When Failure is NOT an Option

The planning and executing of a meeting can be a very daunting task (to say the least) for someone who has never planned a meeting before, or for someone who may only plan an occasional meeting or two while still trying to keep up with their day-to-day responsibilities.

Whichever the case may be, failure is NOT an option!

It will not speak well of you; it will not speak well of the company you represent. And it may in fact have dire consequences to your company’s bottom line. If failure is not an option, then, what do you need to do to succeed?

First, understand that it is the PROCESS or the system (or lack thereof) we use to get us started that can either keep us on track or send us off the rails. To be successful, the process must begin with a PLAN, one that identifies and/or defines:

• The goals and objectives and the theme and key messages you wish to convey.

• The intended primary and secondary audiences.

• The action items (key components or design elements) of the meeting such as but not limited to: Program Development/Content; Budget; Communication Plan, etc., and the multitude of tasks related to the actionable items.

Second, I firmly believe that planning a meeting is much more than a one-person job. As you create your PLAN, I encourage you to also do the following.

• Surround yourself with a team of experts to share in the process.

• Define the levels of authority by which the team will operate.

• Come up with a task list/timeline for keeping track of all tasks, deadlines and people responsible.

• Keep everyone accountable.

• Meet regularly.

• Keep good notes and don’t forget or hesitate to follow up on missed assignments.

  
  

Plan to succeed. Start with a plan. The rewards will follow.

Thank you.

Mary Jo Wiseman, CMP | Author

The Meeting Planning Process: A Guide to Planning Successful Meetings