When it comes to noticing our mistakes, we can be a little blind. Sure, we see the mistakes that others make, but we’re not so perceptive when it comes to our own. While they may not say it to our face, rest assured our venue partners are sharing the imperfect picture they see with each other. Are you guilty of any of these things?

1. You refuse to share the name of a client

Sure, sometimes a client is confidential, but most of the time it isn’t and your silence is perceived as a lack of trust. So, if you’re able, let the venue know who it is you’re inquiring on behalf of.

2. You don’t share how many venues you’re holding

Refusing to share with venues anything about the competitive landscape leaves them completely in the dark and provides them with no opportunity to find alternative business in the event you decide to go with one of the other 4 venues you’ve got lined up.

3. You’ve made enquiries without confirming business

You’ve been in touch regularly over the last year to ask a variety of questions, without ever bringing the venue any business. Just imagine if a possible client was contacting you frequently to ask questions, only to tell you they chose someone else! Frustrating, no?

4. You don’t acknowledge receipt of RFP response

So you lay it out very clearly for the venue from the get-go. You need a super-quick turn around. A full proposal, all bells and whistles, in 48 hours if the venue wants to be considered. No exceptions. The sales director of the venue puts other tasks aside, stays late to finish the proposal and has it in your inbox in good time. Except that’s where it stays. You don’t open it. You don’t acknowledge it. It just sits there until the middle of the next week when you finally open it, having, of course, ignored the calls and mails from the venue!

5. You give no details

Venues are comprised of highly skilled people but they are not mind readers or mentalists. While your brief may make perfect sense to you, it likely doesn’t to them. Be thorough!

6. You’re looking for discounts

You’ve never failed to make it crystal clear at all times that budget is an issue and that the venue will only be considered if the pencil has been sharpened to within an inch of its life. You need a heavy discount to get this over the line but you also need your commission too and, by the way, can the venue also throw in a couple of flip charts free of charge?

Venues are a huge part of the event landscape. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll maintain a great relationship with them.