In this episode, Melissa Jakes, CEO and founder of Rescue Event Planning, shares her journey into the event planning industry, starting from her early passion for organizing events. She discusses the importance of valuing one's skills, setting fair prices, and overcoming the fear of charging for services. Melissa offers insights on transitioning from part-time to full-time entrepreneurship, emphasizing financial planning and networking. She also highlights the significance of niche specialization and adapting to virtual events during the pandemic. The episode provides practical advice for aspiring event planners on building a successful business and leveraging events for growth.

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Show Notes

00:00 Intro to the Podcast
Introducing the Monetize Your Ministry Summit and the upcoming podcast episode.

(00:00:55) Welcome
We welcome listeners to the Monetize Your Ministry podcast.

(00:02:13) Background and Awards
Melissa Jakes' background and awards, including her recognition as the "Olivia Pope of events."

(00:04:00) Melissa's Surprising Facts
Revealing that Melissa Jakes was featured in a movie and sharing her preference to avoid large crowds.

(00:05:26) Definition of Ministry
Melissa Jakes' definition of ministry as utilizing the gifts given by God.

(00:07:18) Education and Career Path
Melissa Jakes' educational background and how her journey led to event planning.

(00:08:00) Starting an Event Planning Business
The early signs of Melissa Jakes' interest in event planning and her progression from small events to larger-scale planning.

(00:14:15) Pricing Services
Discussion about overcoming the fear of charging for services and setting fair prices based on the cost of goods and time spent.

(00:19:16) Setting Business Goals
Setting financial and social media goals to achieve business objectives and attract new clients.

(00:20:08) Pricing Services Based on Time
Addressing the struggle of pricing services based on time and the challenges faced by service-based businesses.

(00:20:43) Google Research for Pricing
Melissa discusses using Google to research industry rates and factors to consider when pricing event planning services.

(00:22:06) Transitioning to Full-Time
Melissa advises against immediately quitting a job to start a business and shares her experience of transitioning from part-time to full-time event planning work.

(00:23:06) Consulting Work for Financial Stability
Melissa explains how she balanced event planning with consulting work to ensure financial stability during the transition to full-time entrepreneurship.

(00:26:08) Obtaining Initial Clients
Melissa shares her experience of offering free event planning services to build a portfolio and gain initial clients.

(00:34:45) Pivoting to Virtual Events
Melissa discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic and her successful pivot to virtual event planning, including mailing out event kits.

(00:37:55) Selling to Organizations
Melissa explains the approach to selling event planning services to businesses and nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of delivering value and solving their pain points.

(00:38:36) First Corporate Client Experience
Melissa recounts her first corporate client experience, highlighting the importance of addressing the client's specific event challenges and capturing the event for future marketing.

(00:41:11) Staying Relevant and Branding
Melissa discusses the importance of staying relevant and being the brand in event planning.

(00:41:41) Managing Workload and Tools
Melissa explains how she manages her workload using Asana and the importance of creating a system to keep organized.

(00:43:50) Building a Team and Choosing People
Melissa shares her experience in building a team for her event planning business and the process of choosing the right people.

(00:47:37) Advice for Starting a Business
Melissa offers advice to her past self, emphasizing the importance of getting a business coach and giving oneself grace.

(00:48:50) Celebrating Business Milestones
Melissa plans for a future business anniversary event and discusses how it will be a business expense and a celebration.