Being locked down and stuck at home during this time is no fun, and certainly not ideal when it comes to running a business and juggling our client events. I’ll admit, I am not one to embrace an open schedule; I’m usually very go-go-go and I thrive in that environment. But with the recent developments of COVID-19 we have been forced to stay home and try to stay busy. So I wanted to share some ideas to keep you productive and focused during this time. It will pass and life will resume back to normal – we just have to take it one day at a time. #eventprofs

Extended Learning

I have about a zillion ‘blogs to read’ or ‘webinars to listen to’ saved on my computer. Now we have time! Each morning, when I get to my computer, I try to allow for 30 minutes to read a blog or listen into a webinar or podcast. Often times look on Skillshare for quick classes I can take to sharpen my skills – Excel 101 anyone?

Sweat

Again, we have a bit more time now, so why miss a workout? It’s tough being stuck at home but I find great workouts on YouTube, Instagram and thankfully we have a Peloton – Literally (minus COVID-19) I ride it 3+ times a week.

Make a ‘new’ Schedule

This has been very helpful for me – and let’s admit, things are a little different these days. Making a new schedule helps me organize my days with productive tasks and not get pulled into the news or random E! shows. I outline the schedule by key things I want to get done – sweat, walk the dog, do some laundry, etc. and then fill it in with client calls, emails, zoom meetings, etc.

Do Everything You’ve Been Putting Off

I don’t know about you, but I have several items on my to-do list that have been sitting there for months. So, I’m trying to knock some off while I have time. Really no excuses now.

Connect with Family

Even though we aren’t supposed to gather in groups, I have time to make a quick phone call to my mom or actually sit and talk with my husband. Seems simple but the power of human connection is very real. FaceTime happy hours are really the new trend!

Catch Up On Zzzz’s

Usually I’m up by 6:30am, but lately I’ve allowed myself a bit of grace here. I don’t set an alarm unless I have something scheduled. It allows for a slower start to my morning and a few more minutes of sleep, which never hurt anyone!

Update Your Admin Documents

Contracts and Invoicing – The fun and sexy stuff, right? No, but it needs to be done. So why not review and make updates when you have the time!?

Deep Clean Your Office

It’s never too early to spring clean. I’ve started tossing and recycling so much unwanted paper and clutter – Already feels SO good and spacious!

Finish a Home Project

I’ve had a couple projects that I’ve had on the list for months so I’m planning on tackling two things this week: Gallery Wall and the Garage Clean Out (wish me luck!)

Write a Blog

I go through phases with blogging. Sometimes I feel like I have creative ideas to put on paper and other times nothing. But since we have some down time, use your thoughts or silence to get creative!

Get Outside

Fresh air does wonders for the mind and soul. We have 7-month old pup, so it is an easy excuse for me to get him outside for a walk but it’s also a great chance for me to unplug and enjoy the fresh air.

Embrace It

I know, it’s a challenging mentally. I am trying my hardest to keep a positive mindset and to embrace this time. I’ve been trying to think of this time as moment to pause and reset. Whether that is focus on work, family, relationships, self-reflection or all of the above. I think now is an unscripted moment in time. Where we rarely have the opportunity to actually unplug, reflect and connect. So try to embrace it.

Stay healthy everyone! #theshowmustgoon

xo, Kayla

Kayla Cook Events specializes in event management and production. We’ve worked on small corporate events, festival VIP lounges and large scale 4,000+ person business conferences. No matter the size, scope or budget we follow a very specific blueprint for planning and executing events.

Do The Research

When we first meet with the client, we ask and identify these important event deliverables. It’s important to build a solid foundation with this information in order to understand how the event (and your client) will be successful.

· What are the Event Goals?

· What is the Event Budget?

· Who is the Audience and Stakeholders?

· What are the Event KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)?

Build The Team

We work very close with our clients to understand the mission and vison of the event. From there, we outline what partners and vendors we need to execute. It’s also very important to build strong relationships within the event industry so you have a skilled professional network to tap into. We have a preferred vendor list for both our corporate and social clients.

Communication & Organization

We believe very strongly that excellent communication and organization are essential for a successful event. You need to be able to communicate details, expectations, key dates, vendor information, etc. to make sure all stakeholders are on the same page when it comes to event specifics. There are some great management tools that make the management of information easy. A few of our favorites: Basecamp, Asana and Trello.

Promoting The Event

Whether you are sending invites or securing media and advertising, it’s curial to have a solid marketing plan for your event. First, we outline a workback schedule and goals for attendance. Based on the budget you’ve confirmed, we look into paid social options and incorporating that with our email campaign. It’s also very important that your branding and messaging is clear and direct – What is your call to action? We’ve worked with numerous clients that come to us with very mixed messages and our best advice is to remove the fluff and directly ask for what you want.

Finalize the Details

One of the last steps, finalizing your onsite details and building a run of show. We like to host a few production meetings leading up to the event with our key vendors. This is vital to align everyone and make sure everyone is crystal clear on details and expectations onsite.

The Event Debrief

Very important and commonly overlooked. Hosting a debrief meeting post-event with your client is crucial in gaining valuable feedback from them on the success of the event. Where the event goals met, did we stay on budget, where leads generated, is the client happy, etc.? Gathering feedback post-event, positive or negative, will help strengthen management skills for future events.