From Precious
April 10, 2008
Veronica Jones | Media
Veronica Jones Event Management Services
www.vjem.co.ukPrecious: How and when did you come up with your business idea?
I have always wanted to be self-employed but didn't really find my passion until I worked in event management with a cosmetic company 14 years ago. Since then I have worked continuously on a variety of corporate and private events such as outdoor festivals, conferences, product launches, dinner dances, celebratory parties and team building events, for a range of companies including Revlon, The Mean Fiddler, Ernst & Young, The Corporation of London and Channel 4. I haven't looked back since and I've been in constant demand to create and produce a variety of events.
The company works with individuals, businesses and organisations to produce bespoke events such as conferences, team building events, dinner dances and celebratory events. The company also offers a range of event management solutions to compliment events namely delegate management, accommodation and transportation management, entertainment sourcing and a FREE venue finding service.
Precious: What was the route to your business??
My first job was with Fashion Fair Cosmetics where I was involved with various promotional and training events, fashion shows and product launches. This is when I first decided to work in event management and continued to build on my skills by working with a variety of renowned companies. I've also managed The Corporation of London's City Marketing Suite where I managed conferences, seminars, private dinners and meetings for international dignitaries and city and government leaders. I started off as a freelance event manager but since my workload has increased I have had to recruit a team of freelance production and event managers and formalise the business. I have a HND in Marketing and Business Management and a BA (Hons) in Marketing and Event Management. Soon I'll be embarking on my MBA, which I'm looking forward to.
Precious: Tell us a little about the business planning stage....
Initially I visited my local enterprise agency where I was allocated a business advisor. I also attend a one day seminar for start-ups, which covered areas such as marketing, financial awareness and operations. I carried out a lot of research on my competitors and the needs of my target segment and was able to test out my service whilst freelancing. In addition to this, I spoke to existing business people to find out how they got started and receive tips from them.
I also read books, spoke to my old lecturers and professionals, attended seminars and networking events. Business networks are quite good but it's important to belong to the correct one that you are actually benefit from. I find the Times Business Network and the Telegraph Business Club very good.
I found writing the process of writing my plan fairly straightforward as I'd written a few whilst at university and have produced one before. A plan doesn't have to be made up of pages and pages. Just get the basic facts down first to get you started then build on it as you go along and discover new things. It's important to note that the plan should always be updated to accommodate new ideas, processes and legislations.
Precious: Describe any setbacks that you encountered while setting up your business.
Finance is one that springs to mind. I'm sure this is echoed by many other small businesses. Luckily there were no real setbacks. As I was freelancing before, I already had a strong working relationship with my clients, team and network of suppliers/professionals.
Precious: Describe a typical working day.
Everyday is different because I could be working on five different types of events at any one time. I set aside time daily to carry out routine tasks such as checking e-mails and making calls and doing admin work. After this it's a case of attending client meetings, carrying out site visits, working with suppliers and my team on areas such as concept and theme design, production requirements etc. I also make time to meet up with friends and business associates for lunch and dinner, as well as attend industry and business related events.
Precious: How do you relax?
I enjoy reading so that relaxes me and I make sure I take regular short breaks and at least one major annual holiday.
Precious: Is your family supportive of your business endeavours?
My family are very supportive, especially my sister. I also have a strong network of friends.
Precious: What do you love most about what you do?
I love seeing the whole project come together. I work on most events from its inception to completion and seeing the end result is always rewarding. It's always nice to receive positive feedback from clients. The fact that most of my work is repeat business means I'm am doing something right.
Precious: Is there anything that you really dislike about it?
There's nothing I dislike per se about event management. However, being self-employed means working extra long hours so that can be quite arduous at times. It's definitely not for the faint hearted.
Precious: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I see myself with a strong successful team, a place where people want to work, a strong client base, a business that other businesses, organizations and individuals want to be associated with and a strong and successful brand renowned for our event management experience. Financial success goes without saying.
Precious: Any advice to those wishing to follow in your footsteps?
Be clear about your goals and objectives and know why you are going into business and this industry. If you want to work in event management, gain as much experience as you can on a wide range of events. Attend industry exhibitions such as Confex, The National Venue Show and The Event Show and attend industry conferences and seminars, and make contact with trade associations (there are many). Experience and contacts are fundamental in this industry as its very competitive and cliquey. You also need to have a strong knowledge of venues in the market you will be operating in.