Building Your Army
You, as a meeting planner, are not a lone wolf, even if you own your own planning business. Whether you are aware of it or not, there are lots of people who work in the background to help make your work successful. If you are inclined to run your army of helpers efficiently and want them to want to work with you, you need to know who they are and how they help you.
Hotels
Of course you know that a good hotel can make or break your trip, but what about the people who work there? Perhaps there was a desk clerk who helped one of your travelers get late bags from the airport. What about the room service waiter who went the extra mile for your diabetic meeting participant? Make sure you recognize them with a small gift–money works very well–and the entire hotel will remember you.
Caterers
If you have a function where meal service is necessary, you will run across a caterer some day who does wonderful work. To those folks, feeding large numbers of people isn’t a job, it’s an art. Recognize them, refer them to others, and treat them well so that they always do their best for you.
Stationers
What? That’s right. You may need paper invitations, stationery for your business, and the always-useful thank you note. Besides, stationery always makes a nice gift for participants for their convention bags.
Of course there will be many other people in your army depending on the type of functions you plan. You may have photographers, videographers, speakers, product demonstrators, musicians, entertainers, graphic designers, writers, and more. Developing and maintaining good relationships with the high quality people you encounter will boost your reputation and your business.
