Business as usual is a thing of the past. Business “unusual” is the new norm. During uncertain times, it’s tempting to put our heads down and try to stay the course. In fact, this is exactly the time that creativity should shine at its best. Hosting meetings and events is a critical component to success in business, however, realigning your mindset with the new business realities is an important first step.

Step out of your comfort zone
Whether you are in sales, marketing, human resources or event planning, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Customers and clients are under more pressure and have higher expectations of their business relationships. If you find that your previous ways of doing business are no longer effective, it’s time to let the creativity flow. It may be uncomfortable at first, but trust your intuition and you will find success.

Make a statement
What is your company’s mission? What differentiates you from your competitors in the marketplace? Make sure you know it and believe it. And definitely don’t be quiet about it! Customers want to know what makes you the best and what sets you apart. Most importantly, why should they do business with you? Your message should be clear and powerful. Don’t be shy about making your mark.

If it worked in the past, do something different
Your past meetings have been a relative success – month after month after month – with the same location, the same food and the same message. It’s not that anything is wrong with the format, it’s just, well… stale. Try infusing some life by using new venues and a fresh menu. Update your agenda to add unexpected elements. Allow time for social interaction in between sessions to give attendees time to decompress. Adding the element of surprise can help to maintain interest and increase content retention.

Think pink…or blue or green
Add a splash of color! The color palate you select for your marketing materials, website and events can be a powerful way to make an impression. Earth tones can create warmth and a sense of home. Bright colors help foster happiness. Creating contrast between colors that normally wouldn’t be seen together can create a look uniquely your own. Your brand and company identity are the first impressions that are made on clients and employees. Don’t be afraid to let your colors shine.

Bring people together
Stressful times can create tensions between employees. Try bringing everyone in your department together for a much needed off-site luncheon or teambuilding event. Allow people to express concerns but also share suggestions about how to make things better. When you get employees together outside of the office, conversation flows and people can be themselves. Feeling like they are valuable members of the team will increase their sense of worth and help increase productivity.

Pinch pennies -- not ideas
It’s time to think BIG! Not big budget (unless you have it, of course), but big ideas. Take a step back from the day-to-day tasks that make up your job and ask yourself, “What is the big picture?” We often get bogged down in the minutia of our jobs and forget why we are doing things in the first place. Take time to write down your goals along with your timelines for accomplishing them. Be creative and come up with innovative strategies to help reach your targets. It’s okay to think outside of the box! Sometimes taking a step back is exactly what you need to help propel you forward.

Toot your own horn
We all have unique talents and gifts. Be sure that your employer knows about yours. A way to become invaluable to your team is to go above and beyond. Have pride in your work, be a good listener, do what you say you are going to do and make it count. Maintain purpose in everything you do and if you find that you are losing your way, get yourself refocused. Let your supervisor know how much you value being a part of the team and be sure to share your successes with them.

Expand your network
Break out of your inner circle and meet new people. Business opportunities tend to find you when you are open to them and when you surround yourself with interesting people. By building relationships with new contacts, you open your eyes to new ways of thinking that can be utilized in both your business and personal life. Of course, we always need to take care of our loyal clientele and find ways to continue growing those relationships as well.

Daring to be different can feel risky but as the saying goes – no risk, no reward. Are you ready to try something new? Contact our client relations team at (858) 695-3895 or EventConnection360.com. We’re here to offer complimentary event assistance to get you on your way!