(10475,3,'2018-02-21 14:31:36','2018-02-21 14:31:36','<h2>Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, New Jersey\nEvent Company of the Year</h2>\n<h3>Strategic Events Summary</h3>\nStrategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. We take that directive and work with the sales and marketing team to make sure everyone has the same goal. Read on to learn more about the event company of the year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\n\nArmed with that <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategically-building-your-information-pipeline/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">information</a> we can then select the appropriate location, venue, room sets, food and décor. We appreciate that the meeting\'s content is an integral component of the program so we pay special attention to those details as well. From creating speaker tips to slide templates assuring everyone is using the same size slides, we help coordinate what\'s happening inside the ballroom, not just the logistics around it. Speaker run-throughs are hosted and on the day of the event we\'re there with our rundown in hand, greeting speakers, keeping the timing on schedule and making sure the session runs smoothly\n\nWhile that\'s happening, the rest of the team is setting up for evening and offsite <a href=\"https://strategic.events/become-strategic-planner/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">strategic</a> events, handling pop-up requests, confirming transportation arrangements, handling room drops and managing all the <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-supplies-inventory/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">onsite</a> details.\n\nClients are able to eat, sleep until the sun rises and actually enjoy their event because we have everything more than handled. When a client throws her arms around you and tells you she couldn\'t ever imagine holding an event without you, you know you\'ve hit the mark.\n<h3>Event Showcase One</h3>\n<strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Fa Bene!</span></strong>\n\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-4640\" title=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FaBene-1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\" width=\"465\" height=\"308\" />\n\nWhat do you do with this client request? \"We need a networking event and an ice breaker but we can\'t make it look as if we\'re doing an ice breaker or a team building event\".\n\nFor the SME team, the answer was taking the guests to a winery in Rome during their incentive trip to Italy. Once there, they met the woman who has been cooking in the winery\'s kitchen for more than 30 years. The plan was for her to show everyone how to make hand rolled pasta. The catch: she didn\'t speak a word of English and few of our attendees spoke Italian.\n\nThe guests watched as \'Nonna\' broke an egg into the farina flour and began to knead the mixture. They followed suit, some with more success than others. As Nonna walked \'round the table to inspect the guests\' handiwork she expressed her pleasure or dismay in one of two ways: a kiss on each cheek and a hearty, \'fa bene!\' was heard or she\'d pat you on the cheek. The fun part was that before she\'d pat your cheek she\'d put her hand on the table so it was covered in flour, and THEN give guests a friendly pat. Needless to say much laughter ensued whether you had to bend down to let this powerhouse of no more than 5\' either kiss you or cover you in flour.\n\nGuests were brought to a large, rustic dining room where they sampled literally dozens of Nonna\'s creations. The pasta course arrived and was devoured, just as everything else was.\n\nWine, merriment, great food and now good friends the team bonded and networked and were none the wiser.\n\nTo that we also issue a hearty; \'Fa bene!\'\n<h3>Event Showcase Two</h3>\n<strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Dancing in the Dark</span></strong>\n\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-4641\" title=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/iluminate2w-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\" width=\"505\" height=\"284\" />\n\nThe window we have to plan <a href=\"https://strategic.events/event-strategist/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">strategic</a> events is getting smaller with each passing year. What was once a twelve month <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-event-planning-profession/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">planning</a> cycle has devolved into twelve weeks and in the instance of this program we had just about twelve days. I had the pleasure of picking up a new piece of business from a referral and it was the most challenging \'easy piece of business\' I\'ve had in a long time!\n\nThe client was hosting a medical team of approximately 75 people. They wanted entertainment that was something guests would likely have never seen before. It had to have a technology flavor and there was a very limited budget. The challenges were numerous; the client\'s style was unknown to me, their audience a bit hard to get details on and the event was in a space I\'d never seen and had no time to site.\n\nUltimately, a <a href=\"http://www.iluminate.com/\">dance group</a> that performed in the dark was selected so the quick turn preparations began. Tickets were booked from all parts of the country, housing needs had to be tended to, hospitality riders had to be fulfilled and diagrams drawn. And, oh, by the way, we needed to construct a black box and stage for the dancers as they needed a performance area that was devoid of all light for their act to be successful.\n\nMy production connection was a hero. His team built a stage with blackout sidewalls and ceilings, a Marley floor and a traveling curtain. We created the setup in 1/3 of a small ballroom and it was done in two hours total as the talent had to practice and they couldn\'t take the stage until they had practiced, in the dark, in the space we created for them. The room became ours at 2:30 and dinner started just after 6:00. No pressure at all.....\n\nThe dancers arrived, and understandably, wanted to rehearse in complete darkness to get a feel of the stage. It was a smaller footprint than their standard build so it was essential they got the layout memorized before the guests arrived. Were we not also loading furniture, linens, florals and décor into the room and installing lighting around the space, turning off the lights would have been an easy request. So we had two groups of people working at top speed, one which needed lights, one which needed complete darkness and the clock was ticking.\n\nWe had the dancers rehearse with the lights on for as long as possible and then the rest of the crew had to stop so they could do run throughs in the dark. It was amazing to see them choreograph with the lights on. When we saw the performance in the dark, it was a level of excellence I\'ve never before seen.\n\nWhen the <a href=\"https://strategic.events/event-industry-plan-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">time</a> came, the lights went down, the music was turned up and the dancers took flight, outlined in neon, costumes pulsing to the music. The act was a complete hit. The audience was entertained, the client was happy and ten minutes after the last guest left, the stage was gone, leaving nothing but the memory of a job very well done, albeit in the dark and in record time.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<em>Tags: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, Strategic Events, Strategic Planners, Event Planning, Event Planners, Events, Meetings, Corporate Events, Corporate Meetings, Strategic Events, Catersource</em>\n\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.catersource.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-4642\" title=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events.\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/download.png\" alt=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events.\" width=\"169\" height=\"96\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings & Events','','inherit','closed','closed','','4639-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:31:36','2018-02-21 14:31:36','',4639,'https://strategic.events/4639-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10476,3,'2018-02-21 14:33:54','2018-02-21 14:33:54','<h1>Event Company of the Year</h1>\r\n<h2>Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</h2>\r\n<h3>SME Summary</h3>\r\nStrategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. We take that directive and work with the sales and marketing team to make sure everyone has the same goal. Read on to learn more about the event company of the year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\r\n\r\nArmed with that <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategically-building-your-information-pipeline/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">information</a> we can then select the appropriate location, venue, room sets, food and décor. We appreciate that the meeting\'s content is an integral component of the program so we pay special attention to those details as well. From creating speaker tips to slide templates assuring everyone is using the same size slides, we help coordinate what\'s happening inside the ballroom, not just the logistics around it. Speaker run-throughs are hosted and on the day of the event we\'re there with our rundown in hand, greeting speakers, keeping the timing on schedule and making sure the session runs smoothly\r\n\r\nWhile that\'s happening, the rest of the team is setting up for evening and offsite <a href=\"https://strategic.events/become-strategic-planner/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">strategic</a> events, handling pop-up requests, confirming transportation arrangements, handling room drops and managing all the <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-supplies-inventory/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">onsite</a> details.\r\n\r\nClients are able to eat, sleep until the sun rises and actually enjoy their event because we have everything more than handled. When a client throws her arms around you and tells you she couldn\'t ever imagine holding an event without you, you know you\'ve hit the mark.\r\n<h3>Event Showcase One</h3>\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Fa Bene!</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-4640\" title=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/FaBene-1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\" width=\"465\" height=\"308\" />\r\n\r\nWhat do you do with this client request? \"We need a networking event and an ice breaker but we can\'t make it look as if we\'re doing an ice breaker or a team building event\".\r\n\r\nFor the SME team, the answer was taking the guests to a winery in Rome during their incentive trip to Italy. Once there, they met the woman who has been cooking in the winery\'s kitchen for more than 30 years. The plan was for her to show everyone how to make hand rolled pasta. The catch: she didn\'t speak a word of English and few of our attendees spoke Italian.\r\n\r\nThe guests watched as \'Nonna\' broke an egg into the farina flour and began to knead the mixture. They followed suit, some with more success than others. As Nonna walked \'round the table to inspect the guests\' handiwork she expressed her pleasure or dismay in one of two ways: a kiss on each cheek and a hearty, \'fa bene!\' was heard or she\'d pat you on the cheek. The fun part was that before she\'d pat your cheek she\'d put her hand on the table so it was covered in flour, and THEN give guests a friendly pat. Needless to say much laughter ensued whether you had to bend down to let this powerhouse of no more than 5\' either kiss you or cover you in flour.\r\n\r\nGuests were brought to a large, rustic dining room where they sampled literally dozens of Nonna\'s creations. The pasta course arrived and was devoured, just as everything else was.\r\n\r\nWine, merriment, great food and now good friends the team bonded and networked and were none the wiser.\r\n\r\nTo that we also issue a hearty; \'Fa bene!\'\r\n<h3>Event Showcase Two</h3>\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #99cc00;\">Dancing in the Dark</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-4641\" title=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/iluminate2w-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events. We begin with a discovery session so key stakeholders can share their goals and vision. Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events\" width=\"505\" height=\"284\" />\r\n\r\nThe window we have to plan <a href=\"https://strategic.events/event-strategist/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">strategic</a> events is getting smaller with each passing year. What was once a twelve month <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-event-planning-profession/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">planning</a> cycle has devolved into twelve weeks and in the instance of this program we had just about twelve days. I had the pleasure of picking up a new piece of business from a referral and it was the most challenging \'easy piece of business\' I\'ve had in a long time!\r\n\r\nThe client was hosting a medical team of approximately 75 people. They wanted entertainment that was something guests would likely have never seen before. It had to have a technology flavor and there was a very limited budget. The challenges were numerous; the client\'s style was unknown to me, their audience a bit hard to get details on and the event was in a space I\'d never seen and had no time to site.\r\n\r\nUltimately, a <a href=\"http://www.iluminate.com/\">dance group</a> that performed in the dark was selected so the quick turn preparations began. Tickets were booked from all parts of the country, housing needs had to be tended to, hospitality riders had to be fulfilled and diagrams drawn. And, oh, by the way, we needed to construct a black box and stage for the dancers as they needed a performance area that was devoid of all light for their act to be successful.\r\n\r\nMy production connection was a hero. His team built a stage with blackout sidewalls and ceilings, a Marley floor and a traveling curtain. We created the setup in 1/3 of a small ballroom and it was done in two hours total as the talent had to practice and they couldn\'t take the stage until they had practiced, in the dark, in the space we created for them. The room became ours at 2:30 and dinner started just after 6:00. No pressure at all.....\r\n\r\nThe dancers arrived, and understandably, wanted to rehearse in complete darkness to get a feel of the stage. It was a smaller footprint than their standard build so it was essential they got the layout memorized before the guests arrived. Were we not also loading furniture, linens, florals and décor into the room and installing lighting around the space, turning off the lights would have been an easy request. So we had two groups of people working at top speed, one which needed lights, one which needed complete darkness and the clock was ticking.\r\n\r\nWe had the dancers rehearse with the lights on for as long as possible and then the rest of the crew had to stop so they could do run throughs in the dark. It was amazing to see them choreograph with the lights on. When we saw the performance in the dark, it was a level of excellence I\'ve never before seen.\r\n\r\nWhen the <a href=\"https://strategic.events/event-industry-plan-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">time</a> came, the lights went down, the music was turned up and the dancers took flight, outlined in neon, costumes pulsing to the music. The act was a complete hit. The audience was entertained, the client was happy and ten minutes after the last guest left, the stage was gone, leaving nothing but the memory of a job very well done, albeit in the dark and in record time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Tags: Strategic Meetings &amp; Events, Strategic Events, Strategic Planners, Event Planning, Event Planners, Events, Meetings, Corporate Events, Corporate Meetings, Strategic Events, Catersource</em>\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.catersource.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-4642\" title=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events.\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/download.png\" alt=\"Strategic Meetings &amp; Events produces corporate events, worldwide. We partner with our clients to create goal driven, strategic events.\" width=\"169\" height=\"96\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Event Company of the Year: Strategic Meetings & Events','','inherit','closed','closed','','4639-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:33:54','2018-02-21 14:33:54','',4639,'https://strategic.events/4639-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10477,3,'2018-02-21 14:35:35','2018-02-21 14:35:35','<h1>Information Pipeline</h1>\r\n<h2>Strategically Building Your Information Pipeline</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-6226 aligncenter\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Information-Pipeline-Capture.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"437\" height=\"245\" />It took a lot of convincing, but after doing the research, I was finally forced to acknowledge that multi-tasking really does decrease productivity. That tidbit of discouraging news left me looking for a solution as I still have more things to do than time to do them. Thus, my quest to find a working and affordable cloning machine began. I am disappointed to report that I have had no luck thus far. Not one to admit defeat, I went to ‘Plan B’ and found an abundance of useful tools online that save me time, put money in my pocket and best of all, make me look a lot smarter than I actually am.\r\n\r\nNow I’m ‘magically’ mapping the most efficient routes for site visits, know what time sunset is when <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-event-planning-profession/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">planning</a> any evening reception within a moment of someone asking, am up to date on the latest industry trends and area hot spots, can speak to all kinds of social media tools and services to boost one’s digital footprint and can speak with authority on what new technology is worth using for programs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-6247\" title=\"I’m all about sharing the love so I’ve compiled a list of the sites my team and I have researched and found most useful, in hopes of adding time, money and relevant information to your world. Strategically Building Your Information Pipeline\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dreamstime_s_34496856.jpg\" alt=\"I’m all about sharing the love so I’ve compiled a list of the sites my team and I have researched and found most useful, in hopes of adding time, money and relevant information to your world. Strategically Building Your Information Pipeline\" width=\"516\" height=\"330\" />All this and I’m saving time. Now let’s get to the money saving. I’ve found sites that pay me to shop (what’s not to love?) that find me discounts on both business and leisure travel, and that offer free tools to boost my social media that I would have otherwise, unwittingly paid for.\r\n\r\nSpeaking of money, I found a great currency converter that allows me to see what kind of deal I may or may not be getting when traveling abroad or doing multiple currency budgets, allowing me to more accurately track and report my final spend. While I’m dabbling in all things international, I use my metrics conversion site to turn feet into meters and gallons into liters, so no chance of any foolish mistakes when estimating ballroom capacity or ordering coffee.\r\n\r\nTalk of bedbugs has subsided but my loathing of those insidious buggers has not, so the bedbug registry is a site I visit. Couple that with sites that tell me where the most happening places to eat, drink and be seen are, and my clients have a home run of information on their hands. I’m all about sharing the love so I’ve compiled a list of the sites my team and I have researched and found most useful, in hopes of adding time, money and relevant information to your world.\r\n\r\nMy guess is you have some trusted sites of your own. Why not share your most used and useful sites with the rest of us? Tweet them to: <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SMEChristy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SMEChristy</a> or email them to me at: <a href=\"mailto:Christy.lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a> and I’ll add the best ones to our running list of ‘must visit’ sites. And if anyone has a lead on that cloning machine, I’m ready to write a check…..[mk_button size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Bulding-Your-Pipeline-Resource-Page.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\"]Get Access to SME\'s Information Pipeline[/mk_button]','Strategically Building Your Information Pipeline','','inherit','closed','closed','','6224-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:35:35','2018-02-21 14:35:35','',6224,'https://strategic.events/6224-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` (`ID`, `post_author`, `post_date`, `post_date_gmt`, `post_content`, `post_title`, `post_excerpt`, `post_status`, `comment_status`, `ping_status`, `post_password`, `post_name`, `to_ping`, `pinged`, `post_modified`, `post_modified_gmt`, `post_content_filtered`, `post_parent`, `guid`, `menu_order`, `post_type`, `post_mime_type`, `comment_count`) VALUES (10478,3,'2018-02-21 14:40:49','2018-02-21 14:40:49','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1509994475690{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>Sick Of Lousy Meetings?</h1>\r\n<h2>Christy Lamagna Has The Solution</h2>\r\n<h3>By Bruce Weinstein</h3>\r\n[clickToTweet tweet=\"You have to hire people who are smarter than you are. - @SMEChristy #business #success\" quote=\"You have to hire people who are smarter than you are.\"]\r\n\r\nOne of the most unpleasant aspects of business is going to lousy meetings. We’ve all been there. Boring speakers. Uncomfortable rooms with poor lighting and sound. Not enough coffee.\r\n\r\nWorse than all of these are meetings that have no call to action. You wonder, \"What am I supposed to do with all of the information I just learned?\"\r\n\r\nMeetings don’t have to be like this. And they won’t be if you work with an event strategist. I didn’t even know such a job existed until I decided to write about ethical issues in the meeting planning industry and discovered a woman named Christy Lamagna, CMP, who is taking the industry, and the businesses they work with, to a higher level.\r\n\r\nChristy is the CEO of <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/mastermind-corporate-meetings-management/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Strategic Meetings &amp; Events</a>, a private company with offices in Chicago, Palm Beach, Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and Bernardsville, New Jersey. What follows are highlights from a conversation I had with Christy at the Forbes headquarters in Jersey City, New Jersey.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-7779\" title=\"A meeting planner and an event planner execute logistics, and when one asks them to produce a meeting, they find the venue and they execute an event. An event strategist will work with key management to influence what attendees leave saying, thinking and doing. Sick Of Lousy Meetings? Christy Lamagna Has The Solution\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/christy-lamagna-1-1200x675.jpg\" alt=\"A meeting planner and an event planner execute logistics, and when one asks them to produce a meeting, they find the venue and they execute an event. An event strategist will work with key management to influence what attendees leave saying, thinking and doing. Sick Of Lousy Meetings? Christy Lamagna Has The Solution\" width=\"536\" height=\"301\" />\r\n\r\n<strong>Bruce Weinstein:</strong> What is an event strategist?\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy Lamagna:</strong> A meeting planner and an event planner execute logistics, and when someone asks them to produce a meeting, they find the venue space and they execute an event. An event strategist will work with key management to influence what attendees leave saying, thinking and doing. We influence behavior.\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> Who is a dream client for you?\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> Someone who truly wants to make their events a meaningful part of their organization. Events are the only three-dimensional embodiment of a company\'s marketing message. I want to speak to someone who truly gets excited about that, who says, \"I do want to hear what my attendees are looking for because my ego isn\'t what\'s important, it\'s the content,\" and who truly respects the power that meetings can have.\r\n\r\nIf a prospective client just wants to check a box or throw money at a problem so they can say they did it, it doesn\'t matter how much money they want to give me. We\'ll both be frustrated because I want to do so much more for them and they can\'t appreciate that.\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> Have you turned down clients who were able to pony up the cash but who were box checkers?\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> Yes. I can\'t take your money if you\'re not going to appreciate what I\'m doing. I\'d rather you go work with someone else and let me work with people who I can truly deliver everything possible to. If I take business that isn\'t right for me, it\'s going to prevent me from taking business that is, and neither of us are going to say good things when it\'s over because we\'re both going to be disappointed.\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> What should Forbes readers keep in mind before they hire an event strategist?\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> Anyone who thinks a PowerPoint deck is the best way to establish a relationship and tell you what they do, doesn\'t understand the meaning of events. If you work with someone who the first question they\'re going to ask you is, \"Let\'s talk about budget,\" or, \"Let\'s talk about location,\" they\'ve missed again.\r\n\r\nInstead, you want the strategist to ask, “What\'s your goal for having this meeting? Tell me what you would like to accomplish. What do you want your attendees saying, thinking, and doing when they leave?\" The goal is to make events investments, not expenditures.\r\n\r\nA planner who tells you they can do everything is either charging you too much or not telling you the truth. You have to hire people who are smarter than you are. I have a sister company that does all of my production because I can\'t focus the lights and program the audio.\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> Are meeting planners and event strategists licensed?\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> We’re not, but we should be. After all, we’re in charge of tens of millions of dollars and more importantly, the safety and well-being of thousands of people.\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> It\'s like anyone can call themselves a therapist, anyone can be-\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> Anyone can be a planner. There are exams, and there is training, but at the end of the day there are no universal standards. You can hire your administrative assistant to plan your meeting. Who\'s going to stop you? The admin is going to be thrilled because she gets to go on these free trips. That shouldn\'t be happening. It’s a matter of ethics.\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> So when someone becomes trained or certified as a meeting planner now, how much training in ethics do they get?\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> To become a CMP, a Certified Meeting Planner, you have to get re-certified every five years. You take an exam. There are some ethics questions on those exams.\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> Is this sufficient training to meet the ethical challenges in the industry?\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> No. Just because a person has a CMP doesn’t mean that person has the integrity to be a planner. For example, I get between three and six invites a week from vendors, \"Come to Dubai.\" \"Come to South Africa.\" \"Come to New Zealand.\" We call them “fams” — familiarization trips.\r\n\r\nI want to go to all three of those places. The vendors pay for everything. But I don\'t have a client who wants to go to New Zealand.\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> You might.\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> But I’ll respond by saying, \"I\'d love to go to your country. I don\'t have a client now, or even on the horizon, who\'s looking to go to New Zealand, and I know it\'s going to cost you $6,000-8,000 per person. You can spend it on someone who\'s potentially going to be there.\"\r\n\r\n<strong>Weinstein:</strong> What’s another ethical issue you face?\r\n\r\n<strong>Lamagna:</strong> When I go on a site visit, a hotel is going to roll out for the red carpet for me and say, \"Christy, you’ve got to come and stay for two days, see the hotel. We\'re going to put you in the penthouse suite.\"\r\n\r\nBut it’s incumbent upon me to say, \"I need a regular room because if I\'m here, I need to know what that’s like as that is where my guests will be staying.”\r\n\r\nI’m not the person paying the bill. I can never confuse myself as an invited guest. It is never about me. Although I’m representing the company that\'s writing those checks, I’m just the paid help.\r\n\r\n===\r\n\r\nThis edited and condensed interview doesn’t do justice to the far-ranging conversation Christy and I had. I was impressed by her humility, courage and honesty, including telling me about mistakes she has made and she’s learned from them.\r\n\r\n[clickToTweet tweet=\"Ethical #leadership is the key to success, and @SMEChristy is an excellent example. @TheEthicsGuy\" quote=\"As we’ve seen throughout these columns, high-character leadership is the key to a business’s long-term success, and Christy Lamagna is an excellent example of this.\"]\r\n\r\nCheck <a href=\"https://twitter.com/@TheEthicsGuy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@TheEthicsGuy</a> availability to speak on high-character leadership <a href=\"https://www.espeakers.com/marketplace/v3#/bookmenow/5597/9024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here</a>.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"https://www.forbes.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-7775\" title=\"Forbes Logo\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/forbes-snooty-designers.png\" alt=\"Forbes Logo\" width=\"195\" height=\"95\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Sick Of Lousy Meetings? Christy Lamagna Has The Solution','','inherit','closed','closed','','7771-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:40:49','2018-02-21 14:40:49','',7771,'https://strategic.events/7771-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10479,3,'2018-02-21 14:41:02','2018-02-21 14:41:02','<h1>Save It For Later</h1>\r\n<h2>Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nIf you didn’t read my previous articles — on tracking <a href=\"https://strategic.events/planners-best-friend-tracking-spend/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">spend</a> and determining where your <a href=\"https://strategic.events/hmmm-money-go/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">money</a> goes — and you want to master your personal and professional finances, catch up, and then pick up below. Without them, this one on the key to smart spending has less meaning.\r\n<h3>Smart Spending</h3>\r\nMy hunch is your spending went down during Week 2 of our experiment, and that you hit or were close to your targeted, lower spend. The simple act of creating a goal and writing it down doubles your odds of achieving it. Because you probably weren’t paying close attention to your spending before this, chances are you saw a positive difference.\r\n\r\nLet\'s take a deeper look at your spending habits. Is there a correlation between days of the week and the amount you spend? If so, why is that? Perhaps on Mondays your schedule is hectic and you have to eat on the run. Perfect opportunity to brown-bag it. Or, swap out the burger and fries for a slice of pizza. Just as quick and likely less expensive.\r\n\r\nDid you see a spike in spending on Friday and/or Saturday night? Do you have a habit of offering to pay for the first (and second) round of drinks? Next time you go out, let someone else pick up the tab and silently toast the money you saved.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft wp-image-757\" title=\"If you didn’t read my previous articles — on tracking spend and determining where your money goes — and you want to master your personal and professional finances, catch up, and then pick up below. Without them, this one on smart spending has less meaning. Save It For Later: Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-26-at-3.21.38-PM-300x238.png\" alt=\"If you didn’t read my previous articles — on tracking spend and determining where your money goes — and you want to master your personal and professional finances, catch up, and then pick up below. Without them, this one on smart spending has less meaning. Save It For Later: Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending\" width=\"303\" height=\"241\" />Perhaps you worked late one night; so, you slept in a bit later the next day and rushed out the door without eating breakfast. Whammo! Eight dollars on coffee and a muffin that you could have avoided if you had gotten up 15 minutes earlier or packed a banana or muffin from the grocery store.\r\n\r\nDid you notice any correlation between your moods and your spending? Some of us shop when we’re bored. Some of us do it to make ourselves feel better. Some do it to get back at someone who made us feel inadequate, as in, “I’ll show you. I’m worth all this and more.” Pay attention to when you spend and why you spend. This awareness opens the door for different behavior.\r\n\r\nThe goal isn’t to stop spending altogether. It’s unrealistic and it’s bad for the economy. The goal is to be mindful of what you buy and how you feel after making the purchase. Sometimes we don’t use what we bought while upset because it reminds us of the fight we had that prompted us to buy it in the first place. Or we buy junk food to make ourselves feel better when we’re sad, and then get sad because our clothes don’t fit. So we eat more and then have to buy new clothes to boot. It’s healthier and cheaper to gain some perspective, lose some weight and shed some bad habits while you’re at it.\r\n\r\nYou saw how easy it is to identify behavior and take steps to change it. Let’s take it a step further. Note: A profound life change awaits. Take this advice and your life will never be the same. I promise.\r\n\r\nNext, I’ll show you a lot of painless ways to save and how to create your own financial road map with savings goals and a plan for getting there. See you next Monday.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWant to share your experience tracking your spend or ask a question? Email me at: <a href=\"mailto:Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Tags: Save It For Later Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending, Saving, Budgets, Budgeting, Smart Spending, Event Planning, Event Budgets, Event Planners, Strategic Planners, Strategic Events, Plan Your Meetings</em>\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://planyourmeetings.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-398 size-full\" title=\"Plan Your Meetings\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Plan-Your-Meetings_250.jpg\" alt=\"Plan Your Meetings\" width=\"250\" height=\"81\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Save It For Later: Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending','','inherit','closed','closed','','677-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:41:02','2018-02-21 14:41:02','',677,'https://strategic.events/677-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10480,3,'2018-02-21 14:43:36','2018-02-21 14:43:36','<h1>Save It For Later</h1>\r\n<h2>Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nIf you didn’t read my previous articles — on tracking <a href=\"https://strategic.events/planners-best-friend-tracking-spend/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">spend</a> and determining where your <a href=\"https://strategic.events/hmmm-money-go/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">money</a> goes — and you want to master your personal and professional finances, catch up, and then pick up below. Without them, this one on the key to smart spending has less meaning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Smart Spending</strong>\r\n\r\nMy hunch is your spending went down during Week 2 of our experiment, and that you hit or were close to your targeted, lower spend. The simple act of creating a goal and writing it down doubles your odds of achieving it. Because you probably weren’t paying close attention to your spending before this, chances are you saw a positive difference.\r\n\r\nLet\'s take a deeper look at your spending habits. Is there a correlation between days of the week and the amount you spend? If so, why is that? Perhaps on Mondays your schedule is hectic and you have to eat on the run. Perfect opportunity to brown-bag it. Or, swap out the burger and fries for a slice of pizza. Just as quick and likely less expensive.\r\n\r\nDid you see a spike in spending on Friday and/or Saturday night? Do you have a habit of offering to pay for the first (and second) round of drinks? Next time you go out, let someone else pick up the tab and silently toast the money you saved.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignleft wp-image-757\" title=\"If you didn’t read my previous articles — on tracking spend and determining where your money goes — and you want to master your personal and professional finances, catch up, and then pick up below. Without them, this one on smart spending has less meaning. Save It For Later: Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-26-at-3.21.38-PM-300x238.png\" alt=\"If you didn’t read my previous articles — on tracking spend and determining where your money goes — and you want to master your personal and professional finances, catch up, and then pick up below. Without them, this one on smart spending has less meaning. Save It For Later: Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending\" width=\"303\" height=\"241\" />Perhaps you worked late one night; so, you slept in a bit later the next day and rushed out the door without eating breakfast. Whammo! Eight dollars on coffee and a muffin that you could have avoided if you had gotten up 15 minutes earlier or packed a banana or muffin from the grocery store.\r\n\r\nDid you notice any correlation between your moods and your spending? Some of us shop when we’re bored. Some of us do it to make ourselves feel better. Some do it to get back at someone who made us feel inadequate, as in, “I’ll show you. I’m worth all this and more.” Pay attention to when you spend and why you spend. This awareness opens the door for different behavior.\r\n\r\nThe goal isn’t to stop spending altogether. It’s unrealistic and it’s bad for the economy. The goal is to be mindful of what you buy and how you feel after making the purchase. Sometimes we don’t use what we bought while upset because it reminds us of the fight we had that prompted us to buy it in the first place. Or we buy junk food to make ourselves feel better when we’re sad, and then get sad because our clothes don’t fit. So we eat more and then have to buy new clothes to boot. It’s healthier and cheaper to gain some perspective, lose some weight and shed some bad habits while you’re at it.\r\n\r\nYou saw how easy it is to identify behavior and take steps to change it. Let’s take it a step further. Note: A profound life change awaits. Take this advice and your life will never be the same. I promise.\r\n\r\nNext, I’ll show you a lot of painless ways to save and how to create your own financial road map with savings goals and a plan for getting there. See you next Monday.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWant to share your experience tracking your spend or ask a question? Email me at: <a href=\"mailto:Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Tags: Save It For Later Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending, Saving, Budgets, Budgeting, Smart Spending, Event Planning, Event Budgets, Event Planners, Strategic Planners, Strategic Events, Plan Your Meetings</em>\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://planyourmeetings.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-398 size-full\" title=\"Plan Your Meetings\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Plan-Your-Meetings_250.jpg\" alt=\"Plan Your Meetings\" width=\"250\" height=\"81\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Save It For Later: Mindfulness Is The Key To Smart Spending','','inherit','closed','closed','','677-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:43:36','2018-02-21 14:43:36','',677,'https://strategic.events/677-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10481,3,'2018-02-21 14:50:07','2018-02-21 14:50:07','<h1>Corporate Event Budgets</h1>\r\n<h2>Do It Like A Pro</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nThis six-part series looks at personal and professional spending for planners involving corporate event budgets. If you need to catch up, please follow these links.\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-planners-best-friend-tracking-spend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Week 1</a>:</strong> A planner’s friend: Tracking spend\r\n<strong><a href=\"https://strategic.events/hmmm-money-go/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Week 2</a>:</strong> Where does all the money go?\r\n<strong><a href=\"https://strategic.events/mindfulness-key-to-smart-spending\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Week 3</a>:</strong> Mindfulness is the key to smart money\r\n<strong><a href=\"https://strategic.events/show-money-4-easy-ways-save-cents/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Week 4</a>:</strong> Show me the money!\r\n<strong>This week:</strong> Corporate event budgets\r\n<h3>Corporate Event Budgets</h3>\r\nFeeling better about your personal finances but still apprehensive about tackling line item budgets for your next program? Truth is, managing your event finances is not more complicated; it’s just a little different. Half the battle is believing you can do it and not letting the idea overwhelm you. If you conquer your fear, you’ll have a new skill, more confidence and that awful feeling in your gut will be banished from the budgeting area of your life.\r\n\r\nEvent budgets come in all shapes and sizes, but they all follow some basic principles. The key is using the information you have and using some simple math to fill in the gaps. No matter what you’re planning, your event likely falls into one of these categories:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Events in the next year with an internal audience.</li>\r\n 	<li>Events more than one year out with an internal audience.</li>\r\n 	<li>Events in the next year with an external audience.</li>\r\n 	<li>Events more than one year out with an external audience.</li>\r\n 	<li>International events in the next year with an internal audience.</li>\r\n 	<li>International events in the next year with an external audience.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nTo make sure we’re all clear, let’s define some terms. An internal audience is one that you can reasonably predict. It’s your team. An external audience is the general public, over whom you have little to no control. Internal audiences are likely obligated to attend the event. External audiences are not.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-7653\" title=\"This six-part series looks at personal and professional spending for planners involving corporate event budgets. Feeling better about your personal finances but still apprehensive about tackling line item budgets for your next program? Corporate Event Budgets: Do It Like A Pro\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/slide1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"This six-part series looks at personal and professional spending for planners involving corporate event budgets. Feeling better about your personal finances but still apprehensive about tackling line item budgets for your next program? Corporate Event Budgets: Do It Like A Pro\" width=\"408\" height=\"230\" />\r\n\r\nIf you don’t have a budget template, see if someone in your office has one from a past event. Can’t find one? There are lots of spots on the Internet that offer them. Email me at <a href=\"mailto:christy.lamagna@stratetic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">christy.lamagna@stratetic.events</a> for a basic template you can customize.\r\n\r\nBasic rules of budgeting apply regardless of audience type. There are two types of expenses: fixed and per head. An example of a fixed cost is venue rental. Generally speaking, the venue rental remains static no matter how many people attend. Identifying your fixed costs and plugging them in is an easy place to start.\r\n\r\nKey things to keep in mind: Service charges, sales and occupancy taxes, and resort fees are rarely included in the quoted prices. Make sure you know all additional items you must factor into your budget. Some hotels have union contracts requiring guests to pay a porterage fee both at check-in and check-out whether they use bellmen or not. Others charge the fee when a group of 10 or more checks in at one time. Asking <a href=\"https://strategic.events/asking-strategic-questions-cvb/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">questions</a> now avoids surprises later. A real pro negotiates as many of the fees out of the contract as possible before signing with the property.\r\n\r\nKnowing what to track is half the battle. Below are key headers I include in my budgets. Keeping figures from the previous year visible is useful in gauging this year’s actuals. Capturing cost savings will alert you to one-time-only deals you were able to negotiate but cannot count on for future years.\r\n\r\nHistorical data is invaluable as you populate your budget. The more <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategically-building-your-information-pipeline/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">information</a> you capture, the closer you can get to your target this year. Do your guests skip breakfast and hit the morning break hard? Do they drink beer and wine or mostly mixed drinks? Are they coffee fiends, or do they stick to cold drinks? Knowing this will allow you to set your guarantees, plan your menus and schedule your meal times with more accuracy, thereby using your dollars effectively.\r\n\r\nWhat happens if you don’t have historical data to rely on? How do you think of all the potential costs before they happen? That’s what we’ll talk about next week.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Tags: Corporate Event Budgets Do It Like A Pro, Budgets, Budgeting, Event Planning, Event Budgets, Event Planners, Strategic Planners, Strategic Events, Plan Your Meetings</em>\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://planyourmeetings.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img class=\"alignnone wp-image-398 size-full\" title=\"Plan Your Meetings\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Plan-Your-Meetings_250.jpg\" alt=\"Plan Your Meetings \" width=\"250\" height=\"81\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Corporate Event Budgets: Do It Like A Pro','','inherit','closed','closed','','682-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:50:07','2018-02-21 14:50:07','',682,'https://strategic.events/682-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10482,3,'2018-02-21 14:54:46','2018-02-21 14:54:46','<h1>Event Marketing Campaign - The ‘SME’ Experience</h1>\r\n<h2>Our Integrated Marketing Success Story</h2>\r\n[mk_image_slideshow images=\"6440,6435,6439,6437,6438,6433\" margin_bottom=\"25\" animation_speed=\"2000\" slideshow_speed=\"2500\" pause_on_hover=\"true\"]\r\n\r\nThe UPS Store, in partnership with the renowned business publication, ‘Inc.’ set out on a nationwide search to find and highlight small businesses that embodied exceptional quality, creativity, dedication to client service and entrepreneurship. Their extensive research lead them to Strategic Meetings &amp; Events.\r\n\r\nAfter speaking with a reporter from ‘Inc.’ we were optimistic. The stories around the event marketing campaigns we’ve created practically told themselves. Recounting the hunt for the quintessential travel wallet and the subsequent hour-long meeting we had on how to box and wrap them gave us the opportunity to share details we rarely discuss outside our office. The more we explained our process, the more we were reminded that what we consider common practice is all too rare.\r\n\r\nWe discussed how we market ourselves; the social media campaigns we create, the amazing recipes we send from places we’ve traveled around the globe, the team building events we custom design for clients, the writing we do; from original song lyrics to skits to executive presentations. The more we shared, the more we had to tell. It’s been an incredible 15 years, with countless experiences created and miles flown.\r\n\r\nOur excitement at sharing this news stems not from the publicity, (which we admit is fun) but from the appreciation that the work we are so proud of, and that we give everything we have to, is being recognized even outside our industry for what it is; exceptional. If you’ve worked with the SME team, you understand what it is to have the ‘SME’ experience. You also know that we will continue to find new ways to delight, inspire and motivate your attendees.\r\n\r\nSo, as you watch the <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL9jb2jgq7M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video</a> and read the article on <a href=\"https://strategic.events/marketing-shortcuts-for-driving-sales-in-a-hurry/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marketing Shortcuts for Driving Sales in a Hurry</a>, and read the article on <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-approach-integrated-marketing/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A Strategic Approach to Integrated Marketing</a>, please keep the words, ‘Thank You,’ top of mind. Without your partnership, trust and referrals, our talent, passion and creativity could not be used to it\'s fullest potential.\r\n\r\nHere’s to more fantastic things![mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"https://www.inc.com/brandview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-6486 size-medium\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/brandview-logo-transparent_213236-300x35.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"35\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"https://www.theupsstore.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-6454 size-medium\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/UPSStore-300x57.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"57\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Our Integrated Marketing Success Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','6429-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:54:46','2018-02-21 14:54:46','',6429,'https://strategic.events/6429-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10483,3,'2018-02-21 14:55:21','2018-02-21 14:55:21','<h1>An Event Marketing Campaign</h1>\r\n<h2>Our Integrated Marketing Success Story</h2>\r\n[mk_image_slideshow images=\"6440,6435,6439,6437,6438,6433\" margin_bottom=\"25\" animation_speed=\"2000\" slideshow_speed=\"2500\" pause_on_hover=\"true\"]\r\n\r\nThe UPS Store, in partnership with the renowned business publication, ‘Inc.’ set out on a nationwide search to find and highlight small businesses that embodied exceptional quality, creativity, dedication to client service and entrepreneurship. Their extensive research lead them to Strategic Meetings &amp; Events.\r\n\r\nAfter speaking with a reporter from ‘Inc.’ we were optimistic. The stories around the event marketing campaigns we’ve created practically told themselves. Recounting the hunt for the quintessential travel wallet and the subsequent hour-long meeting we had on how to box and wrap them gave us the opportunity to share details we rarely discuss outside our office. The more we explained our process, the more we were reminded that what we consider common practice is all too rare.\r\n\r\nWe discussed how we market ourselves; the social media campaigns we create, the amazing recipes we send from places we’ve traveled around the globe, the team building events we custom design for clients, the writing we do; from original song lyrics to skits to executive presentations. The more we shared, the more we had to tell. It’s been an incredible 15 years, with countless experiences created and miles flown.\r\n\r\nOur excitement at sharing this news stems not from the publicity, (which we admit is fun) but from the appreciation that the work we are so proud of, and that we give everything we have to, is being recognized even outside our industry for what it is; exceptional. If you’ve worked with the SME team, you understand what it is to have the ‘SME’ experience. You also know that we will continue to find new ways to delight, inspire and motivate your attendees.\r\n\r\nSo, as you watch the <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL9jb2jgq7M\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video</a> and read the article on <a href=\"https://strategic.events/marketing-shortcuts-for-driving-sales-in-a-hurry/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marketing Shortcuts for Driving Sales in a Hurry</a>, and read the article on <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-approach-integrated-marketing/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A Strategic Approach to Integrated Marketing</a>, please keep the words, ‘Thank You,’ top of mind. Without your partnership, trust and referrals, our talent, passion and creativity could not be used to it\'s fullest potential.\r\n\r\nHere’s to more fantastic things![mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"https://www.inc.com/brandview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-6486 size-medium\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/brandview-logo-transparent_213236-300x35.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"35\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"https://www.theupsstore.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-6454 size-medium\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/UPSStore-300x57.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"57\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Our Integrated Marketing Success Story','','inherit','closed','closed','','6429-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 14:55:21','2018-02-21 14:55:21','',6429,'https://strategic.events/6429-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10484,3,'2018-02-21 15:10:47','2018-02-21 15:10:47','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]EVENT PLANNING VIDEOS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; VIDEOS[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2></h2>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Video Gallery</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517852928648{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" mobx_spacing=\"4\" mobx_row_height=\"200\" size=\"medium\" ids=\"10034,10035,10036,3271,10037,10041,10044,10045,10046,10047,10048,3510\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Planning Videos','','inherit','closed','closed','','3089-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:10:47','2018-02-21 15:10:47','',3089,'https://strategic.events/3089-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10485,3,'2018-04-17 21:01:21','2018-04-17 21:01:21','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]FREE TOOLS &amp; GUIDES[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; FREE TOOLS &amp; GUIDES[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Strategic Planning Free Tools &amp; Guides</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" column=\"2\" image_size=\"full\" disable_meta=\"false\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"470\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_custom_sidebar sidebar=\"sidebar-2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Planning Free Tools & Guides','','inherit','closed','closed','','5137-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-17 21:01:21','2018-04-17 21:01:21','',5137,'https://strategic.events/5137-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10486,3,'2018-02-21 15:18:40','2018-02-21 15:18:40','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]FREE TOOLS &amp; GUIDES[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; FREE TOOLS &amp; GUIDES[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Strategic Planning Free Tools &amp; Guides</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" column=\"2\" image_size=\"full\" disable_meta=\"false\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"470\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Planning Free Tools & Guides','','inherit','closed','closed','','5137-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:18:40','2018-02-21 15:18:40','',5137,'https://strategic.events/5137-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10487,3,'2018-04-17 20:39:16','2018-04-17 20:39:16','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]EVENT PLANNING PODCASTS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; PODCASTS[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Podcasts Featuring SME\'s Event Strategists</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" grid_image_height=\"200\" disable_meta=\"false\" cat=\"447\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_custom_sidebar sidebar=\"sidebar-2\"][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Planning Podcasts','','inherit','closed','closed','','5187-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-17 20:39:16','2018-04-17 20:39:16','',5187,'https://strategic.events/5187-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10488,3,'2018-02-21 15:20:33','2018-02-21 15:20:33','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]EVENT PLANNING PODCASTS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; PODCASTS[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Podcasts Featuring SME\'s Event Strategists</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" grid_image_height=\"200\" disable_meta=\"false\" cat=\"447\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Planning Podcasts','','inherit','closed','closed','','5187-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:20:33','2018-02-21 15:20:33','',5187,'https://strategic.events/5187-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10489,3,'2018-02-21 15:27:11','2018-02-21 15:27:11','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]EVENT PLANNING VIDEOS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; VIDEOS[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"> SME\'s Video Gallery</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517852928648{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n\r\n[gallery link=\"file\" mobx_spacing=\"4\" mobx_row_height=\"200\" size=\"medium\" ids=\"10034,10035,10036,3271,10037,10041,10044,10045,10046,10047,10048,3510\"]\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Planning Videos','','inherit','closed','closed','','3089-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:27:11','2018-02-21 15:27:11','',3089,'https://strategic.events/3089-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10490,3,'2018-03-06 17:06:05','2018-03-06 17:06:05','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]STRATEGIC CONTRIBUTORS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; STRATEGIC CONTRIBUTORS[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Strategic Contributors</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" column=\"2\" image_size=\"medium\" disable_meta=\"false\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"3813\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][vc_wp_categories title=\"\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Strategic Contributors','','inherit','closed','closed','','7452-autosave-v1','','','2018-03-06 17:06:05','2018-03-06 17:06:05','',7452,'https://strategic.events/7452-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10491,3,'2018-02-21 15:32:28','2018-02-21 15:32:28','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]STRATEGIC CONTRIBUTORS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; STRATEGIC CONTRIBUTORS[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Strategic Contributors</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" column=\"2\" image_size=\"medium\" disable_meta=\"false\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"3813\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=\"sidebar-19\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Strategic Contributors','','inherit','closed','closed','','7452-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:32:28','2018-02-21 15:32:28','',7452,'https://strategic.events/7452-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10492,3,'2018-02-21 15:33:37','2018-02-21 15:33:37','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]BLOG[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; BLOG[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Event Strategist Blog</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"classic\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"350\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Event Strategist Blog','','inherit','closed','closed','','4377-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:33:37','2018-02-21 15:33:37','',4377,'https://strategic.events/4377-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10494,3,'2018-02-21 15:35:38','2018-02-21 15:35:38','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]ARTICLES - LATEST PRESS COVERAGE[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; ARTICLES[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column width=\"5/6\"][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Latest Press Coverage</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][mk_blog style=\"grid\" disable_meta=\"false\" count=\"18\" disable_lightbox=\"false\" item_id=\"1444770655-561d735f6c1b5\" cat=\"351\"][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/6\"][vc_empty_space][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=\"sidebar-19\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][mk_page_section][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h4\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h3>Featured In:</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][wonderplugin_carousel id=\"3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"50px\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469113417543{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for a strategic plan that is headline worthy.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Articles - Latest Press Coverage','','inherit','closed','closed','','5970-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:35:38','2018-02-21 15:35:38','',5970,'https://strategic.events/5970-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10495,3,'2018-02-21 15:40:55','2018-02-21 15:40:55','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]GALLERY[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; GALLERY[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_position=\"center top\" bg_repeat=\"no-repeat\" bg_stretch=\"true\" video_color_mask=\"#ffffff\" video_opacity=\"0.1\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" src=\"``https://player.vimeo.com/video/158529274``\" width=\"``640``\" height=\"``361``\" frameborder=\"``0``\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Event Gallery</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=\"false\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"60\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2439\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"35\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2452\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"20\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2491\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"45\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2494\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=\"false\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"12\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2489\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"40\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2413\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"30\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2495\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider size=\"80\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469114783496{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for goal driven results.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','2081-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:40:55','2018-02-21 15:40:55','',2081,'https://strategic.events/2081-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10496,3,'2018-02-21 15:41:20','2018-02-21 15:41:20','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]GALLERY[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; GALLERY[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_position=\"center top\" bg_repeat=\"no-repeat\" bg_stretch=\"true\" video_color_mask=\"#ffffff\" video_opacity=\"0.1\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" src=\"``https://player.vimeo.com/video/158529274``\" width=\"``640``\" height=\"``361``\" frameborder=\"``0``\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Event Gallery</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=\"false\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"60\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2439\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"35\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2452\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"20\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2491\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"45\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2494\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=\"false\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"12\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2489\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"40\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2413\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"30\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2495\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider size=\"80\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469114783496{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for goal driven results.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','2081-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:41:20','2018-02-21 15:41:20','',2081,'https://strategic.events/2081-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10497,3,'2018-02-21 15:41:43','2018-02-21 15:41:43','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]GALLERY[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; GALLERY[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_image=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shutterstock_246371074_bck3_light.jpg\" bg_position=\"center top\" bg_repeat=\"no-repeat\" bg_stretch=\"true\" video_color_mask=\"#ffffff\" video_opacity=\"0.1\" min_height=\"1200\" full_width=\"true\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" top_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" bottom_shape_color=\"#ffffff\" src=\"``https://player.vimeo.com/video/158529274``\" width=\"``640``\" height=\"``361``\" frameborder=\"``0``\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">SME\'s Gallery</h2>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=\"false\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"60\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2439\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"35\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2452\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"20\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2491\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/4\"][vc_empty_space height=\"45\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2494\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner is_fullwidth_content=\"false\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"12\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2489\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"40\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2413\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"30\"][vc_column_text][popuppress id=\"2495\"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_padding_divider size=\"80\"][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][vc_raw_js]JTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBZmJxJTI4JTI3dHJhY2slMjclMkMlMjAlMjdWaWV3Q29udGVudCUyNyUyQyUyMCU3QiUwQXZhbHVlJTNBJTIwMy41MCUyQyUwQWN1cnJlbmN5JTNBJTIwJTI3VVNEJTI3JTBBJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=\"true\" css=\".vc_custom_1469114783496{background-color: #211551 !important;}\"][vc_column][mk_button dimension=\"flat\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-global-corporate-event-management/contact-strategic-meetings-events/\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" margin_bottom=\"6\" margin_right=\"0\" bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_hover_bg=\"#d6a461\" btn_hover_txt_color=\"#211551\"]Contact us today for goal driven results.[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Gallery','','inherit','closed','closed','','2081-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:41:43','2018-02-21 15:41:43','',2081,'https://strategic.events/2081-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10498,3,'2018-04-18 21:40:56','2018-04-18 21:40:56','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519228094955{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>SME\'s Social Media Channels</h1>\r\n<h2><strong>Check out the feeds below and connect with us!</strong></h2>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8063\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2475.new-instagram-text-logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"104\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1524087648397{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_instagram instagram_id=2012979101 pics_count=15 type=user width=100 height=1400px profile_wrap=yes popup=no profile_photo=no profile_stats=yes profile_name=yes profile_description=no super_gallery=yes columns=2 force_columns=no space_between_photos=1 icon_size=65px hide_date_likes_comments=no loadmore=autoscroll loadmore_count=5 loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8065\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tech-facebook-1024x202.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"79\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=\"30\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1511993345476{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_facebook type=page id=104662352967791 posts=4 title=yes title_align=left description=no show_media=bottom show_thumbnail=no show_date=no show_name=no words=100 popup=yes grid=yes posts_displayed=page_only image_stack_animation=no colmn_width=250px space_between_posts=5px show_follow_btn_where=below_title like_option_align=left like_box_width=500px hide_like_option=no hide_comments_popup=yes loadmore=button loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8091\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/7194920_orig.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"85\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=\"5\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517847414872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_twitter twitter_name=SME_Events tweets_count=5 twitter_height=500px cover_photo=yes stats_bar=yes show_retweets=yes show_replies=no grid=yes popup=yes loadmore=button loadmore_count=1 loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px colmn_width=250 space_between_posts=5][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8093\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pinterest_logo_red.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"86\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517952534267{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_pinterest type=single_board_pins pinterest_name=strategicmeetingsevents board_id=event-planning-resources pins_count=14][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8098\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/download.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"89\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1515445885931{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_youtube vid_count=16 large_vid=yes large_vid_title=no large_vid_description=no thumbs_play_in_iframe=popup vids_in_row=2 omit_first_thumbnail=yes space_between_videos=0px force_columns=no maxres_thumbnail_images=yes thumbs_wrap_color=#1d1848 wrap=left video_wrap_display=2 comments_count=0 channel_id=UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','SME\'s Social Media Channels - Connect With Us!','','inherit','closed','closed','','8041-autosave-v1','','','2018-04-18 21:40:56','2018-04-18 21:40:56','',8041,'https://strategic.events/8041-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10499,3,'2018-02-21 15:48:23','2018-02-21 15:48:23','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519228094955{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>SME\'s Social Media Channels</h1>\r\n<h2><strong>Check out the feeds below and connect with us!</strong></h2>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8063\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2475.new-instagram-text-logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"104\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1511994101680{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_instagram instagram_id=2012979101 pics_count=10 type=user width=100 height=1100px profile_wrap=yes popup=no profile_photo=no profile_stats=yes profile_name=yes profile_description=no super_gallery=yes columns=2 force_columns=no space_between_photos=1 icon_size=65px hide_date_likes_comments=no loadmore=autoscroll loadmore_count=5 loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8065\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tech-facebook-1024x202.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"79\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=\"30\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1511993345476{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_facebook type=page id=104662352967791 posts=4 title=yes title_align=left description=no show_media=bottom show_thumbnail=no show_date=no show_name=no words=100 popup=yes grid=yes posts_displayed=page_only image_stack_animation=no colmn_width=250px space_between_posts=5px show_follow_btn_where=below_title like_option_align=left like_box_width=500px hide_like_option=no hide_comments_popup=yes loadmore=button loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8091\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/7194920_orig.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"85\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=\"5\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517847414872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_twitter twitter_name=SME_Events tweets_count=5 twitter_height=500px cover_photo=yes stats_bar=yes show_retweets=yes show_replies=no grid=yes popup=yes loadmore=button loadmore_count=1 loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px colmn_width=250 space_between_posts=5][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8093\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pinterest_logo_red.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"86\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517952534267{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_pinterest type=single_board_pins pinterest_name=strategicmeetingsevents board_id=event-planning-resources pins_count=14][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8098\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/download.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"89\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1515445885931{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_youtube vid_count=16 large_vid=yes large_vid_title=no large_vid_description=no thumbs_play_in_iframe=popup vids_in_row=2 omit_first_thumbnail=yes space_between_videos=0px force_columns=no maxres_thumbnail_images=yes thumbs_wrap_color=#1d1848 wrap=left video_wrap_display=2 comments_count=0 channel_id=UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','SME Social Media: Connect With Us','','inherit','closed','closed','','8041-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:48:23','2018-02-21 15:48:23','',8041,'https://strategic.events/8041-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10500,3,'2018-02-21 15:49:08','2018-02-21 15:49:08','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519228094955{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>SME\'s Social Media Channels</h1>\r\n<h2><strong>Check out the feeds below and connect with us!</strong></h2>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8063\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2475.new-instagram-text-logo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"104\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1511994101680{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_instagram instagram_id=2012979101 pics_count=10 type=user width=100 height=1100px profile_wrap=yes popup=no profile_photo=no profile_stats=yes profile_name=yes profile_description=no super_gallery=yes columns=2 force_columns=no space_between_photos=1 icon_size=65px hide_date_likes_comments=no loadmore=autoscroll loadmore_count=5 loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8065\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/tech-facebook-1024x202.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"79\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=\"30\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1511993345476{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_facebook type=page id=104662352967791 posts=4 title=yes title_align=left description=no show_media=bottom show_thumbnail=no show_date=no show_name=no words=100 popup=yes grid=yes posts_displayed=page_only image_stack_animation=no colmn_width=250px space_between_posts=5px show_follow_btn_where=below_title like_option_align=left like_box_width=500px hide_like_option=no hide_comments_popup=yes loadmore=button loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8091\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/7194920_orig.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"85\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=\"5\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517847414872{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_twitter twitter_name=SME_Events tweets_count=5 twitter_height=500px cover_photo=yes stats_bar=yes show_retweets=yes show_replies=no grid=yes popup=yes loadmore=button loadmore_count=1 loadmore_btn_maxwidth=300px loadmore_btn_margin=10px colmn_width=250 space_between_posts=5][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/2\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_padding_divider size=\"25\"][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8093\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pinterest_logo_red.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"86\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1517952534267{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_pinterest type=single_board_pins pinterest_name=strategicmeetingsevents board_id=event-planning-resources pins_count=14][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][mk_fancy_title font_family=\"none\"]<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8098\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/download.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"89\" /></a>[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1515445885931{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"][fts_youtube vid_count=16 large_vid=yes large_vid_title=no large_vid_description=no thumbs_play_in_iframe=popup vids_in_row=2 omit_first_thumbnail=yes space_between_videos=0px force_columns=no maxres_thumbnail_images=yes thumbs_wrap_color=#1d1848 wrap=left video_wrap_display=2 comments_count=0 channel_id=UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][mk_social_networks size=\"medium\" style=\"simple-rounded\" border_color=\"#000050\" bg_color=\"#000050\" bg_hover_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_color=\"#ffffff\" icon_hover_color=\"#000050\" align=\"center\" facebook=\"https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMeetingsEvents\" twitter=\"https://twitter.com/SME_Events\" pinterest=\"https://www.pinterest.com/strategicmeetingsevents/\" instagram=\"https://www.instagram.com/strategic.events/\" linkedin=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-meetings-&amp;-events\" youtube=\"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuJ-F1Ot1zSc1ccpj_DzXA\"][/vc_column][/vc_row]','SME Social Media: Connect With Us','','inherit','closed','closed','','8041-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:49:08','2018-02-21 15:49:08','',8041,'https://strategic.events/8041-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10501,3,'2018-02-21 15:53:50','2018-02-21 15:53:50','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518037824201{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>Strategic Mindset</h1>\r\n<h2>Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10166\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/strategic-mindset.png\" alt=\"When introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. To learn more read, Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter\" width=\"440\" height=\"225\" /><strong>• Teach others to think strategically</strong>\r\n<strong> • Why site visits matter</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. That means you need to fully understand why being strategic matters and be firm in your commitment to your professional evolution, as not everyone embraces change. The opportunity to educate both yourself and those around you will happen early and often. Converting doubters into believers is part of the process when becoming a professional event strategist.\r\n\r\nAfter a <a href=\"https://strategic.events/discovery-sessions-establish-meetings-goal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discovery Session</a> is held, strategists begin determining what destination and venue is the best fit. There are some who believe, when choosing a destination and a venue, that doing an online search for reviews and photos is the equivalent of conducting an in-person site visit. As a planner with a limited budget and too many miles logged, you may be one of them. Or perhaps it is a higher up who isn’t convinced traveling to see properties and cities is a necessary expenditure. Common objections are that the hotel you are using is part of a chain which has been used before, or that someone in your organization has been to for another event/trip, so there is no reason to visit.\r\n\r\n<strong>This is where teaching others to think strategically is critical.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are a host of reasons a virtual site visit, no matter how spectacular the technology, cannot hold a candle to a traditional, in-person site inspection. An easy way to combat the ‘we can see the photos online’ mentality is comparing that suggestion to buying a house based just on the online photos. The magic of a good photographer is fantastic unless you are the one basing your decision on nothing but pretty pictures.\r\n\r\nBoth the destination city and host venue are integral components of your program. There are many things to consider when choosing both. Let’s start with destination choices. Every group has its own variables in what makes a destination a good fit. However, there are some universal questions to ask when hosting a program that will require air travel.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key things to know when attendees will be flying to your event:</strong>\r\n\r\n1. Is the lift to your potential destination sufficient for your entire group to arrive in time for the event?\r\n\r\n2. Is the lift the airlines are currently showing the same as it will be during your event? (Often schedules change based on seasonal demand.)\r\n\r\n3. If your attendees arrive to the venue on their own after landing, is Uber available? Not all cities allow Uber onsite at airports or at all.\r\n\r\n4. What city-wide events, if any, may be scheduled, before, during, or after your event? This may affect early arrivals/late departures, availability of vendors/rental items.\r\n\r\n5. Are service charges taxed? This could add a substantial amount to your budget.\r\n\r\nOnce you have confirmed a location, you’re halfway there. Now it’s time to select a venue. There are literally hundreds of things to look for while on a site visit. Keeping in mind that you may be persuading others that a live site visit is necessary, here are five examples selected to highlight critical program components a virtual tour can’t deliver:\r\n\r\n1. What is the quality of the area surrounding the venue? Is there a large construction project underway? Is the neighborhood around the venue safe, desirable, and appropriate? A beautiful property that is next to a construction site may mean waking to the sound of jackhammers. That’s never good.\r\n\r\n2. Venues can look beautiful while being simultaneously malodorous. Tropical destinations are especially susceptible to musty smells which, no matter how attractive the rooms, detracts from the experience. Overly fragranced lobbies or public spaces may also be a concern, especially with many who have a heightened sensitivity to heavy scents.\r\n\r\n3. Service levels cannot be seen via an online photo. Most posted reviews are from transient travelers, so their experience is not applicable to what your group will be experiencing.\r\n\r\n4. How is the water? Water pressure and water temperature to be exact. Hotels that have either minimal water pressure or hot water that never truly runs hot translates to a group of cranky attendees with bad hair. If you don’t think it matters, go to a hotel which has the above challenges and then listen to the conversations people are having over breakfast. Trust me, it matters.\r\n\r\n5. Food is an enormously emotional part of people’s lives. If banquet services do not provide the quality, quantity, and assortment of food necessary to keep your attendees happy, it’s going to be a long show. People may eat with their eyes, but pictures of food can’t replace a tasting.\r\n\r\nThere is an unspoken agreement and understanding between event attendees and event hosts that a quality experience will be provided in return for the attendees’ time and/or money. The host is responsible for choosing a destination that offers a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, and is easy to get to and navigate. It is also expected that the host hotel will meet guests’ needs and provide at the least, basic creature comforts. It can be seen as irresponsible, if you or a decision maker in your organization is willing to put that relationship in jeopardy, and potentially create an uncomfortable experience throughout the event. This is why committing to a strategic mindset and <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">educating others</a> on the importance and processes is so important.\r\n\r\nIf, for some reason, a site visit is impossible, then a contract with very specific performance clauses is next on your ‘must do’ list. Contract clauses and negotiations are next up on our topics of discussion, so stay tuned to the next issue of Midwest Meetings.\r\n\r\nYour suggestions, <a href=\"mailto:Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feedback</a>, and ideas are always welcome. Reach out anytime.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.midwestmeetings.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1348 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Midwest-Meetings-logo-swoosh.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Meetings\" width=\"170\" height=\"58\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter','','inherit','closed','closed','','10159-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:53:50','2018-02-21 15:53:50','',10159,'https://strategic.events/10159-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10502,3,'2018-02-21 15:54:32','2018-02-21 15:54:32','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1516292703016{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What\'s Buzzing</span></h1>\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-9473 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wine.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"413\" height=\"310\" /></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Elisabeth Sherman, contributor for Food and Wine offers us insight on the biggest cocktail trends for 2018 in an interview with the award-winning Mixologist Brian Van Flandern.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">In 2017, we drank <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/five-ways-to-smell-like-rose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rosé</a></span> and <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/food-and-drink-trends-2017#rum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rum</a></span> and cocktails inspired by <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/star-wars-last-jedi-cocktails-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Star Wars</em></a></span><em>.</em> What will we be drinking in 2018? Brian Van Flandern—a mixologist who has created cocktails for Thomas Keller and Geoffrey Zakarian, and recently partnered with <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/champagne-six-packs-have-arrived-just-in-time-picnic-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moet &amp; Chandon</a></span> to create a series of cocktails to celebrate the new film <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&amp;v=jr9QtXwC9vc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Greatest Showman</em></a></span>—talked with <em>Food &amp; Wine</em> about what he expects will be five of the most popular cocktail trends of 2018, plus reveals some tips for creating the perfect cocktail for your holiday party.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Geographic Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says that cocktail bars may soon be featuring “spirits that are specific to a single country.” You should expect to see “Cognac, Calvados and Champagne from France or … mezcal and tequila from Mexico,” for instance, on more cocktail menus in 2018.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lower Alcohol Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wine and Champagne-based cocktails that are easier to pair with meals will gain popularity next year. Van Flandern praised Champagne cocktails especially as “ideally suited to foods and are a great way to start a meal.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Artisanal Whiskey</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although, as Van Flandern points out, whiskey will always be popular in cocktails, he’s seeing more “artisanal grains like sorghum, oats, millet and even quinoa” pop up in this beloved brown liquor.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cristalino Tequila</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This relatively <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/cristalino-tequila/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new type</a></span> of aged tequila is clear, not brown. Van Flandern says it’s becoming popular with bartenders and mixologists who “want the flavor of an aged tequila but don’t want the brown spirit to influence the final color of a great cocktail.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Small Batch Gins</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says this variety of gin is “exploding worldwide.” Why? “Gin is easy to produce and there is an infinite number of botanical combinations,” Van Flandern explains. Gin is becoming so popular that there’s actually a <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/31/future-gin-safe-say-experts-have-collected-juniper-seeds-conserve/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">juniper shortage</a></span> happening in the U.K. at the moment. Not to worry—gin isn’t going extinct anytime soon. Van Flandern says the shortage should “self-correct” as soon as \"growers are incentivized to plant more [juniper].”</span>','Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018','','inherit','closed','closed','','9472-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 15:54:32','2018-02-21 15:54:32','',9472,'https://strategic.events/9472-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10503,3,'2018-02-21 16:01:10','2018-02-21 16:01:10','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518037824201{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>Strategic Mindset</h1>\r\n<h2>Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10166\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/strategic-mindset.png\" alt=\"When introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. To learn more read, Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter\" width=\"440\" height=\"225\" /><strong>• Teach others to think strategically</strong>\r\n<strong> • Why site visits matter</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. That means you need to fully understand why being strategic matters and be firm in your commitment to your professional evolution, as not everyone embraces change. The opportunity to educate both yourself and those around you will happen early and often. Converting doubters into believers is part of the process when becoming a professional event strategist.\r\n\r\nAfter a <a href=\"https://strategic.events/discovery-sessions-establish-meetings-goal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discovery Session</a> is held, strategists begin determining what destination and venue is the best fit. There are some who believe, when choosing a destination and a venue, that doing an online search for reviews and photos is the equivalent of conducting an in-person site visit. As a planner with a limited budget and too many miles logged, you may be one of them. Or perhaps it is a higher up who isn’t convinced traveling to see properties and cities is a necessary expenditure. Common objections are that the hotel you are using is part of a chain which has been used before, or that someone in your organization has been to for another event/trip, so there is no reason to visit.\r\n\r\n<strong>This is where teaching others to think strategically is critical.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are a host of reasons a virtual site visit, no matter how spectacular the technology, cannot hold a candle to a traditional, in-person site inspection. An easy way to combat the ‘we can see the photos online’ mentality is comparing that suggestion to buying a house based just on the online photos. The magic of a good photographer is fantastic unless you are the one basing your decision on nothing but pretty pictures.\r\n\r\nBoth the destination city and host venue are integral components of your program. There are many things to consider when choosing both. Let’s start with destination choices. Every group has its own variables in what makes a destination a good fit. However, there are some universal questions to ask when hosting a program that will require air travel.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key things to know when attendees will be flying to your event:</strong>\r\n\r\n1. Is the lift to your potential destination sufficient for your entire group to arrive in time for the event?\r\n\r\n2. Is the lift the airlines are currently showing the same as it will be during your event? (Often schedules change based on seasonal demand.)\r\n\r\n3. If your attendees arrive to the venue on their own after landing, is Uber available? Not all cities allow Uber onsite at airports or at all.\r\n\r\n4. What city-wide events, if any, may be scheduled, before, during, or after your event? This may affect early arrivals/late departures, availability of vendors/rental items.\r\n\r\n5. Are service charges taxed? This could add a substantial amount to your budget.\r\n\r\nOnce you have confirmed a location, you’re halfway there. Now it’s time to select a venue. There are literally hundreds of things to look for while on a site visit. Keeping in mind that you may be persuading others that a live site visit is necessary, here are five examples selected to highlight critical program components a virtual tour can’t deliver:\r\n\r\n1. What is the quality of the area surrounding the venue? Is there a large construction project underway? Is the neighborhood around the venue safe, desirable, and appropriate? A beautiful property that is next to a construction site may mean waking to the sound of jackhammers. That’s never good.\r\n\r\n2. Venues can look beautiful while being simultaneously malodorous. Tropical destinations are especially susceptible to musty smells which, no matter how attractive the rooms, detracts from the experience. Overly fragranced lobbies or public spaces may also be a concern, especially with many who have a heightened sensitivity to heavy scents.\r\n\r\n3. Service levels cannot be seen via an online photo. Most posted reviews are from transient travelers, so their experience is not applicable to what your group will be experiencing.\r\n\r\n4. How is the water? Water pressure and water temperature to be exact. Hotels that have either minimal water pressure or hot water that never truly runs hot translates to a group of cranky attendees with bad hair. If you don’t think it matters, go to a hotel which has the above challenges and then listen to the conversations people are having over breakfast. Trust me, it matters.\r\n\r\n5. Food is an enormously emotional part of people’s lives. If banquet services do not provide the quality, quantity, and assortment of food necessary to keep your attendees happy, it’s going to be a long show. People may eat with their eyes, but pictures of food can’t replace a tasting.\r\n\r\nThere is an unspoken agreement and understanding between event attendees and event hosts that a quality experience will be provided in return for the attendees’ time and/or money. The host is responsible for choosing a destination that offers a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, and is easy to get to and navigate. It is also expected that the host hotel will meet guests’ needs and provide at the least, basic creature comforts. It can be seen as irresponsible, if you or a decision maker in your organization is willing to put that relationship in jeopardy, and potentially create an uncomfortable experience throughout the event. This is why committing to a strategic mindset and <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">educating others</a> on the importance and processes is so important.\r\n\r\nIf, for some reason, a site visit is impossible, then a contract with very specific performance clauses is next on your ‘must do’ list. Contract clauses and negotiations are next up on our topics of discussion, so stay tuned to the next issue of Midwest Meetings.\r\n\r\nYour suggestions, <a href=\"mailto:Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feedback</a>, and ideas are always welcome. Reach out anytime.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.midwestmeetings.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1348 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Midwest-Meetings-logo-swoosh.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Meetings\" width=\"170\" height=\"58\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter Today','','inherit','closed','closed','','10159-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 16:01:10','2018-02-21 16:01:10','',10159,'https://strategic.events/10159-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10504,3,'2018-02-21 16:02:21','2018-02-21 16:02:21','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1518037824201{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>Strategic Mindset</h1>\r\n<h2>Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10166\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/strategic-mindset.png\" alt=\"When introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. To learn more read, Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter\" width=\"440\" height=\"225\" /><strong>• Teach others to think strategically</strong>\r\n<strong> • Why site visits matter</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. That means you need to fully understand why being strategic matters and be firm in your commitment to your professional evolution, as not everyone embraces change. The opportunity to educate both yourself and those around you will happen early and often. Converting doubters into believers is part of the process when becoming a professional event strategist.\r\n\r\nAfter a <a href=\"https://strategic.events/discovery-sessions-establish-meetings-goal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discovery Session</a> is held, strategists begin determining what destination and venue is the best fit. There are some who believe, when choosing a destination and a venue, that doing an online search for reviews and photos is the equivalent of conducting an in-person site visit. As a planner with a limited budget and too many miles logged, you may be one of them. Or perhaps it is a higher up who isn’t convinced traveling to see properties and cities is a necessary expenditure. Common objections are that the hotel you are using is part of a chain which has been used before, or that someone in your organization has been to for another event/trip, so there is no reason to visit.\r\n\r\n<strong>This is where teaching others to think strategically is critical.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are a host of reasons a virtual site visit, no matter how spectacular the technology, cannot hold a candle to a traditional, in-person site inspection. An easy way to combat the ‘we can see the photos online’ mentality is comparing that suggestion to buying a house based just on the online photos. The magic of a good photographer is fantastic unless you are the one basing your decision on nothing but pretty pictures.\r\n\r\nBoth the destination city and host venue are integral components of your program. There are many things to consider when choosing both. Let’s start with destination choices. Every group has its own variables in what makes a destination a good fit. However, there are some universal questions to ask when hosting a program that will require air travel.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key things to know when attendees will be flying to your event:</strong>\r\n\r\n1. Is the lift to your potential destination sufficient for your entire group to arrive in time for the event?\r\n\r\n2. Is the lift the airlines are currently showing the same as it will be during your event? (Often schedules change based on seasonal demand.)\r\n\r\n3. If your attendees arrive to the venue on their own after landing, is Uber available? Not all cities allow Uber onsite at airports or at all.\r\n\r\n4. What city-wide events, if any, may be scheduled, before, during, or after your event? This may affect early arrivals/late departures, availability of vendors/rental items.\r\n\r\n5. Are service charges taxed? This could add a substantial amount to your budget.\r\n\r\nOnce you have confirmed a location, you’re halfway there. Now it’s time to select a venue. There are literally hundreds of things to look for while on a site visit. Keeping in mind that you may be persuading others that a live site visit is necessary, here are five examples selected to highlight critical program components a virtual tour can’t deliver:\r\n\r\n1. What is the quality of the area surrounding the venue? Is there a large construction project underway? Is the neighborhood around the venue safe, desirable, and appropriate? A beautiful property that is next to a construction site may mean waking to the sound of jackhammers. That’s never good.\r\n\r\n2. Venues can look beautiful while being simultaneously malodorous. Tropical destinations are especially susceptible to musty smells which, no matter how attractive the rooms, detracts from the experience. Overly fragranced lobbies or public spaces may also be a concern, especially with many who have a heightened sensitivity to heavy scents.\r\n\r\n3. Service levels cannot be seen via an online photo. Most posted reviews are from transient travelers, so their experience is not applicable to what your group will be experiencing.\r\n\r\n4. How is the water? Water pressure and water temperature to be exact. Hotels that have either minimal water pressure or hot water that never truly runs hot translates to a group of cranky attendees with bad hair. If you don’t think it matters, go to a hotel which has the above challenges and then listen to the conversations people are having over breakfast. Trust me, it matters.\r\n\r\n5. Food is an enormously emotional part of people’s lives. If banquet services do not provide the quality, quantity, and assortment of food necessary to keep your attendees happy, it’s going to be a long show. People may eat with their eyes, but pictures of food can’t replace a tasting.\r\n\r\nThere is an unspoken agreement and understanding between event attendees and event hosts that a quality experience will be provided in return for the attendees’ time and/or money. The host is responsible for choosing a destination that offers a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, and is easy to get to and navigate. It is also expected that the host hotel will meet guests’ needs and provide at the least, basic creature comforts. It can be seen as irresponsible, if you or a decision maker in your organization is willing to put that relationship in jeopardy, and potentially create an uncomfortable experience throughout the event. This is why committing to a strategic mindset and <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">educating others</a> on the importance and processes is so important.\r\n\r\nIf, for some reason, a site visit is impossible, then a contract with very specific performance clauses is next on your ‘must do’ list. Contract clauses and negotiations are next up on our topics of discussion, so stay tuned to the next issue of Midwest Meetings.\r\n\r\nYour suggestions, <a href=\"mailto:Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feedback</a>, and ideas are always welcome. Reach out anytime.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.midwestmeetings.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1348 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Midwest-Meetings-logo-swoosh.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Meetings\" width=\"170\" height=\"58\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter','','inherit','closed','closed','','10159-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 16:02:21','2018-02-21 16:02:21','',10159,'https://strategic.events/10159-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10505,3,'2018-02-21 16:15:56','2018-02-21 16:15:56','[vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h1><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">What\'s</span> Buzzing</span></h1>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519229718251{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-9473 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wine.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"413\" height=\"310\" /></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Elisabeth Sherman, contributor for Food and Wine offers us insight on the biggest cocktail trends for 2018 in an interview with the award-winning Mixologist Brian Van Flandern.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">In 2017, we drank <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/five-ways-to-smell-like-rose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rosé</a></span> and <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/food-and-drink-trends-2017#rum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rum</a></span> and cocktails inspired by <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/star-wars-last-jedi-cocktails-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Star Wars</em></a></span><em>.</em> What will we be drinking in 2018? Brian Van Flandern—a mixologist who has created cocktails for Thomas Keller and Geoffrey Zakarian, and recently partnered with <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/champagne-six-packs-have-arrived-just-in-time-picnic-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moet &amp; Chandon</a></span> to create a series of cocktails to celebrate the new film <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&amp;v=jr9QtXwC9vc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Greatest Showman</em></a></span>—talked with <em>Food &amp; Wine</em> about what he expects will be five of the most popular cocktail trends of 2018, plus reveals some tips for creating the perfect cocktail for your holiday party.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Geographic Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says that cocktail bars may soon be featuring “spirits that are specific to a single country.” You should expect to see “Cognac, Calvados and Champagne from France or … mezcal and tequila from Mexico,” for instance, on more cocktail menus in 2018.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lower Alcohol Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wine and Champagne-based cocktails that are easier to pair with meals will gain popularity next year. Van Flandern praised Champagne cocktails especially as “ideally suited to foods and are a great way to start a meal.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Artisanal Whiskey</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although, as Van Flandern points out, whiskey will always be popular in cocktails, he’s seeing more “artisanal grains like sorghum, oats, millet and even quinoa” pop up in this beloved brown liquor.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cristalino Tequila</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This relatively <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/cristalino-tequila/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new type</a></span> of aged tequila is clear, not brown. Van Flandern says it’s becoming popular with bartenders and mixologists who “want the flavor of an aged tequila but don’t want the brown spirit to influence the final color of a great cocktail.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Small Batch Gins</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says this variety of gin is “exploding worldwide.” Why? “Gin is easy to produce and there is an infinite number of botanical combinations,” Van Flandern explains. Gin is becoming so popular that there’s actually a <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/31/future-gin-safe-say-experts-have-collected-juniper-seeds-conserve/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">juniper shortage</a></span> happening in the U.K. at the moment. Not to worry—gin isn’t going extinct anytime soon. Van Flandern says the shortage should “self-correct” as soon as \"growers are incentivized to plant more [juniper].”</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018','','inherit','closed','closed','','9472-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-21 16:15:56','2018-02-21 16:15:56','',9472,'https://strategic.events/9472-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10506,3,'2018-02-21 16:16:42','2018-02-21 16:16:42','[vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h1><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">What\'s</span> Buzzing</span></h1>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519229718251{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-9473 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wine.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"413\" height=\"310\" /></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Elisabeth Sherman, contributor for Food and Wine offers us insight on the biggest cocktail trends for 2018 in an interview with the award-winning Mixologist Brian Van Flandern.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">In 2017, we drank <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/five-ways-to-smell-like-rose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rosé</a></span> and <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/food-and-drink-trends-2017#rum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rum</a></span> and cocktails inspired by <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/star-wars-last-jedi-cocktails-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Star Wars</em></a></span><em>.</em> What will we be drinking in 2018? Brian Van Flandern—a mixologist who has created cocktails for Thomas Keller and Geoffrey Zakarian, and recently partnered with <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/champagne-six-packs-have-arrived-just-in-time-picnic-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moet &amp; Chandon</a></span> to create a series of cocktails to celebrate the new film <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&amp;v=jr9QtXwC9vc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Greatest Showman</em></a></span>—talked with <em>Food &amp; Wine</em> about what he expects will be five of the most popular cocktail trends of 2018, plus reveals some tips for creating the perfect cocktail for your holiday party.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Geographic Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says that cocktail bars may soon be featuring “spirits that are specific to a single country.” You should expect to see “Cognac, Calvados and Champagne from France or … mezcal and tequila from Mexico,” for instance, on more cocktail menus in 2018.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lower Alcohol Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wine and Champagne-based cocktails that are easier to pair with meals will gain popularity next year. Van Flandern praised Champagne cocktails especially as “ideally suited to foods and are a great way to start a meal.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Artisanal Whiskey</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although, as Van Flandern points out, whiskey will always be popular in cocktails, he’s seeing more “artisanal grains like sorghum, oats, millet and even quinoa” pop up in this beloved brown liquor.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cristalino Tequila</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This relatively <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/cristalino-tequila/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new type</a></span> of aged tequila is clear, not brown. Van Flandern says it’s becoming popular with bartenders and mixologists who “want the flavor of an aged tequila but don’t want the brown spirit to influence the final color of a great cocktail.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Small Batch Gins</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says this variety of gin is “exploding worldwide.” Why? “Gin is easy to produce and there is an infinite number of botanical combinations,” Van Flandern explains. Gin is becoming so popular that there’s actually a <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/31/future-gin-safe-say-experts-have-collected-juniper-seeds-conserve/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">juniper shortage</a></span> happening in the U.K. at the moment. Not to worry—gin isn’t going extinct anytime soon. Van Flandern says the shortage should “self-correct” as soon as \"growers are incentivized to plant more [juniper].”</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018','','inherit','closed','closed','','9472-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 16:16:42','2018-02-21 16:16:42','',9472,'https://strategic.events/9472-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10507,3,'2018-02-21 16:18:08','2018-02-21 16:18:08','[vc_row][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h1>Strategic Mindset</h1>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519229837833{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10166\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/strategic-mindset.png\" alt=\"When introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. To learn more read, Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter\" width=\"440\" height=\"225\" /><strong>• Teach others to think strategically</strong>\r\n<strong> • Why site visits matter</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. That means you need to fully understand why being strategic matters and be firm in your commitment to your professional evolution, as not everyone embraces change. The opportunity to educate both yourself and those around you will happen early and often. Converting doubters into believers is part of the process when becoming a professional event strategist.\r\n\r\nAfter a <a href=\"https://strategic.events/discovery-sessions-establish-meetings-goal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discovery Session</a> is held, strategists begin determining what destination and venue is the best fit. There are some who believe, when choosing a destination and a venue, that doing an online search for reviews and photos is the equivalent of conducting an in-person site visit. As a planner with a limited budget and too many miles logged, you may be one of them. Or perhaps it is a higher up who isn’t convinced traveling to see properties and cities is a necessary expenditure. Common objections are that the hotel you are using is part of a chain which has been used before, or that someone in your organization has been to for another event/trip, so there is no reason to visit.\r\n\r\n<strong>This is where teaching others to think strategically is critical.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are a host of reasons a virtual site visit, no matter how spectacular the technology, cannot hold a candle to a traditional, in-person site inspection. An easy way to combat the ‘we can see the photos online’ mentality is comparing that suggestion to buying a house based just on the online photos. The magic of a good photographer is fantastic unless you are the one basing your decision on nothing but pretty pictures.\r\n\r\nBoth the destination city and host venue are integral components of your program. There are many things to consider when choosing both. Let’s start with destination choices. Every group has its own variables in what makes a destination a good fit. However, there are some universal questions to ask when hosting a program that will require air travel.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key things to know when attendees will be flying to your event:</strong>\r\n\r\n1. Is the lift to your potential destination sufficient for your entire group to arrive in time for the event?\r\n\r\n2. Is the lift the airlines are currently showing the same as it will be during your event? (Often schedules change based on seasonal demand.)\r\n\r\n3. If your attendees arrive to the venue on their own after landing, is Uber available? Not all cities allow Uber onsite at airports or at all.\r\n\r\n4. What city-wide events, if any, may be scheduled, before, during, or after your event? This may affect early arrivals/late departures, availability of vendors/rental items.\r\n\r\n5. Are service charges taxed? This could add a substantial amount to your budget.\r\n\r\nOnce you have confirmed a location, you’re halfway there. Now it’s time to select a venue. There are literally hundreds of things to look for while on a site visit. Keeping in mind that you may be persuading others that a live site visit is necessary, here are five examples selected to highlight critical program components a virtual tour can’t deliver:\r\n\r\n1. What is the quality of the area surrounding the venue? Is there a large construction project underway? Is the neighborhood around the venue safe, desirable, and appropriate? A beautiful property that is next to a construction site may mean waking to the sound of jackhammers. That’s never good.\r\n\r\n2. Venues can look beautiful while being simultaneously malodorous. Tropical destinations are especially susceptible to musty smells which, no matter how attractive the rooms, detracts from the experience. Overly fragranced lobbies or public spaces may also be a concern, especially with many who have a heightened sensitivity to heavy scents.\r\n\r\n3. Service levels cannot be seen via an online photo. Most posted reviews are from transient travelers, so their experience is not applicable to what your group will be experiencing.\r\n\r\n4. How is the water? Water pressure and water temperature to be exact. Hotels that have either minimal water pressure or hot water that never truly runs hot translates to a group of cranky attendees with bad hair. If you don’t think it matters, go to a hotel which has the above challenges and then listen to the conversations people are having over breakfast. Trust me, it matters.\r\n\r\n5. Food is an enormously emotional part of people’s lives. If banquet services do not provide the quality, quantity, and assortment of food necessary to keep your attendees happy, it’s going to be a long show. People may eat with their eyes, but pictures of food can’t replace a tasting.\r\n\r\nThere is an unspoken agreement and understanding between event attendees and event hosts that a quality experience will be provided in return for the attendees’ time and/or money. The host is responsible for choosing a destination that offers a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, and is easy to get to and navigate. It is also expected that the host hotel will meet guests’ needs and provide at the least, basic creature comforts. It can be seen as irresponsible, if you or a decision maker in your organization is willing to put that relationship in jeopardy, and potentially create an uncomfortable experience throughout the event. This is why committing to a strategic mindset and <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">educating others</a> on the importance and processes is so important.\r\n\r\nIf, for some reason, a site visit is impossible, then a contract with very specific performance clauses is next on your ‘must do’ list. Contract clauses and negotiations are next up on our topics of discussion, so stay tuned to the next issue of Midwest Meetings.\r\n\r\nYour suggestions, <a href=\"mailto:Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feedback</a>, and ideas are always welcome. Reach out anytime.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.midwestmeetings.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1348 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Midwest-Meetings-logo-swoosh.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Meetings\" width=\"170\" height=\"58\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter','','inherit','closed','closed','','10159-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 16:18:08','2018-02-21 16:18:08','',10159,'https://strategic.events/10159-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10508,3,'2018-02-21 16:21:23','2018-02-21 16:21:23','[mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h1>Strategic Mindset</h1>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519229837833{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10166\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/strategic-mindset.png\" alt=\"When introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. To learn more read, Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter\" width=\"440\" height=\"225\" /><strong>• Teach others to think strategically</strong>\r\n<strong> • Why site visits matter</strong>\r\n\r\nWhen introducing a strategic mindset to your office or business, you may find you are not just teaching yourself a new way to do things, but you’re educating those around you as well. That means you need to fully understand why being strategic matters and be firm in your commitment to your professional evolution, as not everyone embraces change. The opportunity to educate both yourself and those around you will happen early and often. Converting doubters into believers is part of the process when becoming a professional event strategist.\r\n\r\nAfter a <a href=\"https://strategic.events/discovery-sessions-establish-meetings-goal/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Discovery Session</a> is held, strategists begin determining what destination and venue is the best fit. There are some who believe, when choosing a destination and a venue, that doing an online search for reviews and photos is the equivalent of conducting an in-person site visit. As a planner with a limited budget and too many miles logged, you may be one of them. Or perhaps it is a higher up who isn’t convinced traveling to see properties and cities is a necessary expenditure. Common objections are that the hotel you are using is part of a chain which has been used before, or that someone in your organization has been to for another event/trip, so there is no reason to visit.\r\n\r\n<strong>This is where teaching others to think strategically is critical.</strong>\r\n\r\nThere are a host of reasons a virtual site visit, no matter how spectacular the technology, cannot hold a candle to a traditional, in-person site inspection. An easy way to combat the ‘we can see the photos online’ mentality is comparing that suggestion to buying a house based just on the online photos. The magic of a good photographer is fantastic unless you are the one basing your decision on nothing but pretty pictures.\r\n\r\nBoth the destination city and host venue are integral components of your program. There are many things to consider when choosing both. Let’s start with destination choices. Every group has its own variables in what makes a destination a good fit. However, there are some universal questions to ask when hosting a program that will require air travel.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key things to know when attendees will be flying to your event:</strong>\r\n\r\n1. Is the lift to your potential destination sufficient for your entire group to arrive in time for the event?\r\n\r\n2. Is the lift the airlines are currently showing the same as it will be during your event? (Often schedules change based on seasonal demand.)\r\n\r\n3. If your attendees arrive to the venue on their own after landing, is Uber available? Not all cities allow Uber onsite at airports or at all.\r\n\r\n4. What city-wide events, if any, may be scheduled, before, during, or after your event? This may affect early arrivals/late departures, availability of vendors/rental items.\r\n\r\n5. Are service charges taxed? This could add a substantial amount to your budget.\r\n\r\nOnce you have confirmed a location, you’re halfway there. Now it’s time to select a venue. There are literally hundreds of things to look for while on a site visit. Keeping in mind that you may be persuading others that a live site visit is necessary, here are five examples selected to highlight critical program components a virtual tour can’t deliver:\r\n\r\n1. What is the quality of the area surrounding the venue? Is there a large construction project underway? Is the neighborhood around the venue safe, desirable, and appropriate? A beautiful property that is next to a construction site may mean waking to the sound of jackhammers. That’s never good.\r\n\r\n2. Venues can look beautiful while being simultaneously malodorous. Tropical destinations are especially susceptible to musty smells which, no matter how attractive the rooms, detracts from the experience. Overly fragranced lobbies or public spaces may also be a concern, especially with many who have a heightened sensitivity to heavy scents.\r\n\r\n3. Service levels cannot be seen via an online photo. Most posted reviews are from transient travelers, so their experience is not applicable to what your group will be experiencing.\r\n\r\n4. How is the water? Water pressure and water temperature to be exact. Hotels that have either minimal water pressure or hot water that never truly runs hot translates to a group of cranky attendees with bad hair. If you don’t think it matters, go to a hotel which has the above challenges and then listen to the conversations people are having over breakfast. Trust me, it matters.\r\n\r\n5. Food is an enormously emotional part of people’s lives. If banquet services do not provide the quality, quantity, and assortment of food necessary to keep your attendees happy, it’s going to be a long show. People may eat with their eyes, but pictures of food can’t replace a tasting.\r\n\r\nThere is an unspoken agreement and understanding between event attendees and event hosts that a quality experience will be provided in return for the attendees’ time and/or money. The host is responsible for choosing a destination that offers a safe, clean, and comfortable environment, and is easy to get to and navigate. It is also expected that the host hotel will meet guests’ needs and provide at the least, basic creature comforts. It can be seen as irresponsible, if you or a decision maker in your organization is willing to put that relationship in jeopardy, and potentially create an uncomfortable experience throughout the event. This is why committing to a strategic mindset and <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">educating others</a> on the importance and processes is so important.\r\n\r\nIf, for some reason, a site visit is impossible, then a contract with very specific performance clauses is next on your ‘must do’ list. Contract clauses and negotiations are next up on our topics of discussion, so stay tuned to the next issue of Midwest Meetings.\r\n\r\nYour suggestions, <a href=\"mailto:Christy.Lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">feedback</a>, and ideas are always welcome. Reach out anytime.[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.midwestmeetings.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1348 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Midwest-Meetings-logo-swoosh.jpg\" alt=\"Midwest Meetings\" width=\"170\" height=\"58\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Strategic Mindset: Teaching Others And Why Site Visits Matter','','inherit','closed','closed','','10159-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 16:21:23','2018-02-21 16:21:23','',10159,'https://strategic.events/10159-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10509,3,'2018-02-21 16:21:37','2018-02-21 16:21:37','[mk_fancy_title tag_name=\"h1\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"none\"]\r\n<h1><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\">What\'s</span> Buzzing</span></h1>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519229718251{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-9473 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wine.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"413\" height=\"310\" /></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Elisabeth Sherman, contributor for Food and Wine offers us insight on the biggest cocktail trends for 2018 in an interview with the award-winning Mixologist Brian Van Flandern.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">In 2017, we drank <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/five-ways-to-smell-like-rose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rosé</a></span> and <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/food-and-drink-trends-2017#rum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rum</a></span> and cocktails inspired by <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/star-wars-last-jedi-cocktails-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Star Wars</em></a></span><em>.</em> What will we be drinking in 2018? Brian Van Flandern—a mixologist who has created cocktails for Thomas Keller and Geoffrey Zakarian, and recently partnered with <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/champagne-six-packs-have-arrived-just-in-time-picnic-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moet &amp; Chandon</a></span> to create a series of cocktails to celebrate the new film <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&amp;v=jr9QtXwC9vc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Greatest Showman</em></a></span>—talked with <em>Food &amp; Wine</em> about what he expects will be five of the most popular cocktail trends of 2018, plus reveals some tips for creating the perfect cocktail for your holiday party.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Geographic Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says that cocktail bars may soon be featuring “spirits that are specific to a single country.” You should expect to see “Cognac, Calvados and Champagne from France or … mezcal and tequila from Mexico,” for instance, on more cocktail menus in 2018.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lower Alcohol Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wine and Champagne-based cocktails that are easier to pair with meals will gain popularity next year. Van Flandern praised Champagne cocktails especially as “ideally suited to foods and are a great way to start a meal.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Artisanal Whiskey</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although, as Van Flandern points out, whiskey will always be popular in cocktails, he’s seeing more “artisanal grains like sorghum, oats, millet and even quinoa” pop up in this beloved brown liquor.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cristalino Tequila</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This relatively <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/cristalino-tequila/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new type</a></span> of aged tequila is clear, not brown. Van Flandern says it’s becoming popular with bartenders and mixologists who “want the flavor of an aged tequila but don’t want the brown spirit to influence the final color of a great cocktail.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Small Batch Gins</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says this variety of gin is “exploding worldwide.” Why? “Gin is easy to produce and there is an infinite number of botanical combinations,” Van Flandern explains. Gin is becoming so popular that there’s actually a <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/31/future-gin-safe-say-experts-have-collected-juniper-seeds-conserve/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">juniper shortage</a></span> happening in the U.K. at the moment. Not to worry—gin isn’t going extinct anytime soon. Van Flandern says the shortage should “self-correct” as soon as \"growers are incentivized to plant more [juniper].”</span>','Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018','','inherit','closed','closed','','9472-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 16:21:37','2018-02-21 16:21:37','',9472,'https://strategic.events/9472-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10510,3,'2018-02-21 16:45:20','2018-02-21 16:45:20','&nbsp;\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-9473 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wine.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"413\" height=\"310\" /></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Elisabeth Sherman, contributor for Food and Wine offers us insight on the biggest cocktail trends for 2018 in an interview with the award-winning Mixologist Brian Van Flandern.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">In 2017, we drank <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/five-ways-to-smell-like-rose\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rosé</a></span> and <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/food-and-drink-trends-2017#rum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rum</a></span> and cocktails inspired by <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/star-wars-last-jedi-cocktails-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Star Wars</em></a></span><em>.</em> What will we be drinking in 2018? Brian Van Flandern—a mixologist who has created cocktails for Thomas Keller and Geoffrey Zakarian, and recently partnered with <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.foodandwine.com/news/champagne-six-packs-have-arrived-just-in-time-picnic-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Moet &amp; Chandon</a></span> to create a series of cocktails to celebrate the new film <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&amp;v=jr9QtXwC9vc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>The Greatest Showman</em></a></span>—talked with <em>Food &amp; Wine</em> about what he expects will be five of the most popular cocktail trends of 2018, plus reveals some tips for creating the perfect cocktail for your holiday party.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Geographic Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says that cocktail bars may soon be featuring “spirits that are specific to a single country.” You should expect to see “Cognac, Calvados and Champagne from France or … mezcal and tequila from Mexico,” for instance, on more cocktail menus in 2018.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lower Alcohol Cocktails</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Wine and Champagne-based cocktails that are easier to pair with meals will gain popularity next year. Van Flandern praised Champagne cocktails especially as “ideally suited to foods and are a great way to start a meal.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Artisanal Whiskey</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Although, as Van Flandern points out, whiskey will always be popular in cocktails, he’s seeing more “artisanal grains like sorghum, oats, millet and even quinoa” pop up in this beloved brown liquor.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cristalino Tequila</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">This relatively <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/cristalino-tequila/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new type</a></span> of aged tequila is clear, not brown. Van Flandern says it’s becoming popular with bartenders and mixologists who “want the flavor of an aged tequila but don’t want the brown spirit to influence the final color of a great cocktail.”</span>\r\n\r\n<strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Small Batch Gins</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Van Flandern says this variety of gin is “exploding worldwide.” Why? “Gin is easy to produce and there is an infinite number of botanical combinations,” Van Flandern explains. Gin is becoming so popular that there’s actually a <span style=\"color: #ffd249;\"><a style=\"color: #ffd249;\" href=\"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/31/future-gin-safe-say-experts-have-collected-juniper-seeds-conserve/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">juniper shortage</a></span> happening in the U.K. at the moment. Not to worry—gin isn’t going extinct anytime soon. Van Flandern says the shortage should “self-correct” as soon as \"growers are incentivized to plant more [juniper].”</span>','Biggest Cocktail Trends for 2018','','inherit','closed','closed','','9472-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 16:45:20','2018-02-21 16:45:20','',9472,'https://strategic.events/9472-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10511,1,'2018-04-16 01:35:26','2018-04-16 01:35:26','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1523887661077{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget-Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10964 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/column1-christylamagna-860x418.jpg\" alt=\"Budget-friendly Buffets With Massive Visual Appeal\" width=\"391\" height=\"190\" />\r\n\r\nIf you shy away from buffets over plated meals, it may be time to take another look at all that buffets have to offer. In addition to giving attendees the freedom to select their own food and quantities, buffets allow guests to stretch their legs, socialize with each other and, when planned properly, add unexpected flavors and fun to the meal.\r\n\r\nEvent strategists know a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired presentation and preparation brings fresh appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perceptions and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to give food a flavor makeover. With a bit of culinary creativity, you can make oatmeal (is there a more basic food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting and delicious. Yep, I said it, delicious.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gourmet Oatmeal</strong>\r\n\r\nLet’s start with one of the world’s most tasteless foods; oatmeal. Beige in flavor as well as color, oatmeal is often viewed as something one eats only when either forced or when no other options exist. That’s about to change.\r\n\r\nInstead of the standard garnishes of brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzazz and create a gourmet toppings bar? Get creative and include sweet and savory enhancements. For savory, think: peas, pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions, salt and pepper and feta cheese. How yummy does that sound? Suddenly, oatmeal has an entirely new flavor profile and instead of being boring, is now colorful, packed with vibrant flavors, interesting textures and fun to create.\r\n\r\nFor sweet offerings think: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter. Candied walnuts, raisins, pineapple or apple chunks, strawberries and flavored syrups offer additional variety and appeal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Buffet-worthy Mash-up</strong>\r\n\r\nOn to our next buffet-worthy food makeover; mashed potatoes. An all-American favorite and staple, they are admittedly delicious but hardly exciting. With a little creativity they can go from “ho-hum” to “give me some.” Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, sautéed mushrooms, chives, pancetta, basil pesto, olives, salsa — once you start thinking, you’ll find the options are endless.\r\n\r\n<strong>Give Ethnic Cuisine a Flavor Burst</strong>\r\n\r\nBuffets are perfect for showcasing multiple ethnic cuisines, making them perfect for a flavor refresh. The next time you put out Mexican food on your buffet create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment. Cilantro, lime, zesty jalapeño, chipotle, sriracha or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional hot, medium, mild, offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\n<strong>Belly Up to the Dessert Bar</strong>\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, also can get predictable. Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar complete with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. Strawberries, blueberries, pitted cherries, sliced bananas and granola offer healthier options for those trying to be good. With all those choices AND a dessert under it all, what’s not to love?\r\n\r\n<strong>Designer Water and Inventive Ice Cubes</strong>\r\n\r\nThink you’re done? Not by a long shot. What about adding some zing to your beverages? Even water can take on new twist with a bit of inspiration. By using clear dispensers instead of pitchers or bottled options, you set the stage for gourmet creations that are fun to taste and look at. Gourmet water bars are cost-effective, easy ways to steer attendees away from expensive cans/bottles. Customize their drinks and add variety in an unexpected place. Consider adding cucumbers, lemons, limes, orange slices or mint to water dispensers. Combine ingredients (cucumber and mint, for instance) to create new flavor profiles. Create a flavor of the day or swap out options as the day progresses, offering zingier citrus flavors as guests’ energy fades.\r\n\r\nCreate iced tea bars using flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar-free tea as the foundation. Build on that with lemon and lime slices, cinnamon sticks and fresh mint. Go the extra mile and ask the venue to create ice cubes in the same flavors so they won’t dilute the drink when they melt. Iced tea ice cubes, complete with either lemon zest or bits of mint frozen into them now make ice interesting! With something as simple as an ice buffet alongside your beverages, guests can create fun flavor twists to whatever beverage they choose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Appealing Presentation</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter you’ve thought through the food on the buffet, pay attention to the ways it is presented and served. For the beverages, why not add colorful straws, fun glasses and paper umbrellas for a bit of color and fun? Venues often have a variety of baskets, serving bowls and plates they can mix and match to add visual appeal, color and texture.\r\n\r\nArtichokes, Brussels sprout stalks, lemons, oranges and eggplant are visually interesting in texture, color and shape. Ask the chef to create a visual feast using the foods being served on the buffet as part of the décor. Bonus tip: carry the food as décor theme to the tables with tall cylinder vases full of lemons/limes, different shaped pastas, apples in multiple colors, etc.\r\n\r\nAttendees will be delighted with new flavors to sample and the ability to construct their own meals in a setting that is visually appealing. Remember: Strategic events are about creating goal-driven experiences, and engaging all five senses is a key part of that experience. New sights, tastes, smells, textures and the sound of laughter and happy conversation should all accompany a well-designed meal.\r\n\r\nAll of these options are examples of foods, otherwise ignored, being transformed into visually appealing, delicious and affordable options. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.\r\n\r\n[mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Gourmet Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button]\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.themeetingmagazines.com/corporate-incentive-travel/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-1842 size-full\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corporate_incentive_170.jpg\" alt=\"The Meeting Magazine. Corporate and Incentive travel.\" width=\"170\" height=\"55\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','publish','open','open','','budget-friendly-buffets-massive-visual-appeal','','','2018-04-23 14:24:59','2018-04-23 14:24:59','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10511',0,'post','',0),(10512,3,'2018-02-21 18:33:33','2018-02-21 18:33:33','<h1>Information Pipeline</h1>\r\n<h2>Strategically Building Your Information Pipeline</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-6226 aligncenter\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Information-Pipeline-Capture.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"437\" height=\"245\" />It took a lot of convincing, but after doing the research, I was finally forced to acknowledge that multi-tasking really does decrease productivity. That tidbit of discouraging news left me looking for a solution as I still have more things to do than time to do them. Thus, my quest to find a working and affordable cloning machine began. I am disappointed to report that I have had no luck thus far. Not one to admit defeat, I went to ‘Plan B’ and found an abundance of useful tools online that save me time, put money in my pocket and best of all, make me look a lot smarter than I actually am.\r\n\r\nNow I’m ‘magically’ mapping the most efficient routes for site visits, know what time sunset is when <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-event-planning-profession/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">planning</a> any evening reception within a moment of someone asking, am up to date on the latest industry trends and area hot spots, can speak to all kinds of social media tools and services to boost one’s digital footprint and can speak with authority on what new technology is worth using for programs.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-6247\" title=\"I’m all about sharing the love so I’ve compiled a list of the sites my team and I have researched and found most useful, in hopes of adding time, money and relevant information to your world. Strategically Building Your Information Pipeline\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/dreamstime_s_34496856.jpg\" alt=\"I’m all about sharing the love so I’ve compiled a list of the sites my team and I have researched and found most useful, in hopes of adding time, money and relevant information to your world. Strategically Building Your Information Pipeline\" width=\"516\" height=\"330\" />All this and I’m saving time. Now let’s get to the money saving. I’ve found sites that pay me to shop (what’s not to love?) that find me discounts on both business and leisure travel, and that offer free tools to boost my social media that I would have otherwise, unwittingly paid for.\r\n\r\nSpeaking of money, I found a great currency converter that allows me to see what kind of deal I may or may not be getting when traveling abroad or doing multiple currency budgets, allowing me to more accurately track and report my final spend. While I’m dabbling in all things international, I use my metrics conversion site to turn feet into meters and gallons into liters, so no chance of any foolish mistakes when estimating ballroom capacity or ordering coffee.\r\n\r\nTalk of bedbugs has subsided but my loathing of those insidious buggers has not, so the bedbug registry is a site I visit. Couple that with sites that tell me where the most happening places to eat, drink and be seen are, and my clients have a home run of information on their hands. I’m all about sharing the love so I’ve compiled a list of the sites my team and I have researched and found most useful, in hopes of adding time, money and relevant information to your world.\r\n\r\nMy guess is you have some trusted sites of your own. Why not share your most used and useful sites with the rest of us? Tweet them to: <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SMEChristy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SMEChristy</a> or email them to me at: <a href=\"mailto:Christy.lamagna@strategic.events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Christy.lamagna@strategic.events</a> and I’ll add the best ones to our running list of ‘must visit’ sites. And if anyone has a lead on that cloning machine, I’m ready to write a check…..[mk_button size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Bulding-Your-Pipeline-Resource-Page.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\"]Get Access to SME\'s Information Pipeline[/mk_button]','Budget friendly buffets with massive visual appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 18:33:33','2018-02-21 18:33:33','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10514,3,'2018-02-21 18:39:47','2018-02-21 18:39:47','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519238384606{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h1>Budget-friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</h1>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10513 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nBonus: Do XYZ for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget friendly buffets with massive visual appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 18:39:47','2018-02-21 18:39:47','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10515,3,'2018-02-21 18:41:18','2018-02-21 18:41:18','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519238474751{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Budget-friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10513 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget friendly buffets with massive visual appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 18:41:18','2018-02-21 18:41:18','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10516,3,'2018-02-21 18:43:50','2018-02-21 18:43:50','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519238474751{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Budget-friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10513 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget friendly buffets with massive visual appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 18:43:50','2018-02-21 18:43:50','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10517,3,'2018-02-21 18:59:53','2018-02-21 18:59:53','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519239586293{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10513 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 18:59:53','2018-02-21 18:59:53','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10519,3,'2018-02-21 19:17:41','2018-02-21 19:17:41','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519239586293{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10513 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-.pdf\"][/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 19:17:41','2018-02-21 19:17:41','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10520,3,'2018-02-21 19:27:22','2018-02-21 19:27:22','','gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes','','inherit','open','closed','','gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes','','','2018-02-21 19:27:22','2018-02-21 19:27:22','',0,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf',0,'attachment','application/pdf',0),(10521,3,'2018-02-21 19:35:30','2018-02-21 19:35:30','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519239586293{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10513 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Get Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-02-21 19:35:30','2018-02-21 19:35:30','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10523,3,'2018-02-26 22:07:38','2018-02-26 22:07:38','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]BREAKFAST DIRT BOMBS[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"1118\" img_size=\"full\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-home/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DirtBombs.jpg\" image_size=\"full\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">When we were traveling in Provenance we came across these light and airy delicacies and knew we had to share the love. One bite is all it takes to bring you the feeling of standing at a Patisserie.</h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519682853249{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Breakfast Dirt Bombs</h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">INGREDIENTS\r\n3 Tsp Baking Powder\r\n1 Tsp Salt\r\n1/2 Tsp Ground Nutmeg\r\n1 Cup Sugar\r\n2/3 Cup Shortening\r\n2 Eggs\r\n3 Cups Flour\r\n1 Cup Whole Milk\r\nCoating:\r\n1/2 Pound (2 Sticks) Butter\r\n1 1/2 Cups Sugar\r\n3 Tsp Ground Cinnamon</p>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]INSTRUCTIONS:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 12 muffin cups.</li>\r\n 	<li>In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In a separate large bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening. Add the eggs and mix again. Alternate adding one-third of the flour mixture and one-third of the milk to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.</li>\r\n 	<li>Fill the muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the muffins from the pan and set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>To make the coating, melt the butter in a bowl or glass pan. In a separate container, combine the sugar and cinnamon.</li>\r\n 	<li>Dip the warm muffins in the butter, coating thoroughly. Then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][ultimate_modal modal_title=\" STRATEGIC TIP:\" btn_bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_txt_color=\"#d6a461\" btn_text=\"STRATEGIC TIP\" modal_style=\"overlay-simplegenie\" overlay_bg_color=\"#211551\" content_bg_color=\"#d6a461\" content_text_color=\"#211551\" header_bg_color=\"#211551\" header_text_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_style=\"dotted\" modal_border_width=\"1\" modal_border_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_radius=\"12\"]Always be Ready! Puffs are best within hours after they are baked. They can be made it advance and stored in a freezer bag until needed, too. Simply spread them out on a baking tray and reheat them until warm in the oven. For an extra flavor punch heat the butter for the coating until nutty brown, don’t be afraid to pick up the browned butter solids at the bottom of the saucepan; they’re the dreamiest part.[/ultimate_modal][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Breakfast Dirt Bombs','','inherit','closed','closed','','6928-revision-v1','','','2018-02-26 22:07:38','2018-02-26 22:07:38','',6928,'https://strategic.events/6928-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10524,1,'2018-02-28 11:30:34','2018-02-28 11:30:34','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519738128913{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10529\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/quality-speakers.jpg\" alt=\"All event strategists know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, an accredited speakers bureau\" width=\"388\" height=\"273\" />All <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">event strategists</a> know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, that means reaching out to an accredited speakers bureau and leveraging their expertise.\r\n\r\nFor those who are not as calibrated in their process, an internet search for ‘motivational’ or ‘professional’ speakers may start the process. Perhaps a visit to YouTube for clips of speakers is the preferred route, with an obligatory click on cute puppy videos along the way. For some a query to colleagues gets the ball rolling.\r\n\r\nWhile both methodologies may result in booking the same speaker, not all paths are equal. For those who opt to do the legwork and cut out the middleman, the road is longer, uphill and full of bumps. Speakers\' bureaus are like Convention and Visitors\' Bureaus; at your disposal, designed to make your job easier, staffed by professionals and not fully utilized or understood.\r\n\r\nIt is critical to remember how often we are offended when other people think they can do our jobs. Let’s not be guilty of that same mistake by imagining that if we can search the internet we can find a speaker just as well as a professional can.\r\n\r\nTo better understand why a professional speakers’ bureau really is the way to go, I interviewed <a href=\"https://www.remarkablespeakersbureau.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sue Falcone</a>, founder and CEO of, “Remarkable! A Speakers Bureau.” Here’s the first of three excerpts from our in-depth and enlightening conversation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: Why should I use a speakers’ bureau rather than find a speaker via Google or references?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I believe that communicating what speakers’ bureaus<strong> </strong>really are, and the value they bring is key to being able to be the “go to” resource for securing the best speaker for an event. Here are three questions we ask perspective clients:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Do you want to save time, money and resources?</li>\r\n 	<li>Do you want peace of mind with less stress knowing your speaker is going to be remarkable and you will be seen as a rock star for choosing to work with a speakers’ bureau?</li>\r\n 	<li>Did you know that speakers’ bureau fees are paid by the speaker - not you - so therefore all the time and services a speakers’ bureau provides is free<strong> </strong>to you?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Christy: Is it more expensive to use a speakers’ bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>Cost is the biggest concern about the perception of using a speakers’ bureau. Many bureaus structure the pricing so their commission comes out of the speaker’s fee. Speakers are willing to pay the bureau out of their speaker’s fee to cover the representation, negotiations and follow up work.\r\n\r\nTo note: some bureaus do charge a fee, so ask up front whose responsibility it is to cover booking fees.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What is the difference between one speakers’ bureau and another? Are you all selling the same thing?</strong>\r\n\r\nSue: Many speakers’ bureaus have become “speaker listing bureaus” rather than ones who actively work to secure events for all speakers they represent.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What should an event planner – or a speaker - look for as differentiation in a bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I have a screening process and require the speakers I represent to sign an agreement with me as to how I will represent them, and what we have agreed to do for them. I must know they are marketable and when they are booked through my bureau they actually not only represent themselves, but also my company.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext month we’ll continue to explore how to work with a speakers’ bureau to find the right speaker, what questions to ask and how to build a partnership with a bureau.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.corporateeventnews.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-7555\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/logo_cen_2.png\" alt=\"Corporate Event News Logo\" width=\"223\" height=\"71\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!','','publish','open','closed','','looking-quality-speaker-money','','','2018-03-01 21:38:15','2018-03-01 21:38:15','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10524',0,'post','',0),(10526,3,'2018-02-27 13:02:59','2018-02-27 13:02:59','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519736377529{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\nAll event strategists know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, that means reaching out to an accredited speakers bureau and leveraging their expertise.\r\n\r\nFor those who are not as calibrated in their process, an internet search for ‘motivational’ or ‘professional’ speakers may start the process. Perhaps a visit to YouTube for clips of speakers is the preferred route, with an obligatory click on cute puppy videos along the way. For some a query to colleagues gets the ball rolling.\r\n\r\nWhile both methodologies may result in booking the same speaker, not all paths are equal. For those who opt to do the legwork and cut out the middleman, the road is longer, uphill and full of bumps. Speakers\' bureaus are like Convention and Visitors\' Bureaus; at your disposal, designed to make your job easier, staffed by professionals and not fully utilized or understood.\r\n\r\nIt is critical to remember how often we are offended when other people think they can do our jobs. Let’s not be guilty of that same mistake by imagining that if we can search the internet we can find a speaker just as well as a professional can.\r\n\r\nTo better understand why a professional speakers’ bureau really is the way to go, I interviewed Sue Falcone, founder and CEO of, “<a href=\"https://www.remarkablespeakersbureau.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Remarkable! A Speakers Bureau</a>.” Here’s the first of three excerpts from our in-depth and enlightening conversation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: Why should I use a speakers’ bureau rather than find a speaker via Google or references?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I believe that communicating what speakers’ bureaus<strong> </strong>really are, and the value they bring is key to being able to be the “go to” resource for securing the best speaker for an event. Here are three questions we ask perspective clients:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Do you want to save time, money and resources?</li>\r\n 	<li>Do you want peace of mind with less stress knowing your speaker is going to be remarkable and you will be seen as a rock star for choosing to work with a speakers’ bureau?</li>\r\n 	<li>Did you know that speakers’ bureau fees are paid by the speaker - not you - so therefore all the time and services a speakers’ bureau provides is free<strong> </strong>to you?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Christy: Is it more expensive to use a speakers’ bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>Cost is the biggest concern about the perception of using a speakers’ bureau. Many bureaus structure the pricing so their commission comes out of the speaker’s fee. Speakers are willing to pay the bureau out of their speaker’s fee to cover the representation, negotiations and follow up work.\r\n\r\nTo note: some bureaus do charge a fee, so ask up front whose responsibility it is to cover booking fees.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What is the difference between one speakers’ bureau and another? Are you all selling the same thing?</strong>\r\n\r\nSue: Many speakers’ bureaus have become “speaker listing bureaus” rather than ones who actively work to secure events for all speakers they represent.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What should an event planner – or a speaker - look for as differentiation in a bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I have a screening process and require the speakers I represent to sign an agreement with me as to how I will represent them, and what we have agreed to do for them. I must know they are marketable and when they are booked through my bureau they actually not only represent themselves, but also my company.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext month we’ll continue to explore how to work with a speakers’ bureau to find the right speaker, what questions to ask and how to build a partnership with a bureau.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.corporateeventnews.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-7555\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/logo_cen_2.png\" alt=\"Corporate Event News Logo\" width=\"223\" height=\"71\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!','','inherit','closed','closed','','10524-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 13:02:59','2018-02-27 13:02:59','',10524,'https://strategic.events/10524-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10527,3,'2018-02-27 13:28:50','2018-02-27 13:28:50','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519738128913{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-10525 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/dxcfmvmw4aamtlw.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"392\" height=\"394\" />All event strategists know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, that means reaching out to an accredited speakers bureau and leveraging their expertise.\r\n\r\nFor those who are not as calibrated in their process, an internet search for ‘motivational’ or ‘professional’ speakers may start the process. Perhaps a visit to YouTube for clips of speakers is the preferred route, with an obligatory click on cute puppy videos along the way. For some a query to colleagues gets the ball rolling.\r\n\r\nWhile both methodologies may result in booking the same speaker, not all paths are equal. For those who opt to do the legwork and cut out the middleman, the road is longer, uphill and full of bumps. Speakers\' bureaus are like Convention and Visitors\' Bureaus; at your disposal, designed to make your job easier, staffed by professionals and not fully utilized or understood.\r\n\r\nIt is critical to remember how often we are offended when other people think they can do our jobs. Let’s not be guilty of that same mistake by imagining that if we can search the internet we can find a speaker just as well as a professional can.\r\n\r\nTo better understand why a professional speakers’ bureau really is the way to go, I interviewed Sue Falcone, founder and CEO of, “<a href=\"https://www.remarkablespeakersbureau.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Remarkable! A Speakers Bureau</a>.” Here’s the first of three excerpts from our in-depth and enlightening conversation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: Why should I use a speakers’ bureau rather than find a speaker via Google or references?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I believe that communicating what speakers’ bureaus<strong> </strong>really are, and the value they bring is key to being able to be the “go to” resource for securing the best speaker for an event. Here are three questions we ask perspective clients:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Do you want to save time, money and resources?</li>\r\n 	<li>Do you want peace of mind with less stress knowing your speaker is going to be remarkable and you will be seen as a rock star for choosing to work with a speakers’ bureau?</li>\r\n 	<li>Did you know that speakers’ bureau fees are paid by the speaker - not you - so therefore all the time and services a speakers’ bureau provides is free<strong> </strong>to you?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Christy: Is it more expensive to use a speakers’ bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>Cost is the biggest concern about the perception of using a speakers’ bureau. Many bureaus structure the pricing so their commission comes out of the speaker’s fee. Speakers are willing to pay the bureau out of their speaker’s fee to cover the representation, negotiations and follow up work.\r\n\r\nTo note: some bureaus do charge a fee, so ask up front whose responsibility it is to cover booking fees.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What is the difference between one speakers’ bureau and another? Are you all selling the same thing?</strong>\r\n\r\nSue: Many speakers’ bureaus have become “speaker listing bureaus” rather than ones who actively work to secure events for all speakers they represent.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What should an event planner – or a speaker - look for as differentiation in a bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I have a screening process and require the speakers I represent to sign an agreement with me as to how I will represent them, and what we have agreed to do for them. I must know they are marketable and when they are booked through my bureau they actually not only represent themselves, but also my company.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext month we’ll continue to explore how to work with a speakers’ bureau to find the right speaker, what questions to ask and how to build a partnership with a bureau.[/vc_column_text][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.corporateeventnews.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-7555\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/logo_cen_2.png\" alt=\"Corporate Event News Logo\" width=\"223\" height=\"71\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!','','inherit','closed','closed','','10524-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 13:28:50','2018-02-27 13:28:50','',10524,'https://strategic.events/10524-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10528,3,'2018-02-27 14:11:08','2018-02-27 14:11:08','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519738128913{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\" wp-image-10525 alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/dxcfmvmw4aamtlw.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"392\" height=\"394\" />All <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">event strategists</a> know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, that means reaching out to an accredited speakers bureau and leveraging their expertise.\r\n\r\nFor those who are not as calibrated in their process, an internet search for ‘motivational’ or ‘professional’ speakers may start the process. Perhaps a visit to YouTube for clips of speakers is the preferred route, with an obligatory click on cute puppy videos along the way. For some a query to colleagues gets the ball rolling.\r\n\r\nWhile both methodologies may result in booking the same speaker, not all paths are equal. For those who opt to do the legwork and cut out the middleman, the road is longer, uphill and full of bumps. Speakers\' bureaus are like Convention and Visitors\' Bureaus; at your disposal, designed to make your job easier, staffed by professionals and not fully utilized or understood.\r\n\r\nIt is critical to remember how often we are offended when other people think they can do our jobs. Let’s not be guilty of that same mistake by imagining that if we can search the internet we can find a speaker just as well as a professional can.\r\n\r\nTo better understand why a professional speakers’ bureau really is the way to go, I interviewed Sue Falcone, founder and CEO of, “<a href=\"https://www.remarkablespeakersbureau.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Remarkable! A Speakers Bureau</a>.” Here’s the first of three excerpts from our in-depth and enlightening conversation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: Why should I use a speakers’ bureau rather than find a speaker via Google or references?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I believe that communicating what speakers’ bureaus<strong> </strong>really are, and the value they bring is key to being able to be the “go to” resource for securing the best speaker for an event. Here are three questions we ask perspective clients:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Do you want to save time, money and resources?</li>\r\n 	<li>Do you want peace of mind with less stress knowing your speaker is going to be remarkable and you will be seen as a rock star for choosing to work with a speakers’ bureau?</li>\r\n 	<li>Did you know that speakers’ bureau fees are paid by the speaker - not you - so therefore all the time and services a speakers’ bureau provides is free<strong> </strong>to you?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Christy: Is it more expensive to use a speakers’ bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>Cost is the biggest concern about the perception of using a speakers’ bureau. Many bureaus structure the pricing so their commission comes out of the speaker’s fee. Speakers are willing to pay the bureau out of their speaker’s fee to cover the representation, negotiations and follow up work.\r\n\r\nTo note: some bureaus do charge a fee, so ask up front whose responsibility it is to cover booking fees.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What is the difference between one speakers’ bureau and another? Are you all selling the same thing?</strong>\r\n\r\nSue: Many speakers’ bureaus have become “speaker listing bureaus” rather than ones who actively work to secure events for all speakers they represent.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What should an event planner – or a speaker - look for as differentiation in a bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I have a screening process and require the speakers I represent to sign an agreement with me as to how I will represent them, and what we have agreed to do for them. I must know they are marketable and when they are booked through my bureau they actually not only represent themselves, but also my company.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext month we’ll continue to explore how to work with a speakers’ bureau to find the right speaker, what questions to ask and how to build a partnership with a bureau.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.corporateeventnews.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-7555\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/logo_cen_2.png\" alt=\"Corporate Event News Logo\" width=\"223\" height=\"71\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!','','inherit','closed','closed','','10524-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 14:11:08','2018-02-27 14:11:08','',10524,'https://strategic.events/10524-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10529,3,'2018-02-27 14:17:19','2018-02-27 14:17:19','','quality-speakers','','inherit','open','closed','','quality-speakers','','','2018-02-27 14:17:36','2018-02-27 14:17:36','',10524,'https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/quality-speakers.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(10530,3,'2018-02-27 14:17:45','2018-02-27 14:17:45','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519738128913{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10529  alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/quality-speakers.jpg\" alt=\"quality speakers\" width=\"388\" height=\"273\" />All <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">event strategists</a> know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, that means reaching out to an accredited speakers bureau and leveraging their expertise.\r\n\r\nFor those who are not as calibrated in their process, an internet search for ‘motivational’ or ‘professional’ speakers may start the process. Perhaps a visit to YouTube for clips of speakers is the preferred route, with an obligatory click on cute puppy videos along the way. For some a query to colleagues gets the ball rolling.\r\n\r\nWhile both methodologies may result in booking the same speaker, not all paths are equal. For those who opt to do the legwork and cut out the middleman, the road is longer, uphill and full of bumps. Speakers\' bureaus are like Convention and Visitors\' Bureaus; at your disposal, designed to make your job easier, staffed by professionals and not fully utilized or understood.\r\n\r\nIt is critical to remember how often we are offended when other people think they can do our jobs. Let’s not be guilty of that same mistake by imagining that if we can search the internet we can find a speaker just as well as a professional can.\r\n\r\nTo better understand why a professional speakers’ bureau really is the way to go, I interviewed Sue Falcone, founder and CEO of, “<a href=\"https://www.remarkablespeakersbureau.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Remarkable! A Speakers Bureau</a>.” Here’s the first of three excerpts from our in-depth and enlightening conversation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: Why should I use a speakers’ bureau rather than find a speaker via Google or references?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I believe that communicating what speakers’ bureaus<strong> </strong>really are, and the value they bring is key to being able to be the “go to” resource for securing the best speaker for an event. Here are three questions we ask perspective clients:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Do you want to save time, money and resources?</li>\r\n 	<li>Do you want peace of mind with less stress knowing your speaker is going to be remarkable and you will be seen as a rock star for choosing to work with a speakers’ bureau?</li>\r\n 	<li>Did you know that speakers’ bureau fees are paid by the speaker - not you - so therefore all the time and services a speakers’ bureau provides is free<strong> </strong>to you?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Christy: Is it more expensive to use a speakers’ bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>Cost is the biggest concern about the perception of using a speakers’ bureau. Many bureaus structure the pricing so their commission comes out of the speaker’s fee. Speakers are willing to pay the bureau out of their speaker’s fee to cover the representation, negotiations and follow up work.\r\n\r\nTo note: some bureaus do charge a fee, so ask up front whose responsibility it is to cover booking fees.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What is the difference between one speakers’ bureau and another? Are you all selling the same thing?</strong>\r\n\r\nSue: Many speakers’ bureaus have become “speaker listing bureaus” rather than ones who actively work to secure events for all speakers they represent.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What should an event planner – or a speaker - look for as differentiation in a bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I have a screening process and require the speakers I represent to sign an agreement with me as to how I will represent them, and what we have agreed to do for them. I must know they are marketable and when they are booked through my bureau they actually not only represent themselves, but also my company.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext month we’ll continue to explore how to work with a speakers’ bureau to find the right speaker, what questions to ask and how to build a partnership with a bureau.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.corporateeventnews.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-7555\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/logo_cen_2.png\" alt=\"Corporate Event News Logo\" width=\"223\" height=\"71\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!','','inherit','closed','closed','','10524-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-27 14:17:45','2018-02-27 14:17:45','',10524,'https://strategic.events/10524-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10531,3,'2018-02-27 14:18:07','2018-02-27 14:18:07','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519738128913{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10529  alignright\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/quality-speakers.jpg\" alt=\"quality speakers\" width=\"388\" height=\"273\" />All <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">event strategists</a> know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, that means reaching out to an accredited speakers bureau and leveraging their expertise.\r\n\r\nFor those who are not as calibrated in their process, an internet search for ‘motivational’ or ‘professional’ speakers may start the process. Perhaps a visit to YouTube for clips of speakers is the preferred route, with an obligatory click on cute puppy videos along the way. For some a query to colleagues gets the ball rolling.\r\n\r\nWhile both methodologies may result in booking the same speaker, not all paths are equal. For those who opt to do the legwork and cut out the middleman, the road is longer, uphill and full of bumps. Speakers\' bureaus are like Convention and Visitors\' Bureaus; at your disposal, designed to make your job easier, staffed by professionals and not fully utilized or understood.\r\n\r\nIt is critical to remember how often we are offended when other people think they can do our jobs. Let’s not be guilty of that same mistake by imagining that if we can search the internet we can find a speaker just as well as a professional can.\r\n\r\nTo better understand why a professional speakers’ bureau really is the way to go, I interviewed Sue Falcone, founder and CEO of, “<a href=\"https://www.remarkablespeakersbureau.com/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Remarkable! A Speakers Bureau</a>.” Here’s the first of three excerpts from our in-depth and enlightening conversation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: Why should I use a speakers’ bureau rather than find a speaker via Google or references?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I believe that communicating what speakers’ bureaus<strong> </strong>really are, and the value they bring is key to being able to be the “go to” resource for securing the best speaker for an event. Here are three questions we ask perspective clients:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Do you want to save time, money and resources?</li>\r\n 	<li>Do you want peace of mind with less stress knowing your speaker is going to be remarkable and you will be seen as a rock star for choosing to work with a speakers’ bureau?</li>\r\n 	<li>Did you know that speakers’ bureau fees are paid by the speaker - not you - so therefore all the time and services a speakers’ bureau provides is free<strong> </strong>to you?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Christy: Is it more expensive to use a speakers’ bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>Cost is the biggest concern about the perception of using a speakers’ bureau. Many bureaus structure the pricing so their commission comes out of the speaker’s fee. Speakers are willing to pay the bureau out of their speaker’s fee to cover the representation, negotiations and follow up work.\r\n\r\nTo note: some bureaus do charge a fee, so ask up front whose responsibility it is to cover booking fees.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What is the difference between one speakers’ bureau and another? Are you all selling the same thing?</strong>\r\n\r\nSue: Many speakers’ bureaus have become “speaker listing bureaus” rather than ones who actively work to secure events for all speakers they represent.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What should an event planner – or a speaker - look for as differentiation in a bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I have a screening process and require the speakers I represent to sign an agreement with me as to how I will represent them, and what we have agreed to do for them. I must know they are marketable and when they are booked through my bureau they actually not only represent themselves, but also my company.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext month we’ll continue to explore how to work with a speakers’ bureau to find the right speaker, what questions to ask and how to build a partnership with a bureau.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.corporateeventnews.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-7555\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/logo_cen_2.png\" alt=\"Corporate Event News Logo\" width=\"223\" height=\"71\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!','','inherit','closed','closed','','10524-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 14:18:07','2018-02-27 14:18:07','',10524,'https://strategic.events/10524-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10532,3,'2018-02-27 14:47:35','2018-02-27 14:47:35','[vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519738128913{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!</h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna, CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10529\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/quality-speakers.jpg\" alt=\"All event strategists know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, an accredited speakers bureau\" width=\"388\" height=\"273\" />All <a href=\"https://strategic.events/how-to-become-strategic-planner-change-future/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">event strategists</a> know that content is king, so when we bring in outside speakers we need to do our homework and recommend wisely. As is the case with all things event strategists do, their actions yield the highest quality results that align with the event’s goal. In this instance, that means reaching out to an accredited speakers bureau and leveraging their expertise.\r\n\r\nFor those who are not as calibrated in their process, an internet search for ‘motivational’ or ‘professional’ speakers may start the process. Perhaps a visit to YouTube for clips of speakers is the preferred route, with an obligatory click on cute puppy videos along the way. For some a query to colleagues gets the ball rolling.\r\n\r\nWhile both methodologies may result in booking the same speaker, not all paths are equal. For those who opt to do the legwork and cut out the middleman, the road is longer, uphill and full of bumps. Speakers\' bureaus are like Convention and Visitors\' Bureaus; at your disposal, designed to make your job easier, staffed by professionals and not fully utilized or understood.\r\n\r\nIt is critical to remember how often we are offended when other people think they can do our jobs. Let’s not be guilty of that same mistake by imagining that if we can search the internet we can find a speaker just as well as a professional can.\r\n\r\nTo better understand why a professional speakers’ bureau really is the way to go, I interviewed <a href=\"https://www.remarkablespeakersbureau.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sue Falcone</a>, founder and CEO of, “Remarkable! A Speakers Bureau.” Here’s the first of three excerpts from our in-depth and enlightening conversation.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: Why should I use a speakers’ bureau rather than find a speaker via Google or references?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I believe that communicating what speakers’ bureaus<strong> </strong>really are, and the value they bring is key to being able to be the “go to” resource for securing the best speaker for an event. Here are three questions we ask perspective clients:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Do you want to save time, money and resources?</li>\r\n 	<li>Do you want peace of mind with less stress knowing your speaker is going to be remarkable and you will be seen as a rock star for choosing to work with a speakers’ bureau?</li>\r\n 	<li>Did you know that speakers’ bureau fees are paid by the speaker - not you - so therefore all the time and services a speakers’ bureau provides is free<strong> </strong>to you?</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<strong>Christy: Is it more expensive to use a speakers’ bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>Cost is the biggest concern about the perception of using a speakers’ bureau. Many bureaus structure the pricing so their commission comes out of the speaker’s fee. Speakers are willing to pay the bureau out of their speaker’s fee to cover the representation, negotiations and follow up work.\r\n\r\nTo note: some bureaus do charge a fee, so ask up front whose responsibility it is to cover booking fees.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What is the difference between one speakers’ bureau and another? Are you all selling the same thing?</strong>\r\n\r\nSue: Many speakers’ bureaus have become “speaker listing bureaus” rather than ones who actively work to secure events for all speakers they represent.\r\n\r\n<strong>Christy: What should an event planner – or a speaker - look for as differentiation in a bureau?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Sue: </strong>I have a screening process and require the speakers I represent to sign an agreement with me as to how I will represent them, and what we have agreed to do for them. I must know they are marketable and when they are booked through my bureau they actually not only represent themselves, but also my company.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nNext month we’ll continue to explore how to work with a speakers’ bureau to find the right speaker, what questions to ask and how to build a partnership with a bureau.\r\n\r\n[mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://www.corporateeventnews.com/\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-7555\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/logo_cen_2.png\" alt=\"Corporate Event News Logo\" width=\"223\" height=\"71\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout]','Looking for a Quality Speaker? Put Your Money Where THEIR Mouth Is!','','inherit','closed','closed','','10524-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 14:47:35','2018-02-27 14:47:35','',10524,'https://strategic.events/10524-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10533,3,'2018-02-27 22:04:24','2018-02-27 22:04:24','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]LET THE FIESTA BEGIN! MARGARITA CUPCAKES[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"1118\" img_size=\"full\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-home/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cupcake-may-1.png\" image_size=\"full\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_fancy_title color=\"#211551\" font_style=\"normal\" margin_bottom=\"10\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"center\"]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">While on a site trip in in Seattle, Washington we took a brief detour and stumbled upon these delicious tiny fiesta cupcakes. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, these Margarita Cupcakes with tequila are insane! A lime cake with a lime tequila buttercream, do we need to say more. Let the fiesta begin!!!</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>Margarita Cupcakes</h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">INGREDIENTS</p>\r\n<strong>For the Cupcakes:</strong>\r\n1½ Cups All-Purpose Flour\r\n1½ Tsp Baking Powder\r\n¼ Tsp Salt\r\n½ Cup Unsalted Butter, at Room Temperature\r\n1 Cup Granulated Sugar\r\n2 Eggs, at Room Temperature\r\nZest and Juice of 1½ Limes\r\n2 Tbsp Tequila\r\n¼ Tsp Vanilla Extract\r\n½ Cup Buttermilk\r\nTo Brush the Cupcakes:\r\n1 to 2 Tbsp Tequila\r\n\r\n<strong>For the Tequila-Lime Frosting:</strong>\r\n1 Cup Unsalted Butter, at Room Temperature\r\n2¾ Cups Powdered Sugar\r\n1 Tsp Lime Juice\r\n2 Tsp Tequila\r\nPinch of Salt[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]INSTRUCTIONS:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place paper liners in tray; set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In an electric mixer on medium-high, beat butter and sugar pale and fluffy.</li>\r\n 	<li>Mixer on medium add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each.</li>\r\n 	<li>Scrape bowl and add lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract and tequila. Mix until combined.  (If mixture starts to curdle, don’t worry, power on!)</li>\r\n 	<li>Mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk in two batches. Mix until incorporated, then one last mix by hand with a spatula.</li>\r\n 	<li>Divide batter in muffin cups (makes 12). Baking for 25 minutes or until golden, use a skewer to see if moist or done.  Cooling time 5 to 10 min. then remove.</li>\r\n 	<li>Brush the tops with tequila; set aside until cooled completely.</li>\r\n 	<li>Frosting, whip butter in mixer on medium-high for 5 min. Reduce to medium-low and gradually add the powdered sugar, add in the lime juice, salt mix until fluffy.  Frosting soft add a spoonful or two of sugar.</li>\r\n 	<li>Frost and garnish, if desired, with lime zest and sprinkling of salt and lime wedge.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][ultimate_modal modal_title=\" STRATEGIC TIP:\" btn_bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_txt_color=\"#d6a461\" btn_text=\"STRATEGIC TIP\" modal_style=\"overlay-simplegenie\" overlay_bg_color=\"#211551\" content_bg_color=\"#d6a461\" content_text_color=\"#211551\" header_bg_color=\"#211551\" header_text_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_style=\"dotted\" modal_border_width=\"1\" modal_border_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_radius=\"12\"]<strong>Cupcakes!  Cupcakes!</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you would prefer to omit liquor in these cupcakes, you can.  Just remove the tequila from both batter and frosting, remembering to add 1 Tbsp. of vanilla extract in its place.\r\n\r\nFrosting the cupcakes, it is easier to use a Wilton 1M tip to frost.[/ultimate_modal][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Let The Fiesta Begin! Margarita Cupcakes','','inherit','closed','closed','','5683-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 22:04:24','2018-02-27 22:04:24','',5683,'https://strategic.events/5683-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10534,3,'2018-02-27 22:07:39','2018-02-27 22:07:39','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]LET THE FIESTA BEGIN! MARGARITA CUPCAKES[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"1118\" img_size=\"full\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-home/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cupcake-may-1.png\" image_size=\"full\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_fancy_title color=\"#211551\" font_style=\"normal\" margin_bottom=\"10\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"center\"]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">While on a site trip in Seattle, Washington we took a brief detour and stumbled upon these delicious tiny fiesta cupcakes. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, these Margarita Cupcakes with tequila are insane! A lime cake with a lime tequila buttercream, do we need to say more. Let the fiesta begin!!!</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>Margarita Cupcakes</h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">INGREDIENTS</p>\r\n<strong>For the Cupcakes:</strong>\r\n1½ Cups All-Purpose Flour\r\n1½ Tsp Baking Powder\r\n¼ Tsp Salt\r\n½ Cup Unsalted Butter, at Room Temperature\r\n1 Cup Granulated Sugar\r\n2 Eggs, at Room Temperature\r\nZest and Juice of 1½ Limes\r\n2 Tbsp Tequila\r\n¼ Tsp Vanilla Extract\r\n½ Cup Buttermilk\r\nTo Brush the Cupcakes:\r\n1 to 2 Tbsp Tequila\r\n\r\n<strong>For the Tequila-Lime Frosting:</strong>\r\n1 Cup Unsalted Butter, at Room Temperature\r\n2¾ Cups Powdered Sugar\r\n1 Tsp Lime Juice\r\n2 Tsp Tequila\r\nPinch of Salt[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]INSTRUCTIONS:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place paper liners in tray; set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In an electric mixer on medium-high, beat butter and sugar pale and fluffy.</li>\r\n 	<li>Mixer on medium add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each.</li>\r\n 	<li>Scrape bowl and add lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract and tequila. Mix until combined.  (If mixture starts to curdle, don’t worry, power on!)</li>\r\n 	<li>Mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk in two batches. Mix until incorporated, then one last mix by hand with a spatula.</li>\r\n 	<li>Divide batter in muffin cups (makes 12). Baking for 25 minutes or until golden, use a skewer to see if moist or done.  Cooling time 5 to 10 min. then remove.</li>\r\n 	<li>Brush the tops with tequila; set aside until cooled completely.</li>\r\n 	<li>Frosting, whip butter in mixer on medium-high for 5 min. Reduce to medium-low and gradually add the powdered sugar, add in the lime juice, salt mix until fluffy.  Frosting soft add a spoonful or two of sugar.</li>\r\n 	<li>Frost and garnish, if desired, with lime zest and sprinkling of salt and lime wedge.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][ultimate_modal modal_title=\" STRATEGIC TIP:\" btn_bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_txt_color=\"#d6a461\" btn_text=\"STRATEGIC TIP\" modal_style=\"overlay-simplegenie\" overlay_bg_color=\"#211551\" content_bg_color=\"#d6a461\" content_text_color=\"#211551\" header_bg_color=\"#211551\" header_text_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_style=\"dotted\" modal_border_width=\"1\" modal_border_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_radius=\"12\"]<strong>Cupcakes!  Cupcakes!</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you would prefer to omit liquor in these cupcakes, you can.  Just remove the tequila from both batter and frosting, remembering to add 1 Tbsp. of vanilla extract in its place.\r\n\r\nFrosting the cupcakes, it is easier to use a Wilton 1M tip to frost.[/ultimate_modal][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Let The Fiesta Begin! Margarita Cupcakes With Tequila','','inherit','closed','closed','','5683-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 22:07:39','2018-02-27 22:07:39','',5683,'https://strategic.events/5683-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10535,3,'2018-02-27 22:09:38','2018-02-27 22:09:38','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]LET THE FIESTA BEGIN! MARGARITA CUPCAKES[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"1118\" img_size=\"full\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-home/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cupcake-may-1.png\" image_size=\"full\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_fancy_title color=\"#211551\" font_style=\"normal\" margin_bottom=\"10\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"center\"]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">While on a site trip in Seattle, Washington we took a brief detour and stumbled upon these delicious tiny fiesta cupcakes. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, these Margarita Cupcakes with tequila are insane! A lime cake with a lime tequila buttercream, do we need to say more. Let the fiesta begin!!!</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519769374836{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Margarita Cupcakes With Tequila</h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">INGREDIENTS</p>\r\n<strong>For the Cupcakes:</strong>\r\n1½ Cups All-Purpose Flour\r\n1½ Tsp Baking Powder\r\n¼ Tsp Salt\r\n½ Cup Unsalted Butter, at Room Temperature\r\n1 Cup Granulated Sugar\r\n2 Eggs, at Room Temperature\r\nZest and Juice of 1½ Limes\r\n2 Tbsp Tequila\r\n¼ Tsp Vanilla Extract\r\n½ Cup Buttermilk\r\nTo Brush the Cupcakes:\r\n1 to 2 Tbsp Tequila\r\n\r\n<strong>For the Tequila-Lime Frosting:</strong>\r\n1 Cup Unsalted Butter, at Room Temperature\r\n2¾ Cups Powdered Sugar\r\n1 Tsp Lime Juice\r\n2 Tsp Tequila\r\nPinch of Salt[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]INSTRUCTIONS:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place paper liners in tray; set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In an electric mixer on medium-high, beat butter and sugar pale and fluffy.</li>\r\n 	<li>Mixer on medium add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each.</li>\r\n 	<li>Scrape bowl and add lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract and tequila. Mix until combined.  (If mixture starts to curdle, don’t worry, power on!)</li>\r\n 	<li>Mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk in two batches. Mix until incorporated, then one last mix by hand with a spatula.</li>\r\n 	<li>Divide batter in muffin cups (makes 12). Baking for 25 minutes or until golden, use a skewer to see if moist or done.  Cooling time 5 to 10 min. then remove.</li>\r\n 	<li>Brush the tops with tequila; set aside until cooled completely.</li>\r\n 	<li>Frosting, whip butter in mixer on medium-high for 5 min. Reduce to medium-low and gradually add the powdered sugar, add in the lime juice, salt mix until fluffy.  Frosting soft add a spoonful or two of sugar.</li>\r\n 	<li>Frost and garnish, if desired, with lime zest and sprinkling of salt and lime wedge.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][ultimate_modal modal_title=\" STRATEGIC TIP:\" btn_bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_txt_color=\"#d6a461\" btn_text=\"STRATEGIC TIP\" modal_style=\"overlay-simplegenie\" overlay_bg_color=\"#211551\" content_bg_color=\"#d6a461\" content_text_color=\"#211551\" header_bg_color=\"#211551\" header_text_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_style=\"dotted\" modal_border_width=\"1\" modal_border_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_radius=\"12\"]<strong>Cupcakes!  Cupcakes!</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you would prefer to omit liquor in these cupcakes, you can.  Just remove the tequila from both batter and frosting, remembering to add 1 Tbsp. of vanilla extract in its place.\r\n\r\nFrosting the cupcakes, it is easier to use a Wilton 1M tip to frost.[/ultimate_modal][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Let The Fiesta Begin! Margarita Cupcakes With Tequila','','inherit','closed','closed','','5683-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 22:09:38','2018-02-27 22:09:38','',5683,'https://strategic.events/5683-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10536,3,'2018-02-27 22:11:20','2018-02-27 22:11:20','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]LET THE FIESTA BEGIN! MARGARITA CUPCAKES[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"1118\" img_size=\"full\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-meetings-events-home/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cupcake-may-1.png\" image_size=\"full\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_fancy_title color=\"#211551\" font_style=\"normal\" margin_bottom=\"10\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"center\"]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">While on a site trip in Seattle, Washington we took a brief detour and stumbled upon these delicious tiny fiesta cupcakes. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, these Margarita Cupcakes with tequila are insane! A lime cake with a lime tequila buttercream, do we need to say more. Let the fiesta begin!!!</h3>\r\n[/mk_fancy_title][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519769374836{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Margarita Cupcakes With Tequila</h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">INGREDIENTS</p>\r\n<strong>For the Cupcakes:</strong>\r\n1½ Cups All-Purpose Flour\r\n1½ Tsp Baking Powder\r\n¼ Tsp Salt\r\n½ Cup Unsalted Butter, at Room Temperature\r\n1 Cup Granulated Sugar\r\n2 Eggs, at Room Temperature\r\nZest and Juice of 1½ Limes\r\n2 Tbsp Tequila\r\n¼ Tsp Vanilla Extract\r\n½ Cup Buttermilk\r\nTo Brush the Cupcakes:\r\n1 to 2 Tbsp Tequila\r\n\r\n<strong>For the Tequila-Lime Frosting:</strong>\r\n1 Cup Unsalted Butter, at Room Temperature\r\n2¾ Cups Powdered Sugar\r\n1 Tsp Lime Juice\r\n2 Tsp Tequila\r\nPinch of Salt[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]INSTRUCTIONS:\r\n<ol>\r\n 	<li>Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Place paper liners in tray; set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.</li>\r\n 	<li>In an electric mixer on medium-high, beat butter and sugar pale and fluffy.</li>\r\n 	<li>Mixer on medium add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each.</li>\r\n 	<li>Scrape bowl and add lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract and tequila. Mix until combined.  (If mixture starts to curdle, don’t worry, power on!)</li>\r\n 	<li>Mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk in two batches. Mix until incorporated, then one last mix by hand with a spatula.</li>\r\n 	<li>Divide batter in muffin cups (makes 12). Baking for 25 minutes or until golden, use a skewer to see if moist or done.  Cooling time 5 to 10 min. then remove.</li>\r\n 	<li>Brush the tops with tequila; set aside until cooled completely.</li>\r\n 	<li>Frosting, whip butter in mixer on medium-high for 5 min. Reduce to medium-low and gradually add the powdered sugar, add in the lime juice, salt mix until fluffy.  Frosting soft add a spoonful or two of sugar.</li>\r\n 	<li>Frost and garnish, if desired, with lime zest and sprinkling of salt and lime wedge.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][ultimate_modal modal_title=\" STRATEGIC TIP:\" btn_bg_color=\"#211551\" btn_txt_color=\"#d6a461\" btn_text=\"STRATEGIC TIP\" modal_style=\"overlay-simplegenie\" overlay_bg_color=\"#211551\" content_bg_color=\"#d6a461\" content_text_color=\"#211551\" header_bg_color=\"#211551\" header_text_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_style=\"dotted\" modal_border_width=\"1\" modal_border_color=\"#d6a461\" modal_border_radius=\"12\"]<strong>Cupcakes!  Cupcakes!</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you would prefer to omit liquor in these cupcakes, you can.  Just remove the tequila from both batter and frosting, remembering to add 1 Tbsp. of vanilla extract in its place.\r\n\r\nFrosting the cupcakes, it is easier to use a Wilton 1M tip to frost.[/ultimate_modal][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Let The Fiesta Begin! Margarita Cupcakes With Tequila','','inherit','closed','closed','','5683-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-27 22:11:20','2018-02-27 22:11:20','',5683,'https://strategic.events/5683-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10537,3,'2018-02-27 23:09:26','2018-02-27 23:09:26','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>32 Ways to Prospect for Sales Leads Without Cold Calling</h2>\r\n<h3>By Alexander Howard</h3>\r\nCold calling is one of the oldest tricks in the book. And like many old techniques, it\'s often outshined by newer, more efficient ways of doing business.\r\n\r\nAn overreliance on cold calling can be a good indication that an independent sales agent is too inexperienced to know how to effectively reach his or her target audience. A good shortcut can save you hundreds of hours of misplaced effort and dead-end leads. That\'s why we\'ve reached out to 32 industry sales experts to provide highly-effective tips that\'ll help you put down the phone and pick up more clients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/3hgz6.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519772957797{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>1. Get as Many Referrals as Possible</h2>\r\nBrett Wells (Chief Research Officer at Talent Plus, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/BrettMWells\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@BrettMWells</a>\r\n\r\nSuccessful sales agents constantly receive referrals from their current clients. Why is this so important? <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"http://labs.openviewpartners.com/b2b-sales-stats/#.WScr2mjyvIW/embed\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-title=\"According to OpenView Labs\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"> According to OpenView Labs</a>, 73% of executives prefer salespeople referred by someone they know, 84% of B2B decision makers start the buying process with referrals, and referrals convert 30% better than leads generated from other sources. In the age of the Net Promoter Score, it’s important to ask why clients give ratings of 9 or 10. Always focus on relationship building and look for opportunities that add value. One of our consultants won over a referral just by sending a birthday card.\r\n\r\nWant to leverage referrals?\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Ask current clients if they would refer your services to a friend or colleague.</li>\r\n 	<li>For clients who respond positively, ask who they have in mind.</li>\r\n 	<li>Track your promoter’s connections on LinkedIn. If a connection’s promising, ask for an introduction.</li>\r\n 	<li>Share your successes with your clients, and express your appreciation via a handwritten note.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2ppzi83.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2> 2. Refine Your Content</h2>\r\nSteven Benson (CEO of BadgerMapping.com) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SteveBenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SteveBenson</a>\r\n\r\nManage your resources through effective outbound content, customer service, and content marketing. Do research on the language and terms your ideal customers use and create content that answers their biggest questions. Refining your content not only strengthens your brand, it improves the quality and interest of your average prospect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/r94suw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>3. Be Honest About Your Services</h2>\r\nKevin Smith (Managing Director at Brainstorm Creative Studios) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/brainstormcs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@brainstormcs</a>\r\n\r\nTransparency and flexibility are vital to success. Being honest about both the positive and negative aspects of your product is key to gaining trust and credibility in the marketplace. Recognizing your faults is vital to making a change. Flexibility will allow you to modify your product with each potential client and is an effective way to fix some of your negative aspects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Colleen_Stanley_sales_leadership.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>4. Understand Your Prospects</h2>\r\nColleen Stanley (President at SalesLeadership, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/eiselling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@EiSelling</a>\r\n\r\nMake sure to identify the vital attributes of your ideal prospects. Otherwise, you’ll fall into the sales trap of being busy but not productive. Most salespeople only look at demographics such as size and revenue when developing a pursuit strategy. Equally important are the psychographics, or the attitudes and cultures of a potential client. Ask these questions:\r\n\r\n•Does the leadership believe in investing time and money in development, or do they subscribe to the sink or swim approach?\r\n\r\n•Do they value outside counsel or are they do-it-yourselfers?\r\n\r\n•Do they buy according to value or price?\r\n\r\nGet clear on your best-fit client. You can be the greatest seller in the world and not close a single deal if you focus on prospects that can’t or won’t buy your product.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2ex9e0m.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>5. Write Effective Linkedin InMail</h2>\r\nDavid Davies (Managing Director at Sandler Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SandlerTV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SandlerTV</a>\r\n\r\nLinkedIn InMail can be an incredibly effective prospecting tool when done right. Most InMails are too long, though. Too much ‘buy-my-stuff’ diatribe. ‘Click-baiting’ with things like hyperlinks and attachments can be a major turn-off. InMails, or even emails, should aim to be 100 words or less. That translates into just three simply constructed sentences:\r\n\r\n1: Make it personal: How do you know them? Find referrals, do research about potential clients, or dig up recent news about a company.\r\n\r\n2: Show that you know their “pain”: What’s the problem? Show that you understand their pain points and share some problems you’ve solved.\r\n\r\n3: Call to Action: What happens next? Suggest the next natural steps, typically in the form of a question.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2zfkf9u.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>6. Turn Your Network Into Your Extended Sales Team</h2>\r\nChristy Lamagna (President of Strategic Meetings &amp; Events) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SMEChristy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SMEChristy</a>\r\n\r\nYour network will lead you to your next sale. The key is knowing how to turn your network into your extended sales team. The power of imagery is amazing. Instead of asking for people to think of someone who may need my services, which is vague and nonspecific, I paint them a picture. I’ll say, “I’m looking for someone with a winter tan and who wears an expensive timepiece.” When they see that person, BOOM, I’m on their mind.\r\n\r\nIf you want your path to lead to success, draw your network a map so they know how to help you get there.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/5wb28y.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>7. Never Be Afraid to Ask For Referrals</h2>\r\nBrian Marsh (Sales Director at Futurepump) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-marsh-83645a24/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nSuccessful agents know to always ask for referrals. Every meeting should end with \"do you know anyone else who would benefit from my product/service?\", even if your prospect didn’t decide on your service. Get creative. Tell as many people as possible what you sell and never be afraid to ask. Your results will skyrocket.\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2i0aoi1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>8. Content, Content, and More Content!</h2>\r\nJeff Goldberg (Jeff Goldberg &amp; Associates) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/jeffgprospeaker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@jeffgprospeaker</a>\r\n\r\nI frequently post content on my website and newsletter, but I especially like LinkedIn, as the audience is largely salespeople and managers. By offering valuable <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategically-building-your-information-pipeline/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">information</a> instead of a sales pitch for your product or service, readers will come to see you as generous and an expert in your field. My experience has been that offering enough valuable content on a regular basis brings the prospects to you, rather than the other way around. Make it easy for your prospects to ‘raise their hand!’ Produce and share valuable content as often as possible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1ysfx1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>9. Keep A Healthy Sales Pipeline</h2>\r\nAli Mirza (President of Rose Garden Consulting) <a href=\"https://rosegardenconsulting.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rose Garden Consulting</a>\r\n\r\nKeep your pipeline full of rich and viable prospects. An empty pipeline can leave salespeople placing undue importance on a small number of clients. The problem is that so many want a healthy pipeline but don’t know how to maintain it. For me, most of my deals come to me through my network. I make myself available at all times for lending a helping hand with sales. I establish myself as the go-to expert. The small amount of time I spend offering free help provides me with immeasurable ROI. Those I help always tell their friends and everyone in their network, affording me a constant inflow of people seeking my help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2cfqj3c-1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>10. Track Tweets in Your Target Market</h2>\r\nMike Kawula (CEO of Social Quant) <a href=\"https://www.socialquant.net/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Social Quant\'s Website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-tips-tweeting/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter</a> is a phenomenal way to drive sales, regardless of whether you’re a local, national, international, online, or offline business. Don’t believe me? I grew my 50-person local cleaning business simply by following local tweets, starting conversations, and addressing pain points. This process also helped me grow a multi-million-dollar online office supply store by listening to and engaging with those mentioning our competitors. It’s an easy, painless alternative to cold calling that can literally happen within moments![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/23kcf4j.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>11. Do Your Homework</h2>\r\nJoe Templin (Managing Director at The Unique Minds Consulting Group) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/therealheadgeek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TheRealHeadGeek</a>\r\n\r\nDedicate fifteen minutes before a <a href=\"https://strategic.events/plan-meeting-first-question-ask/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">meeting</a> to do research and generate a list of potential introductions (ALWAYS ask to be introduced). Asking questions and showing you have already invested time earns you the right for more trust and introductions, and makes calling easy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Morlyn_Duma_freelance_sales_consultant.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]12. Use Mail Shots\r\n\r\nMorlyn Duma Maturere (Freelance Sales Consultant) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/morlyn-duma-maturure-b75717b1/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nSome of the best tactics that I have used, approved, and recommended include Mail Shots, social media, and online targeted sales. If your product or service targets small to medium-sized enterprises, sending Mail Shots to members under your local SME association can yield great results. Members who receive Mail Shots through their association have a high reading rate and (as long as a value proposition is great) at least 50% of the database will respond. Place your sales banners on websites that are frequented by your target market. For example, place a software sales banner on an online digital magazine site. That way, you\'ll develop a pipeline of prospects who are already interested in your product, are willing to take your call, and have a high chance at converting into clients![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zqx0sw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>13. Research Your Prospects And Persist</h2>\r\nKeith Crispin (Sales Director at Aotea Global Services (GB) Ltd) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithcrispin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nApply your solution to the market: what verticals or sectors are likely to be your potential customers? Determine who your best fit is, be they large multinational companies, SMEs, government departments, charities, or whoever else. Then decide who it is you need to reach, such as C-graders, department heads, or line managers. Obtain information on potential customers, turnover rates, employees numbers, lines of business, geographical locations, etc. Research the names and email addresses of target prospects. Determine your contact strategy for the next six to twelve months and don’t be put off with rejection or non-availability. The key is persistence. Most salespeople give up when they don’t get a quick result. If it’s worth achieving, it’s worth persevering for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kimberly_Rath_sales_talent_plus.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>14. Become a Thought Leader</h2>\r\nKimberly Rath (Chairman &amp; Founder of Talent Plus) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/TalentPlusInc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TalentPlusInc</a>\r\n\r\nEstablishing a social media presence and becoming a thought leader through blogging can make all the difference. Engaging your target audience encourages them to spend more time listening to you and becoming part of the conversation. LinkedIn has become an increasingly important tool in the sales world, not only for connecting directly to potential prospects but for engaging entire communities of individuals on a particular topic or discipline.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ziubrp.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>15. Great Networking Takes Time</h2>\r\nBrian Cox (Mobile Consultant at Leadpro Expert) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/LeadproExpert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@LeadproExpert</a>\r\n\r\nSales agents can’t go from cold contacts to account representatives without the right network. And they can’t do it overnight. You should plan to spend around six months within a particular industry in order to fully develop your network. While working in that industry at the operational level, connect with people and develop a list of contacts. This list can easily become the bedrock of your sales effort. You have to develop a solid list of contacts before you can hope to get known by other professionals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2rgp4zo.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>16. Go Old-School - Visit Prospects In Person</h2>\r\nGene Caballero (Co-founder of GreenPal) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/gene_caballero?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@gene_caballero</a>\r\n\r\nWhenever possible, pay a real-life visit to a potential customer and let them know who you are. It’s easy for clients to delete a voicemail or ignore an email, but meeting them in person might just give you the opportunity to get your foot in the door. It also shows that you’re willing to put forth a certain amount of effort. All in all, prospects tend to buy things from people they like.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2vl2r8o.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>17. Be Free With Your Advice</h2>\r\nJanet Efere (Sales Trainer and Coach at Tadpole Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/JanetEfere\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JanetEfere</a>\r\n\r\nAdvertise yourself as someone who’s always willing to offer help and advice about sales. That doesn’t have to mean \'free consultation\' - people often see this as code for \'I\'m trying to persuade you to sign up for something.’ Just freely and generously share information, templates, and proven processes. You’ll be surprised how many recommendations it leads to. I don’t worry about the people who never come back. Anyone who’s serious about growing their business will take my <a href=\"https://strategic.events/meeting-pro-christy-lamagna/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">advice</a>, see that it works, and want to come back on a more formal basis. Those who don’t aren’t my ideal clients in the first place, so I never had anything to lose.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/29cl7br.jpg\" image_size=\"full\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>18. Look for Speaking Engagements</h2>\r\nDan Warman (Continuous Improvement Manager at US Acute Care Solutions) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielwarman/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nAttend industry trade shows with the aim to get a speaking or presenting spot at one of their ‘breakout sessions.’ The opportunity won’t only get you and your company in front of potential customers, it also gives you the chance to demonstrate expertise without it feeling like a sales pitch. Just make sure your speeches aim to teach and coach. The increased sales should only be an added benefit. People come to these events to learn. Turn your presentation into ‘just another sales call’ and you\'ll lose them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Gretchen_Hydo_sales_coach.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>19. Utilize Your Alumni Network</h2>\r\nGretchen Hydo (Business Productivity &amp; Life Coach at Any Lengths Life Coaching) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/anylengthscoach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@AnyLengthsCoach</a>\r\n\r\nTap into your alumni organization. Many have monthly mixers that provide a friendly environment, giving you the opportunity to meet with like-minded people. You never know where these connections may lead and who might refer you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2luqpox.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>20. Make It Easy for People to Find You</h2>\r\nJanice Dru (Board Member at Inkwhy, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/inkwhy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Inkwhy</a>\r\n\r\nSet up your \"engine\" to get inbound requests for your products and services. Create a web page where you describe what you offer, answer frequently asked questions, and post testimonials from satisfied clients. Then make sure you also have an easy way for people to reach you, whether that be by phone, email address, or contact form. Start building a client list and follow up on communications and requests right away.\r\n\r\nPush out your <a href=\"https://strategic.events/content-master/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">content</a> across social media, as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are the top three places to be. Know where your audience is and post there consistently.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2qalabs.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>21. Make the Call!</h2>\r\nJeb Blount (CEO of Sales Gravy, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SalesGravy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SalesGravy</a>\r\n\r\nThe best salespeople keep a whole arsenal of tricks and methods. The key to successful prospecting is to use every resource you have available. And yes, that includes cold calling!\r\n\r\n\"Stop wasting time reading dumb articles about how to avoid cold calling and pick up the damn phone!\" - Jeb Blount[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Nick_Kane_Janek_Performance.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>22. Don’t Neglect Your Old Contacts</h2>\r\nNick Kane (Managing Partner at Janek Performance Group) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/janekpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JanekPG</a>\r\n\r\nRevisit existing accounts you haven’t spoken to in some time. Don’t make the mistake of calling them for the sake of “checking in.” Instead, catch up on your clients’ recent developments. Maybe they’ve launched a new product, won an industry award, or come across a promotion. Use this intel as a lead-in for your call.\r\n\r\nYou also want to plan your call ahead of time. Think about what you want to accomplish with your call and how to go about doing it. Ask your clients if they’ve been satisfied with previous purchases and find out if there’s a need for your continued services. If the timing isn’t right to move forward with a new opportunity just yet, ask for a referral. This is something that should go both ways – sharing a referral with your customer can go a long way in building rapport and trust.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Thom_Singer_speaker.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>23. Help Out Others</h2>\r\nThom Singer (Professional Speaker/Master of Ceremonies) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/thomsinger\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@thomsinger</a>\r\n\r\nBe the one who helps others find success. Promote your prospects or introduce them to potential clients, vendors, partners, etc. The fastest way to get on my radar is to refer me business. I make sure to take calls from anyone who has helped me find success. Try to sell and maybe prospects will listen to you. But tweet about them and praise them in public and they\'ll want to know who you are and why you’re helping them win.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Jonathan_Barteaux_sales.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>24. Diversify Your Approach</h2>\r\nJon Barteaux (Principal at Barteaux and Associates) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/barteaux?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@barteaux</a>\r\n\r\nProspecting for new business is paramount for a tier-one sales organization. The key is to diversify: I use lead generation outsourcing to find a volume of qualified leads but I also use LinkedIn’s InMail to connect one-on-one with C-level prospects. I try and meet with those who share common interests or ideas, but often times I’ll simply ask to be referred to their peers or partners. I also use social media monitoring tools, making sure to be very specific in what I am looking for when I’m trying to connect with prospects over Linkedin.\r\n\r\nUse tools to diversify your approach, always with the <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-steps-achieve-business-goals/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">goal</a> to get the meeting and not to sell at first contact.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zc02s8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>25. Write a Newsletter</h2>\r\nJessica Magoch (Co-Founder and CEO of JPM Sales Partners) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/jessicamagoch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JessicaMagoch</a>\r\n\r\nWhether via email or snail mail, being able to directly communicate with potential and existing customers is priceless. In exchange for their email, offer a valuable freebie (or opt-in) that relates directly to your target audience. Examples include cheat sheets, whitepapers, mini-video lessons, and templates. Once you receive a person’s email, you must respect it. All of our inboxes are overloaded, and you want people to keep subscribed so that they don’t miss any valuable content. A welcome email series, which you can automate with your email list manager, can take prospects down a carefully curated journey that builds your relationship. That way, when you finally introduce your product or service, you’ll be able to make highly-qualified, hot leads. People will feel they need what you\'re selling and want to buy it from you. And from that point on, you need to show them they were right!\r\n\r\nAlways use an email campaign manager, such as Mailchimp, to comply with anti-spam laws. And write every email as if you were speaking one-on-one with a friend or colleague.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2qcqp29.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>26. Create a Personalized Email Template</h2>\r\nJimmy Woodard (Business Development Manager at 360 Designs) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-woodard-b1aaa620/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nHere’s a simple email that you can send to almost anybody in a company in order to reach a decision-maker:\r\n\r\n“Happy (day of the week) (name of person), Do you know who is the best person to talk to about (pain point/unique solution)? I have some ideas that I think your team will like. Thanks in advance, (your name).”\r\n\r\nUse a simple subject line like “quick question” and you’ll get at least a 25-30% response rate. Works like a charm![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zx2igz.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>27. Write a Letter</h2>\r\nTibor Shanto (Chief Sales Officer at Renbor Sales Solutions Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/TiborShanto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TiborShanto</a>\r\n\r\nIt’s important to stand out when prospecting, especially when your targets are at the senior level. Going retro, specifically with handwritten notes in hand-addressed envelopes and real, non-metered postage, can be an effective way to stand out. Your message should be brief, to the point, and provocative. If your message gets prospects to stop and consider what they read, then you’ll immeasurably increase your chances at engaging. Handwritten notes (I usually use greeting cards) will almost always get into the hands of your targets. Just remember that, while you’ll still likely make a phone call at some point, it won’t be nearly as cold.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2v3spy8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>28. Embrace Social Media Selling</h2>\r\nElinor Stutz (Inspirational Speaker and Educational Trainer) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/smoothsale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@smoothsale</a>\r\n\r\nMy prospecting process starts on Twitter. In 140 characters or less, I’m able to determine if there is synergy between the prospect and myself. I look for motivating, inspiring, and insightful information that both my followers and I can use. I then directly send a message to the prospect who initiated the tweet, moving to LinkedIn for a more detailed profile. I view website links and confirm contact information. After researching and confirming that there’s a connection to be made, I reach out once again to see if the person would like to have a conversation. I formally reach out over LinkedIn to see if they want to connect.\r\n\r\nI’ve had countless executives reach out to me over LinkedIn and ask to connect. Social media has made it much easier for me to make it into the C-Suite.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/v8eefp.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>29. Carry a Prospecting Letter with You</h2>\r\nChris Murray (Director at Varda Kreuz Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/VardaKreuz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@vardakreuz</a>\r\n\r\nWrite yourself a template. Leave the space where you’d normally write “Dear (prospect name)” blank. Your template should cover everything in a single paragraph: who you are, why you do what you do, how you’ve helped people just like them, etc. Finish by telling you prospects that you’re sorry you’ve missed them and that you’ll give them a call tomorrow. Sign it with your best pen, pop it in an envelope, and always keep a few in your bag.\r\n\r\nThe next time you’re at an appointment, note your prospect’s office on the way out. Look him or her up LinkedIn. If you can’t find them on LinkedIn, ask the receptionist who to address it. Then use the same pen you signed your name with to complete your letter and hand it over to the front desk. Call back the next day to book an appointment or log your prospect into your pipeline.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/9097qg.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>30. Maximize Your User Traffic</h2>\r\nJulien Arucci (Chief Commercial Officer for User Companies) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/JulienArucci\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JulienArucci</a>\r\n\r\nTake advantage of customized forms and programs such as Userpop to maximize the potential of your websites.\r\n\r\nFacebook, LinkedIn, and Amazon Ads are all amazing platforms that you should already be active on![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/339u4v8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>31. Avoid Self-Limiting Behavior</h2>\r\nAlen Mayer (Keynote Speaker, Author, and Coach) Alen\'s Blog\r\n\r\nSelling is a head game: if your head isn’t in the game, it’s likely you’ll start struggling with your numbers. Sales executives, managers, and business owners often hamstring themselves with self-limiting attitudes and behaviors. I’ve found a consistent series of stories that people tell themselves that end up supporting these bad behaviors and negative thoughts. Overcoming them by changing our attitudes and thought patterns can help ensure a successful career, higher revenues, and long-term sustainable success for even the most inexperienced sales executive.\r\n\r\nSome of the most common stories we tell ourselves include:\r\n\r\nI’ll make those calls tomorrow.\r\n\r\nThat lead will close.\r\n\r\nThe client likes me, so they’ll buy from me.\r\n\r\nThe prospect always tells the truth.\r\n\r\n“No” means “no forever”.\r\n\r\nIt’s not my fault.\r\n\r\nI can talk my way into a sale.\r\n\r\nIf you’re a sales rep or manager struggling with these self-limiting attitudes, I recommend the Iceberg Sales Model, which is designed to go below the waterline of our behaviors and tackle the underlying issues that plague our performance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2lndf0y.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>32. Create Content That Actually Helps Your Audience</h2>\r\nRichard Stephens (Director &amp; Co-Founder of Angelfish Marketing) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/stephens94\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@stephens94</a>\r\n\r\nCold calling is dead! There are now over 200 million people on the global do-not-call list, and those you do manage to reach out to will likely be less than thrilled to hear from you. So why would anyone want to start a sales call with the prospect annoyed at them?\r\n\r\nThe biggest piece of advice I can offer is to nail your content <a href=\"https://strategic.events/marketing-shortcuts-for-driving-sales-in-a-hurry/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">marketing</a> by creating helpful media for your prospects that offers solutions to their business problems and attracts them to your website. You can then distribute this content online via social media platforms. This will help you make content that reaches the right people, grow your audience, and connect with prospects who are actually interested in what you have to offer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2> And a few more bonus tips!</h2>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/29mrar6.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>33. The Research-Tailored Approach</h2>\r\nRico Wyder (VP of sales at Avrios) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ricowyder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ricowyder</a>\r\n\r\nUse a combination of in-depth research and tailored tactics. Create a \'prospect case\' for each company that you would like to target. Each prospect is influenced by its industry, its organization, and the individual to be targeted. Firstly, research every level that will influence the prospect. Map out who should be approached and evaluate online and offline strategies for each individual, especially if you want to go after more than one person in a company. Then create an appropriate approach and execute it. For example, a medium-sized construction company in Germany might always be best approached through the CEO using a personalized email. This internally triggers a referral email to the responsible person who you can then approach via phone call. Over time you will understand which tailored approach works depending on the company profile. Knowledge sharing is key here. A strong sales team can adjust and improve its approach over time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/10zsn5t.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>34. Make a \"Portable Exhibition Stand\"</h2>\r\nBruce King (Presenter and coach) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/brucemking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@brucemking</a>\r\n\r\nOne of our salespeople became horrified when she realized that, instead of making phone calls in a comfortable office, she would have to spend her first two weeks on the job visiting industrial estates and asking to speak with managing directors. The first day she went to 65 offices and was ejected from most. She called me in absolute panic. I gave her instructions, and the following morning she purchased a small pop-up exhibition stand that could be erected in under three minutes.\r\n\r\nShe walked through her first door, quickly erected her ‘trade stand’ in the reception area, and placed company literature on top of it. Nobody had time to question what she was doing. She walked over to the reception desk, smiled, and asked that the MD come out for a quick demonstration. It was an irresistible approach. They came, they saw, she conquered! She made 23 sales in her first week. And while there might be better ways, the routine still works in a pinch![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sq5ycw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>35. Write a Book!</h2>\r\nJonny Cooper (Founder of TheSuccessParty.com) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/thesuccessparty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@thesuccessparty</a>\r\n\r\nCold calling sucks, and it\'ll suck the life right out of you if you let it. Don’t. Here are just a few of the benefits you can reap writing a successful book:\r\n\r\nYou’ll become a trusted expert and authority in your field.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll make money doing it.\r\n\r\nA book’s on sale 24-hours a day, and broadcasts you to your audience even while you sleep!\r\n\r\nSounds pretty great huh? Here\'s how you start:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Come up with a great title. Something like, “My 7 Life Mistakes: How I Screwed Up Everything And Came Out The Other Side”</li>\r\n 	<li>Make a plan for seven to ten chapters. A successful book can be as short as 60 pages.</li>\r\n 	<li>Write something every day and keep to a 30-day deadline.</li>\r\n 	<li>Don’t edit as you write. It spoils the flow.</li>\r\n 	<li>Hire an independent contractor for some groovy cover art.</li>\r\n 	<li>Get some pre-launch buzz from your social network.</li>\r\n 	<li>Finally, list your book on Amazon using their awesome guide to self-publishing.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://blog.commissioncrowd.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-6127\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/800.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"314\" height=\"103\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','32 Ways to Prospect for Sales Leads Without Cold Calling','','inherit','closed','closed','','6043-autosave-v1','','','2018-02-27 23:09:26','2018-02-27 23:09:26','',6043,'https://strategic.events/6043-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10538,3,'2018-02-27 23:10:04','2018-02-27 23:10:04','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>32 Ways to Prospect for Sales Leads Without Cold Calling</h2>\r\n<h3>By Alexander Howard</h3>\r\nCold calling is one of the oldest tricks in the book. And like many old techniques, it\'s often outshined by newer, more efficient ways of doing business.\r\n\r\nAn overreliance on cold calling can be a good indication that an independent sales agent is too inexperienced to know how to effectively reach his or her target audience. A good shortcut can save you hundreds of hours of misplaced effort and dead-end leads. That\'s why we\'ve reached out to 32 industry sales experts to provide highly-effective tips that\'ll help you put down the phone and pick up more clients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/3hgz6.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519772957797{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>1. Get as Many Referrals as Possible</h2>\r\nBrett Wells (Chief Research Officer at Talent Plus, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/BrettMWells\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@BrettMWells</a>\r\n\r\nSuccessful sales agents constantly receive referrals from their current clients. Why is this so important? <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"http://labs.openviewpartners.com/b2b-sales-stats/#.WScr2mjyvIW/embed\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-title=\"According to OpenView Labs\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"> According to OpenView Labs</a>, 73% of executives prefer salespeople referred by someone they know, 84% of B2B decision makers start the buying process with referrals, and referrals convert 30% better than leads generated from other sources. In the age of the Net Promoter Score, it’s important to ask why clients give ratings of 9 or 10. Always focus on relationship building and look for opportunities that add value. One of our consultants won over a referral just by sending a birthday card.\r\n\r\nWant to leverage referrals?\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Ask current clients if they would refer your services to a friend or colleague.</li>\r\n 	<li>For clients who respond positively, ask who they have in mind.</li>\r\n 	<li>Track your promoter’s connections on LinkedIn. If a connection’s promising, ask for an introduction.</li>\r\n 	<li>Share your successes with your clients, and express your appreciation via a handwritten note.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2ppzi83.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2> 2. Refine Your Content</h2>\r\nSteven Benson (CEO of BadgerMapping.com) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SteveBenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SteveBenson</a>\r\n\r\nManage your resources through effective outbound content, customer service, and content marketing. Do research on the language and terms your ideal customers use and create content that answers their biggest questions. Refining your content not only strengthens your brand, it improves the quality and interest of your average prospect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/r94suw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>3. Be Honest About Your Services</h2>\r\nKevin Smith (Managing Director at Brainstorm Creative Studios) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/brainstormcs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@brainstormcs</a>\r\n\r\nTransparency and flexibility are vital to success. Being honest about both the positive and negative aspects of your product is key to gaining trust and credibility in the marketplace. Recognizing your faults is vital to making a change. Flexibility will allow you to modify your product with each potential client and is an effective way to fix some of your negative aspects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Colleen_Stanley_sales_leadership.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>4. Understand Your Prospects</h2>\r\nColleen Stanley (President at SalesLeadership, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/eiselling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@EiSelling</a>\r\n\r\nMake sure to identify the vital attributes of your ideal prospects. Otherwise, you’ll fall into the sales trap of being busy but not productive. Most salespeople only look at demographics such as size and revenue when developing a pursuit strategy. Equally important are the psychographics, or the attitudes and cultures of a potential client. Ask these questions:\r\n\r\n•Does the leadership believe in investing time and money in development, or do they subscribe to the sink or swim approach?\r\n\r\n•Do they value outside counsel or are they do-it-yourselfers?\r\n\r\n•Do they buy according to value or price?\r\n\r\nGet clear on your best-fit client. You can be the greatest seller in the world and not close a single deal if you focus on prospects that can’t or won’t buy your product.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2ex9e0m.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>5. Write Effective Linkedin InMail</h2>\r\nDavid Davies (Managing Director at Sandler Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SandlerTV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SandlerTV</a>\r\n\r\nLinkedIn InMail can be an incredibly effective prospecting tool when done right. Most InMails are too long, though. Too much ‘buy-my-stuff’ diatribe. ‘Click-baiting’ with things like hyperlinks and attachments can be a major turn-off. InMails, or even emails, should aim to be 100 words or less. That translates into just three simply constructed sentences:\r\n\r\n1: Make it personal: How do you know them? Find referrals, do research about potential clients, or dig up recent news about a company.\r\n\r\n2: Show that you know their “pain”: What’s the problem? Show that you understand their pain points and share some problems you’ve solved.\r\n\r\n3: Call to Action: What happens next? Suggest the next natural steps, typically in the form of a question.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2zfkf9u.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>6. Turn Your Network Into Your Extended Sales Team</h2>\r\nChristy Lamagna (President of Strategic Meetings &amp; Events) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SMEChristy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SMEChristy</a>\r\n\r\nYour network will lead you to your next sale. The key is knowing how to turn your network into your extended sales team. The power of imagery is amazing. Instead of asking for people to think of someone who may need my services, which is vague and nonspecific, I paint them a picture. I’ll say, “I’m looking for someone with a winter tan and who wears an expensive timepiece.” When they see that person, BOOM, I’m on their mind.\r\n\r\nIf you want your path to lead to success, draw your network a map so they know how to help you get there.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/5wb28y.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>7. Never Be Afraid to Ask For Referrals</h2>\r\nBrian Marsh (Sales Director at Futurepump) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-marsh-83645a24/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nSuccessful agents know to always ask for referrals. Every meeting should end with \"do you know anyone else who would benefit from my product/service?\", even if your prospect didn’t decide on your service. Get creative. Tell as many people as possible what you sell and never be afraid to ask. Your results will skyrocket.\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2i0aoi1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>8. Content, Content, and More Content!</h2>\r\nJeff Goldberg (Jeff Goldberg &amp; Associates) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/jeffgprospeaker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@jeffgprospeaker</a>\r\n\r\nI frequently post content on my website and newsletter, but I especially like LinkedIn, as the audience is largely salespeople and managers. By offering valuable <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategically-building-your-information-pipeline/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">information</a> instead of a sales pitch for your product or service, readers will come to see you as generous and an expert in your field. My experience has been that offering enough valuable content on a regular basis brings the prospects to you, rather than the other way around. Make it easy for your prospects to ‘raise their hand!’ Produce and share valuable content as often as possible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1ysfx1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>9. Keep A Healthy Sales Pipeline</h2>\r\nAli Mirza (President of Rose Garden Consulting) <a href=\"https://rosegardenconsulting.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rose Garden Consulting</a>\r\n\r\nKeep your pipeline full of rich and viable prospects. An empty pipeline can leave salespeople placing undue importance on a small number of clients. The problem is that so many want a healthy pipeline but don’t know how to maintain it. For me, most of my deals come to me through my network. I make myself available at all times for lending a helping hand with sales. I establish myself as the go-to expert. The small amount of time I spend offering free help provides me with immeasurable ROI. Those I help always tell their friends and everyone in their network, affording me a constant inflow of people seeking my help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2cfqj3c-1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>10. Track Tweets in Your Target Market</h2>\r\nMike Kawula (CEO of Social Quant) <a href=\"https://www.socialquant.net/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Social Quant\'s Website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-tips-tweeting/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter</a> is a phenomenal way to drive sales, regardless of whether you’re a local, national, international, online, or offline business. Don’t believe me? I grew my 50-person local cleaning business simply by following local tweets, starting conversations, and addressing pain points. This process also helped me grow a multi-million-dollar online office supply store by listening to and engaging with those mentioning our competitors. It’s an easy, painless alternative to cold calling that can literally happen within moments![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/23kcf4j.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>11. Do Your Homework</h2>\r\nJoe Templin (Managing Director at The Unique Minds Consulting Group) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/therealheadgeek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TheRealHeadGeek</a>\r\n\r\nDedicate fifteen minutes before a <a href=\"https://strategic.events/plan-meeting-first-question-ask/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">meeting</a> to do research and generate a list of potential introductions (ALWAYS ask to be introduced). Asking questions and showing you have already invested time earns you the right for more trust and introductions, and makes calling easy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Morlyn_Duma_freelance_sales_consultant.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]12. Use Mail Shots\r\n\r\nMorlyn Duma Maturere (Freelance Sales Consultant) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/morlyn-duma-maturure-b75717b1/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nSome of the best tactics that I have used, approved, and recommended include Mail Shots, social media, and online targeted sales. If your product or service targets small to medium-sized enterprises, sending Mail Shots to members under your local SME association can yield great results. Members who receive Mail Shots through their association have a high reading rate and (as long as a value proposition is great) at least 50% of the database will respond. Place your sales banners on websites that are frequented by your target market. For example, place a software sales banner on an online digital magazine site. That way, you\'ll develop a pipeline of prospects who are already interested in your product, are willing to take your call, and have a high chance at converting into clients![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zqx0sw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>13. Research Your Prospects And Persist</h2>\r\nKeith Crispin (Sales Director at Aotea Global Services (GB) Ltd) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithcrispin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nApply your solution to the market: what verticals or sectors are likely to be your potential customers? Determine who your best fit is, be they large multinational companies, SMEs, government departments, charities, or whoever else. Then decide who it is you need to reach, such as C-graders, department heads, or line managers. Obtain information on potential customers, turnover rates, employees numbers, lines of business, geographical locations, etc. Research the names and email addresses of target prospects. Determine your contact strategy for the next six to twelve months and don’t be put off with rejection or non-availability. The key is persistence. Most salespeople give up when they don’t get a quick result. If it’s worth achieving, it’s worth persevering for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kimberly_Rath_sales_talent_plus.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>14. Become a Thought Leader</h2>\r\nKimberly Rath (Chairman &amp; Founder of Talent Plus) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/TalentPlusInc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TalentPlusInc</a>\r\n\r\nEstablishing a social media presence and becoming a thought leader through blogging can make all the difference. Engaging your target audience encourages them to spend more time listening to you and becoming part of the conversation. LinkedIn has become an increasingly important tool in the sales world, not only for connecting directly to potential prospects but for engaging entire communities of individuals on a particular topic or discipline.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ziubrp.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>15. Great Networking Takes Time</h2>\r\nBrian Cox (Mobile Consultant at Leadpro Expert) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/LeadproExpert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@LeadproExpert</a>\r\n\r\nSales agents can’t go from cold contacts to account representatives without the right network. And they can’t do it overnight. You should plan to spend around six months within a particular industry in order to fully develop your network. While working in that industry at the operational level, connect with people and develop a list of contacts. This list can easily become the bedrock of your sales effort. You have to develop a solid list of contacts before you can hope to get known by other professionals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2rgp4zo.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>16. Go Old-School - Visit Prospects In Person</h2>\r\nGene Caballero (Co-founder of GreenPal) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/gene_caballero?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@gene_caballero</a>\r\n\r\nWhenever possible, pay a real-life visit to a potential customer and let them know who you are. It’s easy for clients to delete a voicemail or ignore an email, but meeting them in person might just give you the opportunity to get your foot in the door. It also shows that you’re willing to put forth a certain amount of effort. All in all, prospects tend to buy things from people they like.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2vl2r8o.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>17. Be Free With Your Advice</h2>\r\nJanet Efere (Sales Trainer and Coach at Tadpole Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/JanetEfere\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JanetEfere</a>\r\n\r\nAdvertise yourself as someone who’s always willing to offer help and advice about sales. That doesn’t have to mean \'free consultation\' - people often see this as code for \'I\'m trying to persuade you to sign up for something.’ Just freely and generously share information, templates, and proven processes. You’ll be surprised how many recommendations it leads to. I don’t worry about the people who never come back. Anyone who’s serious about growing their business will take my <a href=\"https://strategic.events/meeting-pro-christy-lamagna/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">advice</a>, see that it works, and want to come back on a more formal basis. Those who don’t aren’t my ideal clients in the first place, so I never had anything to lose.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/29cl7br.jpg\" image_size=\"full\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>18. Look for Speaking Engagements</h2>\r\nDan Warman (Continuous Improvement Manager at US Acute Care Solutions) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielwarman/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nAttend industry trade shows with the aim to get a speaking or presenting spot at one of their ‘breakout sessions.’ The opportunity won’t only get you and your company in front of potential customers, it also gives you the chance to demonstrate expertise without it feeling like a sales pitch. Just make sure your speeches aim to teach and coach. The increased sales should only be an added benefit. People come to these events to learn. Turn your presentation into ‘just another sales call’ and you\'ll lose them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Gretchen_Hydo_sales_coach.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>19. Utilize Your Alumni Network</h2>\r\nGretchen Hydo (Business Productivity &amp; Life Coach at Any Lengths Life Coaching) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/anylengthscoach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@AnyLengthsCoach</a>\r\n\r\nTap into your alumni organization. Many have monthly mixers that provide a friendly environment, giving you the opportunity to meet with like-minded people. You never know where these connections may lead and who might refer you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2luqpox.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>20. Make It Easy for People to Find You</h2>\r\nJanice Dru (Board Member at Inkwhy, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/inkwhy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Inkwhy</a>\r\n\r\nSet up your \"engine\" to get inbound requests for your products and services. Create a web page where you describe what you offer, answer frequently asked questions, and post testimonials from satisfied clients. Then make sure you also have an easy way for people to reach you, whether that be by phone, email address, or contact form. Start building a client list and follow up on communications and requests right away.\r\n\r\nPush out your <a href=\"https://strategic.events/content-master/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">content</a> across social media, as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are the top three places to be. Know where your audience is and post there consistently.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2qalabs.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>21. Make the Call!</h2>\r\nJeb Blount (CEO of Sales Gravy, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SalesGravy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SalesGravy</a>\r\n\r\nThe best salespeople keep a whole arsenal of tricks and methods. The key to successful prospecting is to use every resource you have available. And yes, that includes cold calling!\r\n\r\n\"Stop wasting time reading dumb articles about how to avoid cold calling and pick up the damn phone!\" - Jeb Blount[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Nick_Kane_Janek_Performance.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>22. Don’t Neglect Your Old Contacts</h2>\r\nNick Kane (Managing Partner at Janek Performance Group) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/janekpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JanekPG</a>\r\n\r\nRevisit existing accounts you haven’t spoken to in some time. Don’t make the mistake of calling them for the sake of “checking in.” Instead, catch up on your clients’ recent developments. Maybe they’ve launched a new product, won an industry award, or come across a promotion. Use this intel as a lead-in for your call.\r\n\r\nYou also want to plan your call ahead of time. Think about what you want to accomplish with your call and how to go about doing it. Ask your clients if they’ve been satisfied with previous purchases and find out if there’s a need for your continued services. If the timing isn’t right to move forward with a new opportunity just yet, ask for a referral. This is something that should go both ways – sharing a referral with your customer can go a long way in building rapport and trust.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Thom_Singer_speaker.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>23. Help Out Others</h2>\r\nThom Singer (Professional Speaker/Master of Ceremonies) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/thomsinger\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@thomsinger</a>\r\n\r\nBe the one who helps others find success. Promote your prospects or introduce them to potential clients, vendors, partners, etc. The fastest way to get on my radar is to refer me business. I make sure to take calls from anyone who has helped me find success. Try to sell and maybe prospects will listen to you. But tweet about them and praise them in public and they\'ll want to know who you are and why you’re helping them win.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Jonathan_Barteaux_sales.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>24. Diversify Your Approach</h2>\r\nJon Barteaux (Principal at Barteaux and Associates) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/barteaux?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@barteaux</a>\r\n\r\nProspecting for new business is paramount for a tier-one sales organization. The key is to diversify: I use lead generation outsourcing to find a volume of qualified leads but I also use LinkedIn’s InMail to connect one-on-one with C-level prospects. I try and meet with those who share common interests or ideas, but often times I’ll simply ask to be referred to their peers or partners. I also use social media monitoring tools, making sure to be very specific in what I am looking for when I’m trying to connect with prospects over Linkedin.\r\n\r\nUse tools to diversify your approach, always with the <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-steps-achieve-business-goals/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">goal</a> to get the meeting and not to sell at first contact.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zc02s8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>25. Write a Newsletter</h2>\r\nJessica Magoch (Co-Founder and CEO of JPM Sales Partners) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/jessicamagoch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JessicaMagoch</a>\r\n\r\nWhether via email or snail mail, being able to directly communicate with potential and existing customers is priceless. In exchange for their email, offer a valuable freebie (or opt-in) that relates directly to your target audience. Examples include cheat sheets, whitepapers, mini-video lessons, and templates. Once you receive a person’s email, you must respect it. All of our inboxes are overloaded, and you want people to keep subscribed so that they don’t miss any valuable content. A welcome email series, which you can automate with your email list manager, can take prospects down a carefully curated journey that builds your relationship. That way, when you finally introduce your product or service, you’ll be able to make highly-qualified, hot leads. People will feel they need what you\'re selling and want to buy it from you. And from that point on, you need to show them they were right!\r\n\r\nAlways use an email campaign manager, such as Mailchimp, to comply with anti-spam laws. And write every email as if you were speaking one-on-one with a friend or colleague.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2qcqp29.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>26. Create a Personalized Email Template</h2>\r\nJimmy Woodard (Business Development Manager at 360 Designs) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-woodard-b1aaa620/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nHere’s a simple email that you can send to almost anybody in a company in order to reach a decision-maker:\r\n\r\n“Happy (day of the week) (name of person), Do you know who is the best person to talk to about (pain point/unique solution)? I have some ideas that I think your team will like. Thanks in advance, (your name).”\r\n\r\nUse a simple subject line like “quick question” and you’ll get at least a 25-30% response rate. Works like a charm![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zx2igz.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>27. Write a Letter</h2>\r\nTibor Shanto (Chief Sales Officer at Renbor Sales Solutions Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/TiborShanto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TiborShanto</a>\r\n\r\nIt’s important to stand out when prospecting, especially when your targets are at the senior level. Going retro, specifically with handwritten notes in hand-addressed envelopes and real, non-metered postage, can be an effective way to stand out. Your message should be brief, to the point, and provocative. If your message gets prospects to stop and consider what they read, then you’ll immeasurably increase your chances at engaging. Handwritten notes (I usually use greeting cards) will almost always get into the hands of your targets. Just remember that, while you’ll still likely make a phone call at some point, it won’t be nearly as cold.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2v3spy8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>28. Embrace Social Media Selling</h2>\r\nElinor Stutz (Inspirational Speaker and Educational Trainer) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/smoothsale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@smoothsale</a>\r\n\r\nMy prospecting process starts on Twitter. In 140 characters or less, I’m able to determine if there is synergy between the prospect and myself. I look for motivating, inspiring, and insightful information that both my followers and I can use. I then directly send a message to the prospect who initiated the tweet, moving to LinkedIn for a more detailed profile. I view website links and confirm contact information. After researching and confirming that there’s a connection to be made, I reach out once again to see if the person would like to have a conversation. I formally reach out over LinkedIn to see if they want to connect.\r\n\r\nI’ve had countless executives reach out to me over LinkedIn and ask to connect. Social media has made it much easier for me to make it into the C-Suite.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/v8eefp.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>29. Carry a Prospecting Letter with You</h2>\r\nChris Murray (Director at Varda Kreuz Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/VardaKreuz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@vardakreuz</a>\r\n\r\nWrite yourself a template. Leave the space where you’d normally write “Dear (prospect name)” blank. Your template should cover everything in a single paragraph: who you are, why you do what you do, how you’ve helped people just like them, etc. Finish by telling you prospects that you’re sorry you’ve missed them and that you’ll give them a call tomorrow. Sign it with your best pen, pop it in an envelope, and always keep a few in your bag.\r\n\r\nThe next time you’re at an appointment, note your prospect’s office on the way out. Look him or her up LinkedIn. If you can’t find them on LinkedIn, ask the receptionist who to address it. Then use the same pen you signed your name with to complete your letter and hand it over to the front desk. Call back the next day to book an appointment or log your prospect into your pipeline.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/9097qg.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>30. Maximize Your User Traffic</h2>\r\nJulien Arucci (Chief Commercial Officer for User Companies) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/JulienArucci\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JulienArucci</a>\r\n\r\nTake advantage of customized forms and programs such as Userpop to maximize the potential of your websites.\r\n\r\nFacebook, LinkedIn, and Amazon Ads are all amazing platforms that you should already be active on![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/339u4v8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>31. Avoid Self-Limiting Behavior</h2>\r\nAlen Mayer (Keynote Speaker, Author, and Coach) Alen\'s Blog\r\n\r\nSelling is a head game: if your head isn’t in the game, it’s likely you’ll start struggling with your numbers. Sales executives, managers, and business owners often hamstring themselves with self-limiting attitudes and behaviors. I’ve found a consistent series of stories that people tell themselves that end up supporting these bad behaviors and negative thoughts. Overcoming them by changing our attitudes and thought patterns can help ensure a successful career, higher revenues, and long-term sustainable success for even the most inexperienced sales executive.\r\n\r\nSome of the most common stories we tell ourselves include:\r\n\r\nI’ll make those calls tomorrow.\r\n\r\nThat lead will close.\r\n\r\nThe client likes me, so they’ll buy from me.\r\n\r\nThe prospect always tells the truth.\r\n\r\n“No” means “no forever”.\r\n\r\nIt’s not my fault.\r\n\r\nI can talk my way into a sale.\r\n\r\nIf you’re a sales rep or manager struggling with these self-limiting attitudes, I recommend the Iceberg Sales Model, which is designed to go below the waterline of our behaviors and tackle the underlying issues that plague our performance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2lndf0y.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>32. Create Content That Actually Helps Your Audience</h2>\r\nRichard Stephens (Director &amp; Co-Founder of Angelfish Marketing) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/stephens94\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@stephens94</a>\r\n\r\nCold calling is dead! There are now over 200 million people on the global do-not-call list, and those you do manage to reach out to will likely be less than thrilled to hear from you. So why would anyone want to start a sales call with the prospect annoyed at them?\r\n\r\nThe biggest piece of advice I can offer is to nail your content <a href=\"https://strategic.events/marketing-shortcuts-for-driving-sales-in-a-hurry/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">marketing</a> by creating helpful media for your prospects that offers solutions to their business problems and attracts them to your website. You can then distribute this content online via social media platforms. This will help you make content that reaches the right people, grow your audience, and connect with prospects who are actually interested in what you have to offer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2> And a few more bonus tips!</h2>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/29mrar6.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>33. The Research-Tailored Approach</h2>\r\nRico Wyder (VP of sales at Avrios) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ricowyder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ricowyder</a>\r\n\r\nUse a combination of in-depth research and tailored tactics. Create a \'prospect case\' for each company that you would like to target. Each prospect is influenced by its industry, its organization, and the individual to be targeted. Firstly, research every level that will influence the prospect. Map out who should be approached and evaluate online and offline strategies for each individual, especially if you want to go after more than one person in a company. Then create an appropriate approach and execute it. For example, a medium-sized construction company in Germany might always be best approached through the CEO using a personalized email. This internally triggers a referral email to the responsible person who you can then approach via phone call. Over time you will understand which tailored approach works depending on the company profile. Knowledge sharing is key here. A strong sales team can adjust and improve its approach over time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/10zsn5t.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>34. Make a \"Portable Exhibition Stand\"</h2>\r\nBruce King (Presenter and coach) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/brucemking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@brucemking</a>\r\n\r\nOne of our salespeople became horrified when she realized that, instead of making phone calls in a comfortable office, she would have to spend her first two weeks on the job visiting industrial estates and asking to speak with managing directors. The first day she went to 65 offices and was ejected from most. She called me in absolute panic. I gave her instructions, and the following morning she purchased a small pop-up exhibition stand that could be erected in under three minutes.\r\n\r\nShe walked through her first door, quickly erected her ‘trade stand’ in the reception area, and placed company literature on top of it. Nobody had time to question what she was doing. She walked over to the reception desk, smiled, and asked that the MD come out for a quick demonstration. It was an irresistible approach. They came, they saw, she conquered! She made 23 sales in her first week. And while there might be better ways, the routine still works in a pinch![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sq5ycw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>35. Write a Book!</h2>\r\nJonny Cooper (Founder of TheSuccessParty.com) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/thesuccessparty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@thesuccessparty</a>\r\n\r\nCold calling sucks, and it\'ll suck the life right out of you if you let it. Don’t. Here are just a few of the benefits you can reap writing a successful book:\r\n\r\nYou’ll become a trusted expert and authority in your field.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll make money doing it.\r\n\r\nA book’s on sale 24-hours a day, and broadcasts you to your audience even while you sleep!\r\n\r\nSounds pretty great huh? Here\'s how you start:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Come up with a great title. Something like, “My 7 Life Mistakes: How I Screwed Up Everything And Came Out The Other Side”</li>\r\n 	<li>Make a plan for seven to ten chapters. A successful book can be as short as 60 pages.</li>\r\n 	<li>Write something every day and keep to a 30-day deadline.</li>\r\n 	<li>Don’t edit as you write. It spoils the flow.</li>\r\n 	<li>Hire an independent contractor for some groovy cover art.</li>\r\n 	<li>Get some pre-launch buzz from your social network.</li>\r\n 	<li>Finally, list your book on Amazon using their awesome guide to self-publishing.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://blog.commissioncrowd.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-6127\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/800.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"314\" height=\"103\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','32 Ways to Prospect for Sales Leads Without Cold Calling','','inherit','closed','closed','','6043-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 23:10:04','2018-02-27 23:10:04','',6043,'https://strategic.events/6043-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10539,3,'2018-02-27 23:12:54','2018-02-27 23:12:54','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>32 Ways to Prospect for Sales Leads Without Cold Calling</h2>\r\n<h3>By Alexander Howard</h3>\r\nCold calling is one of the oldest tricks in the book. And like many old techniques, it\'s often outshined by newer, more efficient ways of doing business.\r\n\r\nAn overreliance on cold calling can be a good indication that an independent sales agent is too inexperienced to know how to effectively reach his or her target audience. A good shortcut can save you hundreds of hours of misplaced effort and dead-end leads. That\'s why we\'ve reached out to 32 industry sales experts to provide highly-effective tips that\'ll help you put down the phone and pick up more clients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/3hgz6.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519773166662{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>1. Get as Many Referrals as Possible</h2>\r\nBrett Wells (Chief Research Officer at Talent Plus, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/BrettMWells\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@BrettMWells</a>\r\n\r\nSuccessful sales agents constantly receive referrals from their current clients. Why is this so important? <a class=\"mobx\" data-src=\"http://labs.openviewpartners.com/b2b-sales-stats/#.WScr2mjyvIW/embed\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"> According to OpenView Labs</a>, 73% of executives prefer salespeople referred by someone they know, 84% of B2B decision makers start the buying process with referrals, and referrals convert 30% better than leads generated from other sources. In the age of the Net Promoter Score, it’s important to ask why clients give ratings of 9 or 10. Always focus on relationship building and look for opportunities that add value. One of our consultants won over a referral just by sending a birthday card.\r\n\r\nWant to leverage referrals?\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Ask current clients if they would refer your services to a friend or colleague.</li>\r\n 	<li>For clients who respond positively, ask who they have in mind.</li>\r\n 	<li>Track your promoter’s connections on LinkedIn. If a connection’s promising, ask for an introduction.</li>\r\n 	<li>Share your successes with your clients, and express your appreciation via a handwritten note.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2ppzi83.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2> 2. Refine Your Content</h2>\r\nSteven Benson (CEO of BadgerMapping.com) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SteveBenson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SteveBenson</a>\r\n\r\nManage your resources through effective outbound content, customer service, and content marketing. Do research on the language and terms your ideal customers use and create content that answers their biggest questions. Refining your content not only strengthens your brand, it improves the quality and interest of your average prospect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/r94suw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>3. Be Honest About Your Services</h2>\r\nKevin Smith (Managing Director at Brainstorm Creative Studios) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/brainstormcs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@brainstormcs</a>\r\n\r\nTransparency and flexibility are vital to success. Being honest about both the positive and negative aspects of your product is key to gaining trust and credibility in the marketplace. Recognizing your faults is vital to making a change. Flexibility will allow you to modify your product with each potential client and is an effective way to fix some of your negative aspects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Colleen_Stanley_sales_leadership.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>4. Understand Your Prospects</h2>\r\nColleen Stanley (President at SalesLeadership, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/eiselling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@EiSelling</a>\r\n\r\nMake sure to identify the vital attributes of your ideal prospects. Otherwise, you’ll fall into the sales trap of being busy but not productive. Most salespeople only look at demographics such as size and revenue when developing a pursuit strategy. Equally important are the psychographics, or the attitudes and cultures of a potential client. Ask these questions:\r\n\r\n•Does the leadership believe in investing time and money in development, or do they subscribe to the sink or swim approach?\r\n\r\n•Do they value outside counsel or are they do-it-yourselfers?\r\n\r\n•Do they buy according to value or price?\r\n\r\nGet clear on your best-fit client. You can be the greatest seller in the world and not close a single deal if you focus on prospects that can’t or won’t buy your product.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2ex9e0m.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>5. Write Effective Linkedin InMail</h2>\r\nDavid Davies (Managing Director at Sandler Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SandlerTV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SandlerTV</a>\r\n\r\nLinkedIn InMail can be an incredibly effective prospecting tool when done right. Most InMails are too long, though. Too much ‘buy-my-stuff’ diatribe. ‘Click-baiting’ with things like hyperlinks and attachments can be a major turn-off. InMails, or even emails, should aim to be 100 words or less. That translates into just three simply constructed sentences:\r\n\r\n1: Make it personal: How do you know them? Find referrals, do research about potential clients, or dig up recent news about a company.\r\n\r\n2: Show that you know their “pain”: What’s the problem? Show that you understand their pain points and share some problems you’ve solved.\r\n\r\n3: Call to Action: What happens next? Suggest the next natural steps, typically in the form of a question.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2zfkf9u.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>6. Turn Your Network Into Your Extended Sales Team</h2>\r\nChristy Lamagna (President of Strategic Meetings &amp; Events) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SMEChristy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SMEChristy</a>\r\n\r\nYour network will lead you to your next sale. The key is knowing how to turn your network into your extended sales team. The power of imagery is amazing. Instead of asking for people to think of someone who may need my services, which is vague and nonspecific, I paint them a picture. I’ll say, “I’m looking for someone with a winter tan and who wears an expensive timepiece.” When they see that person, BOOM, I’m on their mind.\r\n\r\nIf you want your path to lead to success, draw your network a map so they know how to help you get there.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/5wb28y.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>7. Never Be Afraid to Ask For Referrals</h2>\r\nBrian Marsh (Sales Director at Futurepump) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-marsh-83645a24/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nSuccessful agents know to always ask for referrals. Every meeting should end with \"do you know anyone else who would benefit from my product/service?\", even if your prospect didn’t decide on your service. Get creative. Tell as many people as possible what you sell and never be afraid to ask. Your results will skyrocket.\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2i0aoi1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>8. Content, Content, and More Content!</h2>\r\nJeff Goldberg (Jeff Goldberg &amp; Associates) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/jeffgprospeaker\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@jeffgprospeaker</a>\r\n\r\nI frequently post content on my website and newsletter, but I especially like LinkedIn, as the audience is largely salespeople and managers. By offering valuable <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategically-building-your-information-pipeline/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">information</a> instead of a sales pitch for your product or service, readers will come to see you as generous and an expert in your field. My experience has been that offering enough valuable content on a regular basis brings the prospects to you, rather than the other way around. Make it easy for your prospects to ‘raise their hand!’ Produce and share valuable content as often as possible.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1ysfx1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>9. Keep A Healthy Sales Pipeline</h2>\r\nAli Mirza (President of Rose Garden Consulting) <a href=\"https://rosegardenconsulting.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rose Garden Consulting</a>\r\n\r\nKeep your pipeline full of rich and viable prospects. An empty pipeline can leave salespeople placing undue importance on a small number of clients. The problem is that so many want a healthy pipeline but don’t know how to maintain it. For me, most of my deals come to me through my network. I make myself available at all times for lending a helping hand with sales. I establish myself as the go-to expert. The small amount of time I spend offering free help provides me with immeasurable ROI. Those I help always tell their friends and everyone in their network, affording me a constant inflow of people seeking my help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2cfqj3c-1.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>10. Track Tweets in Your Target Market</h2>\r\nMike Kawula (CEO of Social Quant) <a href=\"https://www.socialquant.net/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Social Quant\'s Website</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-tips-tweeting/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter</a> is a phenomenal way to drive sales, regardless of whether you’re a local, national, international, online, or offline business. Don’t believe me? I grew my 50-person local cleaning business simply by following local tweets, starting conversations, and addressing pain points. This process also helped me grow a multi-million-dollar online office supply store by listening to and engaging with those mentioning our competitors. It’s an easy, painless alternative to cold calling that can literally happen within moments![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/23kcf4j.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>11. Do Your Homework</h2>\r\nJoe Templin (Managing Director at The Unique Minds Consulting Group) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/therealheadgeek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TheRealHeadGeek</a>\r\n\r\nDedicate fifteen minutes before a <a href=\"https://strategic.events/plan-meeting-first-question-ask/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">meeting</a> to do research and generate a list of potential introductions (ALWAYS ask to be introduced). Asking questions and showing you have already invested time earns you the right for more trust and introductions, and makes calling easy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Morlyn_Duma_freelance_sales_consultant.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]12. Use Mail Shots\r\n\r\nMorlyn Duma Maturere (Freelance Sales Consultant) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/morlyn-duma-maturure-b75717b1/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nSome of the best tactics that I have used, approved, and recommended include Mail Shots, social media, and online targeted sales. If your product or service targets small to medium-sized enterprises, sending Mail Shots to members under your local SME association can yield great results. Members who receive Mail Shots through their association have a high reading rate and (as long as a value proposition is great) at least 50% of the database will respond. Place your sales banners on websites that are frequented by your target market. For example, place a software sales banner on an online digital magazine site. That way, you\'ll develop a pipeline of prospects who are already interested in your product, are willing to take your call, and have a high chance at converting into clients![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zqx0sw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>13. Research Your Prospects And Persist</h2>\r\nKeith Crispin (Sales Director at Aotea Global Services (GB) Ltd) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithcrispin/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nApply your solution to the market: what verticals or sectors are likely to be your potential customers? Determine who your best fit is, be they large multinational companies, SMEs, government departments, charities, or whoever else. Then decide who it is you need to reach, such as C-graders, department heads, or line managers. Obtain information on potential customers, turnover rates, employees numbers, lines of business, geographical locations, etc. Research the names and email addresses of target prospects. Determine your contact strategy for the next six to twelve months and don’t be put off with rejection or non-availability. The key is persistence. Most salespeople give up when they don’t get a quick result. If it’s worth achieving, it’s worth persevering for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kimberly_Rath_sales_talent_plus.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>14. Become a Thought Leader</h2>\r\nKimberly Rath (Chairman &amp; Founder of Talent Plus) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/TalentPlusInc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TalentPlusInc</a>\r\n\r\nEstablishing a social media presence and becoming a thought leader through blogging can make all the difference. Engaging your target audience encourages them to spend more time listening to you and becoming part of the conversation. LinkedIn has become an increasingly important tool in the sales world, not only for connecting directly to potential prospects but for engaging entire communities of individuals on a particular topic or discipline.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ziubrp.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>15. Great Networking Takes Time</h2>\r\nBrian Cox (Mobile Consultant at Leadpro Expert) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/LeadproExpert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@LeadproExpert</a>\r\n\r\nSales agents can’t go from cold contacts to account representatives without the right network. And they can’t do it overnight. You should plan to spend around six months within a particular industry in order to fully develop your network. While working in that industry at the operational level, connect with people and develop a list of contacts. This list can easily become the bedrock of your sales effort. You have to develop a solid list of contacts before you can hope to get known by other professionals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2rgp4zo.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>16. Go Old-School - Visit Prospects In Person</h2>\r\nGene Caballero (Co-founder of GreenPal) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/gene_caballero?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@gene_caballero</a>\r\n\r\nWhenever possible, pay a real-life visit to a potential customer and let them know who you are. It’s easy for clients to delete a voicemail or ignore an email, but meeting them in person might just give you the opportunity to get your foot in the door. It also shows that you’re willing to put forth a certain amount of effort. All in all, prospects tend to buy things from people they like.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2vl2r8o.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>17. Be Free With Your Advice</h2>\r\nJanet Efere (Sales Trainer and Coach at Tadpole Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/JanetEfere\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JanetEfere</a>\r\n\r\nAdvertise yourself as someone who’s always willing to offer help and advice about sales. That doesn’t have to mean \'free consultation\' - people often see this as code for \'I\'m trying to persuade you to sign up for something.’ Just freely and generously share information, templates, and proven processes. You’ll be surprised how many recommendations it leads to. I don’t worry about the people who never come back. Anyone who’s serious about growing their business will take my <a href=\"https://strategic.events/meeting-pro-christy-lamagna/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">advice</a>, see that it works, and want to come back on a more formal basis. Those who don’t aren’t my ideal clients in the first place, so I never had anything to lose.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/29cl7br.jpg\" image_size=\"full\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>18. Look for Speaking Engagements</h2>\r\nDan Warman (Continuous Improvement Manager at US Acute Care Solutions) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielwarman/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nAttend industry trade shows with the aim to get a speaking or presenting spot at one of their ‘breakout sessions.’ The opportunity won’t only get you and your company in front of potential customers, it also gives you the chance to demonstrate expertise without it feeling like a sales pitch. Just make sure your speeches aim to teach and coach. The increased sales should only be an added benefit. People come to these events to learn. Turn your presentation into ‘just another sales call’ and you\'ll lose them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Gretchen_Hydo_sales_coach.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>19. Utilize Your Alumni Network</h2>\r\nGretchen Hydo (Business Productivity &amp; Life Coach at Any Lengths Life Coaching) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/anylengthscoach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@AnyLengthsCoach</a>\r\n\r\nTap into your alumni organization. Many have monthly mixers that provide a friendly environment, giving you the opportunity to meet with like-minded people. You never know where these connections may lead and who might refer you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2luqpox.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>20. Make It Easy for People to Find You</h2>\r\nJanice Dru (Board Member at Inkwhy, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/inkwhy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Inkwhy</a>\r\n\r\nSet up your \"engine\" to get inbound requests for your products and services. Create a web page where you describe what you offer, answer frequently asked questions, and post testimonials from satisfied clients. Then make sure you also have an easy way for people to reach you, whether that be by phone, email address, or contact form. Start building a client list and follow up on communications and requests right away.\r\n\r\nPush out your <a href=\"https://strategic.events/content-master/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">content</a> across social media, as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are the top three places to be. Know where your audience is and post there consistently.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2qalabs.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>21. Make the Call!</h2>\r\nJeb Blount (CEO of Sales Gravy, Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/SalesGravy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SalesGravy</a>\r\n\r\nThe best salespeople keep a whole arsenal of tricks and methods. The key to successful prospecting is to use every resource you have available. And yes, that includes cold calling!\r\n\r\n\"Stop wasting time reading dumb articles about how to avoid cold calling and pick up the damn phone!\" - Jeb Blount[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Nick_Kane_Janek_Performance.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>22. Don’t Neglect Your Old Contacts</h2>\r\nNick Kane (Managing Partner at Janek Performance Group) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/janekpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JanekPG</a>\r\n\r\nRevisit existing accounts you haven’t spoken to in some time. Don’t make the mistake of calling them for the sake of “checking in.” Instead, catch up on your clients’ recent developments. Maybe they’ve launched a new product, won an industry award, or come across a promotion. Use this intel as a lead-in for your call.\r\n\r\nYou also want to plan your call ahead of time. Think about what you want to accomplish with your call and how to go about doing it. Ask your clients if they’ve been satisfied with previous purchases and find out if there’s a need for your continued services. If the timing isn’t right to move forward with a new opportunity just yet, ask for a referral. This is something that should go both ways – sharing a referral with your customer can go a long way in building rapport and trust.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Thom_Singer_speaker.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>23. Help Out Others</h2>\r\nThom Singer (Professional Speaker/Master of Ceremonies) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/thomsinger\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@thomsinger</a>\r\n\r\nBe the one who helps others find success. Promote your prospects or introduce them to potential clients, vendors, partners, etc. The fastest way to get on my radar is to refer me business. I make sure to take calls from anyone who has helped me find success. Try to sell and maybe prospects will listen to you. But tweet about them and praise them in public and they\'ll want to know who you are and why you’re helping them win.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Jonathan_Barteaux_sales.png\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>24. Diversify Your Approach</h2>\r\nJon Barteaux (Principal at Barteaux and Associates) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/barteaux?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@barteaux</a>\r\n\r\nProspecting for new business is paramount for a tier-one sales organization. The key is to diversify: I use lead generation outsourcing to find a volume of qualified leads but I also use LinkedIn’s InMail to connect one-on-one with C-level prospects. I try and meet with those who share common interests or ideas, but often times I’ll simply ask to be referred to their peers or partners. I also use social media monitoring tools, making sure to be very specific in what I am looking for when I’m trying to connect with prospects over Linkedin.\r\n\r\nUse tools to diversify your approach, always with the <a href=\"https://strategic.events/strategic-steps-achieve-business-goals/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">goal</a> to get the meeting and not to sell at first contact.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zc02s8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>25. Write a Newsletter</h2>\r\nJessica Magoch (Co-Founder and CEO of JPM Sales Partners) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/jessicamagoch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JessicaMagoch</a>\r\n\r\nWhether via email or snail mail, being able to directly communicate with potential and existing customers is priceless. In exchange for their email, offer a valuable freebie (or opt-in) that relates directly to your target audience. Examples include cheat sheets, whitepapers, mini-video lessons, and templates. Once you receive a person’s email, you must respect it. All of our inboxes are overloaded, and you want people to keep subscribed so that they don’t miss any valuable content. A welcome email series, which you can automate with your email list manager, can take prospects down a carefully curated journey that builds your relationship. That way, when you finally introduce your product or service, you’ll be able to make highly-qualified, hot leads. People will feel they need what you\'re selling and want to buy it from you. And from that point on, you need to show them they were right!\r\n\r\nAlways use an email campaign manager, such as Mailchimp, to comply with anti-spam laws. And write every email as if you were speaking one-on-one with a friend or colleague.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2qcqp29.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>26. Create a Personalized Email Template</h2>\r\nJimmy Woodard (Business Development Manager at 360 Designs) <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-woodard-b1aaa620/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LinkedIn</a>\r\n\r\nHere’s a simple email that you can send to almost anybody in a company in order to reach a decision-maker:\r\n\r\n“Happy (day of the week) (name of person), Do you know who is the best person to talk to about (pain point/unique solution)? I have some ideas that I think your team will like. Thanks in advance, (your name).”\r\n\r\nUse a simple subject line like “quick question” and you’ll get at least a 25-30% response rate. Works like a charm![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1zx2igz.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>27. Write a Letter</h2>\r\nTibor Shanto (Chief Sales Officer at Renbor Sales Solutions Inc.) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/TiborShanto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TiborShanto</a>\r\n\r\nIt’s important to stand out when prospecting, especially when your targets are at the senior level. Going retro, specifically with handwritten notes in hand-addressed envelopes and real, non-metered postage, can be an effective way to stand out. Your message should be brief, to the point, and provocative. If your message gets prospects to stop and consider what they read, then you’ll immeasurably increase your chances at engaging. Handwritten notes (I usually use greeting cards) will almost always get into the hands of your targets. Just remember that, while you’ll still likely make a phone call at some point, it won’t be nearly as cold.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2v3spy8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>28. Embrace Social Media Selling</h2>\r\nElinor Stutz (Inspirational Speaker and Educational Trainer) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/smoothsale\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@smoothsale</a>\r\n\r\nMy prospecting process starts on Twitter. In 140 characters or less, I’m able to determine if there is synergy between the prospect and myself. I look for motivating, inspiring, and insightful information that both my followers and I can use. I then directly send a message to the prospect who initiated the tweet, moving to LinkedIn for a more detailed profile. I view website links and confirm contact information. After researching and confirming that there’s a connection to be made, I reach out once again to see if the person would like to have a conversation. I formally reach out over LinkedIn to see if they want to connect.\r\n\r\nI’ve had countless executives reach out to me over LinkedIn and ask to connect. Social media has made it much easier for me to make it into the C-Suite.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/v8eefp.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>29. Carry a Prospecting Letter with You</h2>\r\nChris Murray (Director at Varda Kreuz Training) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/VardaKreuz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@vardakreuz</a>\r\n\r\nWrite yourself a template. Leave the space where you’d normally write “Dear (prospect name)” blank. Your template should cover everything in a single paragraph: who you are, why you do what you do, how you’ve helped people just like them, etc. Finish by telling you prospects that you’re sorry you’ve missed them and that you’ll give them a call tomorrow. Sign it with your best pen, pop it in an envelope, and always keep a few in your bag.\r\n\r\nThe next time you’re at an appointment, note your prospect’s office on the way out. Look him or her up LinkedIn. If you can’t find them on LinkedIn, ask the receptionist who to address it. Then use the same pen you signed your name with to complete your letter and hand it over to the front desk. Call back the next day to book an appointment or log your prospect into your pipeline.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/9097qg.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>30. Maximize Your User Traffic</h2>\r\nJulien Arucci (Chief Commercial Officer for User Companies) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/JulienArucci\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JulienArucci</a>\r\n\r\nTake advantage of customized forms and programs such as Userpop to maximize the potential of your websites.\r\n\r\nFacebook, LinkedIn, and Amazon Ads are all amazing platforms that you should already be active on![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/339u4v8.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>31. Avoid Self-Limiting Behavior</h2>\r\nAlen Mayer (Keynote Speaker, Author, and Coach) Alen\'s Blog\r\n\r\nSelling is a head game: if your head isn’t in the game, it’s likely you’ll start struggling with your numbers. Sales executives, managers, and business owners often hamstring themselves with self-limiting attitudes and behaviors. I’ve found a consistent series of stories that people tell themselves that end up supporting these bad behaviors and negative thoughts. Overcoming them by changing our attitudes and thought patterns can help ensure a successful career, higher revenues, and long-term sustainable success for even the most inexperienced sales executive.\r\n\r\nSome of the most common stories we tell ourselves include:\r\n\r\nI’ll make those calls tomorrow.\r\n\r\nThat lead will close.\r\n\r\nThe client likes me, so they’ll buy from me.\r\n\r\nThe prospect always tells the truth.\r\n\r\n“No” means “no forever”.\r\n\r\nIt’s not my fault.\r\n\r\nI can talk my way into a sale.\r\n\r\nIf you’re a sales rep or manager struggling with these self-limiting attitudes, I recommend the Iceberg Sales Model, which is designed to go below the waterline of our behaviors and tackle the underlying issues that plague our performance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2lndf0y.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>32. Create Content That Actually Helps Your Audience</h2>\r\nRichard Stephens (Director &amp; Co-Founder of Angelfish Marketing) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/stephens94\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@stephens94</a>\r\n\r\nCold calling is dead! There are now over 200 million people on the global do-not-call list, and those you do manage to reach out to will likely be less than thrilled to hear from you. So why would anyone want to start a sales call with the prospect annoyed at them?\r\n\r\nThe biggest piece of advice I can offer is to nail your content <a href=\"https://strategic.events/marketing-shortcuts-for-driving-sales-in-a-hurry/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">marketing</a> by creating helpful media for your prospects that offers solutions to their business problems and attracts them to your website. You can then distribute this content online via social media platforms. This will help you make content that reaches the right people, grow your audience, and connect with prospects who are actually interested in what you have to offer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2> And a few more bonus tips!</h2>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/29mrar6.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>33. The Research-Tailored Approach</h2>\r\nRico Wyder (VP of sales at Avrios) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/ricowyder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ricowyder</a>\r\n\r\nUse a combination of in-depth research and tailored tactics. Create a \'prospect case\' for each company that you would like to target. Each prospect is influenced by its industry, its organization, and the individual to be targeted. Firstly, research every level that will influence the prospect. Map out who should be approached and evaluate online and offline strategies for each individual, especially if you want to go after more than one person in a company. Then create an appropriate approach and execute it. For example, a medium-sized construction company in Germany might always be best approached through the CEO using a personalized email. This internally triggers a referral email to the responsible person who you can then approach via phone call. Over time you will understand which tailored approach works depending on the company profile. Knowledge sharing is key here. A strong sales team can adjust and improve its approach over time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/10zsn5t.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>34. Make a \"Portable Exhibition Stand\"</h2>\r\nBruce King (Presenter and coach) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/brucemking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@brucemking</a>\r\n\r\nOne of our salespeople became horrified when she realized that, instead of making phone calls in a comfortable office, she would have to spend her first two weeks on the job visiting industrial estates and asking to speak with managing directors. The first day she went to 65 offices and was ejected from most. She called me in absolute panic. I gave her instructions, and the following morning she purchased a small pop-up exhibition stand that could be erected in under three minutes.\r\n\r\nShe walked through her first door, quickly erected her ‘trade stand’ in the reception area, and placed company literature on top of it. Nobody had time to question what she was doing. She walked over to the reception desk, smiled, and asked that the MD come out for a quick demonstration. It was an irresistible approach. They came, they saw, she conquered! She made 23 sales in her first week. And while there might be better ways, the routine still works in a pinch![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1/3\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/sq5ycw.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2/3\"][vc_column_text]\r\n<h2>35. Write a Book!</h2>\r\nJonny Cooper (Founder of TheSuccessParty.com) <a href=\"https://twitter.com/thesuccessparty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@thesuccessparty</a>\r\n\r\nCold calling sucks, and it\'ll suck the life right out of you if you let it. Don’t. Here are just a few of the benefits you can reap writing a successful book:\r\n\r\nYou’ll become a trusted expert and authority in your field.\r\n\r\nYou\'ll make money doing it.\r\n\r\nA book’s on sale 24-hours a day, and broadcasts you to your audience even while you sleep!\r\n\r\nSounds pretty great huh? Here\'s how you start:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li>Come up with a great title. Something like, “My 7 Life Mistakes: How I Screwed Up Everything And Came Out The Other Side”</li>\r\n 	<li>Make a plan for seven to ten chapters. A successful book can be as short as 60 pages.</li>\r\n 	<li>Write something every day and keep to a 30-day deadline.</li>\r\n 	<li>Don’t edit as you write. It spoils the flow.</li>\r\n 	<li>Hire an independent contractor for some groovy cover art.</li>\r\n 	<li>Get some pre-launch buzz from your social network.</li>\r\n 	<li>Finally, list your book on Amazon using their awesome guide to self-publishing.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][mk_divider style=\"thin_solid\" thin_single_color=\"#211551\" thickness=\"2\"][mk_mini_callout]<a href=\"http://blog.commissioncrowd.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-6127\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/800.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"314\" height=\"103\" /></a>[/mk_mini_callout][/vc_column][/vc_row]','32 Ways to Prospect for Sales Leads Without Cold Calling','','inherit','closed','closed','','6043-revision-v1','','','2018-02-27 23:12:54','2018-02-27 23:12:54','',6043,'https://strategic.events/6043-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10540,3,'2018-03-01 16:37:41','2018-03-01 16:37:41','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519922255784{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10513\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise. Budget friendly buffets with massive visual appeal\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Get Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 16:37:41','2018-03-01 16:37:41','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10541,3,'2018-03-01 16:41:24','2018-03-01 16:41:24','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519922255784{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10513\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise. Budget friendly buffets with massive visual appeal\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Get Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 16:41:24','2018-03-01 16:41:24','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10542,3,'2018-03-01 16:42:24','2018-03-01 16:42:24','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519922255784{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong>Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal</strong></h2>\r\n<h3>By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</h3>\r\n<img class=\"alignright wp-image-10513\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/budget-friendly-buffets-with-massive-visual-appeal.png\" alt=\"If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise. Budget friendly buffets with massive visual appeal\" width=\"432\" height=\"299\" />If you are in a rut with the ‘same old same old’ when it comes to plated meals, why not consider a buffet? Think you can’t afford it or that if you’ve had one buffet meal, you’ve had them all? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.\r\n\r\nWhen strategically approached, food is not just served and eaten, it can become part of the décor and entertainment. Inspired presentation and preparation can bring new appeal to standard foods, elevating diners’ perception and enjoyment significantly while remaining within budget. Keep reading to find out how to make oatmeal (is there a more ‘basic’ food?) sour cream and water colorful, fun and packed with unexpected flavor. Yes, sour cream and water are about to get interesting.\r\n\r\nLet’s start with oatmeal.  Instead of serving it with brown sugar, raisins and cinnamon, why not add some pizzas and create a toppings bar? Options may include sweet and savory enhancements.  For savory, think: peas, Pecorino cheese, cracked pepper, pistachios, sautéed mushrooms, bacon bits, scallions and feta cheese. For ‘sweet’ offerings think beyond brown sugar and include: dried cherries, chocolate chips, assorted jams, maple syrup, rock crystal sugar and almond butter.\r\n\r\nMashed potatoes go from ‘ho hum’ to ‘give me some’ when toppings are added. Sun dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, blue cheese crumbles, chopped parsley, olives, salsa- the ideas are endless.\r\n\r\nServing Mexican food? Why not create a sour cream bar and add some zing to an otherwise unexciting condiment? Cilantro lime, zesty jalapeno, chipotle, sriracha, or sweet creamed corn add an unexpected flavor burst. As long as you’re being creative, why not give some zip to your salsa? Instead of the traditional, ‘hot, medium, mild’ offer mango, peach, roasted tomato with red peppers, pineapple, and black olive cilantro?\r\n\r\nDessert, considered the best part of the meal by many, can also get predictable.  Until now that is. Replace ice cream with gelato and while you’re at it, create a sundae bar completw with waffle and sugar cones. Toppings can edge out the main dish when they’re delicious enough. Brownie bites, crushed chocolate bars, pretzels, Swedish fish, marshmallows, sweetened cereal (think Captain Crunch or Fruit Loops) and a myriad of other dry toppings are usually huge hits. Add wet options: hot fudge, peanut butter sauce, warm caramel, wet walnuts, Nutella, whipped cream and a variety of fruit syrups. What’s not to love?\r\n\r\nBeverages aren’t left out of the buffet fun. Gourmet water bars, can include strawberries, cucumbers, lemon, lime, orange slices and more. Iced tea bars can include flavored teas, sweet tea, decaf tea and sugar free tea. Lemonade can be infused with strawberries, lime, or mixed with iced tea. Are all easy ways to get attendees away from expensive cans/bottles, customize their drink and add variety in an unexpected place.\r\n\r\nEach of these options are examples of food that would otherwise be ignored, transformed into visually appealing, delicious and still affordable offerings. Take it a step beyond and have attendees take photos of their creations, text their flavor combinations and name their unique concoction. Food is only as interesting as the people preparing it, so tap into your imagination and let the deliciousness begin!\r\n\r\nBonus: click the below button for gourmet whipped cream recipes.[/vc_column_text][mk_button corner_style=\"rounded\" size=\"large\" url=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/gourmet-whipped-cream-recipes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" align=\"center\" fullwidth=\"true\" bg_color=\"#1d1848\"]Get Whipped Cream Recipes[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Budget Friendly Buffets with Massive Visual Appeal','','inherit','closed','closed','','10511-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 16:42:24','2018-03-01 16:42:24','',10511,'https://strategic.events/10511-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10543,3,'2018-03-01 16:57:34','2018-03-01 16:57:34','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519922660499{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event</span></h2>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10394\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/patron-shots.jpg\" alt=\"I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event\" width=\"423\" height=\"282\" />I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The people I was fortunate enough to meet exceeded my expectations. The food looked AMAZING but, sadly, I had little more than a nibble and stopped for food on the way home.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The reason? Whomever planned the menu forgot the goal of the food, and instead created a delicious (looking) hearty arrangement that was meant to be eaten sitting down or at the very least without trying to speak in between bites. In this instance, the goal of the menu was to facilitate both interacting and eating. It’s an art form to do both gracefully and requires cooperation from the food itself to be successfully accomplished.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Networking events need food that can be eaten in a single, or at most, two bites. It should be hearty enough to give the prerequisite wallflowers who invariably stand at the buffet, something to stare at and eat to look </span>busy,<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> while being sustenance that can be politely consumed by the rest of us. This means nothing that drips, oozes, or is so hot it can’t be politely chewed and swallowed. As far as how much to serve, the rule of thumb is 4-6 bites per hour when these one bite delicacies are the meal.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping in mind that food sensitivity and allergies are abound, servers MUST know not just what they are serving but all the ingredients </span>use<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> to make it.  Knowing that what is on the tray is a vegetable dumpling is only half the task. Being able to confirm if there are mushrooms in it is what gets you over the finish line. Servers who are ill prepared to speak to the foods’ particulars will discourage consumption at best, threaten the health or life an attendee at worst.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jennifer Kanikula, RDN, CD. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Dietitian and author of ‘The SoFull Traveler’ weighs in on her best bites to serve:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create an Antipasti Spread and feature -Olives (pitless), cheese cubes, sugar snap peas, fruit skewer, and deviled eggs.  Consider a sushi station.  It has great visual appeal and offers a diverse selection of items.  Nuts, especially almonds and granola bars, are always welcome and easy to eat.  One new trend is to offer a meatball bar, but be careful on the sauces as they can get messy.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, when you plan menus for your next networking event, make sure you keep these handy tips in mind as your goal is for your guests to be talking about each other, not wondering what’s on their plates.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event','','inherit','closed','closed','','10379-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 16:57:34','2018-03-01 16:57:34','',10379,'https://strategic.events/10379-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10544,3,'2018-03-01 17:01:52','2018-03-01 17:01:52','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519923572440{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event</span></h2>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10394\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/patron-shots.jpg\" alt=\"I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event\" width=\"423\" height=\"282\" />I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The people I was fortunate enough to meet exceeded my expectations. The food looked AMAZING but, sadly, I had little more than a nibble and stopped for food on the way home.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The reason? Whomever planned the menu forgot the goal of the food, and instead created a delicious (looking) hearty arrangement that was meant to be eaten sitting down or at the very least without trying to speak in between bites. In this instance, the goal of the menu was to facilitate both interacting and eating. It’s an art form to do both gracefully and requires cooperation from the food itself to be successfully accomplished.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Networking events need food that can be eaten in a single, or at most, two bites. It should be hearty enough to give the prerequisite wallflowers who invariably stand at the buffet, something to stare at and eat to look </span>busy,<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> while being sustenance that can be politely consumed by the rest of us. This means nothing that drips, oozes, or is so hot it can’t be politely chewed and swallowed. As far as how much to serve, the rule of thumb is 4-6 bites per hour when these one bite delicacies are the meal.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping in mind that food sensitivity and allergies are abound, servers MUST know not just what they are serving but all the ingredients </span>use<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> to make it.  Knowing that what is on the tray is a vegetable dumpling is only half the task. Being able to confirm if there are mushrooms in it is what gets you over the finish line. Servers who are ill prepared to speak to the foods’ particulars will discourage consumption at best, threaten the health or life an attendee at worst.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jennifer Kanikula, RDN, CD. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Dietitian and author of ‘The SoFull Traveler’ weighs in on her best bites to serve:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create an Antipasti Spread and feature -Olives (pitless), cheese cubes, sugar snap peas, fruit skewer, and deviled eggs.  Consider a sushi station.  It has great visual appeal and offers a diverse selection of items.  Nuts, especially almonds and granola bars, are always welcome and easy to eat.  One new trend is to offer a meatball bar, but be careful on the sauces as they can get messy.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, when you plan menus for your next networking event, make sure you keep these handy tips in mind as your goal is for your guests to be talking about each other, not wondering what’s on their <a href=\"https://strategic.events/recognizing-awesome-power-plate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plates</a>.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event','','inherit','closed','closed','','10379-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 17:01:52','2018-03-01 17:01:52','',10379,'https://strategic.events/10379-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10545,3,'2018-03-01 17:10:45','2018-03-01 17:10:45','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519924236334{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event</span></h2>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">By Christy Lamagna CMP, CMM, CTSM</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10394\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/patron-shots.jpg\" alt=\"I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event\" width=\"423\" height=\"282\" />I was recently at a networking event that was chock full of people I wanted to meet. The day was packed with back to back meetings prior, so I arrived hungry for both the upcoming interaction and to be honest, the food. The people I was fortunate enough to meet exceeded my expectations. The food looked AMAZING but, sadly, I had little more than a nibble and stopped for food on the way home.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The reason? Whomever planned the menu forgot the goal of the food, and instead created a delicious (looking) hearty arrangement that was meant to be eaten sitting down or at the very least without trying to speak in between bites. In this instance, the goal of the menu was to facilitate both interacting and eating. It’s an art form to do both gracefully and requires cooperation from the food itself to be successfully accomplished.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Networking events need food that can be eaten in a single, or at most, two bites. It should be hearty enough to give the prerequisite wallflowers who invariably stand at the buffet, something to stare at and eat to look </span>busy,<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> while being sustenance that can be politely consumed by the rest of us. This means nothing that drips, oozes, or is so hot it can’t be politely chewed and swallowed. As far as how much to serve, the rule of thumb is 4-6 bites per hour when these one bite delicacies are the meal.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Keeping in mind that food sensitivity and allergies are abound, servers MUST know not just what they are serving but all the ingredients </span>use<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> to make it.  Knowing that what is on the tray is a vegetable dumpling is only half the task. Being able to confirm if there are mushrooms in it is what gets you over the finish line. Servers who are ill prepared to speak to the foods’ particulars will discourage consumption at best, threaten the health or life an attendee at worst.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Jennifer Kanikula, RDN, CD. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Dietitian and author of ‘The SoFull Traveler’ weighs in on her best bites to serve:</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Create an Antipasti Spread and feature -Olives (pitless), cheese cubes, sugar snap peas, fruit skewer, and deviled eggs.  Consider a sushi station.  It has great visual appeal and offers a diverse selection of items.  Nuts, especially almonds and granola bars, are always welcome and easy to eat.  One new trend is to offer a meatball bar, but be careful on the sauces as they can get messy.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">So, when you plan menus for your next networking event, make sure you keep these handy tips in mind as your goal is for your guests to be talking about each other, not wondering what’s on their <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/recognizing-awesome-power-plate/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">plates</a></span>.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','The Right Food to Serve at a Networking Event','','inherit','closed','closed','','10379-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 17:10:45','2018-03-01 17:10:45','',10379,'https://strategic.events/10379-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10548,3,'2018-03-01 20:35:43','2018-03-01 20:35:43','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519936501845{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade, Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo</span></h2>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10388\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/shrimp-fries.png\" alt=\"Popcorn shrimp with remoulade, sweet potato fries with Sriracha mayo, gourmet tempura with soy ginger dipping sauce, the list can go on and on. Comfort foods like these are sure to please the crowd but often hard to serve until now.\" width=\"160\" height=\"213\" />Popcorn shrimp with remoulade, sweet potato fries with Sriracha mayo, gourmet tempura with <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/shishito-peppers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">soy</a></span> ginger dipping sauce, the list can go on and on. Comfort foods like these are sure to please the crowd but often hard to serve until now. Reminiscent of the authentic experience of enjoying fish and chips, <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a class=\"mobx\" style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" data-src=\"https://www.restaurantware.com/product-category/disposables/tableware/serving-cones-stands/conetek-news-print-food-cone-with-dipping-pocket-11-5-inch-100-count-box/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"> Restaurantware</a></span> has come out with their twist on these festive food cones. These grease-proof serving cones are complete with a dipping pocket and ready for filling with your favorite bites.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade, Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo','','inherit','closed','closed','','10378-autosave-v1','','','2018-03-01 20:35:43','2018-03-01 20:35:43','',10378,'https://strategic.events/10378-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10550,3,'2018-03-01 18:00:30','2018-03-01 18:00:30','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]TRADITIONAL SODA BREAD[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"7836\" img_size=\"medium\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/traditional-soda-bread.jpg\" image_size=\"full\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519152633920{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you are looking for an authentic Irish experience, try this recipe from the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread. This simple and delicious recipe has been used for generations.</span></h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Believe it or not all recipes for traditional soda bread contain only four ingredients. Flour, baking soda, sour milk (buttermilk) and salt. That\'s it!!!</span></h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This mainstay didn\'t keep long so it had to be baked every few days. Irish Soda Bread does not contain whiskey or other liquors or enhancements like raisins, caraway or candied fruit, thereby making it a staple food item rather than a treat. If the recipe you have used in the past contains any of these items, it is not the traditional soda bread that has eaten by the Irish since the mid-19th century.</span></h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519146728681{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Traditional Soda Bread </span></h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">INGREDIENTS</span></p>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">4 Cups (16 oz.) of all-purpose flour</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 Teaspoon baking soda</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 Teaspoon salt</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">14 Ounces of buttermilk</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519152586130{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INSTRUCTIONS</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lightly grease and flour a cake pan.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">In a large bowl sift and combine all the dry ingredients.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Place on floured surface and lightly knead.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Form into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut </span>a cross<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> in the top of the dough.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cover the pan with another pan of the same size and bake for 30 minutes.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped to show it is done.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fun Fact: Covering the bread with a pan of equal size replicates the bastible pot, a flat-bottomed pot that was the primary cooking tool in Irish kitchens in the nineteenth and early twentieth century.</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Traditional Soda Bread','','inherit','closed','closed','','10381-autosave-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:00:30','2018-03-01 18:00:30','',10381,'https://strategic.events/10381-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10551,1,'2018-03-01 18:28:43','2018-03-01 18:28:43','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519942612685{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events</span></h2>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_10401\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\">\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-10401\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px\" srcset=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png 1280w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-300x200.png 300w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-768x512.png 768w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-1024x682.png 1024w\" alt=\"Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together creative menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish. Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events\" width=\"377\" height=\"251\" /></span>\r\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(n. uh-MOOZ boosh)</span></p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/gourmet-water-stations-elevate-attendee-experience/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">creative</a></span> menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish.</span>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Glossary of Menu Buzzwords</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Aioli (n. AYE-oh-li) – Classically, this is an emulsion of garlic, egg, and oil. Today, it’s becoming more common to see the word as a substitute for mayonnaise. It isn’t.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Amuse bouche (n. uh-MOOZ boosh) – Unless you’re a Francophile or fan of Top Chef, this word may be new to you. It’s any small, one-bite portion to excite your taste buds, oftentimes interchangeable with hors d’oeuvre or even canape.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Au jus (adj. ouh ghjoo) – The juices of the meat, reserved and reapplied after cooking. Today, you’ll find most restaurants call any gravy an au jus (and will use it as a noun).</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Crudité (n. crew-DI-tay) – A vegetable dish, usually strips of vegetables with an accompanying sauce. Restaurants even list their salads as crudité, so make sure to ask how they prepare theirs.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Gelato (n. gj-eh-LAH-toh) – Ice cream’s Italian cousin. Though ice cream, gelato, and even sorbet may look the same – they’re all very different. Gelato has a higher concentration of fat and a low (or no) amount of eggs, resulting in a creamier dish that’s best served with an espresso.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Galette (n. gAL-et) – A French free-formed pie, molded by hand rather than in a pie tin. Small, easy to make, and completely customizable.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lardon (n. lar-DOHN) – Restaurants are substituting lardon (a fatty pork strip) with bacon. But it’s bacon–so no one minds!</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Macaron (n. mah-CRON) – The iconic French sandwich cookie that comes in a rainbow of pastel colors. Often mispronounced and misidentified as a macaroon, which is a coconut cookie (definitely not the same, but still delicious).</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Raw (adj. rAh) – With the influence of coastal metropolises, raw diets are becoming a hot trend. A raw menu option means no part of the meal is cooked or processed.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tapas (n. tah-pahs) – Small, shareable plates as the appetizer or main course.  While becoming more popular, be mindful of your guests’ appetites if serving exclusively tapas-style.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tempura (adj. tem-PUR-uh) – Japanese-style of deep frying a batter-dipped meat, vegetable, or even dessert!</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Posted by: <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a class=\"mobx\" style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" data-src=\"https://alliedpra.com/decoding-menu-buzzwords/\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"> AlliedPRA</a></span></span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events','','publish','open','closed','','creative-menu-buzzwords-for-events','','','2018-03-01 22:16:58','2018-03-01 22:16:58','',0,'https://strategic.events/?p=10551',0,'post','',0),(10552,3,'2018-03-01 18:16:30','2018-03-01 18:16:30','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519928103112{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2>Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events</h2>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_10401\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wp-image-10401\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px\" srcset=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png 1280w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-300x200.png 300w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-768x512.png 768w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-1024x682.png 1024w\" alt=\"Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together creative menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish. Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events\" width=\"377\" height=\"251\" />\r\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\">(n. uh-MOOZ boosh)</p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nEven if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together creative menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish.\r\n<h3>A Glossary of Menu Buzzwords</h3>\r\nAioli (n. AYE-oh-li) – Classically, this is an emulsion of garlic, egg, and oil. Today, it’s becoming more common to see the word as a substitute for mayonnaise. It isn’t.\r\n\r\nAmuse bouche (n. uh-MOOZ boosh) – Unless you’re a Francophile or fan of Top Chef, this word may be new to you. It’s any small, one-bite portion to excite your taste buds, oftentimes interchangeable with hors d’oeuvre or even canape.\r\n\r\nAu jus (adj. ouh ghjoo) – The juices of the meat, reserved and reapplied after cooking. Today, you’ll find most restaurants call any gravy an au jus (and will use it as a noun).\r\n\r\nCrudité (n. crew-DI-tay) – A vegetable dish, usually strips of vegetables with an accompanying sauce. Restaurants even list their salads as crudité, so make sure to ask how they prepare theirs.\r\n\r\nGelato (n. gj-eh-LAH-toh) – Ice cream’s Italian cousin. Though ice cream, gelato, and even sorbet may look the same – they’re all very different. Gelato has a higher concentration of fat and a low (or no) amount of eggs, resulting in a creamier dish that’s best served with an espresso.\r\n\r\nGalette (n. gAL-et) – A French free-formed pie, molded by hand rather than in a pie tin. Small, easy to make, and completely customizable.\r\n\r\nLardon (n. lar-DOHN) – Restaurants are substituting lardon (a fatty pork strip) with bacon. But it’s bacon–so no one minds!\r\n\r\nMacaron (n. mah-CRON) – The iconic French sandwich cookie that comes in a rainbow of pastel colors. Often mispronounced and misidentified as a macaroon, which is a coconut cookie (definitely not the same, but still delicious).\r\n\r\nRaw (adj. rAh) – With the influence of coastal metropolises, raw diets are becoming a hot trend. A raw menu option means no part of the meal is cooked or processed.\r\n\r\nTapas (n. tah-pahs) – Small, shareable plates as the appetizer or main course.  While becoming more popular, be mindful of your guests’ appetites if serving exclusively tapas-style.\r\n\r\nTempura (adj. tem-PUR-uh) – Japanese-style of deep frying a batter-dipped meat, vegetable, or even dessert!\r\n\r\nPosted by: <a href=\"https://alliedpra.com/decoding-menu-buzzwords/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AlliedPRA</a>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events','','inherit','closed','closed','','10551-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:16:30','2018-03-01 18:16:30','',10551,'https://strategic.events/10551-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10553,3,'2018-03-01 18:23:53','2018-03-01 18:23:53','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519928629146{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events</span></h2>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_10401\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\">\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-10401\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px\" srcset=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png 1280w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-300x200.png 300w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-768x512.png 768w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-1024x682.png 1024w\" alt=\"Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together creative menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish. Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events\" width=\"377\" height=\"251\" /></span>\r\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(n. uh-MOOZ </span>boosh<span style=\"color: #000000;\">)</span></p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together creative menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish.</span>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Glossary of Menu Buzzwords</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Aioli (n. AYE-oh-li) – Classically, this is an emulsion of garlic, egg, and oil. Today, it’s becoming more common to see the word as a substitute for mayonnaise. It isn’t.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Amuse bouche (n. uh-MOOZ </span>boosh<span style=\"color: #000000;\">) – Unless you’re a Francophile or fan of Top Chef, this word may be new to you. It’s any small, one-bite portion to excite your taste buds, oftentimes interchangeable with </span>hors d’oeuvre<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> or even canape.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Au jus (adj. </span>ouh ghjoo<span style=\"color: #000000;\">) – The juices of the meat, reserved and reapplied after cooking. Today, you’ll find most restaurants call any gravy an au jus (and will use it as a noun).</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Crudité (n. crew-DI-</span>tay<span style=\"color: #000000;\">) – A vegetable dish, usually strips of vegetables with an accompanying sauce. Restaurants even list their salads as crudité, so make sure to ask how they prepare theirs.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Gelato (n. gj-eh-LAH-</span>toh<span style=\"color: #000000;\">) – Ice cream’s Italian cousin. Though ice cream, gelato, and even sorbet may look the same – they’re all very different. Gelato has a higher concentration of fat and a low (or no) amount of eggs, resulting in a creamier dish that’s best served with an espresso.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Galette (n. gAL-et) – A French free-formed pie, molded by hand rather than in a pie tin. Small, easy to make, and completely customizable.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lardon (n. lar-DOHN) – Restaurants are substituting lardon (a fatty pork strip) with bacon. But it’s bacon–so no one minds!</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Macaron (n. mah-CRON) – The iconic French sandwich cookie that comes in a rainbow of pastel colors. Often mispronounced and misidentified as a macaroon, which is a coconut cookie (definitely not the same, but still delicious).</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Raw (adj. rAh) – With the influence of coastal metropolises, raw diets are becoming a hot trend. A raw menu option means no part of the meal is cooked or processed.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tapas (n. </span>tah<span style=\"color: #000000;\">-pahs) – Small, shareable plates as the appetizer or main course.  While becoming more popular, be mindful of your guests’ appetites if serving exclusively tapas-style.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tempura (adj. </span>tem<span style=\"color: #000000;\">-PUR-uh) – Japanese-style of deep frying a batter-dipped meat, vegetable, or even dessert!</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Posted by: <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://alliedpra.com/decoding-menu-buzzwords/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AlliedPRA</a></span></span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events','','inherit','closed','closed','','10551-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:23:53','2018-03-01 18:23:53','',10551,'https://strategic.events/10551-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10554,3,'2018-03-01 18:25:03','2018-03-01 18:25:03','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]IRISH COFFEE[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"7836\" img_size=\"medium\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/irish-coffee.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519928698095{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Irish coffee was invented and named by a chef named, Joe Sheridan. Upon meeting a group of American passengers who had just disembarked from a boat trip on a frigid </span><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/applejack-sazerac/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">winter</a></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> evening, Sheridan added whiskey to their coffee to warm them. When asked if they were being served Brazilian coffee, Sheridan told them it was \"Irish coffee.\"</span></h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519146928154{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Irish Coffee</span></strong></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INGREDIENTS</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1/2 Ounce Demerara Sugar Syrup, recipe follows</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 1/2 Ounces Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">4 Ounces hot Filtered Coffee</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 Ounce whipped Heavy Cream, for garnish</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fresh nutmeg, grated, for garnish</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-is-demerara-sugar.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Demerara Sugar Syrup</a></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INGREDIENTS </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">2 Cups granulated Demerara Sugar</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">2 Cups water</span>\r\n\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519147574715{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INSTRUCTIONS</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, but do not boil.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Slowly stir to dissolve the sugar.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">When the syrup has thickened, remove from the heat.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use a funnel to pour into bottles.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The syrup will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.\r\n</span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Add all the ingredients, except the garnish, to an Irish coffee glass. </span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Float an inch of whipped cream on top. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.</span>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\"Dead Rabbit Drinks Manual,\" (c) 2015 by Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry. Reproduced by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.</span></h4>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Irish coffee','','inherit','closed','closed','','10380-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:25:03','2018-03-01 18:25:03','',10380,'https://strategic.events/10380-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10555,3,'2018-03-01 18:26:11','2018-03-01 18:26:11','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519928765922{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events</span></h2>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_10401\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\">\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-10401\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px\" srcset=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png 1280w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-300x200.png 300w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-768x512.png 768w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-1024x682.png 1024w\" alt=\"Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together creative menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish. Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events\" width=\"377\" height=\"251\" /></span>\r\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(n. uh-MOOZ </span>boosh<span style=\"color: #000000;\">)</span></p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together <a href=\"https://strategic.events/gourmet-water-stations-elevate-attendee-experience/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">creative</a> menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish.</span>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Glossary of Menu Buzzwords</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Aioli (n. AYE-oh-li) – Classically, this is an emulsion of garlic, egg, and oil. Today, it’s becoming more common to see the word as a substitute for mayonnaise. It isn’t.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Amuse bouche (n. uh-MOOZ </span>boosh<span style=\"color: #000000;\">) – Unless you’re a Francophile or fan of Top Chef, this word may be new to you. It’s any small, one-bite portion to excite your taste buds, oftentimes interchangeable with </span>hors d’oeuvre<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> or even canape.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Au jus (adj. </span>ouh ghjoo<span style=\"color: #000000;\">) – The juices of the meat, reserved and reapplied after cooking. Today, you’ll find most restaurants call any gravy an au jus (and will use it as a noun).</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Crudité (n. crew-DI-</span>tay<span style=\"color: #000000;\">) – A vegetable dish, usually strips of vegetables with an accompanying sauce. Restaurants even list their salads as crudité, so make sure to ask how they prepare theirs.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Gelato (n. gj-eh-LAH-</span>toh<span style=\"color: #000000;\">) – Ice cream’s Italian cousin. Though ice cream, gelato, and even sorbet may look the same – they’re all very different. Gelato has a higher concentration of fat and a low (or no) amount of eggs, resulting in a creamier dish that’s best served with an espresso.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Galette (n. gAL-et) – A French free-formed pie, molded by hand rather than in a pie tin. Small, easy to make, and completely customizable.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lardon (n. lar-DOHN) – Restaurants are substituting lardon (a fatty pork strip) with bacon. But it’s bacon–so no one minds!</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Macaron (n. mah-CRON) – The iconic French sandwich cookie that comes in a rainbow of pastel colors. Often mispronounced and misidentified as a macaroon, which is a coconut cookie (definitely not the same, but still delicious).</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Raw (adj. rAh) – With the influence of coastal metropolises, raw diets are becoming a hot trend. A raw menu option means no part of the meal is cooked or processed.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tapas (n. </span>tah<span style=\"color: #000000;\">-pahs) – Small, shareable plates as the appetizer or main course.  While becoming more popular, be mindful of your guests’ appetites if serving exclusively tapas-style.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tempura (adj. </span>tem<span style=\"color: #000000;\">-PUR-uh) – Japanese-style of deep frying a batter-dipped meat, vegetable, or even dessert!</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Posted by: <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://alliedpra.com/decoding-menu-buzzwords/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AlliedPRA</a></span></span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events','','inherit','closed','closed','','10551-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:26:11','2018-03-01 18:26:11','',10551,'https://strategic.events/10551-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10556,3,'2018-03-01 18:27:20','2018-03-01 18:27:20','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519928837240{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events</span></h2>\r\n<div id=\"attachment_10401\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\">\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"wp-image-10401\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 377px) 100vw, 377px\" srcset=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords.png 1280w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-300x200.png 300w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-768x512.png 768w, https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/menu-buzzwords-1024x682.png 1024w\" alt=\"Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together creative menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish. Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events\" width=\"377\" height=\"251\" /></span>\r\n<p class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">(n. uh-MOOZ boosh)</span></p>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie putting together <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/gourmet-water-stations-elevate-attendee-experience/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">creative</a></span> menus for events can sometimes be daunting. With the latest trends showing up on menus, the names of dishes and the use of new ingredients can often complicate or misrepresent the dish.</span>\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Glossary of Menu Buzzwords</span></h3>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Aioli (n. AYE-oh-li) – Classically, this is an emulsion of garlic, egg, and oil. Today, it’s becoming more common to see the word as a substitute for mayonnaise. It isn’t.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Amuse bouche (n. uh-MOOZ boosh) – Unless you’re a Francophile or fan of Top Chef, this word may be new to you. It’s any small, one-bite portion to excite your taste buds, oftentimes interchangeable with hors d’oeuvre or even canape.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Au jus (adj. ouh ghjoo) – The juices of the meat, reserved and reapplied after cooking. Today, you’ll find most restaurants call any gravy an au jus (and will use it as a noun).</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Crudité (n. crew-DI-tay) – A vegetable dish, usually strips of vegetables with an accompanying sauce. Restaurants even list their salads as crudité, so make sure to ask how they prepare theirs.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Gelato (n. gj-eh-LAH-toh) – Ice cream’s Italian cousin. Though ice cream, gelato, and even sorbet may look the same – they’re all very different. Gelato has a higher concentration of fat and a low (or no) amount of eggs, resulting in a creamier dish that’s best served with an espresso.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Galette (n. gAL-et) – A French free-formed pie, molded by hand rather than in a pie tin. Small, easy to make, and completely customizable.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lardon (n. lar-DOHN) – Restaurants are substituting lardon (a fatty pork strip) with bacon. But it’s bacon–so no one minds!</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Macaron (n. mah-CRON) – The iconic French sandwich cookie that comes in a rainbow of pastel colors. Often mispronounced and misidentified as a macaroon, which is a coconut cookie (definitely not the same, but still delicious).</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Raw (adj. rAh) – With the influence of coastal metropolises, raw diets are becoming a hot trend. A raw menu option means no part of the meal is cooked or processed.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tapas (n. tah-pahs) – Small, shareable plates as the appetizer or main course.  While becoming more popular, be mindful of your guests’ appetites if serving exclusively tapas-style.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Tempura (adj. tem-PUR-uh) – Japanese-style of deep frying a batter-dipped meat, vegetable, or even dessert!</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Posted by: <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://alliedpra.com/decoding-menu-buzzwords/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AlliedPRA</a></span></span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Creative Menu Buzzwords for Events','','inherit','closed','closed','','10551-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:27:20','2018-03-01 18:27:20','',10551,'https://strategic.events/10551-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10557,3,'2018-03-01 18:32:44','2018-03-01 18:32:44','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519929159965{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade, Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10388\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/shrimp-fries.png\" alt=\"Popcorn shrimp with remoulade, sweet potato fries with Sriracha mayo, gourmet tempura with soy ginger dipping sauce, the list can go on and on. Comfort foods like these are sure to please the crowd but often hard to serve until now.\" width=\"166\" height=\"221\" />Popcorn shrimp with remoulade, sweet potato fries with Sriracha mayo, gourmet tempura with soy ginger dipping sauce, the list can go on and on.  Comfort foods like these are sure to please the crowd but often hard to serve until now. Reminiscent of the authentic experience of enjoying fish and chips, <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://www.restaurantware.com/product-category/disposables/tableware/serving-cones-stands/conetek-news-print-food-cone-with-dipping-pocket-11-5-inch-100-count-box/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Restaurantware</a></span> has come out with their twist on these festive food cones.  These grease-proof serving cones are complete with a dipping pocket and ready for filling with your favorite bites.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade, Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo','','inherit','closed','closed','','10378-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:32:44','2018-03-01 18:32:44','',10378,'https://strategic.events/10378-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10558,3,'2018-03-01 18:40:25','2018-03-01 18:40:25','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519929621438{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade, Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10388\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/shrimp-fries.png\" alt=\"Popcorn shrimp with remoulade, sweet potato fries with Sriracha mayo, gourmet tempura with soy ginger dipping sauce, the list can go on and on. Comfort foods like these are sure to please the crowd but often hard to serve until now.\" width=\"166\" height=\"221\" />Popcorn shrimp with remoulade, sweet potato fries with Sriracha mayo, gourmet tempura with <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/shishito-peppers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">soy</a></span> ginger dipping sauce, the list can go on and on. Comfort foods like these are sure to please the crowd but often hard to serve until now. Reminiscent of the authentic experience of enjoying fish and chips, <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://www.restaurantware.com/product-category/disposables/tableware/serving-cones-stands/conetek-news-print-food-cone-with-dipping-pocket-11-5-inch-100-count-box/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Restaurantware</a></span> has come out with their twist on these festive food cones. These grease-proof serving cones are complete with a dipping pocket and ready for filling with your favorite bites.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade, Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo','','inherit','closed','closed','','10378-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:40:25','2018-03-01 18:40:25','',10378,'https://strategic.events/10378-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10559,3,'2018-03-01 18:45:15','2018-03-01 18:45:15','[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519929621438{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade, Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo</span></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-10388\" src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/shrimp-fries.png\" alt=\"Popcorn shrimp with remoulade, sweet potato fries with Sriracha mayo, gourmet tempura with soy ginger dipping sauce, the list can go on and on. Comfort foods like these are sure to please the crowd but often hard to serve until now.\" width=\"160\" height=\"213\" />Popcorn shrimp with remoulade, sweet potato fries with Sriracha mayo, gourmet tempura with <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/shishito-peppers/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">soy</a></span> ginger dipping sauce, the list can go on and on. Comfort foods like these are sure to please the crowd but often hard to serve until now. Reminiscent of the authentic experience of enjoying fish and chips, <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://www.restaurantware.com/product-category/disposables/tableware/serving-cones-stands/conetek-news-print-food-cone-with-dipping-pocket-11-5-inch-100-count-box/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Restaurantware</a></span> has come out with their twist on these festive food cones. These grease-proof serving cones are complete with a dipping pocket and ready for filling with your favorite bites.</span>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]','Popcorn Shrimp with Remoulade, Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo','','inherit','closed','closed','','10378-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 18:45:15','2018-03-01 18:45:15','',10378,'https://strategic.events/10378-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10560,3,'2018-03-01 19:08:43','2018-03-01 19:08:43','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]IRISH COFFEE[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"7836\" img_size=\"medium\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/irish-coffee.jpg\" image_size=\"medium\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519928698095{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Irish coffee was invented and named by a chef named, Joe Sheridan. Upon meeting a group of American passengers who had just disembarked from a boat trip on a frigid </span><span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/applejack-sazerac/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">winter</a></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> evening, Sheridan added whiskey to their coffee to warm them. When asked if they were being served Brazilian coffee, Sheridan told them it was \"Irish coffee.\"</span></h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519931318922{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Irish Coffee</span></strong></h2>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INGREDIENTS</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1/2 Ounce Demerara Sugar Syrup, recipe follows</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 1/2 Ounces Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">4 Ounces hot Filtered Coffee</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 Ounce whipped Heavy Cream, for garnish</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fresh nutmeg, grated, for garnish</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a class=\"mobx\" style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" data-src=\"https://www.care2.com/greenliving/what-is-demerara-sugar.html\" data-type=\"iframe\" data-width=\"4000\" data-height=\"2000\" data-rel=\"gallery-name\"> Demerara Sugar Syrup</a></span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INGREDIENTS </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">2 Cups granulated Demerara Sugar</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">2 Cups water</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519147574715{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INSTRUCTIONS</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat, but do not boil.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Slowly stir to dissolve the sugar.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">When the syrup has thickened, remove from the heat.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Use a funnel to pour into bottles.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The syrup will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.\r\n</span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Add all the ingredients, except the garnish, to an Irish coffee glass. </span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Float an inch of whipped cream on top. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.</span>\r\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\"Dead Rabbit Drinks Manual,\" (c) 2015 by Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry. Reproduced by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.</span></h4>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Irish coffee','','inherit','closed','closed','','10380-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 19:08:43','2018-03-01 19:08:43','',10380,'https://strategic.events/10380-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10561,3,'2018-03-01 19:39:32','2018-03-01 19:39:32','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]TRADITIONAL SODA BREAD[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"7836\" img_size=\"medium\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/traditional-soda-bread.jpg\" image_size=\"full\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519933063720{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you are looking for an authentic Irish experience, try this recipe from the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread. This simple and delicious recipe has been used for generations.</span></h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Believe it or not all recipes for traditional soda bread contain only four ingredients. Flour, baking soda, sour milk (buttermilk) and salt. That\'s it!!!</span></h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This mainstay didn\'t keep long so it had to be baked every few days. Irish Soda Bread does not contain whiskey or other liquors or enhancements like raisins, caraway or candied fruit, thereby making it a staple food item rather than a treat. If the recipe you have used in the past contains any of these items, it is not the traditional soda bread that has eaten by the <a href=\"https://strategic.events/irish-coffee/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Irish</a> since the mid-19th century.</span></h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519146728681{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Traditional Soda Bread </span></h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">INGREDIENTS</span></p>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">4 Cups (16 oz.) of all-purpose flour</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 Teaspoon baking soda</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 Teaspoon salt</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">14 Ounces of buttermilk</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519152586130{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INSTRUCTIONS</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lightly grease and flour a cake pan.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">In a large bowl sift and combine all the dry ingredients.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Place on floured surface and lightly knead.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Form into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut </span>a cross<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> in the top of the dough.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cover the pan with another pan of the same size and bake for 30 minutes.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped to show it is done.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fun Fact: Covering the bread with a pan of equal size replicates the bastible pot, a flat-bottomed pot that was the primary cooking tool in Irish kitchens in the nineteenth and early twentieth century.</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Traditional Soda Bread','','inherit','closed','closed','','10381-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 19:39:32','2018-03-01 19:39:32','',10381,'https://strategic.events/10381-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(10562,3,'2018-03-01 19:46:00','2018-03-01 19:46:00','[mk_page_section bg_color=\"#211551\" bg_stretch=\"true\" min_height=\"20\" padding_top=\"0\" padding_bottom=\"0\" sidebar=\"sidebar-1\"][vc_column][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h1\" color=\"#d6a461\" size=\"25\" line_height=\"50\" margin_top=\"20\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif\" font_type=\"safefont\" align=\"right\"]TRADITIONAL SODA BREAD[/mk_fancy_title][mk_fancy_title strip_tags=\"true\" tag_name=\"h3\" color=\"#ffffff\" size=\"12\" line_height=\"50\" letter_spacing=\"2\" margin_bottom=\"0\" font_family=\"Open+Sans\" font_type=\"google\" align=\"right\"]HOME &gt;&gt; <strong>TASTEBUZZ</strong>[/mk_fancy_title][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][vc_row][/vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][mk_tooltip text=\"Taste Buzz Archive\" tooltip_text=\"Click to visit Taste Buzz Archive\" href=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"7836\" img_size=\"medium\" onclick=\"custom_link\" css_animation=\"appear\" link=\"https://strategic.events/tastebuzz/\"][mk_image src=\"https://strategic.events/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/traditional-soda-bread.jpg\" image_size=\"full\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519933555682{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you are looking for an authentic Irish experience, try this recipe from the Society for the Preservation of Irish Soda Bread. This simple and delicious recipe has been used for generations.</span></h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Believe it or not all recipes for traditional soda bread contain only four ingredients. Flour, baking soda, sour milk (buttermilk) and salt. That\'s it!!!</span></h3>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This mainstay didn\'t keep long so it had to be baked every few days. Irish Soda Bread does not contain whiskey or other liquors or enhancements like raisins, caraway or candied fruit, thereby making it a staple food item rather than a treat. If the recipe you have used in the past contains any of these items, it is not the traditional soda bread that has eaten by the <span style=\"color: #ffcc00;\"><a style=\"color: #ffcc00;\" href=\"https://strategic.events/irish-coffee/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Irish</a></span> since the mid-19th century.</span></h3>\r\n[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519146728681{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Traditional Soda Bread </span></h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">INGREDIENTS</span></p>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">4 Cups (16 oz.) of all-purpose flour</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 Teaspoon baking soda</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">1 Teaspoon salt</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">14 Ounces of buttermilk</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=\".vc_custom_1519152586130{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}\"]<span style=\"color: #000000;\">INSTRUCTIONS</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Lightly grease and flour a cake pan.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">In a large bowl sift and combine all the dry ingredients.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Place on floured surface and lightly knead.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Form into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut </span>a cross<span style=\"color: #000000;\"> in the top of the dough.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cover the pan with another pan of the same size and bake for 30 minutes.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">The bottom of the bread will have a hollow sound when tapped to show it is done.</span>\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Cover the bread in a tea towel and lightly sprinkle water on the cloth to keep the bread moist.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fun Fact: Covering the bread with a pan of equal size replicates the bastible pot, a flat-bottomed pot that was the primary cooking tool in Irish kitchens in the nineteenth and early twentieth century.</span>[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"]','Traditional Soda Bread','','inherit','closed','closed','','10381-revision-v1','','','2018-03-01 19:46:00','2018-03-01 19:46:00','',10381,'https://strategic.events/10381-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),