Organizing A Successful Small Business Event

Though social media holds big benefits for small businesses, it does not eliminate the need for face-to-face interaction. Customers still require a personal touch to build trust and there is no better way to provide it than by holding an event. The most value is derived when the event is properly planned, promoted, and executed.
Before outlining the structure of the event, determine its goal. Do you want to get new customers or increase business during a slow season? Or, is it time to thank existing customers for their patronage? Think about the goal and the target audience and base the structure on these. Consider whether customers will find value in guest speakers, demonstration sessions, or new item previews.
Formalize the event by designing and printing invitations that include tickets. If appropriate, allow recipients to bring a guest because this could land some new customers. Create gift bags that include product samples, coupons, and branded promotional items like t-shirts. Ask partners to donate items for raffles and solicit sponsors to help finance the event.
Having an RSVP allows you to create enough gift baskets and order a sufficient amount of food. Send email reminders regarding the event and response deadline date. To make this process easier, use content from the invitations as the body of the email. Include an agenda so people know what they will be treated to if they to attend.
Decorate the venue with a welcome banner, balloons, and table centerpieces. Assign someone to take tickets at the door and a few other people to direct guests to the proper area. After the event, send personalized thank you notes to those who attended and post pictures on the company website and Facebook page. Get additional publicity by submitting an event recap and some photos to the local media outlets.

Recruiting Volunteers For Your Church

People are so busy these days that they barely have time to get enough sleep, let alone volunteer their time to others. As a church representative, you know how difficult it is to get people to attend services. Asking them to devote even more of their time often results in frustration. Even those who want to help with church bazaars, facility improvement, and bible study groups may not have enough free time.
If you show churchgoers the value of volunteer efforts, they may change their tune. This begins with formalizing the volunteer process, something many churches do not do. People interested in volunteering should be screened to determine where their skills can be best used. Volunteers should receive formal training so they can perform assigned tasks in the proper manner. Using volunteers effectively reduces burnout, allowing the church to maintain a consistent roster.
Create brochures that explain the various volunteering opportunities and how each benefits the community. Once people understand the different roles and their value, they may be more likely to volunteer. Use thick, UV coated flyers to advertise open volunteer positions to the community. Non-members may have interest in helping out to learn more about the church.
Distribute volunteering brochures after church services and at church events. Provide volunteering opportunities for youngsters, allowing them to get involved at an early age. Children can help distribute church programs or assist with displaying items at church fairs. Older children can sell tickets at church potluck dinners and silent auctions.
In addition to publicizing volunteer opportunities, UV coated flyers promote the church to the public. Businesses and politicians will see what the church is doing to improve the community. This may inspire them to play a more active role in the church by donating money, products, or services. They may even donate the gift of their time.