Grab Your Partner and Do-si-do

It is impossible to do online event planning alone (unless you’re Jeannie or Samantha Stephens). You’ll need really great partners to work with. Selecting an online event partner should not be done flippantly. You will be spending countless hours together. You need to be able to trust each other. You may need these people to talk you off the ledge from time to time. Seek out experts that can not only do the job you are contracting them to do, but they understand and support the mission, vision, and values of the event you are planning.

A partner who hasn’t grasped the adventure of the journey you will be on together can turn into an anvil. Yes, they may be able to do the job adequately, but do you really want to spend hours and hours in a meeting reminding them of the reason for the event or its goals and objectives? Interviewing an event contractor should not be much different than hiring a personal assistant.

What to look for in a quality partnership:

1. Does their organization’s mission, vision, or values align with yours? I mean, if you are a Cubs fan and they are Sox fans, will you be able to sustain this relationship long term? Probably not. You need to be on the same page foundationally.
2. Are they responsive? Do they reply to emails and phone calls in a timely manner? When they do return your call, are you able to get what you need, and is it helpful? Having to chase down information or end up repeating yourself over and over is incredibly inefficient.
3. How are their fees structured? Are things included or are you being itemized for each and every single minute/paper/design for your event? A partner who has bought into the vision behind your event is less likely to “nickel and dime” you to death.
4. Do you “click?” It’s hard to put your finger on it sometimes, but there are just certain people you know you want to be around. They bring out the best in you. Your conversations are insightful and productive. Maybe they ask really good questions. This partner may even cost a little more than their competition, but the relationship will be worth its weight in gold when you don’t need a Xanax before each conversation because they totally stress you out.

It’s not just online event planning. Finding the right people to do business with is so important, I can’t begin to tell you the hundred reasons why. Trust me, I’ve done the leg work. I’ve worked with the good, the bad, and the ugly. My friends and family like me way better when I’ve found the “right man for the job.”

Do you have a partnership success or challenge you could share with others? Feel free to share it below or email me.

I created this blog to help others who plan events. If you know of someone,
pass it on, and be sure to like it!