What makes you think that the professional you are using has the training and experience to make it all work, while you relax and enjoy your event?

Make sure you ask all the following questions to ensure a smart hiring decision:

• How many years of professional experience do you have?  Show me your Work! References!
• How many work in your company? Just yourself? Work from home? Any Business License?
• Are you a member of any Association of your trade? Any ethical standards or code of ethics?
• What services do you provide? Always read your contract!
• What are your fees? hourly? package? individualized package?  Reach an agreement.
• What is your payment policy? Check? Credit Card? Cash? Price include Taxes?
• What is your cancellation policy? Always read your contract!
• Do you have a liability insurance? Yes/No? Could you help me find one for my event?

Business to avoid:

• No work portfolio!
• No Business Cards!
• No Website!
• Prices less than competitive. Too good to be true.
• Too many events booked on that day or weekend. Can they handle it?
• Venues with too many restrictions.
• No References!
• Using other businesses' pictures on their portfolio or website!
• "I can do it on my own. I know how to do it all." So many business owners "do it on their own" and fail within the first 1-3 years.
• Their life is unbalanced, stressful and overwhelming." You cannot spend 100% of your time on your business without it affecting your life in other ways. You'll end up burnt out and no good to anyone.
• "I can't tell people what I charge." If you ask someone for their prices, and they don't seem confident about what they're charging, would you buy from them?
• I planned or decorated my friend wedding and like the job, been in business for less than one year.
• I pass a Distance Education Training/ ($800.00 to $1,500.00) belong to x association or read a how to book ($19.95) no experience and been in business for less than one year.
• Appointment at a restaurant or other public venue other than the business place of work?
• Bad reputation!
• "I need money, so I'll start a business."
  When you come from need, it shows in so many ways - most of which you're not even aware of because you're not the one watching and listening to you.

• Association of Bridal Consultants
• Association for Wedding Professionals International
• International Special Event Society
• National Association of Catering Executives 
• Austin Wedding & Event Coordinators
• Bisli's Code of Ethics

Bisli Event Services
                                       www.Bisli.com
Pablo & Barbara Wallace MBC