| In an uncertain economy, it is important to find | | | | foster even longer term relationships. |
| creative ways to promote current and future | | | | Board Retreats |
| business. Events are sometimes considered a luxury | | | | Get away from the office for the day (or two) to |
| and are often the first thing to be cut from a | | | | regroup and refocus. In challenging economic times, |
| company budget. It is important to realize the value | | | | stress levels are high and it is often very productive |
| of bringing a group together toward a common goal | | | | to combine relaxation with strategic planning. Plan a |
| which can have both immediate and longterm | | | | retreat at a resort or facility that offers meeting |
| benefits. | | | | space, accommodations and a variety of leisure |
| Company "All-Hands" Meeting | | | | activities such as golf, spa treatments, fitness |
| Consistent communication is a common thread of | | | | centers and other recreational activities. |
| well-run companies. Employees perform better when | | | | Product Launches |
| they have a clear understanding of the objectives, | | | | Let the world, or at least your target demographic, |
| successes and challenges their company is | | | | know about your new product offering. Create a |
| experiencing. Bring the group together at the office | | | | buzz by inviting your customers and vendors to a |
| or an off-site location to keep them informed. Hire a | | | | premier party at an innovative location. Host a |
| caterer to bring in food to complement the meeting | | | | cocktail party at a nearby restaurant. If you are |
| or select a different location that fits your company's | | | | working within a tighter budget, host an open house |
| culture. | | | | onsite at your location and invite clients, employees |
| Training Sessions | | | | and vendors to stop by. |
| Set up your sales and support teams for success by | | | | Teambuilding Events |
| offering training sessions that give them the | | | | When employee morale is low and stress is high due |
| knowledge to succeed in a tough market. They will | | | | to economic downturns, it is important to infuse |
| gain a competitive edge by learning first hand about | | | | some fun into the workplace. Schedule an activity or |
| your product and/or services' features and benefits | | | | teambuilding session that will get your staff |
| and how to overcome objections. Bringing the team | | | | interacting and working together. Ideas can range |
| together in person will allow them to ask questions | | | | from structured teambuilding instruction to |
| and share successes with their co-workers that will | | | | outtof-the-office activities such as yacht cruises, |
| inspire future sales. | | | | cooking classes, bowling and scavenger hunts. |
| Client Events | | | | Seasonal Celebrations |
| A loyal client can never be taken for granted. | | | | Don't forget to thank your employees for all of their |
| Additionally, a vital part of the business cycle is to | | | | hard work by celebrating at least a few times a year. |
| continue to find new prospects and grow the | | | | Summer/Fall picnics are a great way to get some |
| company's customer base. Business dinners and | | | | fresh air and can even include family members. |
| luncheons are an ideal way to take discussions out of | | | | Holiday parties come at a great time to show |
| the office to create a more productive and relaxed | | | | appreciation for the accomplishments of the year and |
| atmosphere. Thanking long-time company supporters | | | | to set the stage for the successes to come. |
| with a client appreciation event can also help to | | | | |