In the course we covered all aspects of business – from setting up and establishing a Bizpro business; getting clients, marketing, accounting, networking, etc; to growing a Bizpro business; working with associates, adding value, to name but a few. It was a great week, even if I do say so myself, and now our newest franchisees are fully geared up to go out there and create a great new business for themselves.

So I guess the next step is the introductions!

A huge welcome to Erika Smith, who has taken on the franchise for Bizpro North Somerset, and Emma James, who has taken on the franchise for Walsall & Wolverhampton.

Erika has extensive experience in working across a variety of industries in a variety of PA & administrative management roles. Proactive & professional, Erika always prepares for the unexpected, making her an ideal Bizpro business assistant and with a personal motto of ‘Get it right first time, every time and on time’, we just know Erika is going to do very well in her new Bizpro business.

From the tender age of just 15, Emma was working as a book keeper in her spare time, and has enjoyed an extensive and varied career in PA, Administration and accounts ever since. With a refreshingly positive attitude and outlook, Emma’s confidence and enthusiasm for her new venture, combined with her practical use of modern technology and ideas will make her a valuable addition to the Bizpro team.

All in all, it was a great week, and a really successful course. We’re already planning for the next one, and can’t wait!

Planning

Nothing arranged in the last minute will ever be a true success. For any event you need to start planning ideally 5 months in advance. Put it all down on paper first. Work out what your final outcome will be, what you want to see at the event, and what value you want people to gain from it and then work backwards until it’s all written down. Every last detail.

From that point you can work out what it will take to get you there. You can work out who you need quotes from, who you can delegate to, who is on board. Think of your worse case scenarios and how you would combat them. Write it all down. The devil really is in the detail with events, and nothing should come as a surprise.

Accountability & Responsibility.

Know who is responsible for what areas of the event, from planning and organising through to hosting and ushering the actual event itself. People are like sheep, they need herding. If you are lucky enough to have a team of organisers then make sure you allocate according to strengths and that everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. Specify all tasks to ensure that everyone is where of their own areas of responsibility.

Timing

Timing for your event is crucial. Not just on the day, but on the days leading up to it. With a fully documented time plan everyone can be aware of exactly which tasks will be completed by which date. Don’t forget to allow contingency planning. Think about how much time you will need to rearrange certain aspects of the event if issues arise. Don’t be afraid to plan for someone to stand in, in the event of a no show. It’s certainly best to have all the bases covered before you get to the day and find your main act hasn’t shown up. On the same note, it’s crucial that you get firm guarantees from the main acts if you have them and to also keep in regular contact with them, and getting a final confirmation one week before.

Budgets

When working out your budget for an event, make sure that you include as much information as possible. It’s surprising how many people do not account for their own travelling expenses when organising their event. As a rule, if at all possible book the venue without paying a deposit, as a preliminary booking, and get the payment date as close to your event date as possible. There are many hotels which will allow you to pay a deposit a week before, then say 50% on the day and 50% after – negotiate. Your own cash flow is the important one here.

Of course this should mean that you can cancel should you fail to sell enough tickets although that shouldn’t be a problem if you follow the advice detailed in my event planning e-book. Available from Bizpro shortly. Click here to register your interest.