Tales from Event Land

It's been a while since I posted anything.  I'd love to say "I'm back by popular demand"  or everyone's been asking "where are your posts?"  Bummer but I'm not there yet.  


Actually, I've been happily absorbed in event land.  As I've written about before, over the past year, I've been working on the launch of a new cycling event that will benefit the National Psoriasis Foundation which will take place on August 15th
(http://npf.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=556  in case you want to learn more) and it's been an amazing experience.    While I know I'll have tons of takeaways once I'm all through, I thought I'd share a few of the quick ones that are already quite clear.  I think these can apply to the launch of any initiative, event, or just about anything new you might try - hope they help:


Don't be afraid to try a little (or sometimes a lot) of anything:  I've done everything from straight up neighborhood door knocking to cold calling to standard tabling at corporations.    Stuff I thought would work for sure sometimes hasn't (i.e. standing in the lobby with the opportunity to meet just about every employee of a hospital).  And of course, I was pleasantly surprised to get the buy-in of absolute strangers I thought would have no interest (met some wonderful people through reaching out on linkedin). 


All it takes is one (or preferably a few) awesome volunteers to build the foundation:  Without a doubt, the most exciting thing is seeing one, two or maybe even many more volunteers get as excited as you are and start to lead the charge.  Thank them, honor them and treat them like gold (because they are!)


EVERYONE who gets on board is important:  While some volunteers get incredibly excited, a few may just be along for the ride.  No problem.  If you treat them as described above,you never know what could to spark them to the next level - or simply keep them just happy and engaged?  Write that extra thank you, make the phone call and treat them like their your next event Chair (who knows, they may be!)