[jesslamb]

HI,

I have to do a market research to open my event planning business in ohio, i dont know how to do it... i am actually in France
can you help me please
thanks!
jesslamb

[Lauren Elder]

Hi Jesslamb,

I would think you could start off by looking up how many event planning businesses there already are in the city you're looking to operate in. You also want to take a look at the prospects you can expect there, so just look up how many businesses are in that area and what the cost of operating there will be (rent/lease costs, labor costs, etc.) I'm sure others can contribute to this list, but these items would be a good starting point.

[Libby Huffman]

I would also call some businesses in the area to find out pricing and a list of services offered. This way you can strategize a way to set yourself apart from the others.

[Stuart Wingate]

I'd recommend that you clearly define what services you will provide -- large, small, medium-sized events; just business or also personal (weddings, etc). Then, take a look at your competition that is doing the same thing. How will you set yourself apart? Secret shop each of these competitors. Call them for information on planning an event -- find out how their service is, what is the cost, what are the range of services they provide? Next I'd take a look at your target companies -- those who would most likely do business with you. See if you can network your way into them and offer to buy the person a cup of coffee or lunch in exchange for some information such as how many major events they have each year, do they even hire outside planners, what sorts of budgets do they have for this, etc.

Best of luck in your research. Keep us posted on how it's going.

s