If it is appropriate, it would be a good idea to send an evaluation form to your vendors eliciting their opinions of event and be sure to include a “ways to improve” comment section.

Send thank you notes to your vendors, catering and sales professionals and any and all of those may have had a hand in ensuring success of project. Thank you notes go a long way especially when you find yourself in a jam at one time or another. If you have been doing this for any length of time, you have probably needed to find a last minute replacement for entertainment or photographer or a speaker. You know importance of appreciation.

Once event is over, while it is still fresh in minds of your client, ask for a testimonial or letter of referral. Happy clients are happy to oblige. However, they may be very busy and when too much time passes, they may forget. If you do not receive letter within a week or two after event, follow up. Graciously ask them if they would not mind you writing letter for them, and fax or e-mail it to them. Tell them you use these letters in your promotional kits and their testimonial would be greatly appreciated. Busy people are happy to accommodate your requests when you make it easier to do business with you.

© 2005 - Heidi Richards

Heidi Richards is the author of The PMS Principles, Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business and 7 other books. She is also the Founder & CEO of the Women’s ECommerce Association, International www.WECAI.org (pronounced wee-kī) – an Internet organization that “Helps Women Do Business on the WEB.” Basic Membership is FREE. Ms. Richards can be reached at Heidi@speakingwithspirit.com or heidi@wecai.org.