21 Sep 09 Time Management

To quote the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland:
“I’m late, I’m late. For a very important date.
No time to say Hello. Goodbye.
I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.”

Event planners not only have to manage their time making events happen but they also create a timetable in place during the event. Without good time management skills, both activities are going to be much more difficult than need be.

Most of us start planning events by making a list. This can be quite useful if the list doesn’t extend into the next millennium. You can always add to the list. Arrange the items in order of importance and tackle the ones that are rated most critical. Delegate as many of the items as possible.

Use whatever technology you have available to remind you that flowers must be ordered by a certain date, details need to be confirmed with the caterer, etc. Create a time line and check off items as they occur.

Focus on the big picture. It can be too easy to get lost in the small details of a project. Attention to the fine details is a wonderful thing, but not at the expense of the main goals of the event. Which is going to be more important – napkin rings that match exactly or the wedding cake? Just ask Alice and she’ll tell you – cake!

Tags: Alice In Wonderland, Big Picture, Caterer, Delegate, Event Planners, Fine Details, Flowers, Good Time Management, Hello, Important Date, Main Goals, Millennium, Napkin Rings, Rabbit, Time Line, Time Management Skills, Timetable, Wedding Cake, White Rabbit, Wonderful Thing