Meeting Planners
Welcome! I am delighted that you and your colleagues have an interest in my work. I have been studying, writing about and speaking on generational differences, recruitment and retention of employees, succession planning, leadership and other workforce trends for a long time. What keeps it fascinating is that things keep changing. I never run out of new stories and illustrations. For that reason, no two presentations are exactly alike. I pride myself on mastering that fine balance between entertaining platform skills and thought-provoking content. But it all begins with preparation.
In addition to the actual presentation, here’s what you’ll get:
Research — As you might imagine, I know my content cold. My concern is learning about your group and their needs, whether you represent a corporation, an association, a government agency or an educational institution. Sure, I’ve worked with many organizations in each of those categories. But every one has a distinct culture that I need to understand. My research generally begins about 30 days prior to an event (unless you need to do it earlier). Research starts with a conversation with you and perhaps others you think would be able to provide pertinent information in my preparation. In many cases, I will want to speak with a selection of others within the organization to get a feel for day-to-day challenges, stories that will illustrate the work environment and maybe to gather some terminology and insights so that I can better identify with the audience. (You don’t want me to be calling your associates, employees or vice versa, do you?) Finally, I’ll conduct some background research on the industry by visiting websites, reading periodicals and so on. And all this for a presentation that may not last more than 45 minutes. I am proud to say clients consistently comment on the thoroughness with which I prepare. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Promotional copy — Unless your people are “volunteering to attend this mandatory event,” you will need to produce a promotion or agenda that will yank them in. My team and I have produced reams of bullets, learning objectives, fliers and promotions over the years that I will gladly share with you. After all, the more people in the seats the better. (I live in fear of speaking to 100 people in a 1000 seat theater.) Ask nicely, and we’ll customize anything you need.
Articles you can re-print– I had my first work published in a national magazine in 1983. (I was 3 at that time.) Since then, I have written hundreds of articles, editorials, columns and pamphlets and would be more than happy to share them with you and your organization as a means for promoting my appearance at your event. You can read some sample articles or peruse some of the GenTrends newsletters I’ve written and edited over the past 10 years. (Wow! Is it really that long?) Just ask, and I will provide you with the source document along with an illustration or two, if necessary.
Top-notch participant materials — Audiences these days expect content-rich materials that reinforce the session’s message. These are complete documents. The days of having adults fill in the blanks are dead. I want people to interact with me rather than the paper. After all, adults learn best when they are interacting rather than listening to the “talking head.” I can provide handouts in any format you need. (Please, please, please, please don’t make me supply PowerPoint slides that you will print out three or six to a page which reduces everything I have to say to some microscopic, mind-numbing drivel that your people won’t use. There!! I’ve said it. I feel better.) Here are a couple of samples to illustrate the content I provide.
Personal service — Let’s begin with my cell number: 303-807-3096. Really! I’d be happy to stop and visit with you unless I’m on the platform or in a meeting with another client. This is not because I’m deperate for business. Believe me, I’m not. It’s because I want to be of service as soon as I can. Let’s discuss your needs, your group, your desired outcome and your timing. After all, it begins with the relationship. Doesn’t it?
Call me right now — 303-807-3096 or fill out the form below. Let’s get started!