Table of Contents

TOC

Chapter 1  Happy Birthday Party Business to You!

            Why Now Is the Moment

            The Key Characteristics of a Children’s Party Planner

            An Honest Self-Assessment   

            Challenges of the Field

            Opportunities in a Rapidly Growing Area

Chapter 2 Envisioning Your Business

            From Princesses to Ponies, What Type of Party Business

            Choosing Where to Conduct Parties

            Who Is the Audience for Your New Business?

            Weighing Part-Time and Full-Time Options

            Specialization 

Chapter 3 Creating Your Home Work Space

            Setting Up a Dedicated Work Space  

            Buying Office Equipment

            Selecting and Purchasing Party Supplies

            Zoning Issues 

Applying for Licenses 

            Choosing Insurance

            Keeping It Professional

Chapter 4 Ready, Set, Start

            Writing a Business Plan

            Research, Research, Research          

            Keeping an Eye on the Competition

            Creating a Niche

            Naming Your Business

            Crafting a Compelling Mission Statement

            Selecting a Business Structure          

                        Sole Proprietorship     

                        General Partnership

                        Incorporation  

                        Limited Liability Company

Chapter 5 Hanging out Your Shingle

            Start Spreading the News

            Avoiding Common Early Mistakes

            The First Event

            From Cakes to Party Hats, Finding the Right Suppliers

            Developing References and Referrals

            Documenting Your Successes

Chapter 6 Planning Your Finances

            How Much Do You Hope to Earn?

            Being Realistic About Earning and Spending

Financing Your Business

Pricing Goods and Services

            Determining a Budget

Chapter 7 Tracking Your Money     

            Billing Your Clients

Financial Software

            Key Financial Statements

Chapter 8 Tax Time   

            Record Keeping to Ease Tax Time Stress      

            Hiring an Accountant

            Tracking Deductions

            Financial and Record Keeping Software

Chapter 9 Keeping It Legal

            When to Hire an Attorney

            Choosing the Lawyer That Is Right for You

            Written Agreements and Contracts   

            Hiring Employees

            Customer Confidentiality

Chapter 10 Start Spreading the Word

            Creating a Marketing Plan     

Advertising

            News Features and Press Releases   

            Newsletters

            A Walk through the Yellow Pages

            The Power of Word of Mouth

            Making and Distributing Brochures and Business Cards

            Networking News

Chapter 11 Strength of the Web

            Creating a Persuasive Web Site

            Using On-line Sources           

            E-mail Newsletters

Chapter 12 Onward and Upward

            Growing Your Small Business

            Charting Trends in Your Industry

Appendix

            Training          

            Bibliography

            Trade Associations

            Trade Shows

Index

About the Author