Useful Tips for Evaluating Your Meeting Venue OptionsWritten by Susan Friedmann
However, large or small meeting, location is key. Your environment, formal or informal, helps set necessary mood and ambiance for meeting to take place. Think about choosing a comfortable, yet stimulating environment that encourages attendees to concentrate, but beware of making it too cozy and relaxing that they’re likely to fall asleep. When thinking about right location, consider meeting objectives, length of meeting and, of course, your budget. Decide how appropriate/necessary/important it is to hold meeting on or off-site. For example, sometimes a neutral, off-site location is necessary for confidential, top secret discussions. Different types of locations to consider: 1. Local off-site meeting space 2. Out-of-town off-site meeting space 1. Local off-site meeting space When it comes to selecting an off-site location, be it a local hotel conference room, a restaurant or other meeting space, your budget will rule and determine outcome. To play it safe, always inspect space first-hand before finalizing any decisions. Make sure space is right size for meeting. You want to avoid “maxi-sizing,” that is having a space big enough to seat 200 for a 20-person meeting. You only want to consider venues that are larger enough to handle event you’re planning. Much will depend on number of participants and complexity and/or variety of program. Will it be formal, informal or both? Do you want a rural or an urban location? Chances are that every event you plan will possibly meet different criteria, and thus have different space requirements. 2. Out-of-town off-site meeting space This option is usually used for extra special meetings, such as sales meetings, as costs will inevitably be much higher. These kinds of meetings may well last for several days so you want to make sure that all necessary details are well taken care of. If you want to make it high on your colleagues’ popularity poll, consider using a resort facility, as they usually offer various enjoyable relaxation options, golf, swimming, fitness center, etc. A site visit is essential so as to avoid any unexpected surprises. With this in mind, let’s look at various venue options available to you: · Hotels · Conference centers · Convention centers · Resorts · Retreat centers · Cruise ships · Unique environments Hotels. These fall into three main categories: 1. Well-known and established chains, such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, that offer a certain level of service that you can expect worldwide. They offer a wide range of amenities especially if you need room for large banquets, trade show or exhibit areas. 2. Independently owned properties, such as those belonging to Preferred Group (http://www.preferredhotels.com), whose luxury hotels and resorts offer a unique character, one-of-a kind ambience, and provide highest standards of quality and extraordinary service.
| | At Your Service: The Ten Commandments of Great Customer Service!Written by Susan Friedmann
Customer service is an integral part of our job and should not be seen as an extension of it. A company’s most vital asset is its customers. Without them, we would not and could not exist in business. When you satisfy our customers, they not only help us grow by continuing to do business with you, but recommend you to friends and associates. The practice of customer service should be as present on show floor as it is in any other sales environment. The Ten Commandments of Customer Service 1. Know who is boss. You are in business to service customer needs, and you can only do that if you know what it is your customers want. When you truly listen to your customers, they let you know what they want and how you can provide good service. Never forget that customer pays our salary and makes your job possible. 2. Be a good listener. Take time to identify customer needs by asking questions and concentrating on what customer is really saying. Listen to their words, tone of voice, body language, and most importantly, how they feel. Beware of making assumptions - thinking you intuitively know what customer wants. Do you know what three things are most important to your customer? Effective listening and undivided attention are particularly important on show floor where there is a great danger of preoccupation - looking around to see to whom else we could be selling to. 3. Identify and anticipate needs. Customers don't buy products or services. They buy good feelings and solutions to problems. Most customer needs are emotional rather than logical. The more you know your customers, better you become at anticipating their needs. Communicate regularly so that you are aware of problems or upcoming needs. 4. Make customers feel important and appreciated. Treat them as individuals. Always use their name and find ways to compliment them, but be sincere. People value sincerity. It creates good feeling and trust. Think about ways to generate good feelings about doing business with you. Customers are very sensitive and know whether or not you really care about them. Thank them every time you get a chance. On show floor be sure that your body language conveys sincerity. Your words and actions should be congruent.
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