Out-of-Town Clients

We don't have to meet clients in person, to accomplish their goals. "Danny" found us on the web. Danny's company holds an annual conference for about 200 employees, always in a different city/area. 2012 brings them to Seattle. When the conference ends, Danny throws a fun party with a new theme. I love when employers realize the power of showing appreciation for their staff, and know it doesn't have to be a winter party! We provided Danny with theme and vendor recommendations--he made his choices, we're doing the rest--negotiating contracts and making bookings. The key to successful management of out-of-town clients is the same as it is for any client--listen to what they want, and understand their goals. Receiving excellent customer feedback from clients we've never met, is especially rewarding. As in any successful relationship, it's all about good communications! 
~Carol

A Few Tips on How to Manage Day-of-Event Volunteers

Create a Management Plan: All volunteers need to know their job description and purpose. Tell them who is in charge and exactly what (be specific) is expected of them.

Communicate: Emails are great, but in addition, create a shared online page (we love Google Docs) with information that volunteers can easily access.

Orientation is Key: Establish expectations and ground rules all the while making your volunteers feel like part of your team.

Make Sure Volunteers Know Who You Are: They need to know what your organization is about and how to talk about it with event guests.

Recognize and Thank Your Volunteers: That's right, thank them: in the event program, in a personal note, with a gift. No one ever complains about being thanked too much.

Design a Post-Event Survey: Get their honest feedback. What worked? What didn't? How could their experience have been improved? If you ask them, they will tell you and they will happily volunteer for next year's event as well. 
~ Rebecca