Go Dome for the Holidays!

With autumn in full swing, my mind automatically turns toward the holidays, and all of the social gatherings that are a part the “season.”  As always, we are looking for unique ideas for clients seeking to create an experience that fits in with the holidays and remains inclusive of all traditions.  We love these new Party Domes that allow for an avant-garde encounter and can be customized in many different ways.  Check it out.

 We can think of several different ideas for which we can use these great “domes.”   They are 25’ diameter and 11’ tall at the center.  They are constructed from steel and aluminum with a clear polycarbonate shell.  They are waterproof and quick to set up.  They can withstand up to 150 mph wind load and hold up to 75 guests each depending on layout.  They are so versatile they can be used indoors or outdoors.

 Imagine this.  What about a snow globe party on a beach or how about a Sci-Fi Halloween Party or perhaps a Bubbles and Bubbly New Year’s Eve Soiree’?  We have so many ideas bouncing around in our heads to help make your holiday season special.  The only limitations are your (or OUR) imagination.

 Are you behind the curve? Still looking for the perfect idea?  Wanting to do something different from the same ole, same old?  We are here to help.  We have this idea and many more that will help you create an experience that is simply unforgettable, and imaginative.

 These structures aren’t JUST for partying.   They also have a serious side.  Are you unveiling a new product in multiple cities?  Need a quiet space to meet on the tradeshow floor?  These self-contained environments will help you stand out in an otherwise ordinary crowd. Did we mention they can be branded?

 We’d love to help you find the perfect idea and solution for your needs.  For more information and availability for your event, party or tradeshow, please contact us at Valerie@thevibeagency.com or give us a call at 305-798-9738.

  *This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

 **The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

Award Winning Event!

We are very proud and excited that in partnership with The VIBE agency, our client won an Esprit Award for Best Creative Solution!  It shows that we partner not only in creative exchanges, professional and original business solutions, but also in great success.

 Our job is to create emotions, conduct events for our clients in an original, unique and well-executed manner.  When Red Velvet Events won the award for our collaborative effort, we knew that we’d achieved the goal.

 The Esprit Awards if you are unfamiliar with them recognize International Special Events Society (ISES) members who have excelled in their respective event field throughout the year. The awards offer multiple categories that represent the different disciplines within the events industry and are a worldwide award designation.

 We are very pleased about the recognition rendered to RED VELVET EVENTS, INC. and hope that many other customers of The VIBE Agency will be honored through events organized in conjunction with us.

 

 Here are some highlights from the award-winning event that we produced with our client, Red Velvet Events!

 Rocking Out At The Orange Bowl

 In January, we had the opportunity to put together a hospitality event for Red Velvet Events at the Orange Bowl and boy did we have a blast with it!  The client loved Stanford and they loved rock and roll.  Our mandate?  Rock the Orange Bowl!  The evening was full of rock and roll, good food, great drinks and lots of fun!  Click here to find out more about what we did!

The Righteous Venue:

It doesn’t get cooler than the W Hotel brand and The Great Hall. The stylish, urban luxury gave way to a whole other experience.   It was unexpected and left guests talking about the evening long after they left.

 The ‘No Duh’ Event Design

 Remember the 80’s?  Big hair, parachute pants, Rubik’s cubes, tight, tight black jeans, Top Gun, concert t-shirts and hair bands…those were the righteous days of the 80’s and we brought it back to life just for this event.

 Getting past Security wasn’t an option unless you had the VIP All Access “Stanford Rocks” Super VIP Wristband and they were in short supply. After all, it was the hottest ticket in town during the Orange Bowl.

 The entryway to the event was “backstage”.  Lighting cases, trussing and a custom logoed ice luge held hints of what awaited them inside the ballroom.  Guests were transported back to the days of the 80’s metal bands when big hair and parachute pants were totally tubular.  Welcome to an evening where rock and roll reigns supreme.

 The feel was dark and sexy. Lighting was dramatic and architectural with deep, striking hues of red and electric purple accented with highlights shooting through the darkness and washing up walls.  A high energy DJ in a corrugated metal booth hyped the crowd from the moment they entered the room.

 Comfortable and sleek groupings of large ottomans finished off with custom Stanford Rocks! pillows created areas for the fans to chill before the righteous Steel Panther show began. Chrome and glass cube tables finished off each grouping and provided a place for guests to set a drink or a plate.

 The stage was the focal point of the room and why wouldn’t it be with the Steel Panthers taking the stage for a rocking concert?  The backdrop was shaped from brushed aluminum panels held in place with truss pillars and lit with electric blues, purples and red.

 The dull roar of the crowd upped to fever pitch as the Steel Panthers took the stage for a night of seriously amped up rock and roll!  As they used to say in the 80’s….it was one ‘bad’ evening.

 But that was just the beginning…

After catching a short nights sleep after rocking out to the Steel Panthers the night, before, we picked the guests up by bus and headed to the Orange Bowl where we’d set up a private clearspan tent and created a Stanford Rocks tailgate party inside.

 

The look was modern and minimalistic and set with touches of Stanford (guess who the client was cheering for?) throughout.  Centerpieces were square containers with wheatgrass and finished with custom Stanford helmets.  Around the area, small groupings of lounge furniture with custom Stanford Rocks pillows provided comfortable hang out spots for the guests to party. Servers and walking buffets were costumed in umpire outfits.

 Food was stadium themed fare complete with hamburgers and hotdogs…and beer along with a full premium bar.  It was a serious tailgate party after all.

 During the early event, a DJ rocked revved up the guests…but then who else better to bring before the game but Bon Jovi?  And hype them up he did.  After the performance guests were escorted to game box suites to cheer on Stanford.  The only thing better than the experience, was that Stanford won the Orange Bowl which absolutely took it over the top!!!!  Go Stanford go!!!!

Hot Ideas for a Cool Summer Soiree!

Summertime is here and the weather is getting hot!  I’m always looking for some cool fun ways to cool guests down while adding a cool element of surprise.  This week we take a look at ways to cool down while heating your party atmosphere up!

Ice It Up!

A simple and easy thing to do is to infuse ice cubes with fruit that match the drinks and cocktails you are making.  You can easily do this with a little bit of preplanning and add an interesting conversation piece.

Get an ice cube tray and fill with water or fruit juice.  In each section drop one piece of fruit.  Think blueberries, raspberries, mint, a slice of strawberry, a bit of watermelon, peach, nectarine or whatever tickles your fancy.  You can even use flowers or veggies like basil, cucumber or even jalapeno for a spicy drink.  Drop the fruit in and stick the tray in the freezer and Voila’!  You have a beautiful drink garnish that spices up your drink and adds an interesting conversation piece.

To create an ice ring for the punchbowl, use the same concept except freeze it in your bundt cake pan.  My grandmother used to do this when I was small, and I still think it makes for a beautiful addition to a punchbowl.  Some ideas are just timeless.

Cool The Soup!

Chilled soups are another way to beat the summer heat.  Try out this recipe for Watermelon Gazpacho by Tyler Florence.  It’s delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 large tomato, pureed
• 1/2 serrano chile
• 2 cups cubed fresh watermelon
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion
• 1/2 cucumber, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill, plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

 

Directions

In a blender, puree the tomatoes, chile, and 1/2 of the watermelon. Pour in the red wine vinegar and olive oil and pulse. Add the onion, cucumber and dill and season with salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. Pour into chilled bowls and sprinkle with dill, feta, and remaining watermelon. Serve.

Boozy Popsicles

 

We found these gems on the internet from Celebrations while looking for something else.  I wish I could take credit for such a cool idea, but Coryanne Ettiene is the genius here.   Whether you love beer or a harder alcohol, you can find the recipes for 5 Boozy Popsicle delights here:  Boozy Popsicle Recipes  Fun!!!!

See?  It’s a lot of fun finding different ways to keep your guests cool while throwing a hot summer bash.  For more icy ideas and fun theme ideas, please contact us at Valerie@thevibeagency.com We have ideas for small soirees and large parties alike.

Looking for a Luxurious Blank Canvas for Your Next Event?

Looking for a luxurious, blank canvas in which to create a spectacular event?  Well, V!BE has the perfect venue just for you.  Our featured gem is centrally located in the famous Art Deco District of Miami’s ultra-chic South Beach.

This 16,350 square foot private residence in South Beach sits on two adjacent lots only two blocks from shopping mecca Lincoln Road. The building was originally designed and constructed in 1933 as a single-family residence by world famous Art Deco architect L. Murray Dixon. It was expanded upon in 1942 when it was converted to a synagogue, and expanded again in 1965 to accommodate the growing congregation of 1,000 members.

In March of 2003, the property was purchased by a private party and underwent an extensive 2-year renovation in which all architectural features of the building were painstakingly preserved while still allowing the installation of completely new electrical, plumbing, air conditioning and life safety systems.  Today, it’s available for private events.  Can’t you just see you and your guests in this beautiful space?

 For more information on this and other venues that we have available for corporate and social events, please drop us a line at valerie@thevibeagency.com or give us a jingle at 305.695.7718.

 *This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

**The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

To Heel or Not to Heel… Spring is in the Air!

You know it’s springtime when the sun is out, the flowers are in full bloom, and you can run around barefoot without getting snow between your toes! But, do you know what else comes with the spring season? Outdoor weddings! Whether you’re on the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in between, outdoor weddings are all the rage during the spring and summer months. The warmer weather really lends itself to turning a traditional wedding into a fun, funky, one of a kind event whether you live by the beach or in the country.

One super cute and cost effective way to create a fresh style on your special day is by wearing embellished flip-flops like those from Francesca’s Fancy Flops. You can get them with flowers, rhinestones, glitter or any other kind of embellishment your heart desires.

Have you ever tried walking down the “aisle” on a beach in heels? It can be a difficult and uncomfortable feat, especially when your shoes fill up with sand. So, why not add a little bit of sparkle to some comfy thongs for you and your bridesmaids and leave the sand on the beach instead of in your shoes! Trust me, your girls will thank you.

But wait a minute, what about the guests at your wedding? Surely, they don’t want sand in their shoes either. Something you might want to do is have a “shoe check” where guests trade in their formal shoes for a pair of embellished flip-flops! Yes, even your male guests can take part with some stylish (yet not so sparkly) flip-flops of their own. Not only will your guests be able to enjoy your special day in comfort, but, they’ll go home with a new pair of kicks of their own. What a way to create some wonderful memories on your wedding day!

Another great thing about these adorable flip-flops is that you can wear them whenever you want. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a sucker for a good pair of heels, but flip flops can be worn throughout the year and these babies will spruce up any outfit whether it’s your wedding dress or your favorite pair of capris. The opportunities to make a fun little fashion statement are endless!

If you’d like more information on where to find these cute little flip flops, or more ideas on how to create the perfect springtime wedding, send me an e-mail at Valerie@thevibeagency.com.

*This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

**The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

To Heel or Not to Heel… Spring is in the Air!

You know it’s springtime when the sun is out, the flowers are in full bloom, and you can run around barefoot without getting snow between your toes! But, do you know what else comes with the spring season? Outdoor weddings! Whether you’re on the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in between, outdoor weddings are all the rage during the spring and summer months. The warmer weather really lends itself to turning a traditional wedding into a fun, funky, one of a kind event whether you live by the beach or in the country.

 

One super cute and cost effective way to create a fresh style on your special day is by wearing embellished flip-flops like those from Francesca’s Fancy Flops. You can get them with flowers, rhinestones, glitter or any other kind of embellishment your heart desires.

 

Have you ever tried walking down the “aisle” on a beach in heels? It can be a difficult and uncomfortable feat, especially when your shoes fill up with sand. So, why not add a little bit of sparkle to some comfy thongs for you and your bridesmaids and leave the sand on the beach instead of in your shoes! Trust me, your girls will thank you.

 

But wait a minute, what about the guests at your wedding? Surely, they don’t want sand in their shoes either. Something you might want to do is have a “shoe check” where guests trade in their formal shoes for a pair of embellished flip-flops! Yes, even your male guests can take part with some stylish (yet not so sparkly) flip-flops of their own. Not only will your guests be able to enjoy your special day in comfort, but, they’ll go home with a new pair of kicks of their own. What a way to create some wonderful memories on your wedding day!

 

Another great thing about these adorable flip-flops is that you can wear them whenever you want. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a sucker for a good pair of heels, but flip flops can be worn throughout the year and these babies will spruce up any outfit whether it’s your wedding dress or your favorite pair of capris. The opportunities to make a fun little fashion statement are endless!

 

If you’d like more information on where to find these cute little flip flops, or more ideas on how to create the perfect springtime wedding, send me an e-mail at Valerie@thevibeagency.com.

 

*This blog does not accept any form of advertising, sponsorship, or paid insertions. We write for our own purposes. However, we may be influenced by our background, occupation, religion, political affiliation or experience.

**The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

 

 

 

V!BE Destination of the Month: London Cont’…..

With London taking the world stage for the Olympics this summer, we can help but think about what else there might be to do in London while you’re there.  There is a plethora of history and interesting tours and attractions to visit that are off the beaten path.  In fact, working with our travel partner in Europe, we’ve developed quite a portfolio of different sites that may interest you or your group.  Take a peek here, we’ve highlighted three that might tickle your fancy.  If these don’t, take a moment and reach out to us at valerie@thevibeagency.com  We have many, many more.

Also, if you’re still dying to take your group to London this summer but can’t find a hotel, have you considered Paris?  It’s only 2.5 hours away from London by Eurostar and would expand your trip to two amazing cities.  Don’t hesitate to contact us; we have itineraries, the network and the right properties that might be just perfect for you and your group.

TOWER OF LONDON AND CROWN JEWELS

 

A keep, a prison and still a fortress, the Tower has served as a palace, place of execution and in its time has housed the Royal Mint, the Royal Observatory, the Royal Menagerie and the Public Records. Now it is famous for the Bloody Tower, Traitors Gate, the Ravens, the Yeoman Warders and of course the Crown Jewels including the First Star of Africa, one of the biggest diamonds in the world.

Although they have been displayed in a number of different locations within the  Tower,  in  1994  the Jewels were rehoused in a magnificent new treasury within the Waterloo Barracks.   Guests enter the Jewel House through the impressive Hall of Monarchs.   This room displays a royal crest, representing every British monarch dating back to that of William the Conqueror.

EXCLUSIVE  BACKSTAGE  TOUR  OF  THE  ROYAL  OPERA  HOUSE

 

The Royal Opera House is the third theatre on the Covent Garden site. Its history began in 1728 when John Rich, actor/manager at  Lincoln’s  Inn  Fields, commissioned  The  Beggar’s  Opera  from  John  Gay. The success of  the  venture  provided  the  capital  for  the  first  Theatre  Royal  at  Covent  Garden, designed by Edward Shepherd. The first serious musical works to be heard at Covent Garden were the operas of Handel.

Covent Garden  (as it is popularly known) is  now  the  home  of  the  Royal  Ballet  and  Royal  Opera,  both considered  to  be  among  the  very  top  companies  in  the  world.     After a more than £250 million refurbishment with the rebuilding of  the  Floral  Hall,  it  finally  reopened  after  two  and  a  half  years closure in December of 1999.

The private tour will include an introduction to the history of the opera house and a look at aspects of current productions.   There will also be, schedule permitting, an opportunity to see The Royal Ballet in class. Unlike other tours and by special arrangement, one will be able to see the magnificent backstage technology in operation and view the Royal Box.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

 

An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey also presents a unique pageant of British history  – the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great. It has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions.  Today it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the life of the nation.  Neither a cathedral nor a parish church, Westminster Abbey is a “Royal Peculiar” under the jurisdiction of a Dean and Chapter, subject only to the Sovereign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Year, New Networking:

How To Find Opportunity and Grow it Into New Business

 

It’s the New Year and with that roll over on the calendar, it’s almost habit for us to start out the year with tons of resolutions that inevitably end up in the round file, defeated and forgotten.

This year, instead of resolving to do something that is overwhelming and unattainable, why net set one goal that will help you move your business forward and then go achieve it.  Let’s talk about networking.  It a long-discussed topic, but with all the social media out there now, its more important than ever to brush up on our relationship skills and keep that human touch alive.

 So where do we find opportunities to start growing into relationships and business opportunity?  Uh, oh.  Here comes that dreaded word.  Networking.    Yes, we said it and we’ll say it again.  Net working.

 Now that you’re shivering and in a cold sweat, let’s get down to business.  Locating and converting acquaintances for your business can be a daunting task, but with the right approach it can be an effective tool to attract quality clients/ customers to your doorstep.

 Take a look at these tips to help you network and relationship build effectively.

• Find a group that interests you outside of talking about YOUR business.  It’s always easier to start with a common interest and then evolve the conversation to business.  It also kicks off a genuine conversation.
•  Be friendly and approachable.   Ask people open-ended questions.  Get them talking about themselves.  It’s so much more fun than the blunt question of, “so what do you do…”   Networking is a two-way conversation.  If you’re not listening as much as you’re talking you’re traveling down a one-way expressway and most likely won’t end up with a lead let alone business opportunity.  Networking well is a subtle art.  Also, when you’re paying attention, you become a bridge builder for other people that you can connect.  Everyone loves a team player that is a great resource.  It keeps YOU in their mind.  It will eventually pay off in benefit to you.
•  Relationships are about quality, not quantity. They take time.  We’ve all been to or been victims of speed networking.  You know, you spend two minutes talking about yourself, exchange business cards, go home load the cards in the data base and start receiving emails that don’t interest and usually end up annoying the H-E double hockey sticks out of you.    Consider a quality introduction a good start.  Don’t try to hit a home run the first time you meet someone…you’ll just come off as desperate and insincere.  Not a good combination for anything let alone relationship building.
•  Focus on value – for them, not yourself.  It will come back to you.  The more you can help others, the more they will help you.  Get in the habit of introducing people.  There’s that building bridges thing again.

 Just a couple more things and you’ll be on your way to New Year networking.

•  Before you start networking you need to understand how other people can help you and be able to communicate it verbally.  You also need to be able to concisely explain how you can help others you meet.  One of the easiest mistakes networkers make is to communicate concisely. A little preparation goes a long way.  Focus on the demographic of your clientele, what you offer your clients; how you are different from your competitors…you get the picture, right?

• When you’re referred to someone – make sure you follow up with them right away.  People won’t refer you if they hear that you didn’t follow up or follow through on a referral.

Taking action is often times the hardest.  You don’t have to be a master networker to get started.  You just have to start reaching out.  Be considerate, be genuine and helpful and you will soon be on your way to building new relationships that can create opportunity for years to come.

Good luck, let us know how it goes and send us tips that you think will help others out on the networking trail.

RISK & DISASTER: If You’re Not Prepared…You’re Risking Everything!!!!

Have you ever been at a meeting or event and a natural disaster has struck?  Has your conference ever been attacked by terrorists?  Have you ever had a fire break out?  Has your client’s proprietary information been stolen during a meeting you were producing?  If you’re saying no….then trust me, it’s only a matter of time in this day and age.

It can seem like a mind numbing topic, but it’s one that is extremely important.  It’s so easy to get complacent, but now is NOT the time to do it.   Risk assessment is a key part of planning any event, meeting or conference.  While easily over looked and often pooh-poohed as unnecessary since there can be cost associated with it, when disaster strikes…you will be regretful if you don’t spend some extra time assessing the risk and putting together a management plan in case something catastrophic happens.

Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind as you assess the risk of each event, meeting and conference you plan.  These next questions are just the beginning of a long list we all should be asking ourselves before every function we plan.

1. How high profile is your meeting?  Who are the attendees and speakers?
2. Do any of the speakers have personal situations that might heighten risk?  Ie.) a military leader, controversial speaker, etc.
3. How much media coverage is the meeting going to generate? This one should be a red flag for any planner.  Risk goes up substantially with high profile or controversial events. (think about the G-8 Summit over the years).
4. What health issues may come to the forefront?  Is there an outbreak of bird flu or   whooping cough that is presenting itself in the region or country you are in? Providing a healthy environment is an integral part of risk assessment and management.  Have you ever been to a conference where some mysterious illness spreads like wildfire through a convention?  I have and I was in another country.  To say it was concerning is an understatement.  I was thankful to make my flight and not be quarantined for days.
5. Are there going to be proprietary unveilings at the meeting? What steps do you take to prevent corporate theft?

Of course, these are just the beginning of one very big topic.   Here are some questions to ask yourself as you think about how well you are currently prepared to stare risk in the face.

1. Have you checked the facilities evacuation plans and procedures?  Have you communicated them to your attendees and key personnel?  Does everyone have an assigned role in case of emergency? 

 

1. How will you control access to the meeting or event? Can people register on site?  If there are high-profile speakers present (say for instance a past President) have they cleared security?  Do they require Secret Service clearance?  Are there extra security precautions that need to be considered in the production elements (ie.) bullet proof glass)?    Can everyone on your staff pass a security clearance?  There are a lot of questions to be answered when dealing with high profile VIP’s. 

 

1. Do your vendors have adequate experience, training and experience to deal with an emergency?  What happens if a rigged truss tower falls on a guest?  Do your vendors all have insurance in force?   How big of a risk is the design of the event?  Are there safety hazards to the general attendee?

 

1. What if a tornado hits?  Do you have a plan?  Who’s in charge?  Is there a space to adequately get people out of harm’s way?  Do you have local emergency numbers?  911 is not enough!  Where’s the nearest hospital?  Do you have EMT’s on site?  Where’s the local police station?

Shoulda, woulda, coulda isn’t going to fly in any disastrous circumstance.  The only thing that works is preparedness, training and giving RISK, the attention it deserves.  I know, I know…we’ve been talking about a lot of things lately that require preparation but this is not an area you want to skimp on. 

So how can you prepare?   Conduct emergency training sessions that address the most common types of threat.  Be aware of all threats that may exist in whatever city, state or country you are in.  Whether your event is on the beach in Miami during hurricane season, or a past POTUS is speaking at your function, there is an inherent risk that needs to be planned for.  Political unrest and economy performance can greatly increase the risk of disaster – what’s going on in the country you are in?  Being aware and well informed of possible situations that could possibly arise during the time your event is going on can go a long way in getting you on the road to preparedness.  On a personal note, I remember being at a Lakers game when the Rodney King verdicts were issued many years ago.  Riots broke out and the crisis management teams not only at the Great Western Forum, but around the City of Los Angeles, had their hands full.  When we arrived at the game all was peaceful…after the game, chaos reigned.  I often wondered what their management plan was since no instructions were given besides leaving from a different exit because there was rioting.  The short announcement ended with be safe.  My friend and I had to literally duck and cover and crawl several times before we made it to the car.  I saw people beaten, fires being started, bottles being thrown, and cars driving the wrong way down the street.  Looting was rampant.  We were on our own.  It was truly terrifying.  You just NEVER know what’s going to happen, so preparation may be the only thing that will see you through. 

So YOU have a great plan.  What about your staff?  Are they trained and ready? Do they know how to effectively implement a disaster response?  The success of any plan is only as good as the people that execute it.  What-if scenarios are quickly becoming when-it-happens scenarios.   From natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes to god forbid a terrorist attack to the less adrenaline rushing disasters of corporate theft, risk assessment and management/response are key factors in responsibly planning and executing an event.    

There are so many ways to get training that are low cost or free.  From community CERT programs (while they are not specific to events and meetings specifically) to having a professional come to your office and do a training seminar, there is absolutely no reason to not spend the time making sure your company is not prepared.  In fact, your life and the life of your staff and guests may depend on it. 

These are just my thoughts…big, fat, unpleasant, yet important thoughts.

Pitching The Elevator…What’s Your Grade?

At this very moment, the most important element to you and your business is a client.  So how do we expand and monopolize opportunity to create new business?

Picture this.  You’ve run into a high powered decision maker that you’ve been trying to connect with (or someone you meet by chance).  You have mere moments to present them with your company, capture their interest and make them realize you’re someone they want and need to work with.  Can you do it?  No?  A little preparedness goes a long way. 

Enter the dreaded elevator pitch.  Are those blanks stares I’m seeing through this screen?  If you don’t have one, you may be missing out on key opportunities to create some serious revenue generation for your company. One of the most overlooked prospecting strategies available to business owners is an elevator pitch. The better prepared you are when you encounter someone asking you about what you do; the better the chances are of using this strategy tool successfully.

Okay, I get it.  You don’t have an elevator pitch because you are unsure how you should put together one that is effective.  I’m going to give you some pointers of how to put an effective speech together quickly.  Grab your pen and paper and let’s get to work.

1.  Focus on one thing about your business.  That means that your first sentence has to capture and hold the interest of your interviewer.  Be powerful, short, concise and straight to the point.  If the person doesn’t understand right away, you’ve lost the opportunity.
2. Write down who you (your company) is. State it in a powerful way.  This may take some time so write down different variations, compare and choose the one that is the best fit.
3. Tell people what you do and be specific. (keep this specific and simple and to the point)  Ie.  We are a full service, live event production company specializing in outbound incentive trips.
4. Next, tell people why you are the best at…. Ie. We have 25 plus years of experience and some of clients include Coca Cola, Bentley, Microsoft and Gucci.  (or you can even back up your statement with a couple of strong figures)  Ie.  We’ve won 25 national awards for our creativity.
5. End it with a call to action.  What is it that you want to happen next? it easy for the listener to say yes to your call of action.  Ie. Would you have time to have a cup of coffee…or…. drop into the meeting we are having today in your marketing department…

So you’ve got it down on paper.  Now what?  Trust me, this is the HARDEST part.

It’s time to practice, practice and PRACTICE some more until you can say it naturally and conversationally.  Standing in front of a mirror is the best way to perfect your elevator speech.  It will be uncomfortable at first, but keep on keeping on.  The more you do it, the better you will become at it.   Stop and re-read this paragraph…you will thank me later for being so persistent about it.

This one business building tip can make or break you business. None of us can afford a single missed opportunity these days.  Spending a couple of hours developing this key part of your marketing strategy can improve your customer base and bottom line dramatically.  In other words, a small investment of time NOW will pay huge dividends later.

Grab yourself a glass of wine, curl up somewhere and get down to business.  This is one of those things that you cannot afford to skimp on.  If you do…you’re only cheating yourself and giving your competition a jump start. 

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