In any event, give thanks (a lenten homily)

I'm a lucky duck. I work as a communications specialist and I also serve as an event speaker. I say I'm lucky because I get to see the event planning process unfold from two perspectives, that of the organiser, and also that of the guest. And I regret to inform you, good old-fashioned manners, especially thank yous are in short supply.

I am not one of the people who believes in wielding “good afternoon” greetings to assault my fellow man in public settings. Personally, I think it’s a little crazy to be offended when people who don’t know you don’t talk to you. We owe you nothing. But for God’s sake, if you ask a person for their time, energy, talent and expertise and they give it to you freely (or not) take the time to express gratitude.

And now that I have gotten that angry little bee out of my bonnet. I will tell you why, from a communications standpoint, a post-event thank you note goes a long way.?

1. How you are perceived by your guests matters.

The moment you invite someone to stand on your company’s platform for any reason, he/she becomes a spokesperson. Like it or not, you have associated the brand of the guest with that of your organisation. And though this might suit your needs for the event, the association lasts long after. Do you know how many times I have been asked, “I saw you at blah blah blah’s forum on blah blah blah. What do you think about their blah blah?” Regardless of whether my experience was good or bad, I generally try to be kind in my responses, at the risk of being suffocated by the truth in my throat. If you are going to link your brand to another, it makes sense to ensure the other party thinks as highly of you as possible.

2. It gives your team rapporteur practice.

A good thank you note should summarise the contributions of the party being thanked. It should tell them about the impact of their specific contributions. The summaries created for this purpose could be used in other ways. It’s also just great to have.

3. It’s an opportunity for feedback.

As you say thanks, you have the opportunity to ask guests to identify what went well and areas for improvement. The 'outsider's' perspective is crucial to helping you identify blind spots and weaknesses. It also demonstrates your willingness to improve. Even the most awesome event could be better. Feedback is our friend (even when it makes us want to throw things).?

4. It leaves the door open.

Even if you never want to work with that guest again, leave the door open. Even if the event was a failure, leave the door open. Time has a way of changing people, positions and circumstances. You may find yourself wanting to partner with that same guest again. My experience is that it will be sooner than you think. A little gratitude can go a long way.

In a biblical account offered by Luke, Jesus heals 10 lepers. So happy were they to be healed that they went off celebrating. Only one came back and thanked Christ. Jesus was surprised that the others had not returned. But the scripture says that because of his thanks, the leper who returned had not only been healed, but had been made whole.?

Communication and Events people, I see you. I know it’s?hard work and you have so many lists in your brain that it might burst. I have dropped the ball too and I’m sorry. Thank you notes are to us what mushrooms are to Super Mario. Let’s make our events whole again. Amen.?