As event planners, we’re the go-to person for everyone and everything, which means we not only have to stay organized and on top of things for every event we plan but for our own businesses as well.
There are tons of tools and resources available for event professionals to stay organized, to streamline their marketing, and make their business more effective, but these are 5 of my personal favorites.
1. MileIQ — Mileage Tracking
As event professionals, we put some serious mileage on our feet and on our cars. While your Fitbit tracks the bajillion steps you’re taking (go girl!), this app helps keep track of car mileage. I absolutely love it.
We are always meeting offsite with clients and vendors. This helps me stay accurate with my business drives, including client meetings, inventory pick-ups, travel for event conferences, and more. It is free to use and available for iPhone and Android devices.
2. FreshBooks — Bookkeeping
Having accounting software is a MUST. I suggest investing in this from the beginning of your business, even if you are just starting. You can track spreadsheets yourself, but Freshbooks does it all for you! Plus, are you really gonna prioritize opening that baby up and sitting down for an afternoon of keying in numbers?
With Freshbooks, you can keep track of your books and send out invoices and get paid instantly with one click from your customers. If you have a team, you can also do Payroll if you select that option when you purchase. Freshbooks offers a 30-day free trial and starts as low as $10 a month.
3. WordSwag App — Create Graphics from Your Phone
This app is the BEST $3.99 I’ve ever spent (yes—better than the $3 plus for a latte on a lackluster day). I use it for social media marketing and posts. You can add text to photos and really bring them to life right from your phone.
4. Add Watermark App — Watermark Your Pictures
As planners, pictures of our work are so important to our business. The saying “copying is the biggest form of flattery,” may be true, but when your event pictures are getting copied more than once it becomes annoying and problematic.
Our work is a part of our brand and it’s not unusual to have images stolen. With a distinct watermark of your logo to post on your pictures, you can better protect your work. Plus, this app is totally free, so it’s a win-win.
5. The Girlfriends Guide To A Crystal Clear Bride — Straight-Shooting Bridal Advice
This book is an event planner must have. What better way to earn your potential clients’ trust than by equipping them with the tools they will need to plan a successful wedding. The Girlfriends Guide To A Crystal Clear Bride provides no-nonsense wedding tips and advice from a seasoned wedding planner.
It’s written in a relevant, easy-to-read style that feels like you’re sitting down and talking shop with your BFF, which makes it’s totally digestible and fun for brides. It’s available now in paperback for $6.99 and is in the Top 100 Wedding Planning category on Amazon. Click here to purchase some copies to gift your brides.
Crystal Marie, author of the Amazon Top 100 Bestseller, “A Girlfriend’s Guide to a Crystal Clear Bride,” Crystal Marie is known for her no-nonsense wedding planning tips, zest for life, commitment to her clients, and out-of-the-box style and personality. Read her interview on LadyBossBlogger to learn more about her.