{"id":10633,"date":"2016-11-29T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-11-29T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/?p=10633"},"modified":"2016-11-29T07:00:00","modified_gmt":"2016-11-29T12:00:00","slug":"athena-devonne-ask-anything-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/athena-devonne-ask-anything-2","title":{"rendered":"Athena DeVonne: Ask Me Anything!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><i>QC Event School graduate and tutor Athena DeVonne owns and runs a prosperous business, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CoalesceCreations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Coalesce Creations Wedding Designs<\/a>, and knows everything there is to know about becoming a successful event planner!<\/i><\/p>\n<p>This fall, Athena answered some of your most burning questions about event planning careers and how to amp up your business. Here\u2019s her advice from the most popular topics!<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/athena-devonne-ask-anything-2\/#Q_Im_thinking_of_taking_the_first_step_and_taking_courses_to_become_a_Wedding_and_Event_Planner_but_Im_concerned_once_I_complete_everything_and_graduate_Ill_have_absolutely_no_experience_in_this_field_How_will_it_be_finding_a_job\" >Q: I&#8217;m thinking of taking the first step and taking courses to become a Wedding and Event Planner, but I\u2019m concerned once I complete everything and graduate I\u2019ll have absolutely no experience in this field! How will it be finding a job?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/athena-devonne-ask-anything-2\/#Q_Would_you_advise_me_to_wait_until_graduation_before_accepting_clients_or_just_jump_start_into_the_business\" >Q: Would you advise me to wait until graduation before accepting clients or just jump start into the business?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/athena-devonne-ask-anything-2\/#Q_What_are_the_most_critical_components_in_drafting_a_special_event_contract_Should_I_develop_a_separate_contract_for_vendors_And_what_is_the_average_cost_of_having_an_attorney_develop_your_contract\" >Q: What are the most critical components in drafting a special event contract? Should I develop a separate contract for vendors? And what is the average cost of having an attorney develop your contract?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/athena-devonne-ask-anything-2\/#Q_How_did_you_know_out_of_all_wedding_planning_schools_that_QC_Event_School_was_best_for_you_Are_they_helpful_if_you_want_to_be_an_entrepreneur\" >Q: How did you know out of all wedding planning schools that QC Event School was best for you? Are they helpful if you want to be an entrepreneur?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/athena-devonne-ask-anything-2\/#Q_What_are_your_thoughts_on_using_social_media_I_posted_beautiful_pictures_of_my_original_work_but_I_found_that_someone_shared_the_photos_as_their_own_andor_copied_my_exact_design_including_color_scheme_How_would_you_mitigate_this_problem\" >Q: What are your thoughts on using social media? I posted beautiful pictures of my original work, but I found that someone shared the photos as their own and\/or copied my exact design, including color scheme. How would you mitigate this problem?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/athena-devonne-ask-anything-2\/#Q_I_see_the_words_design_and_plan_Are_they_two_separate_services_that_need_to_be_charged_Can_you_plan_without_designing\" >Q: I see the words design and plan. Are they two separate services that need to be charged? Can you plan without designing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/athena-devonne-ask-anything-2\/#Q_Im_nervous_to_finish_school_and_start_this_new_path_in_my_life_Did_you_have_any_personal_jitters_or_obstacles_to_get_through_and_if_so_how_did_you_do_it\" >Q: I&#8217;m nervous to finish school and start this new path in my life. Did you have any personal jitters or obstacles to get through, and if so, how did you do it?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Im_thinking_of_taking_the_first_step_and_taking_courses_to_become_a_Wedding_and_Event_Planner_but_Im_concerned_once_I_complete_everything_and_graduate_Ill_have_absolutely_no_experience_in_this_field_How_will_it_be_finding_a_job\"><\/span>Q: I&#8217;m thinking of taking the first step and taking courses to become a Wedding and Event Planner, but I\u2019m concerned once I complete everything and graduate I\u2019ll have absolutely no experience in this field! How will it be finding a job?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> Your concerns are the exact reasons why you should take the course. It provides you with a background of the industry, tools to be successful, and opportunities to gain some experience while taking the course. You\u2019re also assigned a tutor who provides you feedback on your progress. I will be honest, you get out what you put in. If you just answer the questions, you don\u2019t get much. But if you make it hands-on and go the extra mile, you can start a business. Example: If an assignment asks for a photo of a beach-themed centerpiece, instead of finding a photo online, create your own.<\/p>\n<p>The best way to gain experience and exposure is plan your own Launch Party event and your own sponsored Holiday event. You have to do everything you would do for a client: create a plan, set a budget, research vendors, locate a venue, create a design, send invitations and coordinate the day of. This lets you know how much time it takes and how much labor was involved to create your prices. Get a photographer to take amazing photos to build a portfolio and a videographer for marketing.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_198696287-edit.jpg\" alt=\"Athena DeVonne successful event planning business\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_198696287-edit.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_198696287-edit-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Would_you_advise_me_to_wait_until_graduation_before_accepting_clients_or_just_jump_start_into_the_business\"><\/span>Q: Would you advise me to wait until graduation before accepting clients or just jump start into the business?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> This is a choice you have to decide for yourself based on your drive, passion and level of confidence. I started my business as I was taking the courses. I didn\u2019t wait to graduate! I planned my launch event, a thanksgiving dinner event, networked like crazy and a business was developed. I was able to do this because of a very strong support system and a very dedicated work ethic. I also understood that failures build success and I was not afraid of that.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_are_the_most_critical_components_in_drafting_a_special_event_contract_Should_I_develop_a_separate_contract_for_vendors_And_what_is_the_average_cost_of_having_an_attorney_develop_your_contract\"><\/span>Q: What are the most critical components in drafting a special event contract? Should I develop a separate contract for vendors? And what is the average cost of having an attorney develop your contract?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> The most critical components are an Act of God clause, Behavior clause, Photo Permission clause, outlining your services and what things are not your responsibilities, the responsibilities of your client, and cancellations and payments (late fees, refund, deposit, retainers). Depending on how your company is structured, you may or may not need your own contracts with vendors.<\/p>\n<p>If you are having the client pay you their wedding budget, then it\u2019s your responsibility to contract all the vendors. In this scenario you would create independent contracts. If you are referring clients to the vendors, vendors have their own contracts that the clients sign. Where you live will determine the average cost of having an attorney develop your contracts, so research your area for cost ranges.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_439015504-edit.jpg\" alt=\"Taking online event planning courses to start a business\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_439015504-edit.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_439015504-edit-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_did_you_know_out_of_all_wedding_planning_schools_that_QC_Event_School_was_best_for_you_Are_they_helpful_if_you_want_to_be_an_entrepreneur\"><\/span>Q: How did you know out of all wedding planning schools that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">QC Event School<\/a> was best for you? Are they helpful if you want to be an entrepreneur?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> At the time that I was looking to earn certification,I was a single mom with two young daughters, one with special needs. Therefore, I had no time or funds to travel to a program or attend a physical school. I knew I needed something that was online and flexible with time. I love that QC gives you 3 years to complete the course because I knew I already had a lot going on. The school offers tutors that guide you along the way.<\/p>\n<p>QC was the only course I took and I was able to start my own business.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_are_your_thoughts_on_using_social_media_I_posted_beautiful_pictures_of_my_original_work_but_I_found_that_someone_shared_the_photos_as_their_own_andor_copied_my_exact_design_including_color_scheme_How_would_you_mitigate_this_problem\"><\/span>Q: What are your thoughts on using social media? I posted beautiful pictures of my original work, but I found that someone shared the photos as their own and\/or copied my exact design, including color scheme. How would you mitigate this problem?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> I love all your questions. To answer this question, I LOVE SOCIAL MEDIA! But I also understand the risks. Then is no surefire way to prevent someone from copying and pasting. Depending on where they posted it (Instagram, Facebook), they each have their own process in how to report the issue.<\/p>\n<p>My advice is to focus on strengthening your brand, so it will not matter who takes what. People will know it\u2019s you because your brand is that strong. Fighting everyone who takes your work is tedious and sometimes just not worth it. I used to fight it, and it turned into a mess and a learned lesson. So focus on building your brand.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_I_see_the_words_design_and_plan_Are_they_two_separate_services_that_need_to_be_charged_Can_you_plan_without_designing\"><\/span>Q: I see the words design and plan. Are they two separate services that need to be charged? Can you plan without designing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> Designers, planners, coordinators, oh my! Yes, they are all different and need to be priced differently. You can plan without designing and vice versa. A planner plans all the logistics: budget management, vendor scheduling, venue researching, calls and meetings, tastings, etc.<\/p>\n<p>A designer creates the theme, mood and feel of the event (without the need of logistics). They focus on just the design details and work within a set design budget. It is very overwhelming to do both for one client unless you have staff to assist you. Ask me how I know (never again will I do this&#8230;so thankful for my team now).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"447\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_271035752-edit.jpg\" alt=\"Online event planning courses and starting event business\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-10638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_271035752-edit.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/shutterstock_271035752-edit-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Im_nervous_to_finish_school_and_start_this_new_path_in_my_life_Did_you_have_any_personal_jitters_or_obstacles_to_get_through_and_if_so_how_did_you_do_it\"><\/span>Q: I&#8217;m nervous to finish school and start this new path in my life. Did you have any personal jitters or obstacles to get through, and if so, how did you do it?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>A:<\/b> Oh my goodness, yes! I did have the jitters, fears of the unknown and nervousness. <\/p>\n<p>I had many obstacles (money, no college degree, not good enough credit for a business loan, no experience, no one willing to mentor). However, I took a new look at these things and came up with a different perspective. All these things that could hold me back were all the reasons as to why I NEEDED to start my business. I have had my business for almost 4 years now. I am professionally certified, earned and won several local, national and international awards and accolades, I have improved my credit greatly and am currently providing a lifestyle for myself and my daughters just on my business income.<\/p>\n<p>I JUST DID IT. I took it a day at a time, literally. I stayed consistent, teachable, took every learning opportunity I had, networked like crazy and gave 100% in everything. I never quit. That is the key to success: never quitting!<\/p>\n<h3 align=\"center\"><i>For more advice from Athena Devonne on the event planning industry, check out what she has to say about business <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/05\/athena-devonne-ask-anything\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>!<\/h3>\n<p><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hear QC tutor Athena DeVonne&#8217;s best advice about starting a business in the event planning industry!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":10640,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,10,9,21,11],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[354],"class_list":["post-10633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-event-planning-tips","category-free-resources","category-from-the-experts","category-planning-tips","category-career"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.6 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Athena DeVonne: Ask Me Anything! - Pointers for Planners<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here are the highlights from our recent AMA with professional event planner Athena Devonne! 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