Event mistakes, oh great mistakes, can hurt you more than just your wallet, but your reputation as well. As an experienced Event Planner who offers Event Consulting Services too, I have seen it all. Planners with great ambition try to wing it as their plans fall flat and it’s such a shame. All their hard work and money put in just to be dismissed with a big ‘FAIL’ mark.
Here are a few ways that you can prevent disasters from happening before it’s too late.
Don’t Stretch Yourself Too Thin
There is such a thing as doing too much of everything. I’m not saying that you should give up on amazing opportunities, instead what I am saying is prioritize and value yourself by being exclusive. Give full focus to projects that matter in the long run, thereby using your time effectively.
And have you heard of burnout? A star that shines too brightly can burn out much faster and we wouldn’t want that.
Micromanaging
Yes, I said it – the “M” word. Sometimes you can’t even tell you are indulging in it. I can’t blame you because running a company or managing an event can really stress you out. I should know after 36 years as an Event Producer. Stress and burnout are real. Because of the stress and so many details to manage, it leads to a tendency to micro-manage details to ensure that everything goes perfectly. However, have you ever stopped to think about the causes and effects it can have on your team?
Having such high expectations can add tremendous pressure that might end up having a negative effect, if they are not allowed to freely finish the work you hired them to do. It is one thing to stick to a deadline and another to hover over their shoulders and repeatedly ask, “Is it ready yet?” Imagine yourself in this situation. It can get quite intense, can’t it?
Overpromising and Under-delivering
Yes, we’ve all been there. It’s so easy to get swept away by the delusion that everything can be achieved. Newsflash: not everything can! You can’t be out there promising the moon while it’s permanently miles away from us. Some requests are just impossible to deliver and saying “yes” isn’t going to cut it.
Remember, when you overpromise and underdeliver, it compromises your business reputation as someone who breaks their word. Yikes, that is the last thing we want—for ourselves to be seen as untrustworthy. So, a little reminder. It is okay to take a moment to fully see the bigger picture and determine if a promise is truly possible to fulfil in terms of time, expectations, and what else can be used as an alternative.
No Risk Plan – No Event Backup Plans
Unless you have some superpower to go back in time before a disaster, then you will be smack dab in the middle of one. Why risk it?! Going without a backup plan is like blindly trusting that everything will go well, and when it doesn’t, then what? You should always have a plan B or at least consider having one, as it can get very messy in a matter of moments.
I understand why some would say, “I have worked/booked with this company so many times, and they always deliver,” but what if that one precious time when they were most needed, they simply cancel or, worse, don’t show up at all? Believe me, I have been there, and I do not recommend being in this situation. However, if you ever work with me, you know that I always have backup plans.
Poor Budget Management – Inexperienced – No Contingency in Budget
One of my interns always loves to use the expression “no money, no funny.” I find that quite relevant and frankly hilarious because it’s true. With poor budget management, it’s almost too easy to run out of money. And when we’re out, it’s usually not a pleasant experience for all parties involved, especially when it comes to asking for more money. Ideally, you should avoid this at all costs with a meticulous budget plan and, obviously, some emergency funds to ensure that, in case of need, they’re there to use.
In terms of your clientele, it is more profitable to stick to the budget given by your client unless asked or encouraged by them to increase it. My advice is to know your clientele and stick to your word about working within their set budget parameters.
So, what are your common pitfalls to avoid? Check out my other blogs for more tips from a seasoned expert. For a free consultation, click here.
