kid's party/entertainer

80schild

I am thinking of setting up doing kid's parties in my free time-more as a hobby with minimal income to begin with and then see if it takes off. I want to do themed parties for pre school/infant with craft/facepaint and games to a certain theme. I have had parties for my kids and been to others where they've paid a fortune for entertainers and its struck me I could do a far better job myself.
Any ideas for setting up-I know its not the most innovative idea but I love being creative and doing these sorts of things with my own kids so fancy giving it a go to try n make a bit of money. (Obviously I know its not going to make me a millionaire but if I can do it with a quite low outlay I could make a little bit of money)

mummystar

Hi
I am thinking of doing the same thing in Leeds area but finding that the market is already quite saturated up here. From what I've thought about, you'll need to make sure that you're insured and have CRB checks in place - similar to childminding I guess. I've thought about finding a local venue - church hall or something similar - and try to negotiate a low rate/free so that you can do a whole package in one place - USP of parent's not having to tidy up somewhere after...
Hope this helps!
MummyStar

80schild

Hiya-ooh that's a good idea-there are a few venues in my local area! I have a recent CRB already with work -there are quite a few of that type of thing round here but I do have quite a few contacts-friends and mums at the school so am hoping word of mouth might help-just the initial setting up I am struggling with!

mummystar

I had redundancy counselling and suggested my idea to the bloke who was great at giving me some ideas and looking at my 'professional' CV as well as my 'creative' CV and he said that when setting himself up in business, he had to give several 'freebies' away to get the word of mouth generating itself so maybe that's an idea? A few leaflets or fliers might be an idea too? Hope this helps!!!

Sallys_Savings

I think its a great idea, something that I was going to do a few years ago but then decided I just wouldnt be able to fit it in.

1. I looked at different locations in a 10 mile radius (obviously you can decide on the distance you wish to travel and add the travel time plus petrol to add to your fee) of my home...made a list of church halls/village halls/scout huts/school sports halls etc

2. Qualifications = CRB check ....first aid (look at st johns ambulance/red cross and also you may be able to get onto first aid courses run for childminders)...any play certificates (I attended a play course run by the Playschool Association, eventhough that was a few years ago) Eventhough you dont "need" these anything extra will look good when advertising.

3. If you need extra help at a party (for larger parties) how about contacting your local college for students who are studying childcare? You wouldnt have to pay much and they will be grateful for the extra money and experience.

4. Do they wish you to supply the food too? .. you may have to acquire some sort of health certificate from the local council.

5. Newspaper Advertising, try to get a free interview with your local newspaper...saying you're setting up etc. Or get them to come along to your first party/charity event. If they dont come along get someone to take a photograph and email it in to them with details, some local papers will put it in still even if they havent taken the photo as they are short on news reporters.


6. Few "sample" parties for friends?? You may need to have a few sample parties so people know what you are capable of. If you just charge your costs. Ask if you do a party this way if they would be willing to give you a reference a to be named on your advertising?

7. Leaflets/flyers Print or have these printed up. Initially they can be quite simple but make sure they include all your contact details. Have times when you go handing these out....perhaps in the high street / school playground / anywhere children are. Get in contact with someone you would be able to do an exchange with....i.e. you hand out their leaflets out to your customers and they hand them out to theres...eg someone who makes party cakes and yourself would be compatiable. Leave leaflets at places like your local library etc. When you hold a party always give out leaflets at the end of the party (or if you are organising party bags pop them in there)

8. Have a look for a charity event where you could donate your services for free as long as you are able to have a table with your leaflets and posters on...this is perfect advertising. Maybe (if you got permission from the childrens parents, there was only one parent who wasnt happy with me doing this) you could have photos on a board of parties that you have organised. Get someone to make up an A board or use a chalk board to advertise on.

9. Advertise EVERYWHERE lol .......get onto vistaprint and get some free cards printed up and ALWAYS have them in your purse/car etc.........posters at play groups/schools/churches/library/play centres/local shops/friends front windows/work places etc. Ask friends and relatives to put them up for you too...........Make up a LARGE poster to put in your car when you park in a car park, make it so it gos all the way along the front window (like the foil sun protectors you buy) ..........magnetic posters to put on your car doors. See if friends/relatives would do the same for you.

10. Would you supply party bags? That is something some people would be grateful to have the hassle taken away. Take a look at different sorts you can make up...even different bags or boxes you could supply.

11. Are you able to bake? ...make the cake or cup cakes.

12. How about advertising that you could entertain children at a wedding or family function.

13. Decide on your party themes and decide what you can supply...whether its the whole package....invites...food....cake...party bags (decorated cake boxes / paper bags etc )...decorations (you could start a collection, make your own different fabric bunting so it can be used time and time again / posters etc)

14. Have a seperate sheet for party ideas you are able to offer and say you are adaptable if they require something different. Make sure you dont do exactly the same at every party you hold, an odd duplicate if fine.

15. Fun Outfit...try to get a few outfits together that would make you stand out a little from the other people at the party. Even if you dont want to wear a whacky outfit wear something colourful and bright with perhaps your name/party name on the back. You can either make it yourself or get them printed up.

16. Make up a website....even a simple one would be great.

Good Luck!!!! and have fun

MessyMare

Don't forget you'll probably need an enhanced CRB, rather than a regular.