Time to Dump your Spreadsheets?
Would you hire an accountant that still uses paper invoices and ledgers? Or would you feel more comfortable with one that uses an accounting software like Quickbooks? What about an architect that uses only paper, pencil and a compass, but refuses to use CAD?
The majority of meeting and event planners that I've met over the last several years continue to use spreadsheets, email, sticky notes, and clipboards as the tools of their trade. This method of planning has worked for them, and they have templates setup that they can use. It's easy. It's comfortable. You're too busy to learn a new system. So why change?
The age of planning software is upon us. There are software platforms and solutions that are fully baked - tried, tested, and ready for you to use. Communities and user groups abound that are ready to support you. Ranging in price from FREE to $Thousands. Customizable platforms like Podio, structured ones like Planning Pod, and Message Blocks, and Eventuosity. Platforms that do it all like CadmiumCD or EventAIR to ones that solve one problem, like EventSPRING, that integrate with others that you already use.
In fact there are hundreds of companies with solutions for event planners. One of those can help you leapfrog into the modern world.
The benefits? Choose one because there are many. How about more time to be creative and strategic? Data and insight to help you improve your events? Reduction in errors and duplication? Increased leverage to reduce your costs and increase your income? How about increased stature and respect?
The risks of not updating? I can tell you that the next generation of event planners are embracing these tools, and can't imagine working without them. If you want to stay relevant, to stay efficient, then can you afford NOT to update?
Now don't get me wrong. Spreadsheets will always have their place. But maybe it's time that you leave that old process behind and replace it with a platform that will centralize and streamline your planning. You'll be glad you did.
As always, The Event Guys are here to help. Our primary focus and passion is introducing planners to new technologies and helping them integrate those tools into their routines. Our EventTechGuide is the leading review site and marketplace for meeting and event technology.