How to start your event planning business!

How to start your event planning business? Going to google and typing this question is probably the first step most people take when wanting to learn more about building their company. It is a fascinating industry to work in but most dream about being their own boss and creating their own rules. Who wouldn't want to have ultimate power while getting paid? But if I have learned anything through this journey, is that it is not as easy as it may seem. There has to be determination and passion in doing what you love in order to create a successful outcome. Below I will jot down some of my tips and a brief explanation of each.

1. First of all, do some research and learn what event planning is. Make sure you understand what the job entails and create a pros and cons to creating your own business.

2. Research what is needed or required in your state or place where you plan on having your business at. You may need to show prove of certification, or some sort of credibility, etc. Talk to some people who may know a thing or two about this and see what you need in order to have your business.

3. Become certified. I would do this regardless of it being required in your state. Not only do you learn so much about event planning but you gain connections and get some benefits that others may not.

4. Learn who your target market is and what they are looking for so you know what you should be preparing for. You might find that opening your business in a certain area will be detrimental to your business if it does not satisfy your clientele.

5. What is the start up cost. Do you need a loan to start your business or do you want to start with a partner. These are questions that are very important and need to be answered in the beginning stages.

6. Gain experience! Shadow current event planners. Volunteer for events. Take on an internship. Network, Network, Network!! Create relationships especially with vendors because they will be very important in the success of your business.

7. Invest in software systems. Learn how to use Quickbooks, AllSeated, etc.

8. Create buzz about your business by creating your social media accounts. Showcase what you've done with others whether it was your internship or volunteer work. This will help you gain some followers.

9. Finally, go for it! Have your grand opening!


*GOOD LUCK*

Social Media & Event Industry

#weddings

I'm sure you or someone you know has used that hashtag at least once in the past years.

Social media has taken over the past decade. If you don't have an account with every social media app then you are considered weird or an outcast. That's the world we are currently living in. There is no excuse for you not to know what is going on with every celebrity, to know what your friends are doing and eating at every second of their day, or to share your new fad diet. Social media has become an asset and problem to many companies. It just depends on your use of it and liking. 

I believe it is an asset for the event industry because it allows us to showcase our services and products. We are able to interact with past clients, current clients, and future clients. There are conversations going on at this very moment. A newly engaged person is asking about floral arrangements on a local florists' Instagram. There are also many people entering giveaways with the hopes of being that lucky person who gets $700 off their next booking. This and many more ways is how social media can help event vendors connect with them. 

Below are some tips on how to use your social media account to your advantage and create a loyal following that will in turn create potential clients:

• Post great content
• Write a professional bio
• Use hashtags
• Place a widget on your blog
• Engage with others
• Make sure your content is shareable
• Reshare other people’s content
• Reach out to influencers
• Stay active
• Follow other users

EVERYONE is stereotyped!

       This week we discussed about the many stereotypes there are in the world and that everyone has some stereotype. Well, I was watching the move Shark Tale and couldn't help it notice how racially stereotypical it is. There were many negative stereotypes. The main groups being negatively presented are the Italians and African Americans. As you may see in the movie the sharks, which represent Italians, are seen as violent murderers who stick together as a family when it comes to criminal behavior. You can tell it is representing the Italian families because of the names they have, Lino and Luca and their accent. 

       Like I said before, the movie also misrepresents the African community. The protagonist of the movie, Oscar, portrays all of the negative stereotypes that Africans have. Such stereotypes include: joyous, naive, ignorant, and lazy. I also noticed that all of the fishes who were made to be seen as African American had big lips and spoke in ebonics. The reason I noticed this in the movie was because of the disney movie we analyzed, Aladdin, and how it contained many stereotypes about Arabs. I know I am not an exception to stereotypes because I have seen how the media portrays Mexicans in movies. For example, the movie Fun with Dick and Jane. In the movie there is a scene where immigrants are looking for a job and are caught by ICE. All of these stereotypes will never end but to have them portrayed and in a way promoted through movies will never help decrease such beliefs. 

Link: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/07/1097089469992.html?from=storylhs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlLMitni4GY

Now I ain't sayin' she a Gold Digger

     This week in class we spoke about misogyny and how rap music has been one of the main promoters of this hatred toward women. Some argued that it wasn't only rap music that demonstrated misogynistic views. They said country and other types of genres do the same except with different words. Others argued that the lyrics have no meaning because they are just for money and fame purposes. I understand both sides of the argument but I believe it goes beyond that. The fact that most "gangsta rap" music has such lyrics which degrade women in so many ways is not easily justified by the fact that other artist do it too or that it is for fame and money. The main point is that it insults women in a general way. If there is anything out there that defines sexism better than misogyny then maybe this type of music is not so bad. Unfortunately, in my personal view I think there isn't. So what I decided to do was look up famous rap songs that many people, myself included, like a lot. Then I looked up the lyrics and to no surprise found many insults toward women and just awful sayings about us.
     The famous Kanye West is known for many great hits but many people ignore the fact that some of his songs are on the "top most misogynistic songs" list. In the song, Jamie Foxx, who sings in Kanye's song, starts the song like this: "She take my money when I'm in need. Yeah she's a trifling friend indeed. Oh she's a gold digger way over town. That dig's on me." I found this very interesting because I can sing every word for this song and never once looked at it in a bad way for me. Now that I analyze the song it disturbs me because it makes us women seem as we cannot succeed on our own and must look for rich men to live off their money. However, I do believe that most people do not look at the songs lyrics and just like it because of the beat. The problem here is that if we do not create awareness of this as an issue then us women cannot complain about sexism. It is contradicting for women to listen to this type of music and then complain about our situation in society. We must put a stop to it. 


Links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vwNcNOTVzY
           http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/kanyewest/golddigger.html

Racist tweets after re-election

         This year's election brought in many racist comments to the social media. As we all know president Barack Obama was re-elected and many republicans were not so thrilled about the news. Most turned to social media such as Twitter and Facebook to express their thoughts. Unfortunately, most were not considerate of others emotions and were very vulgar and racist. That night Twitter and Facebook statuses were filled with the word 'Nigger' and a lot of complaints began to arise the next morning. People guilty of this act were attacked back by Obama supporters and others who did not find the tweets acceptable.

         I can only imagine how many African Americans felt after reading tweets that most hope to never come across. This makes me furious not only because it offends minorities but because i've been in a similar situation. I am aware that social media is a resource most use to express their thoughts, ideas, opinions, etc. freely and that because of that it can be offensive for some. But, I have had the unfortunate event of coming across some pretty mean comments aimed at Mexicans. Most of the comments are very similar to the tweets about Obama. For example when people use the word 'Beaner' to describe Mexican Americans. While most people believe racism is no longer a problem in this time others deal with it on a daily basis. This society still has a long way to go.

Link: http://jezebel.com/5958993/racist-teens-forced-to-answer-for-tweets-about-the-nigger-president?tag=racism 

BANKS feminist ad!

     Banks beer released an ad that to many is very controversial. The ad says "My Brown Ting, My Banks.  Brown never looked so tasty." This ad portrays as offensive because the women used as the model is of brown skin. As we have seen in class latinos are seen with the "latin lover" stereotype. This ad just promotes Latina women as sexual toys. The fact that the model is advertising beer makes it seem as though dark skin women are a fun time for men. This ad is not only offensive to brown skin women but to women in general because the body is the only thing visible in the ad. I dislike this ad very much.
      When I first read this ad I felt very offended because I am a Latina women and i've had many occasion where people see me this way. We are usually seen as a sexual toy and not taken seriously when it comes to things like academics, work, etc. I believe Banks should do a survey and ask women what they think of this ad so that they can understand our point of view and our values. This ad should definitely be removed or modified because not only does the picture say a million words but the headline is very sexist. 

Link:

http://redforgender.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/brownting.jpg

Racist Walmart layaway commercials

            Walmart's commercials have become very controversial recently. In the commercials Walmart promotes the return of layaway for this season. Although this may seem great to some it is offensive to others. The commercials feature both a hispanic women and a black man. In the commercial where the hispanic women is the main character, the idea seems to be that hispanic people being minority cannot afford to pay their christmas gifts and look forward to opportunities like these. In the commercial with the black man the idea is that they are also part of this minority level where they do not have the sufficient resources to buy gifts from Walmart, which is known for their low prices. This commercials portrays and stereotypes all minorities as low class.
             These commercials are very racist in my point of view because they go after stereotypical ideas, that minorities are the low class and cannot afford a place that is known for their low prices. As a minority, this commercial offends me because not only do I see this on TV but I see this in society still. Most believe neither hispanic nor blacks have a better future. People get surprised when I let them know I am middle class because all they see is my skin color. This affects me, and many other people, because we are not given the equal opportunity most get. We get doors shut without given the opportunity to show what we are all about. Walmart should remove this commercial because I believe minorities are a big percentage of their customers. Most would be offended like I was.


Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwZMnVUVXTQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVqD4BZA1Dc