Tip #5
When I speak with event clients and colleague entertainers, they often confide their “horror stories” to me. Well 90% of the time it’s about disagreements during or just after the event. Why?
I hear them woefully say: “I thought,” and “He said,” “If only,” or “But, then!” And all those disappointments come down to one thing. There was no actual meeting of the minds.
I know I sound repetitive, but I’ll say again, the secret to a happy event, a happy host, and a happy performer is clear and constant communication.
- Maybe your first contact is by emails. Keep them brief, informative, and clear, Use bullet points.
- Then you speak by phone. Great, ask questions, listen, and take notes, yep, take notes.
- I’ve suggested before, and will again, a face to face meeting is invaluable, do it!
- Then there needs to be something clear and concise, but detailed, about what everyone is agreeing to. This can be by mail, fax, or an email attachment.
- Review the agreement letter or contract in detail, read it over twice, then, only if you feel it is accurate and complete, return your signed copy as soon as possible.
- Between the agreement date and the event date, periodically stay in touch, be sure any changes are communicated (that word again!)
- Double check everything together a day or so before the event, take the initiative to call if necessary.
- When you meet at your actual event compare notes, and be certain everything is covered and on track, take some time to dot the “I’s”.
- Now, it’s all in the performer’s lap. They must deliver as promised, if they don’t? More, and firm, communication is in order, but immediately after the event, don’t wait a day or a week to question what happened.
If all the clients I speak with, and all the performers I speak with, followed this simple pattern, there would probably be misunderstandings and problems only 10% of the time. Simple as that!
More to come…
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