What do you do if you want to increase your salary as an event planner by leveraging your network?

1 Identify your value proposition

Before you ask for a raise or negotiate a new contract, you need to know what makes you stand out as an event planner. What are your strengths, achievements, and specialties? How do you add value to your clients and employers? How do you measure your impact and results? Write down your value proposition and back it up with evidence and testimonials.

2 Research the market rate

Next, you need to know what the average salary or fee is for event planners in your area, industry, and niche. You can use online tools, reports, and surveys to get an idea of the range and factors that affect it. You can also ask your peers, mentors, and contacts in your network for their insights and opinions. This will help you set realistic and fair expectations and goals for your salary.

3 Build and maintain relationships

Your network is your most valuable asset as an event planner. It can help you find new opportunities, referrals, and recommendations. It can also help you showcase your work, learn new skills, and get feedback and support. To leverage your network, you need to build and maintain relationships with people who can influence your career and income. This includes your clients, employers, vendors, suppliers, colleagues, competitors, and industry associations.

4 Communicate your value

Once you have a clear idea of your value proposition and market rate, you need to communicate it to your potential and existing clients and employers. You can use your portfolio, website, social media, blog, newsletter, and other channels to showcase your work, achievements, and testimonials. You can also use your network to get referrals, endorsements, and introductions to decision-makers and influencers. When you communicate your value, you need to be confident, professional, and respectful.

5 Negotiate your salary

Finally, you need to negotiate your salary or fee with your clients and employers. This is where your network can help you the most. You can use your network to find out the budget, expectations, and preferences of your clients and employers. You can also use your network to get advice, tips, and strategies on how to negotiate effectively. When you negotiate, you need to be prepared, flexible, and assertive. You need to highlight your value proposition, market rate, and network as reasons why you deserve a higher salary.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?