What to do with great year-end ideas

You have a great idea for a summer program or event, but it is May or June and there is not enough time to make it happen. So, what happens to that idea?

Too often, nothing at all. The idea is put in the “shoulda – woulda – coulda” pile, and we move on. This year let’s do something different. Try asking for a volunteer or assigning a staff member to put it on their task list for follow-up, just as if you were planning to execute the idea immediately. Simply have them start on it 60 days after your year-end or as soon as this year’s plans are set.

This means they will begin work at least 10 months before next year’s plans are needed, which is the perfect time to begin. Developing a timeline for the event or activity should be done first. They can do the initial research, contacting venues, food vendors, program participants, etc. With a 10–12 month runway, there is even time to generate fundraising for underwriting it. Reservations and details can be developed while there is plenty of time to discuss. By adding the event as a 15-minute agenda item to your regular team meetings beginning now, you will be surprised how quickly your planning time will pass and before you know it, it will be time to launch the event… just one year later.

By following through on a great idea that arrived too late to execute and letting it drive your planning for next year, you will have positioned your organization to start a new habit of thinking and planning out events one year in advance. SAVE THE DATE notifications are an easy and inexpensive way to market your event or program that can be added to all communications throughout the year. And most importantly, that great idea avoided being placed on the “shoulda – woulda – coulda” pile, and instead, it will blossom into a wonderful new moment for your business or organization.