One + - July 2010 - (Page 46)

Steve Kemble A Dose of Sass Refresh Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself THE KIDS ARE OUT OF SCHOOL, FAMILIES ARE ON VACATION and many cor- porations are taking breaks from meetings and events (their own vacations of sorts). It’s the time of year when those of us in the industry start to worry about slow summer business—at least in the Northern Hemisphere. But since the pattern repeats every year, we learn to take the time to refresh our minds and souls. Here are some of my recommendations. Re-evaluate your business goals. We all set goals, and now is the ideal time to evaluate these goals and the progress (or lack of progress) made. While our industry is a bit slower this time of year, it gives us the perfect opportunity to evaluate what has not been achieved and review carefully what is working and what is not. Find what you can do better to reverse what is not working by identifying problems and creating solutions, and explore other avenues of business. Consider more social business (since social business is consistent year round and in many cases— such as weddings—flourishes in the summer months). Now is the time to decide whether this is an avenue you want to pursue. Meet with business associates and colleagues. When we are crazy busy, we don’t have time to meet with business associates, colleagues and friendly competitors. Some of the most fascinating and valuable parts of this industry are the relationships that develop over the years. Take time and reach out to your associates and ask them how their businesses are doing and what their plans are for the remainder of the year. Remember, sharing is the ultimate way to grow—and there is enough business for all. When we all grow, it legitimizes and gives credibility to the profession. Reconnect with your clients. I love to reconnect with current and former clients during this time of year. You may learn about new business opportunities. You may have changed the direction of your company during the global financial crisis, and your clients may have changed. Reconnections can result in new business as well as shared memories of successful programs gone by. Take time for yourself. Don’t feel guilty about taking a day off, and forget the times of year that you literally work 24/7. Incorporate a dose of balance into your life, attend more yoga classes, take walks in the park with your dogs and vacation with friends and family. About the time you read this article, I will be on a European vacation mixing a little bit of pleasure and business— but trust me—mostly pleasure! I have even set personal goals for this trip—leave the BlackBerry and computer off as much as possible and enjoy the moment. I will come back refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to tackle the busy fall season. BIO 46 one+ 07.10 STEVE KEMBLE has been the magic behind countless international events for more than 20 years, from celebrating NFL players’ accomplishments to organizing parties for two presidents. Follow him at www.adoseofsass. com or on Twitter @stevekemblechat. http://www.adoseofsass.com http://www.adoseofsass.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of One + - July 2010

One+ - July 2010
In It Together
Contents
The Energy of Many
Impressions
Overheard
Agenda
Top Spots
Focus On
SoundOff
Hot Buzz
Art of Travel
Your Community
Making a Difference
Connections
Irrelevant
Refresh Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
Who Owns Social, Anyway?/Embrace the Changing Pace
Penalty for Posting Event Videos Online
Improving Your Meeting Performance
Want to Kill Your Chances at Getting a Job?
A Natural Fit
Wearing the Green Crown
Off the Beaten Path
Cracking the Code
Clear Your Mindspace
There Is No Try
Grassroots Giving
Recognizing Market Transformation
Meet Where?

One + - July 2010