Reunion Organizer

Reunions have always been popular, since virtually everyone wants to find out how former classmates have fared over the years since graduation. High school reunions are a major focus of this business and finding the “lost” members is an important part of the process. Your persistence and sheer determination need to be applied to the search process, which usually starts one year before the event. Former employees of some organizations also occasionally hold reunions, and there is a niche market in putting together reunions for today’s far-?ung families. Once you discover everybody’s whereabouts, you may turn your attention to the event itself, arranging the catering, photos, band, decorations, and mementos.


Basic office equipment ($2,000 to $3,000) should get you started, but you will need to get the database program ($175 to $300) as soon as possible. Set your charges differently for the time involved and the number of people you’re expected to locate. Many charge between $5 to $10 per attendee, but others charge a ?at rate commensurate with an hourly fee of $10 to $15 per hour.


Most communities are excellent markets for this service, but many people don’t know that it exists. Consider the organizations and groups in your locale that have reunions, such as schools and colleges. Do one excellent job to get a foothold, and you will find that the referrals will begin to roll in. Your success will depend to some extent on the material and information you have to work with, but once you refine your people-searching skills, you should have a service to offer that can’t be matched by amateurs. One tip: Online phone books or the new telephone directories on disk or CD-ROM can help you locate nearly anyone in the country.

Approx. cost of start-up: $2,000 to $3,000


Approx. potential earnings:$15,000 to $50,000


Typical fees: $5 to $10 for each classmate who attends


Where to promote: Word of mouth and prospect calling on schools for their referrals to alumni organizations, banner ads on Web sites like Classmates.com


Qualifications: A big network of friends and acquaintances in your community, patience, determination, organizational ability


Things needed: Cell phone, computer with Internet access, database and


suite software, fax, copier, office furniture, business cards,


letterhead, envelopes


Required staff: No


Hidden costs:Phone calls