Читать книгу Start & Run an Event-Planning Business - Mardi Foster-Walker - Страница 35

Once you have decided on your computer, your next big purchase to launch a special events business is dedicated software. Most personal computers these days come with the same standard software that businesses require to run their day-to-day operations. For the small business, of course, there are plenty of choices out there. The PC, which works with the Windows operating system, is commonplace among both business and home users. An alternative is to purchase a Macintosh computer running the Mac OS X operating system, which is pc compatible. This means that Mac users can easily open pc files on their computers and run many of the same programs, such as Microsoft Office, in a Mac version.

Microsoft Office is a great software product to keep your small business running efficiently and profitably. Often Microsoft Office will come already loaded on your new PC, although you should clarify whether it is a trial version that you will have to pay for separately later on. Most small businesses will find that this software is all they need to get started. With it, you can choose from an array of templates for letters and faxes; create a database for storing client information; develop professional-quality computer-generated slide presentations; and set up spreadsheets for managing budgets.

If you are unfamiliar with these products, speak to someone who works with these software packages and operating systems and ask to see the software in action. Have a list of questions ready that relate to what you want your software to accomplish. You will also want to ask about ways in which to protect your computer (and your client’s computers!) from viruses that spread over the internet. Ask for recommendations on anti-virus software and firewall packages. (Norton AntiVirus, a Symantec product, is among the most popular.) Also ask about ways to install critical patches that prevent holes in your operating system from leaving you vulnerable to internet hackers.

There is also plenty of software specific to the special events/meeting planning industry. Good event software may cost about $350 and up, but in the long run it will save you valuable time and money. Let your software do some of the work for you by assisting you in the planning and organizing of your next event. Software is available for virtually all aspects of event planning, including speaker management, banquet seating, budgeting, scheduling, registration, surveys, fund-raising, and auctions.

Before you make a decision to purchase event software, you must be clear on the type of events or services for which your company will provide services. For example, you would not want to waste money on a meeting-room planner software if your company’s specialty is golf tournaments. Always do a lot of research before purchasing specialized software. Ask to see a demo, and ask for a list of clients you can call before purchasing the software. Check out the competition. Question why one software is more expensive than another. Ask about training and whether there is a 24-hour customer service/help line.

Choosing industry-specific software may be overwhelming when you are just launching your business. If you find it so, just stick with a solid bundle, such as Microsoft Office, and build a wish list over a few months. A bit of on-the-ground experience will allow you to make a decision about what is important for you and your business to run effectively and efficiently.

Corbin Ball is a name to remember when it comes to special events software and technology. His website, <www.corbinball.com> provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on meeting planning and events technology online. Quite simply, you cannot find a better “one-stop” resource for information on event planning software. You can also find the link to “The Ultimate Technology Guide for Meeting Professionals” on the website, or just visit <www.mpiweb.org>. There you can download the complimentary guide of more than 1,200 event/meeting industry-related software packages, from site selection to post-event analysis. These software solutions automate respective jobs, provide data analysis, increase accuracy, and streamline nearly every function of the business. The job directory is even classified into numerous categories; each listing includes pricing, contact information, web addresses, company history, and technical details.