ROSHINI'S BLOG

Ever had to introduce a speaker or the recipient of an award?  Did you realize that introduction is just as important for you as a business person as it is for the honoree?

In my travels as a business owner, I’ve witnessed top business people at various events give sub par introductions.  I cringe every time because it reflects poorly on that individual as a professional.  Are you losing current business or the possibility of future contacts because of the way you presented yourself and your remarks when giving an introduction?

So remember to do your homework, keep it simple, and stay energetic.  Feel free to send me highlights or lowlights from introductions you’ve seen or given.  I’ll gladly share them here.

So you’ve got a huge fundraiser coming up in January…or that black tie gala next summer.  Well, start planning and acting now.  Both from a stress perspective to actual delivery of your event…planning, preparation, and action need to surface early.

I suggest you go through event planning in a similar fashion to how I advise my clients to prepare for a speaking engagement.

Just use my I-A-P™ formula.

I = intent…what’s the intent of this event, what is your organization’s goal for the event?
Figure it out and then make sure everyone is on the same page.
Everything you do in planning, delivery, and post-activity should match your Intent.
Keep in mind your organization’s business goals or mission may differ from the goal of this particular event.
Perhaps you want to entertain and celebrate at this event, but you’re part of a cancer research organization.
It’s okay to have fun at the event even when your overall mission is cancer research…not a big party of a topic–but serious work.

A = audience analysis…who will come to this event, who else are you targeting?
Cater elements of the event to these people.
Sometimes this means dreams, hopes, and fetishes of the event planners need to go out the window.
Maybe there are some celebrities in your membership or stories of amazing courage, is there something you can showcase around that?

P = powerful presentation…make sure the look of the event and the people who will speak to your crowd are top-notch, easy to listen to, entertaining, keep the visual and musical aspects of your venue strong and consistent with I and A.
This could require tough decisions by event planners:  perhaps you need to “Just Say No” to that opening speech from the chairperson, maybe a silent auction won’t work in this venue.
Maybe you need an event host who’s a professional emcee or neutral third-party instead of relying on the event chairperson, who might not be the most effective public speaker.

Once you apply I-A-P™ honestly and thoroughly, you are on track to have a great event.  So good luck and great partying!  Please feel free to write me with any questions.