A few tips on how to think outside the box.
Everyone wants an experience with a difference, to find “the perfect spot for 300 people”. But different is an imprecise word. Different means anything unexpected, anything beyond what you know and understand. Thinking creatively means thinking and doing things differently. Maybe you’ll do exactly the opposite of what you usually do. Or perhaps you’ll be inspired by another industry. What would the meeting be like if you were in the car industry? The food industry? Childcare!?
Three levels of courage.
The venue for the meeting – could you think out of the box for that? The nature of the meeting – any new ideas in terms of seating and how the message is delivered? The presentation – who usually delivers the message? Think new!
Start with your audience’s reality.
It’s their points of reference that determine what is different and what is not. They have the answers, not you.
Choose or reject.
Dreaming up creative solutions is not necessarily the same as simply choosing the wildest solution. But the truth is that just by starting to think outside the box, you’re making something positive happen. It’s quite simply developmental to think differently.
1. Draw up a long-term plan – perform a meeting analysis.
2. Find out what your meetings actually costs you at present.
3. Move away from the traditions of your industry. Create new ones.
4. Invest in your workforce – build the brand internally so that it can be seen from the outside.
5. Interact. Find out what your employees’expectations are Be open and clear, even with bad news.
6. Ask your customers. Is there something special they want you to do for them? It’s not a sign of weakness to ask. It’s being receptive.
7. Fill your event with more than just socialising. Even an event intended as a reward can carry a message.
8. Meet an events agency. Even if you’re not even planning an event. We’re happy to meet you without asking if you’re planning one!