lisa-candy-event

Think you "just don't do" morning meetings?

lisa@candyconsulting.ca (Lisa Gareau) — Sat, 27 Feb 2021 16:17:57 GMT

Think you "just don't do" morning meetings? You may want to think again!

Over the years I have had to reinvent what I tell myself about mornings in general. Do any of my "morning resets" sound familiar to you?

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Really?

As a night-owl turned morning person I may be up at the wee-hours of the morning but I certainly won't be having more than my carefully crafted cuppa jo before 10 am.

But I still get the nutrition I need during the day!

They say a calm morning routine will set you up for your day. Really?

Raising my girls on my own while building my business meant a typical morning was a frenetic exercise in making sure everyone - including me! - had their books, bags, and sanity in the van before we could head out into the world.

But we were still productive and passionate about what we set out to do!

AND ...

They say early morning meetings bring foggy minds to the table. Really?

In all my years of adventure, travel, business, planning, coaching, and motherhood I had to be ready - anytime - to "do the work" and "bring the passion" to a conversation. I'm not a superwoman, and some mornings I feel foggy, frustrated, or flustered with the amount of life to live and work to do.

But I've always open to creative conversations and collaboration whenever they happen and - well - they are often better than a shot of caffeine anyway!

Are you ready to rethink "morning meetings"?

Join us at the next planning peer POP-IN!

You'll be in good company. :)

PS. Join us for THE PLANNER'S POP-IN every week on Wednesdays at 8:30 - 9:30 AM MST! Now, each week over an early-morning hour, for the cost of a truck-stop bacon 'n egg grand-slam, I've opened the door for planning peers to meet, be introduced to a special pop-in guest, and discuss a relevant event topic for the week. So many aspects of face-to-face gatherings have changed - so we'll have lots to catch up on! Register here : https://theplannerspopin.eventbrite.ca

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

lisa@candyconsulting.ca (Lisa Gareau) — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 03:39:13 GMT

Often times we think about resources in broad terms and processes like budgets and timelines but the most overlooked aspect in the matter of resources is our team.

Not only do we benefit from having extra hands on deck, but the shared suggestions, strategies, and creative input from different people really create a robust pool of assets from which we can draw amazing ideas.

Creating a Shared Purpose

The main goal when planning events is to capture the attention of the people in the room. Whether it’s a team building session, conference or fund raiser, giving meaning to an event keeps people engaged and willing to participate. Team dynamics play a huge role in building meaning and purpose by using collaborative ideas with the intent of sharing a cohesive idea.

Shaping the Future

As event planners and promoters of creativity, connections, and shared purposes, our future stands on the idea of sharing the same dreams, values and ideals. Building a plan for growth and longevity is high on the list of the strategic blueprint. Succession planning, team building, and role definition are key inputs into the design of event strategies and will ensure success in the long run to promote a return on investment much more efficiently.

Connecting with Others

People naturally subscribe to new trends, innovations, and being associated with people of influence. We naturally want to be connected to who and what we love the most. Events have a way of bridging those gaps by bringing like-minded people together and celebrating those connections. Plugging the right team members into the roles that create these experiences is an important way of setting the pace for these relationships to be made. Knowing the strengths of your teammates will enhance your guest experience because you are able to input their skill sets into the plan in order to maximize interactive opportunities.

Making It Happen

Utilize your team members’ individual skill sets to amplify your reach and impact on your events. Find out who has talent in specific areas and employ those talents to expedite the execution. The best part of this plan is that when you use your team to the best of their abilities, they feel valued and appreciate the work more because they connect with it intrinsically.

There will always be room to adjust the details and bring together all of the pieces to make it happen but if you undervalue your team members, you will notice a disconnect and less commitment to excellence. Rome was not built in a day and events take time to create and execute. However, if you have the right people in place, the path to success is paved much more smoothly.

Inspired Leaders Inspire Leaders

lisa@candyconsulting.ca (Lisa Gareau) — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 03:21:17 GMT

What does it mean for YOU to be a leader of leaders?

YOU ARE A CURIOUS LEADER

When you make a point of exploring new territory, sitting in the presence of something different, or entertaining another’s point of view, you’re learning. And when you’re learning more, you’ll be leading better.

YOU ARE A CREATIVE DABBLER

When you awaken the curiosity in your team with questions. Trying things that may at first feel new and uncomfortable can lead to lots of questions. Don’t worry about answering them all.

YOU ARE A CHANGE AGENT

By letting questions flow out of curiosity – free of agenda – your team will get thinking about new ways to approach their own directions, decisions, and creative pursuits.

YOU EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

When you open your eyes to each new day. Routine can be necessary or comforting but encourage your team to head into a new project with a sense of expectation.

YOU HELP OTHERS EXPORE

How does your team know when a spark of inspiration is something to pay attention to? Encourage them to pursue those things that make them feel energized, intrigued, and curious. Go down that rabbit hole – just for a bit – and see where it leads!

YOU WELCOME WARMTH

Like a kind friend – moments of inspiration that you are meant to pursue will challenge you but they won’t push you past the point of healthy engagement. Be sure you are also challenging your team as a leader, but be careful not to push anyone over the edge of inspiration when they’re not prepared or ready to fly!

YOU HAVE LEARNED TO LET GO

As we create from our talent, heart, and soul, it can be hard to let go once we’ve had a monumental creative experience. Give your team room to celebrate the moments of inspiration and then be an example of how to also learn from it, let go, and move on. There will be new inspiring moments right around the corner!

YOU KNOW THERE IS MORE TO COME

Trust that if your current idea – or project – isn’t “working” you can close the file and anticipate another angle or idea will take its place.

YOU RELEASE AND EXPERIENCE PEACE

When you are a big picture planner at heart it can be hard to let go of big plans and concentrate on the moment. Learn to set plans in place but then move through the day to day with a trust knowing your team can be attentive and responsive to each moment of inspiration.

Keep Calm with Candy's Coloring Book and Plan On!

lisa@candyconsulting.ca (Lisa Gareau) — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 01:29:46 GMT

Last year was a string of challenges for anyone planning or promoting their own events ...

Because we feel your pain, our team here at Candy, along with beloved Canadian artist Dean Stanton, welcome you to enjoy our The Event Planners Keep Calm Coloring Book for FREE.

When you feel you’re at the end of your event planning rope it's time to add yourself - and your wellbeing - to your critical path. As you start a new year, take time to close your laptop, find your colored pencils, settle into a comfy chair, and create some calm in your day.

Link through here if you're ready to set YOUR inner artist free!

Simply fill in the form below to let us know where to send your FREE copy of this fun and fresh, 16-page, made-for-you coloring book.

Always know we are with you on the planning journey and remind you it IS possible to "keep calm and plan on" into 2021 and beyond.

May you experience a calm and happy start to your new year!

Show up, Share, & Shine

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 00:03:49 GMT

As an event planning coach, I have the privilege of seeing people gather in so many amazing, fun, and meaningful ways.

When an event planning team comes together to support a community building initiative, a business owner’s new product launch, or the birth of a creative project, great things happen – things so much bigger than any one individual could accomplish on their own.

It’s easy to say working together is better than going it alone, but how do we learn to show up with our gifts, share our gifts with the community, and support others so – together – we can shine? Here are three steps to making a greater impact.

Show Up: Explore your Unique Gifts

We all have something that lights us up, energizes us, gives us meaning, and strength. Understanding what you bring to the table is the first step to meaningful contribution.

You might not know what that is yet but don’t give up. Stepping up to help a neighbour, volunteering in a local event, or trying something new might be the beginning of your journey of discovering what you can offer.

Share: Bring your Gifts to the Table

The varied roles needed on an event planning team are akin to the roles necessary to building a strong community. There are those who plan, others who serve.

Those who tell stories and others who get joy out of making meaningful connections. Just like it takes a diverse team to pull together a successful event, it takes a diverse community to build a vibrant place to live and work. Your community needs your unique gifts and abilities.

Shine: Lift Up the Gifts of Others

We do not diminish our own light by fuelling that of others. Each member of our community has gifts to share. We all have a role to play.

By lifting others up, encouraging the use of their gifts, and giving them opportunity to succeed, we will all experience greater success. This is the ultimate act of community; when all parts work together, growing into a healthy web of activity.

Centering Through Crisis

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 23:03:48 GMT

Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free. - Christy Ann Martine

With all the ups and downs of the last few months I was thankful to be able to head to a favourite playground, the Columbia Valley, in Canada's Eastern corner of beautiful British Columbia.

My head had been spinning from the initial impact of the Coronavirus on the event world. As a friend said at the end of March, it was like emerging from a building that had been bombed . . . dazed and confused.

The first, most human instinct, was for us to shake off the rubble and check if our clients and friends were OK. Then, when the shock was starting to wear off, we started to survey the damage.

Events, as we all know, are the lifeblood for many businesses, organizations, or groups. Events can be a platform to bring in much needed funds, new friends, and paying customers from gathering to gathering all year round.

Fundraising Professionals had to find alternative ways to raise funds. As one client told us, "The ability to gather may have stopped, but the need has not!".

Many Administrative Professionals were now tasked to find ways to move their events online or create 2021 hybrid options for their companies or organizations.

Many marketing teams had to take face to face events out of their marketing mix completely. Ouch!

Even with all the changes we're managing here at Candy, I still see - and am inspired by - the resilient among us.

Thank you to those who are showing up for each other. We are connectors. We are creators. It's time to step deeper into who we are. For me, I found my rhythm on the water.

N ow it's time to get back on dry land, connect with others, and start to create a new future in event planning.

Who's with me?

Get up & Skill up

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 23:03:48 GMT

When the going gets tough, the tough get skilled up. When it comes to event planning there will always be curve balls thrown our way. If we want to stay in the game - no matter what comes - learning new ways of doing things will be essential. And if you lean in, get the right support, and give yourself some slack, "skilling up" might be fun too!

FIND YOUR PASSION & PURPOSE

Learning new skills can be hard, will take time, and you'll look silly now and then as you learn. You must be able to keep going in your pursuit, and for that you'll need a strong reason to continue. Make sure your quest will lead you to the treasure you seek by understanding why you're doing it in the first place.

ACTIVELY LOOK FOR SUPPORT

Believe it or not, those that have the skill you need are most often willing to help you learn - or at least set you off in the right direction. Ask trusted friends or colleagues to suggest people or programs that can help you learn faster than you would by yourself. Getting from 0-60 as fast as possible is key in crisis!

CREATE ROOM FOR MASTERY

In crisis you will need to deploy solutions as fast as you are learning new skills. Where skilling up becomes "fun" is when the crisis has settled or your plans have been put in motion, and you have time to perfect the skill. Humans are built for mastery and it feels great to not only deploy a solution but do it well.