Who in the world are you?
Sometimes it’s like meeting a blind date for the first time…or the night before a huge interview! Starting a new contract and meeting the stakeholders related to an event or a project can be challenging and tense! But honestly, this is one of the most critical and the most fun parts of the relationship.
It doesn’t matter what project or event or plan you will be working on, getting to know the people who will help make it successful is a critical step. These are some of the most important people who are going to come together as a team!
Staff
Are there staff members already in place? How long have they worked with the organization? What is their role with the program or event? These are people that would likely be able to help you through the process but not always. Regardless, you will need their help at some point along the way and it’s important to get to know them as quickly as possible with sincerity and honesty.
Key Volunteers and Committee Members
These folks are always interesting and challenging! These people are motivated by a variety of different factors and it’s always an adventure to identify each volunteer’s strengths, their passion, their motivation and their ‘line of no return.’ The ‘line of no return’ is that line by which you may have asked a volunteer to do more than what they are willing to put in. Key volunteers and committee members are really the backbone of most non-profit organizations. Without these walking, talking passionate marketing people, the organization would not exist. They are amazing…and challenging…and they are what make these experiences fantastic!
Donors and Funders
Depending on the scenario or the scope of the project, you may be working directly with donors and funders. These folks definitely look at logistics and operations differently and always have a unique perspective. They have great ideas…sometimes we can’t always implement the ideas but it doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea! I have always adored working with this group because they typically find unique ways to do things better or different for the overall benefit of the organization.
Vendors
Every organization has their preferred ‘go to’ folks for printing, design, audio visual, or whatever the need. It’s typically a blast getting to know them and working through the various processes of how things get done. Every business model is unique to what works for that business and it’s always interesting to meet new contacts.
This is not an inclusive list of the various personalities that are around the table when you first start a contract or a project. It’s an exciting time! It’s a blast getting to know the players and who’s on first…or who’s the relief pitcher…or who’s on the bench until THE VERY LAST INNING! Everyone has a role on the team and it’s a matter of when and where they fit. Events and projects are always about the people and the relationships! And, when you’re first starting out, it’s a clean, clear slate.