If anything characterizes the 21st century it is the pace of life, the level of stress and how full peoples’ lives are. For many, this doesn’t allow enough time to personally manage all aspects of their lives. As a result of and a compensation for this hectic new era, some new professions have developed, like a personal shopper, image consultant or stylist. They offer individualized, personal services to busy people to help with image, wardrobe or particular occasions and improve the quality of their lives by taking over responsibility for these areas. Another thriving new profession is an industry planner. He/she takes charge of the planning, helping/assisting with designing, and overseeing all aspects of the client(s) event. The ultimate goal of a professional planner is to meet the needs and wants of each individual clients around their event arrangements, allowing them to thoroughly enjoy their special day, free of stress, worry or work.A planner is actually the front person of a whole team of skilled people who work together to harmonize an intricate event. Efficient communication, therefore, is one of your most important skills.
Other skills such as understanding and patience are key features of this profession. Coming up to any event, tension usually mounts. The client(s) feels under pressure to present an exclusive, memorable and personal event for their guests and this can lead to strain and outbursts of emotion. This is why it’s important for you to be very organized and to think ahead. You’ll often deal with changes of mind and the differing opinions of family members. You need to be clear on your instructions and diplomatic but firm about decisions.
The functions of a Planner are to:
• Complete an interview with the customer and clients (explained below) from which you’ll gather most of your information with which to organize their event.
• Plan and carrying out all aspects of the event, such as: choosing the location(s) of the celebration afterward, employing skilled professionals when needed, e.g., florist, stylist (for all members of the event -honors), personal shopper, caterers, chauffer/cars.
• Outlining and coordinating the functions of the client, honors, and attendees.
• As the Planner, you may also be asked to arrange for other events (if wedding) bachelor parties, either joint or separate and the honeymoon.
The characteristics of as an industry Planner?
- Discipline: You must be highly organized. This is a very important event in the lives of each client that is hiring you A successful event leads to more business and boosts your career.
- Diplomacy: You must develop the ability to listen carefully, negotiate between differences of opinion calmly and give advice without judgment.
- Patience: Nerves can fray and tensions can lead to sparks! Remaining patient at all times helps to soothe tension and leads to the best solution to any problem. You’ll be dealing with family members too – a calm, reassuring presence is essential.
- Creativity: Every client wants their event day to be really special and individual. It’s your job to take their ideas and weave them into a well-designed theme that looks well, works well and satisfies their ideals. •
- Team worker: You’ll be coordination a team of professionals for the event day– florists, decorators, photographers, musicians, drivers, caterers and more. A cooperative relationship and clear communication is key to the smooth running of the day.
- Empathy: You need to be aware just how each client is feeling at all stages. Even if you don’t agree with some decisions, understand how much these can mean to them and sportively carry out their wishes.
- Flexible: You may have worked out timelines for all services and deliveries but often, things don’t go according to plan. You need to be able to work with unforeseen changes and adapt your plan so the event is still successful. Also, each event is different. You need to be prepared to deal with differing personalities, expectations, and standards.
