Context vs Content

When I bring up this issue, I am often asked, “What is a context, and why do we need it?” Many people have never thought about a it for anything, but it exists weather we consciously create it or not. Each of us actually has a context for our lives and our societies also have a distinct one. The real question to ask is, “Am I consciously creating the context that will produce the results I desire?”

For most people the answer is simply, “No.” Not only have they never considered it, but they usually don’t even know what it is. In reality, it is what holds the content (be it the content of your life, your event or the seemingly disparate elements of a culture).

Imagine context is a fruit bowl that holds your apples, oranges, pears and bananas and keeps them from rolling onto your counter or falling on the floor. The bowl keeps your fruit contained and orderly just the way you want it, and a good context keeps your content in place and in an order that delivers the results you want.

For example, the context of this website is to provide the most accurate, effective information and to support you in creating the best possible live events. The content of the site is all the pages of information that fulfill my vision.

If you have selected a clear specific topic for your event, creating a context for it should be fairly easy. The broad context for most events is almost always the same. It is simply producing the desired results. That context of producing desired results also applies to many other areas of life.

Knowing that fact helps make event context important and simple becomes it is the same for so many events. In its broadest sense for events (and many other things) is simply producing the desired results. So, it’s really important to know exactly what results you want to produce. These need to be SPECIFIC AND MEASURABLE, or you will never know when you have succeeded in achieving them. Then you won’t know when to have your big celebration party.

For example, if one of your goals is to have your events generating $10,000 per month net income, then your context needs to reflect that goal. Although the words will be different for each person, they could be something like “a context of extreme abundance and prosperity for myself and everyone involved with my event.” I have found that it’s always a good idea to be generous with your event and include as many people as possible. Such generosity will not negatively affect your results, and it often creates unconsidered generosity for many other people.

Unless you are very thorough, that experience occurs before participants have even connected with your staff, and it is that critical first impression that participants bring into your room. Although most people do not realize when that first impression is made, it often happens when they are parking their care. Is there enough space easily visible? Were they surprised to find that they had to pay $20 per day for parking? Or were you thinking ahead with stationed “parking greeter / guides” in the lot to help and welcome your guests.

If you create an environment of genuine concern, everyone on your team will consider participants to be honored guests and make sure that they are treated them the utmost respect. Positioning greeter / guides in the parking lot is only one small touch that conveys the message that the presenter and / or producer really care about participants and their experience. Essentially, you are pre-selling them on your presentation as well as the next steps you want them to take.

If you miss establishing that sense of concern in the parking lot, you should at least do so in the lobby with greeters who clearly represent your event or organization. They need to be smiling, welcoming and have very visible nametags. It’s also best if they are positioned near directional signs. That again displays genuine concern as well as a professional attitude.

Your context of concern for your guest participants needs to continue throughout your event. All the details, weather handled or not, provide a sense of professionalism that goes a long way to create that winning environment you are seeking.

Are your tables covered with cloths and skirting? Do you fill the room with music during silent periods, especially when people first arrive and during breaks? Do you have beautiful handouts as well as pens and writing pad for participants (a great opportunity to get your name out in the world via cheap advertising)? Does the event itself appear to flow seamlessly or are there constant interruptions from staff, hotel employees, etc.? If you are providing food and drink (snacks or meals) are they delicious and beautiful?

These are just a few of the questions you need to ask when considering the environment at your event because they can and will make or break your event. Regardless of the quality of content and presentation, if your participants feel taken care of, they will leave inspired, ready to take the next step and most important recommend your event to others. Then, all you have to do is work refining your content and presentation for the next group as your events continue to grow and prosper.