Personal Over Perfect

Hi Friends,

As events are continuing to evolve, with more types of virtual events than ever before (I’m working on my first ever Virtual Career Jam this week), and in-person events re-emerging in some small and new ways (like socially distanced retreats and book clubs), I’m hearing more and more how we are continuing to charter un-navigated territory.

The common theme for many in these new event waters, myself included, is “I’ve never done this before, so I don’t know if I’ll get it right.” Which often really translates to, “I don’t know if I should do this, or try this. Maybe it’s just easier (or safer, or less stressful) to wait it out and try again in the future.”

The great thing is, events do not have to be perfect to be amazing! We don’t have to know how to navigate every aspect of Zoom or perfectly account for every aspect of that socially distanced gathering.

What is important: Personal over Perfect!

Bring your unique personality and components to your event, and make the experience personal for your guests, and you’ll host an awesome event EVERY SINGLE TIME!

So, here are some of my favorite ways to make events personal – in whatever shape or form they may take.

• Give everyone a voice. Whether you are looking at faces through the computer, or across a park, giving everyone a chance to share and be heard is a great way to make your event personal and develop more engagement with your community. Say hi to everyone, ask everyone to share – with a question prompt or a topic, and facilitate conversation so that everyone can contribute.
• Add uniqueness and fun! I don’t know about you, but I think cookie cutter events are boring. So break the mold and add creativity and fun. Is it someone’s birthday? Ask everyone to wear silly party hats to celebrate. Is the energy stuck? Get everyone up dancing together. Is one of your quirky traits a love of hot sauce? Send everyone a bottle in advance and host a hot sauce tasting together. These personal, silly, and light hearted moments will go a long way in ensuring your event is personal and delightful! As for me… likely I’ll be sharing some Friends’ clips or sending out cheese baskets.
• Share the stage. Chances are, if you have brought together your community, it is going to be full of amazing people. 😊 Engage your attendees by asking them to take on additional roles and responsibilities that increase their investment in the event, and add another layer of personality and personal touches. Attendees can serve as workshop leaders, discussion facilitators, welcome ambassadors, chat managers, or directors of fun. This helps lighten your load as the event host, and keeps those personal touches extending further and further.

What are your favorite ways to make an event personal? Is perfection tripping you up? I’d love to hear what has worked for you, and what you are trying!

As you know, I love chatting about events, gatherings, and community, so if you want to connect and talk about building your community, your events, or just life in general, send me a note.

Happy Planning,

Elizabeth