Throwing Company Bash the Right Way
BY KAYLENE RUDY / AJT //
The holidays are here and you’ve decided to do something nice for your employees and clients to show your appreciation by throwing a company party. In a recent national survey, 81 percent of business owners indicated that they have planned and will throw some kind of year-end bash.
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Sounds Fun, Right? Not so fast… the Key to a successful party is in the planning. To start, here are some important preliminary issues that need to be addressed.
How much am I willing to spend?
When planning an office party, your first consideration is going to be cost. How much do you want to spend on this event? If your first reaction is to go cheap, don’t.
Instead of asking what’s the least you can spend, you should be asking what’s the most you can afford to spend and then do it. If you can’t afford to put on a nice party, skip the party all together until you can do it right.
The average amount spent on holiday parties, according to a recent survey of business owners is about $75-$100 per guest. The one thing to overspend on is food. A holiday party without enough food quickly leads to unhappy guests. It’s better to have a modest party location with too much food than to have a nice party location without enough food. Make sure that you are using a reputable caterer.
Where will the party location be?
You will need to decide where you are going to have your event. It is nice to get your staff out of the office for a party, especially if you are planning to serve a meal. Some business owners consider to host the office party at your residence. This may not be a good idea.
Depending on the size and location of your home it could give your employees the wrong idea of your own earnings. A much better idea is to reserve space at a restaurant or venue.
Make sure that you make reservations now. If you wait until the last minute to make reservations, the chances of getting the venue or restaurant of your choice are slim. These places fill up fast during the holidays.
Who will be invited?
It’s tempting to try to keep the cost of the holiday party down by inviting employees only — no spouses or guests. That’s a mistake.
Holiday parties are already hard enough without creating additional problems. This is when you get to earn the favor of your employee’s spouses and close clients. This will also enhance the social mood of the event and introduce some fresh faces to the gathering.
Theme and décor- Do I let my Jewish Light Shine?
This one’s tricky. A holiday party is a business event, but it’s also a social event. If you’re Jewish, do you add a Jewish tone to your event theme and décor?
Depending on the size of your company and whether or not you have business partners or board members that would object; I say – Absolutely! Let your Jewish light shine. There are many ways to share a small part of your Jewish culture with your employees and clients.
This is who you are. Celebrating the holidays and sharing a personal piece of your foundation can build a bond with others, especially with those that may only know you as the boss or the owner that just signs the checks.
The best way to let your Jewish light shine is to share some Jewish culinary cuisine your event menu. Most importantly, it’s the end of the year and it’s time to reflect on all the success and accomplishments and to recognize those that make it all possible.
About the Writer
Kaylene Rudy is the owner of Atlanta’s Impress Express and specializes in events and promotions. To learn more, visit www.atlantasimpressexpress.com or call (404) 563-2227.
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