The First Year Of A Party Business
Posted by Karen Paine on Friday, December 30, 2011
Under: Business
In January of this year, I decided to promote the Pamper Parties side of my beauty business. In all honesty I had no idea about how to run a business. It has been a steep, exciting learning curve.
The first few months were devoted to getting the company 'out there'. I went to school events, placed cards in cafes, advertised on business listing websites, made a Facebook page and generally told anyone that would listen about the parties!
I have learnt a lot. Determined not to take out a loan, I sought to do as much of the work as possible myself. I downloaded graphic design software and designed my logo for marketing material- not an easy task for a rookie, but I soon learnt the difference between jpeg, png and svg images :) In the design process I also learnt that there are some very lovely fairy pictures to be found, and then there are some that really don't portray the image I am trying to reflect!!
I also made a website *puffs up with pride at this point* I used a free template and gradually worked on it. I got obsessed with SEO and Google Analytics and Webmaster. Now I have 2 websites and am currently working on a third. I have entered the world of Twitter, Facebook pages and of course Blogger.
I have loved seeing the business grow this year. I went from offering one party in the beginning, to now offering four different ones, including 'The Princess Party' for younger clientele. I have now pampered over a hundred little Birthday girls. If someone had told me two years ago I would have my own business, and be doing Children's Parties, I would have laughed. I have had people tell me they think I am mad wanting to tend to a group of over-excited children. Maybe I am mad, but I am loving it.
So that's 2011. I am looking forward now to 2012 and what it may bring. I have a few ideas of my own for where I hope the business to go, but I also love the unforeseen ideas and opportunities that present themselves. Do you have any ideas for me? A party concept waiting to happen? Do let me know and maybe this time next year there will be a new party in your honour!
The first few months were devoted to getting the company 'out there'. I went to school events, placed cards in cafes, advertised on business listing websites, made a Facebook page and generally told anyone that would listen about the parties!
I have learnt a lot. Determined not to take out a loan, I sought to do as much of the work as possible myself. I downloaded graphic design software and designed my logo for marketing material- not an easy task for a rookie, but I soon learnt the difference between jpeg, png and svg images :) In the design process I also learnt that there are some very lovely fairy pictures to be found, and then there are some that really don't portray the image I am trying to reflect!!
I also made a website *puffs up with pride at this point* I used a free template and gradually worked on it. I got obsessed with SEO and Google Analytics and Webmaster. Now I have 2 websites and am currently working on a third. I have entered the world of Twitter, Facebook pages and of course Blogger.
I have loved seeing the business grow this year. I went from offering one party in the beginning, to now offering four different ones, including 'The Princess Party' for younger clientele. I have now pampered over a hundred little Birthday girls. If someone had told me two years ago I would have my own business, and be doing Children's Parties, I would have laughed. I have had people tell me they think I am mad wanting to tend to a group of over-excited children. Maybe I am mad, but I am loving it.
So that's 2011. I am looking forward now to 2012 and what it may bring. I have a few ideas of my own for where I hope the business to go, but I also love the unforeseen ideas and opportunities that present themselves. Do you have any ideas for me? A party concept waiting to happen? Do let me know and maybe this time next year there will be a new party in your honour!
In : Business