Volunteer Management

Posted by on Mar 19, 2012 in Blog, Management |

12 Best Practices for Developing a Volunteer Program 1. Planning and Organization   2. Policies and Procedures   3. Risk Management   4. Volunteer Recruitment   5. Screening, Interviewing and Placement   6. Orientation   7. Training   8. Supervision   9. Volunteer Performance Evaluation   10. Retention and Recognition   11. Recognition   12. Measuring Volunteer Program...

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Theme development tips on what to consider when in the design phase

Posted by on Mar 8, 2012 in Blog, Management |

When it comes to theme development, work with the stakeholders to develop a theme that establishes the message or image that will reach the intended audience, communicate the event experience being offered, and encourage participation. Design from Inspiration: Creativity depends on inspiration and inventiveness.  Keep a folder of newspaper articles, magazine clippings, to look back at for inspiration.  Theme ideas come from many different sources: Supplied by the client Topic research Site or destination Religion, political and history Popular culture The Arts Fashion Nature   Design to Colour: The color wheel is an invaluable tool for event designers and the lighting technicians.  The industry standard is produced by the Color Wheel Co. which is available through arts and crafts stores.  Pantone colors is the world-renowned authority on colour and provider of colour systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication see www.pantone.com Red = energy, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. Orange = enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success Yellow = the color of sunshine, associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. Green = nature, symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness. Purple = royalty, symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, creativity, mystery, and magic. Blue = trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. White = light, goodness, innocence, purity and it is considered to be the color of perfection. Black = power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery.   Design to the Senses: Sight – setting, props, floral arrangements, color, fabrics, food presentation, lighting, attire Sound – ambient noise (which may be good or bad depending on selection), soundscaping, musical entertainment, dialogue, dining sounds (i.e., glasses clinking, crunchy foods etc) Taste – food, beverage Touch – surfaces, fabrics, furnishings, food texture, visual textures (that stimulate the tactile sensation) Smell –  food aromas, flowers, fuels (cooking and power generation), scented candles/incense/oils, ambient aromas (natural scents) Design in Layers: Theme development is about layering all components of the event from behind the scenes to up front.  The following topics are broken down in brief to give a general idea of what to consider when in the design phase: Background Colour Focal Points Fabrics Furnishings Lighting Audiovisual Detailing Flooring Rentals Props Stages Signage Remember to develop themes that support the event objectives and communicate the desired message. Events are often put into a recognizable context by infusing them with a theme that will communicate the purpose and establish a set of expectations. Package the...

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Negotiating to REACH the best deals

Posted by on Mar 8, 2012 in Blog, Education, Management |

Many people avoid negotiating due to fear of conflict or lack of preparation. Negotiating doesn’t have to be a negative experience…it just takes a shift in perspective and some preparation. I’ve developed the REACH Negotiation Methodology- research, engage, assess, contract, and honor – to simplify the negotiation experience and remove some of the anxiety for those who fear negotiating. Here’s a quick overview of how it works: Research – determine what you and the other party truly need from the deal. Focus on a win-win, as this is the only way that both parties will leave the negotiation satisfied. Engage – once you’ve prepared, enter the negotiation process with a team attitude, you and the other party are a team with a common goal to put together a deal that is beneficial for both of you. Stay positive, it’s just business, don’t take it personally. Assess – before you say yes or no to the deal, make sure you take a time out to assess any new information that the other party has brought to light. This is essential if you are given new information that substantially contradicts what you thought you already knew about the other parties needs or your own. Contract – if you’re satisfied with the terms, it’s time to put it all in writing. Remember that the only terms that count are the ones that are in writing and signed off by both parties. Honour – the final, and most important step in the negotiating process, is to make sure you can honor the things you’ve promised in the negotiated contract. Your ability to honor your contract terms will not only boost your reputation, but set the foundation for future negotiations. re-published and written by Diana...

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