you charge high end prices right off the bat without a large portfolio or name for yourself yet. Thanks in advance
Eddies Hand Painted Things
July 27, 2010
Thanks for sharing some very valuable information. My questions: What suggestions would you give to a decorative artist like me, to market and attract my business? How do I get event planners to promote me to their clients or use my stemware and centerpieces in the event? Thanks in advance for your valuable opinion.
Brian
July 27, 2010
I love the photo of Sanaw, he’s a genius!
Hana
July 28, 2010
Hi Preston
…i am emboldened by the fact that you seem to be replying to people 
…i didnt think you had the time!…i am from india and have recently started my own wedding planning business!…i am a huge fan!…i was going through the course and i am so very excited…the only thing i am concerned about is things work very very differently here….will this course be benificial to me??….thanks a lot preston!…i am always so inspired by your work!
Anamika
July 28, 2010
Hello, i m a young textile designer from india who has been designing events for about 5-6yrs now. I was initially approached for some specialized linen etc for some high profile weddings but now i have to handle the whole show, having to learn it on my own.
I mainly follow your blog because you talk of everyday things that apply to young people like me who start on their own, and you ask questions I often ask myself.
One question that has repeatedly bothered me that i wanted to now pose to you is- the sheer waste of material & resources in our line of work.
It is evident. Everyone wants something new, my clients are relatively high profile, they can afford the best, they want it lavish.
I have often wondered if I could make it more efficient – ive read up on organic weddings, i think you wrote something about it too. But realistically speaking where one part of me is idealistic and wants to adopt these ideas, the other part is also a young mother with a new business who has to be practical, who needs the money. I feel quite guilty sometimes.
kimberley
July 28, 2010
We are a wedding publisher in asia love 2 promote ur online course. Pls contact and keep in touch
Maria
July 28, 2010
If you have a business that you’re trying to promote, the obvious and one of the first steps should be to get a website. People can find you online by typing in keywords, and they can see your site for more information. Businesses without a website nowadays are like salespeople without business cards…it just doesnt work. If you have a website that looks bad, or like it was created by a 10 year old, then that will work against you. Please do not create a website just to have one. Once you have your website created, place ads on your car, on your business cards, and other materials.
http://www.mick-mar.com for web design help and tips.
roman_yerokhin
July 29, 2010
it was very interesting to read http://www.prestonbailey.com
I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
And you et an account on Twitter?
leah
July 30, 2010
Hi preston,
I am in sydney australia, I have recently sold my retail florist shop after 8 years and am now just concentrating on weddings. At the moment I am working from home, do u think having a shopfront (appointment only) makes people more inclined to book ? Is the added expense of overheads worth it?
income tax calculator
August 1, 2010
do u have a twitter
Angela Mastagni
August 1, 2010
Hi Preston~ Your work is amazing!
In the early days did you ever wonder if the plan in your head would actually turn out the way you thought it would? Were you ever worried? Stressed? And how much did you wind up paying for, in the name of a portfolio?
My ideas run away with me and to get the” perfect picture” and a smiling, raving client… I have spent many hours sweaty, crafting and spending my on money! Is that normal? lol
WP Themes
August 2, 2010
Good post and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Thanks you for your information.
Elena
August 17, 2010
What software are you using to create 3-D room designs?
Thank you!