Meeting News - January 5, 2009 - (Page 46)

MN Webcast Report Prove It! How Planners Can Demonstrate Their Value ince meetings are often one of the first line items to be cut during a downturn, it’s important for planners to show that they add real value to their organizations. A recent S Virtual Meeting World panel,“Prove Your Worth and Become Indispensable,” tackled this tough and timely topic, offering actionable strategies. Corrie Dosh, destinations editor for sister pub- lication Successful Meetings, said planners need to consider corporate values, like acting strategically, containing costs, and teamwork, and then tap personal strengths that support those values. For example, if you plan meetings for a technology company, emphasize how innovative you are. One of Dosh’s big “don’ts” is for planners to assume that their work speaks for itself. Although a meeting may have taken months or even years to plan, an executive is on site for only a couple of days and is likely preoccupied with things other than taking in every detail of your amazing work. It’s important for planners to point out how they were able to negotiate X percent off room rates and mention other quantifiable results. Noted Steve Prats, VP of HelmsBriscoe, “If done right, self-promotion is a good thing.” Prats reiterated Dosh’s point that planners should consider company values and position themselves as solutions providers. “The difficulty we face is how do we self-promote without being braggadocios?” Prats said, adding that outside an interview, people rarely get a chance to describe their best qualities. So, it’s vital to create chances to discuss ideas and projects with superiors. Prats mentioned that planners should be willing to share their knowledge. If someone needs information about getting binders assembled, or is new to trade shows, planners should say, “Hey, I work on the events team. If you need help, let me know.” This positions you as an expert and willing to help. Being relevant, knowledgeable, trusted, and distinctive are the four pillars of personal branding, said Gary Sain, CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Your brand is a reflection of who you are and what you believe, which is expressed by what you do and how you do it.” He noted that for many people, there is a difference between how they think they are perceived and reality. Sain is a big proponent of mentors, which he said are invaluable because they provide honest feedback; he recommended finding one or more mentors for professional and personal development. And, don’t wait for a review to ask your superiors how you’re doing, Sain added. This is a great way to gauge how you’re being perceived. To prove your worth, check out the archived webcast at VirtualMeetingWorld.com. H —Kinley Levack www.meetingnews.com 46 MeetingNews January 5, 2009 http://presentations.inxpo.com/Shows/Nielsen/01-08/Registration/FromClient/webcast.html http://www.3-2-1connect.com http://www.3-2-1connect.com http://www.VirtualMeetingWorld.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - January 5, 2009

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