|
1. Develop a budget: Establish a budget based on available
finances. An event need not be expensive but the amount of
money available will determine whether or not you have
invitations printed, food catered, etc.
2. Set the date and time: You will need to check with the
Chamber to determine when the best time is for your Mixer.
Usually 5:00PM to 7:00pm is best typically Tuesday,
Wednesday or Thursday. In addition, you need to allow time
to secure and mail invites as well as make other
arrangements for your event.
3. Space restrictions: You need to look at the space
available for the event. Determine how many people the space
can adequately handle. Consider the need for certain space
for people to gather and talk in small groups, the need for
a refreshment table, the need for space to take a picture,
etc. The space restrictions will determine how many people
you invite.
4. Invitations: Invitations can be hand-made, computer
generated or store bought. Any of these is acceptable but
the simpler, the better. Do not clutter the invitation with
a lot of pictures or wording. Get the point across in short
one-line bullet points. Be sure to mention your business
name, address, phone, email, web site, time, date, place,
what the event is, if an RSVP is necessary, call back
number, etc. If you are going to serve food and
refreshments, you should also mention this. Develop a guest
list and recheck it several times to be sure that no one has
been inadvertently overlooked. Be sure to send the
invitations well in advance. When using the Chamber’s bulk
permit, allow plenty of time for delivery.
5. Food & Refreshments: The budget you develop will
determine whether or not the event will be catered or if you
will make the refreshments. If money, time, etc. is an
issue, possibly partner with a local restaurant to arrange
cross promotion.
6. Alcohol vs. No Alcohol: The decision to offer alcohol is
strictly up to you. The Chamber assumes no liability if
alcohol is served. Your responsibility in regard to the law
is to: not serve to a minor (under 21 yrs. of age), not
allow someone who is already impaired to consume alcohol,
and to not allow someone who is already impaired to leave
your event and get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If alcohol
is served, no one is to go outside with alcohol in their
hand in a commercial setting. Be sure no one leaves with an
open container.
7. Be prepared to do business: At a Chamber event, members
will come to your event and will possibly do business. If
you provide a service, expect to get some leads to follow-up
and if you are a retail business, expect to do some
business. Have your cash register unlocked and if necessary,
have someone helping you with the event and sales. You will
need to be moving around the crowd to greet as many people
as possible and to possibly give tours of your business.
Having help will free you to do this.
8. Miscellaneous: There are many other considerations in
planning your event. Below are a few examples and you will
probably think of your own. Give each some thought and
integrate whatever you decide into your overall plans and
especially your budget.
* Themed Event and/or Decorations
* Drawings for door prizes (gets you the names and addresses
of attendees for a future mailing)
* Tours of the business / facility
* Background Music
* Pictures (other than Chamber-arranged pictures)
9. Thank You Cards : Remember that your opening event
establishes your relationship with the community, business
partners and all who took part in the event. Sending Thank
You cards to all who attended keeps your event and business
fresh in everyone’s mind in addition to bringing back
memories of the event. This is a great way to solidify your
business in the community!
|
