Friday, March 19, 2010

Top 5 Event Planning Cost Saving Trends

In any economy saving money is always the smart way to go. Believe it or not you can save even during events season. Here are 5 Event Planning Cost Saving Trends that will help save you time and money:

1. Creativity is Free! When you have less resources to work with using your imagination will result in memorable occasions at a fraction of the cost. 


2. Outsource to Small Businesses. If your company plans less than 5 events per year, contract your overall event management planning to a small business.  Dealing directly with the CEO will save you time and money.  A small business owner is also more likely to know and practice more cost saving techniques than larger event planning firms.

3. Negotiate Everything. From hotel rooms to food and beverages, state your bottom line price and request as many concessions as possible. Be sure to confirm every negotiated aspect in writing. 



4. Book Local Talent. "B" list entertainment can be just as good if not better than "A" list artist. Try bartering with marketing/PR exposure in exchange for services.

5. Treat Suppliers as Partners. Ensure your vendors that you are interested in a long-term business relationship. Also be willing to provide word of mouth marketing in return for their stellar services.

About Kennedy Consulting Group, LLC

Kennedy Consulting Group, LLC is a full-service special event management and media relations firm backed by 15 years of experience providing quality services for major corporations, non-profits and religious organizations.  Our track record includes a hand in planning the U.S. Dream Academy Gala, which raised over $1.9 Million by receiving match funds from Ms. Oprah Winfrey. Our boutique firm is woman owned.

www.kennedyconsulting.net 


Thursday, March 11, 2010

@ Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail...Oh My!

In today's market to say that competition is stiff would be an understatement.  Your ability to stand out from the crowd is crucial and directly affects your bottom line.  Clients want to do business with individuals who understand how to carefully craft a brand for themselves that will translate into success for them.  Your website, business cards, marketing materials, photos and other image building components should have continuity and without words-be able to tell your story.  

How then do you communicate to potential clients and share that dynamic story?  One way is through networking, a very powerful tool at any stage of business development.  You may have 3 minutes or less to convince them that you are the ONE.  From the moment prior to handing them your business card they are making a decision about you and if they feel you are worth doing business with.  At first glance, they perceived that you were possibly a contender but after looking at your business card they give you that "I'll pass look".  Feeling a little deflated after giving your best pitch, it never crosses your mind that it could be that ridiculous Yahoo extension on your email address. Definitely not, right?  Wrong!  Don't give them any reason to choose your competitor.

Want to be taken seriously as a business owner?  Of course you do!  Get an email address that aligns with the name of your company and its brand.  This is step number one, deciding to skip this will hurt your company's credibility and its ability to build a strong, sustainable network. If you fit in this category it only takes a few moments to legitimize what you're already doing well. As always I wish you continued business success.

About Kennedy Consulting Group, LLC

Kennedy Consulting Group, LLC is a full-service conference & meeting planning, special event management and media relations firm backed by 15 years of experience providing quality services for major corporations, non-profits and religious organizations.  Our track record includes a hand in planning the U.S. Dream Academy Gala, which raised over $1.9 Million by receiving match funds from Ms. Oprah Winfrey. Our boutique firm is woman owned.

www.kennedyconsulting.net