I think you have heard this one before, but in this case today I am talking about venues.  Venues are the quintessential element of planning.  Your choice of venue will define your entire event.  If you do not do your venue research you could end up with an ordinary event that could have been awesome.

 Always request an RFP (Request for Proposal) that outlines all your event needs.  Ask for this for every potential venue you are interested in.

 Most RFP will include:

Cost of Venue
Capacity of Venue
Adequate break out rooms
Parking Options
AV Cost
Directions to Venue Location
Hotel Availability and distance from venue
Photos of rooms and floor plans
Onsite Catering
Fees

 You may have more needs depending on your event. If so please make sure you talk to the venue to answer all your questions.

 If you have any questions I would love to hear from you! Thanks for reading!

 Amelia Talford
Event Planner and Owner of Last Minute Details Event Planning & Concierge
www.lastminutedetailseventplanning.com

We partner with our clients to offer Event Planning and Errand Services to: Individuals, Businesses, and Non-Profits we take the hassle out of your life.

One of the first challenges with cultural maturity is understanding that you must first take care of yourself. Understand who you are. Why? Often we focus our attention on relating to others by merely tolerating them. Most people tolerate others so they can quickly move on. We don’t know the other person very well but we want to “appear respectful” when the workplace or community requires tolerance.

However, tolerance—by definition—means putting up with others’ unique characteristics, imperfections, and differences. Tolerance has been frowned upon because the perception is that you do not really care about that person. But, to truly express tolerance requires putting aside the focus on ourselves to see uniqueness. In order to accomplish this you must first understand yourself.

How do you begin? Think about this. It is almost impossible to understand, respect, embrace, care for, or validate another person if you have not invested the time in developing yourself or your people.

Personal development is important to building relationships. Technology may be the first choice of communication but, in order to develop long lasting culturally mature relationships, there is nothing like developing an understanding of someone the old fashion way: in person and face-to-face. This may be time-consuming, but building that relationship and uncovering your spirit is the first step in taking care of yourself and truly embracing others.

Call (704) 246-4482 to learn more.

or go to EducationalEnhancementInc.com

What we believe is our reality because what we think expresses itself in our lives. Often, we make wrong decisions about people because of fear of the unknown. What we know overrides what we feel.

We all know people who stay with organizations and companies if they like their leaders and peers, and who will leave if they do not—despite whatever challenges or opportunities they face. Changes will bring about difficulties in getting to know each other and build these stable bonds of trust.

Change will evoke an array of emotions. You may have the desire to change, but if you do not change your mind you may have a lot of difficulty letting go of the familiar. Change takes time and retreating back to your old ways may seem the simplest way to accomplish a task. However, you must be able to let go of the past in order to move forward. You must stay disciplined, even when you may not like some of the things you are asked to do, especially for other people.

Although change is not easy, change comes when we are able to acknowledge and confront our fears. Change will inspire new opportunities and new people into your life.

Call (704) 246-4482 to learn more.

or go to EducationalEnhancementInc.com

Did you know 90% of what we learn is through listening!  Despite all the technological advances we have today and the world wide web, our listening skills are what help us learn and process information, culture, to care about others and learn about ourselves. Enhancing your listening skills can help you avoid conflict, miscommunication and misunderstandings. By using several simple techniques you can avoid some of these common barriers. Like simply focusing on the content not how the person is delivering the information-remember you may deliver information in a different way. Avoid distractions by not allowing your mind to wander-that means stop what you are doing and if you are face-to-face maintaining eye contact. Want to learn more?

Then Join us on Tuesday March 16^th 9am-3pm for the Power of Words-Listening Skills Workshop. Contact Dr. Felecia Harris at 704-661-5195 or email info@educationalenhancementinc.com for registration information and fees.

Believe it or not the  number one fear people have according to the Guinness Book of Records over such things a flying, insects, heights, snakes, small/large spaces, diseases (heart /cancer) is speaking in public. Many of us watch in amazement eloquent speakers like President Barack Obama, motivational speaker Les Brown or powerful spiritual leader T.D. Jakes.

Success with communicating with others is one of the most important ways we develop relationships. Yet very few people invest the time to learn how to effectively communicate, especially face-to-face with digital technology fast becoming the communication platform of choice. For your last presentation, how much time did it take for you to prepare? Studies show for every 15 minutes of your presentation you need one hour preparation time! Using a storytelling method will also help you bring out your unique qualities and personalize your material for your audience.

Developing relationships is critical for sales, business prospects, closing that deal or project; building your network or client base and effectively communicating an important message or your brand for new opportunities.  How you “Pitch” will make all the difference in your success.

 Interested in Perfecting Your Pitch? Register for Educational Enhancement’s remaining seats for Thursday Feb. 18^th 9-3pm session. Mention Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce” and receive a 25% discount off the standard registration by emailing info@educationalenhancementinc.com or calling 704-661-5195.

Dr. Felecia C. Harris,
President, Educational Enhancement, Inc.

1. Take advantage of social networking because it’s free. You and everyone involved in planning should be Tweeting and Face booking, and on my space  about the event DAILY along with a link to sign up. Get people excited  about  it. 
 
2. Three days before the final RSVP date, make sure to send out an email blast. This is a specific call to action. Get them to realize that this is  their last chance to be part of the fun.

3 . Don’t have a big budget for decor consider places like Trader Joes or the  farmer’s market for flowers. Or borrow props and decor from other events  or even Thift shops.

4. Thank your team that helped you make the event awesome. 

5. Call up the Press get the media to come out or even attend your event.

6. Have fun! Enjoy your event you have worked hard!

Amelia Talford
Last Minute Details Event Planning & Concierge
amelia@lastminutedetailseventplanning.com 
www.lastminutedetailseventplanning.com 
704.618.4691

Welcome the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Chamber of Commerce Biz Blog!  We’re just getting started so stay tuned as we gather information designed to help you grow your business.