Business Development

[Amanda McILWAINE]

I have recently set up my own events management company. Knowing I was entering a competitive marketplace I presumed I would be able to lean on the extensive network I have developed during the past 5 years. Unfortunately this hasn't proved fruitful - yet - and in the meantime I have been cold calling which isn't working at all. What other forms of BD would you recommend I use please? Thank you for your time.

[annepink]

Hi Weve recently had a similar question
(Sadly for long term success of a business contacts are rarely the basis for starting a business)

Do you do private and Business event management?
1) Marketing Agencys organise events for their clients (Motor dealers etc) may be they would prefer to outsource rather than do it thmeselves??

2 Local newspapers and radio stations often have events which need organsing and whilst they might do it themselves some may not have the staff and might outsource

3) Contact large corporates

4) Would you consider weddings to be the sort of event you would orgainse? If so you need to get involved with wedding fayres etc


5) every event you hear about contact them and ask who oganised it for them This will a) give you chance to pitch for next event b) give you an idea of the type of people who organise events

Hope these thoughts help

[Amanda McILWAINE]

Thank you very much for your response. Yes we do organise both private and business events. Loved the ideas of Marketing Agencies and phoning people up who have recently put on events. I've contacted large corporates locally but all responses have been cold. Have spoken to other businesses about wedding fayres but apparently the money you have to pay out to attend a decent one is barely recouped in profits throughout that year....... thought it would be good for your knowledge to know this.

I will go ahead and contact the agencies and companies running current events.

Thank you so much.
Regards
Amanda

[annepink]

Hi yes thank youfor your feedback on costs although i did know there is a cost Its usually the national ones that cost a fortune local ones are usually within a reasonable price reach Maybe £250 (remember your services are likely to be more in demand by people with high disposable income rather than a mass audience and therfore you do need to market accordingly)

However you dont necessarily need to book a stand just go and mingle. Sometimes they have noticeboards that you can pin cards on or coffee areas where people leave leaflets Also they are often promoted by Local newspapers who produce supplements to go with them and they may consider doing an Editorial piece on an events planner

I would suggest you approach newspapers etc with a Press release They may be delighted to profile your services in their Business section and wedding supplements etc Also local radio statons like to have a variety of people on talk show phone ins or panels
Good luck

[Amanda McILWAINE]

Thank you Anne, I really appreciate your comments. Its a great idea to go and mingle at the wedding fayres and I may try a local one as an experiement - I have nothing to lose!!!!

Radio stations are a great way to advertise, I will give them a ring.

Really appreciate your time.
Amanda