Hi Lisa.

Before you actually start marketing your businesses, you might want to put together at least a simple marketing plan, a pricing sheet, a list of your services, an outline of which specific groups you're targeting, and what type of events you're going to specialize in. (Maybe you've already done some of that.)

It would also be beneficial to write out a "Unique Selling Proposition", in which you would pinpoint how your service is unique and why someone should choose you over the competition. Another preliminary step would be to write out a 30-second 'elevator speech', which you would use to explain your services to people -- including why you're qualified to do an outstanding job in planning their next special event. It should be short enough to recite to someone in an elevator ride, but compelling enough to pre-sell them on the idea of using your services (assuming they were in the market for event planning).

The next step would be to have some slick, multi-color business cards printed. (If you had a web address to include on the business cards, then all the better!) NOW, you're ready to start talking to people, doing lots of face-to face networking, participating in bridal shows, going to local business mixers, possibly taking out ads in local entertainment magazines and newspaper inserts (although that can get expensive), and developing an online presence by blogging, creating a Facebook page, and joining and being active in Linked-in groups. Oh, and you could also issue a press release to the local media about the launch of your new business.

Well those are a few ideas that flew off the top of my head, so, hopefully, there are a few ideas in there that you'll be able to use.

Best of Luck!

--Joel Sussman
Optimal Marketing Communications ("Marketing Survival Kit")
"Small Business Marketing Strategies that Produce Optimal Results"
http://marketingsurvivalkit.com/how-to-start-your-own-business.htm