In this current economic environment, there are more and more women attracted to the benefits of home based businesses.  The beauty of the in-home business is that it affords women more choices for childcare, eliminating commute time and the opportunity for entrepreneurial success.  Hosting events or meetings compliment successful home-base businesses and give an added boost to the bottom line.

If this seems a daunting task, I have developed a template that will streamline the task for you.  Taking the time to organize yourself with the four major components of the template allow you to feel structured, ready, and in control.  Once you feel that you have a clear vision for your event, you will then be able to structure the event into four categories that define the tasks that need to be satisfied to ensure a successful event.  Successful, meaning one in which you the host can be confident and comfortable allowing you to be totally present to focus on the guests and attendees for the purpose of the meeting rather than the duties of hosting.

The four categories within the template are Theme, Space, Food  and Timeline.  Each catagory has within it the ability for more refined details for expanding the needs depending on the event.  For an event such as a business meeting, the details are simple and limited.  The vision for a business meeting differs from that of entertaining for enjoyment in the fact that the atmosphere and climate should not compete with the mission of the meeting.  It should be viewed as an environment to enhance the purpose of the meeting rather than to distract from it.  It is a good rule of thumb to keep the atmosphere clean, understated and comfortable thus allowing for the focus to be on the business presentation.

 The Theme  category should contain these items: 

Date/Time           Guest List          Invitations                Decorations*

Decorations-*In the case of a business meeting the only decorations that would be appropriate would be that of support materials and visuals complimentary and or included in the presentation.

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The second category is labeled Space.  The space is predetermined by the vision and since the vision for a business event should reflect a space that is clean, understated and comfortable the space will require minimum changes in order to have it ready for the business presentation.  Within the space category more defined items are available for further consideration:

Venue Schematic*                      Cleaning/Prep*                          

                            Linens/Dishes

Venue Schematic*-Determine how to make the most of the space with the smallest amount of impact.  For instance, consider removing optional furniture to bring in more seating if needed.  In most cases, business meetings only require seating which can be as casual as floor pillows if chairs are in short demand.  Depending on the need, consider borrowing nice folding chairs if possible.  I have rented white folding chairs for home presentations and the cost was minimal.

Cleaning/Prep*-This usually means nothing more than a quick run through with the vacuum and dust cloth.  Remember, you do not have to be cleaning the furniture corners with a Q-tip and organizing your bedrooms in order to be ready for hosting.  Have the closest bathroom presentable and along with your meeting room , you are good to go!

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The third category contains details related to Food.  Again, with the business meeting, this should be kept to a minimum and simple.  Usually, a style as easy as finger foods, if at all, and a beverage table is all that is required for business meetings. 

Menue                  Shopping                    Cooking/Prep*

*A nice beverage station should contain at least one hot or cold beverage with condiments and water.  If you are serving coffee or tea, be sure to include a decaffeinated or herbal choice.  Offerings of sugar, honey, sweeteners and cream or milk add a nice touch.   Depending on the situation, this may be all that is needed for a business meeting in the way of refreshments. 

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Finally, the last category deals with the chronological order and time management and is labeled Timeline.  This is where it is crucial to be realistic with your lifestyle, schedule and time demands.  If you are scheduled from morning til night the day before the event do not expect yourself to bake something homemade for your business meeting.  Allow yourself to pick up something easy and ready to go.  Again, remember the focus is to enhance the presentation only.   If your focus is to introduce a group of women to a business opportunity related to health and wellness this probably is not the best time to serve your favorite, gooey, finger-licking dessert recipe.  Keep it simple and supportive of your message, even in the food department.

      2 Days                    Day Before                Day of Event

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This entire process can take as little as five minutes to get the questions and answers down on paper, forming your 4 step system.  Armed with your plan, you now have the ability to charge ahead feeling confident and ready for the business presentation that will take you one step closer to reaching your goals.

Good luck!

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it”.       

Thomas Jefferson