I know from personal experience that when it comes to planning a party it can sometimes be overwhelming. More often than not local party supply stores only carry this item or that item, not everything that I need to pull a party off. From a customer standpoint, looking for a party supply business I am looking for that company that offers the one stop shopping trip.

Think about building your party supply business so that you offer your customers the ease of only having to shop from you because you carry everything from wrapping paper, gift bags, cards, party favors, streamers, cards, invitations, right on down to little gag gift items - everything that a party planner would need!

What skills are helpful?

Knowing how to throw a good party is key! Having an eye for detail and a fun personality also helps. Good organizational skills are helpful for any small business or home based business owner. Keeping invoices, orders, customer information and even your inventory organized is a must for your business to succeed.

What tools are needed?

First you need to have a source to buy everything you need wholesale. Then you need to develop your rolodex of vendors to work with, like caterers, musicians, etc. Make sure that you have storage space available for your inventory.

Start a book of party plans and fill it with details and photographs as you develop your ideas.

How do you get started?

Starting a party supply business takes a little time and research. Some people like to start out with a business plan which can be beneficial but isn’t always necessary. The best way to get a foothold in your area is to offer to plan parties for your friends and just ask them to cover the costs of materials. Gather their glowing testimonials and use them on your website and in your brochures.

Advertise your services in the local paper and in any niche publications that you can find such as bridal circulars that go around in the spring. Sponsor the lunch menu for the local schools, Moms will be reading that every day all school year.

You can have a successful party supply business it just takes time to market yourself and to prove your credibility. Be patient and your hard work will eventually pay off.

 Resources:
Internet Marketing For Your Party Supplies Business

Someone that begins a secretarial service can offer a variety of services to their clients and what you choose to do will depend on your areas of expertise. A few examples of what a secretarial service might offer are: transcription, bookkeeping, preparing spreadsheets, word processing, etc.

What Skills are Helpful?

You need a firm grip on basic office skills and understanding of the common administrative computer programs that your clients are likely to be using.

Now that you are working on your own, more than likely in your home, you will not have a boss giving you rules or a deadline to have projects completed by. You will need to “push” yourself to complete projects in a timely fashion. Good organizational skills are important. Once your business begins to grow and you get more and more clients you will need to keep all their information separate and organized.

What Tools are Needed?

As with any business, small or large, corporate or home based, you will want to have a phone, computer, internet access and possibly even a fax line. Other tools that will aid in your secretarial business will depend greatly on what areas of expertise you offer. For example if you are offering transcription services you need to have a transcription machine (for transcribing from a tape) or a software program if you will be transcribing MP3 audio files.

How do You get Started?

A good idea would be to research and find out what type of competition you have. Are there other local secretarial services? What are their rates? What services do they offer? How can you position yourself to compete? Once you have researched these things and are ready to go your next step would be to choose a name, purchase a domain and build a website (or have it built if you don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own).

Marketing yourself will probably require the most time. Have some business cards made up. Send flyers to local businesses that could benefit from your services. Join some online networking groups also. Online networking is a great way to get the word out about your services and also to build some great relationships!

Don’t expect to get rich overnight. Keep in mind that it takes time to build up credibility and establish your business. Once you begin to get clients word of mouth goes a long way. Consider the idea of offering a referral bonus or discount, something to help those current clients spread the word. Beginning your own business is a big venture but if you have the motivation and desire to make it work then success will soon be on your side.

Resources:
How to Start a Home-Based Secretarial Services Business