You can read my blogs now online at www.robinmware.com.
Thanks!
Remember...
Excellence Matters...!
Robin M. Ware
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Excellence Matters
Please hear my heart... It is imperative that you have professional photos to use for marketing purposes. Sorry but Glamour Shots do not cut it. Here's my new photo! Each year, for branding purposes I use a new photo. It's important that you identify an image and use it ON EVERYTHING!!! Can you change out the photo? Yes but only after 6 to 8 months. People have to get used to you and for indentification purposes, it's important to keep it consistent.
Speaking of branding, my new site is launching in a few days. It is www.robinmware.com. It's going to feature my blog posts and information on my new mentoring sessions.
Thanks!
Excellence Matters...!
Robin M. Ware
www.robinmware.com COMING IN DAYS!!!
Author of Hosting Church Folk, The Administrator, Excellence in Event Planning. Get your copies today!!! Save the date for November 12-14, 2009 for the 2009 Excellence Conference - excellence matters!!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Professional Photo Shoot March 12th
Make plans NOW to join us for our first Professional Photo Shoot of 2009! The date is Thursday, March 12th. This is a great and affordable opportunity for small business owners, realtors, pastors, artists, and authors. In fact, the price is so great, you can afford to travel from out of state to participate! Only $350 for Singles and $500 for couples.The shoot includes professional makeup by Gwynnis Mosby, professional photography with lighting and various backdrops by Marie Thomas and a professional clothing stylist! Your photos will be taken in two looks (outfits) that our stylist will assist you in coordinating based on your needs.
Bonus: Pencilworx Design Group will be on hand to discuss your marketing needs. They specialize in branding, website design and logo creation.
We only have 10 slots available! Reserve your slot by clicking on the link below. Once you register by paying in full, one of our team members will contact you to schedule your shoot time and provide you with directions to the shoot location. Please allow 3 to 4 hours in your schedule for this awesome opportunity.
REGISTER NOW!!! Call our offices at 678.618.6264...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Walk By Faith - Streaming Faith Article #2
Walking by faith is something that we all must do! I'm excited to share my most recent article based on this requirement. Please read and comment. Thanks! Robin
January 28, 2009 Hide Comments (6 comments) Add Comment Print Article E-mail to a Friend
Walking By Faith
Robin Ware
Walking by faith is one of the shortest and yet most powerful sentences a believer can say. As a single woman over the age of 40 and small business owner, this is my life's testimony. The world wants you to believe that there is something wrong with a life like mine because I'm still single and childless.
They want you to believe that if you aren't keeping up with the Joneses and that you aren't living a fulfilled life. Pretty hilarious, huh? I know that I'm God's best and as I walk by faith, He is completing me as I joyfully tell my teasers that my life is more complete than theirs.
As you walk out your dreams, here are some great tips to ensure that walking by faith is an enjoyable experience:
1. Pray that God will reveal to you his desires for your life. It's a mature walk when you can honestly confess to God that you want his desires to be your desires and to break you until you're walking in harmony.
2. Become disciplined in your time with God. Be honest with yourself and admit you aren't studying enough and you aren't sure how to study. Consider a bible reading program that will direct you to read the Bible in a Year.
You have it in you to do this. 2 Timothy 2:15 teaches us to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".
3. Surround yourself with others that are walking by faith in this season. As a Girl Scout, I was taught to make new friends but keep the old; it's the same concept. It's time to grow in all areas of your life this year. Don't be afraid to cut sub-tractors, distractors, and whiners out of your life.
4. Celebrate others when their harvests arrive. It's a great sign that you are next!
5. Sow where you want to grow. Find a mentor and devote (sow) time to work with them. Work with a servant's heart. Be committed, dedicated and trustworthy.
As you walk by faith, you will strengthen your belief and grow in confidence in knowing that you can be all that God said you could be no matter where you began your journey. You will now understand that challenges are merely new opportunities for you to reach your greatness.
Finally, your life will truly be blessed. Everything that you touch will provide you with a blessed life and no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Robin Ware Robin Ware is a certified meeting planner and marketing consultant to a number of churches throughout the U.S and abroad. She is the author of Hosting Church Folk, and is the President of The Ware Agency. For more information about Robin, log onto www.thewareagency.com.
© Robin Ware all rights reserved.
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Comments:
This was absolutely beautiful.
posted by Iyalorde @ Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thank you so much for your article today. It is right on target for me. There are many things I need to change so that I may have a closer walk with God. What you said shows me what changes need to be made and how to go about it.
posted by jkelley68 @ Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Robin Ware, I really need to hear, and read this devotional today. I thought that I was not doing what I was suppose to do, but now I have conformation that I am doing the right thing walking by faith and not by sight. Be a business owner in my early 40's and childless, I know that GOD IS ABLE to do what he said he would do. Thanks and God Bless.
posted by 7 ANGELS @ Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What an awesome message this morning. I so very much enjoy getting my Streaming Faith Daily Devotional, and today was my day to hear a word from the Lord! Walking by Faith, wow! God is so good, because every time I have a question, if I don't hear directly from God, He has someone waiting for me to come by to let me know His answer. This morning was one of those days to hear from Him and from someone else, what a confirmation!
My biggest question to God has been, where do I fit in in His plan. Waiting for Him to show me has been one of the harder things for me to do. God has brought me so far in the past several months. At times it has been hard and very painful, but the rewards have far exceeded the growth.
Sister Robin Ware, Thank You for "hearing" God speak to you, if this devotional touches no one else, it HAS touched me this morning. You spoke the words God wanted me to hear today. God bless you!
posted by vromga @ Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Ms. Ware, thank you for such an awesome Word from God. As I read your article, I felt as if I was reading my own life on that page. Thank you.
posted by sambblack @ Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Bravo to a fellow sister-in-arms! I am 29, single and don't find myself dreaming of kids and a house in the suburbs. I don't struggle with finding time for God and the New Testament even says it's best to remain single. There! How you like them apples? Can someone tell the Christian community and my grandmother that single people are not diseased!
posted by cagstina @ Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
40 Days of Prayer and Consecration
I thought I would share a copy of the 40 Day Prayer and Consecration that my church is hosting. Let me know how this blesses you!
Thanks!
Remember...
Excellence Matters
Robin
Thanks!
Remember...
Excellence Matters
Robin
william h. Murphy, iii, lead Pastor
40 DAYS of fasting, prayer and consecration…and The Word in One Year
Fourth Quarter
February 4 – February 13, 2009
| Date | Daily Concentration | The Word in One Year | |
| Wednesday, February 4th | Prayer Focus | Pray for Prosperity. Ps. 9:1, ps.150:2, Deut. 8:18 | Read Today… ____Exodus 19:16-21:21
|
| FAST | EAT Soup, salad, fruit, vegetables and water ONLY | ||
| Thursday, February 5th | Prayer Focus | Pray to always walk in the boundaries that the Lord has assigned to us. Jeremiah 5:22 | Read Today… ____Exodus 21:22-23:13
|
| FAST | EAT Soup, salad, fruit, vegetables and water ONLY | ||
| Friday, February 6th | Prayer Focus | Pray for the success of Business owners. Romans 8:17 and Colossians 1:12 | Read Today… ____Exodus 23:14-25:40
|
| | EAT Soup, salad, fruit, vegetables and water ONLY | ||
| Saturday, February 7th | Prayer Focus | Pray for vision to see the end of a thing. Habakkuk 2:3 | Read Today… ____Exodus 26:1-27:21
|
| FAST | EAT Soup, salad, fruit, vegetables and water ONLY | ||
| Sunday, February 8th | Prayer Focus | Pray for Godly wisdom in the affairs of Life. James 1:5-6, Colossians 1:9, Proverbs 2:2 | Read Today… ____Exodus 28:1-43
|
| FAST | EAT Soup, salad, fruit, vegetables and water ONLY | ||
| Monday, February 9th | Prayer Focus | We pray for Power of expectation, and new levels/dimensions of faith. 1 Samuel 17:36, Hebrews 11:7 | Read Today… ____Exodus 29:1-30:10
|
| FAST | EAT Soup, salad, fruit, vegetables and water ONLY | ||
| Tuesday, February 10th | Prayer Focus | We pray for Favor with God and Man. Hebrews 11:6 | Read Today… ____Exodus 30:11-31:18
|
| FAST | EAT Soup, salad, fruit, vegetables and water ONLY | ||
| Wednesday, February 11th | Prayer Focus | We pray for Favor with God and Man. Hebrews 11:6 | Read Today… ____Exodus 32:1-33:23
|
| FAST | ABSOLUTE FAST – NO FOOD – | ||
| Thursday, February 12th | Prayer Focus | We pray for boldness. Hebrews 10:19 | Read Today… ____Exodus 34:1-35:9
|
| FAST | ABSOLUTE FAST – NO FOOD – | ||
| Friday, February 13th | Prayer Focus | Pray protection from Backlash of the enemy. Psalms 91 | Read Today… ____Exodus 35:10-36:38
|
| FAST | ABSOLUTE FAST – NO FOOD – | ||
Monday, January 19, 2009
Book Publishing ...dReams to Reality
I am an author. Be it on my own terms :). In October 2006, I attended a conference and heard Dr. Bridget Hilliard preach a sermon that spoke directly to me about pursuing dreams. She spoke that there were those of us who had books in us that needed to publish them. I knew that message was for me, but I began to talk myself out of it because of the following:
1. I didn't have the funds to do it. Excellence matters to me so I couldn't just print anything and put my name on it.
2. I didn't know a thing about publishing.
3. My favorite topics aren't popular among my audience of church folk (etiquette and hospitality).
Then I heard this from God:
1. Write the book and I'll make provide the funds.
2. Write the book, and I'll show you how to publish.
3. Write the book and I'll give you an audience.
Here's what happened:
1. I wrote the book and a friend agreed to edit it for free. She was an English major and did a great job.
2. I remembered that I had met a friend 8 months prior at a conference that was a book publisher. I reached out to her and she coached me through the book publishing process. Confused, I didn't really know which publishing option to pursue. It's difficult to predict your needs when you don't have ONE guaran
teed sale, speaking date or any interest in your book outside of your family and close friends. So, I went to Kinko'sand began printing spiral bound copies of my book. Each book cost me about $15. Then, one day I decided to place my order online through Staples copy and print center. I didn't know it but submitting print jobs this way saved me almost $4.50 per book. I was excited! A few months later, I was sharing my story with a friend and she told me to check out www.instantpublishing.com. This turned out to work fantastic for me. I submitted my book through their website and 2 weeks later I recieved my books through UPS for the great price of $4 per book! The books were spiral bound, high gloss cover and high quality paper (my books are resource manuals so spiral binding works best but they can print in other formats).3. I added a tag line to my email signature announcing my book and the word began to spread terrifically! AND, the success of my books has led to the birth of me being a conference speaker and workshop presenter.
I now have written 3 books and produced 2 DVD's. I also host my own workshops and an annual conference.
So, you see, listen to God and walk in faith and the rest is history!
Remember,
Excellence Matters!
Robin M. Ware
www.thewareagency.com
www.robinmware.com - coming soon!
www.twitter.com/robinware
www.myspace.com/thewareagency
www.facebook.com/robinware
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Professional Photo Shoot - Thursday, March 12th
Anyone who is trying to sell anything, represent anything or lead anything needs professional photos. It drives me crazy to see "professionals" use Glamor shots as their professional head shots. These are not professional photos. As professionals we must understand that image is everything and most people make up their mind about who you are and the value of the services you provide by looking at your photo. For those that use social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, your profile picture is your brand.
Ok, now I'm off of my soapbox...if you need professional photos, make your way to Atlanta, on Thursday, March 12th. My agency hosts quarterly Professional Photo Shoots that include a makeup artist, professional lights (thank God for professional lighting!), hair touch up and of course a professional photographer that takes about 36 shots of you. And, the best part is that you receive your photos right on the spot! You can take them and begin using them immediately.
Now, I know you are saying this has to cost a fortune! Not so! This is something that I do to help be a blessing to others like me, that understand excellence but don't have big time budgets (just yet!). Drum roll!!!! The shoot is only $350 for one person and $500 for two people!!!
Here's the fine print:
1. You must pay in full when you register.
2. You must schedule 3 to 4 hours on the day of. Perfection takes time!
3. You must be relaxed and excited about this opportunity on the day of! Taking photos is really hard work so get enough rest the night before. You don't want any dark circles!
Call my office at 678.618.6264 to reserve your slot!
Remember...Excellence Matters!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Debt Free
I just downloaded Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan book for free on Oprah.com. It's 277 pages of advice to guide me to financial freedom. As I was doing this, I began to think of all of the things in my life that have me bound. They are:
1. my debt.
2. my weight.
3. worry about the unknown.
As I began to seek God on these things, I'm quickly reminded that I don't have a terminal illness, I'm not wanted by the police and I have a wonderful and loving family. These three things that have my bound are nothing! I have a plan that I'm working so in the grand scheme of things, these three things are major time wasters for me. Consider them subtracted!
Remember...Excellence Matters!
Robin M. Ware
www.thewareagency.com
robinmware.com - coming soon
Monday, January 5, 2009
My Streaming Faith article
Wow! Friday was a banner day for me!!! I thank God for Streaming Faith asking me to be a contributing writer for this year. I'd like to share the article with you. Please enjoy.
Friday, January 02, 2009•
A Fresh StartRobin Ware
In preparing for the upcoming new year, I'd like to encourage you (if you haven't done so already) to get out a pad and pen and measure your accomplishments against the assignments God gave you for 2008.
Take a moment to reflect and state why you weren't as successful as you would have liked to be in 2008.To truly pursue a fresh start in God this year, you may need to take back control of your life beginning with the external forces you have allowed within your personal space.
Identify your time wasters - any activities or persons - that don't add to your life but subtracts the life out of you. With a renewed mind, practice these steps to achieve a fresh start in 2009:1. Write the vision and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2)
It's important to have goals (the vision) but it's more important to understand WHY (make it plain) you have the goals you do. Sometimes goals aren't obtainable because we have them for the wrong reasons.
Pray and ask God to give you clarity in this area. Are you wasting time pursing goals and dreams that aren't yours but just look attractive to you because they have brought wealth and success to others? Or even worse, are you feeling like your gifts and talents aren't worthy? Like the men in Mathew 25 that God gave the same number of talents...are you burying yours?
2. What gets measured is what gets done.Select an accountability partner and provide a written update to them on the success of your goals. If your budget allows, hire a business coach to help you get focused and stay balanced. Coaches are like personal trainers in the exercise world. They will give you an honest assessment of yourself and devise a plan that will be as successful as you make it.
3. Be consistent. Schedule time in your day to accomplish your DAILY tasks. Although I am what you call a daily to-do list person, I admit that I have days that I have to speak my confession of faith to my flesh:I am not a procrastinator!I (will) complete my assignments on time!
As you begin to seek God more in 2009, you will see that the enemy will try to trump your plans, so you have to be ready. Ready with a counter attack.
Robin Ware is a certified meeting planner and marketing consultant to a number of churches throughout the U.S and abroad. She is the author of Hosting Church Folk, and is the President of The Ware Agency. For more information about Robin, log onto http://www.thewareagency.com/.
© Robin Ware all rights reserved.
© Robin Ware all rights reserved.
Please comment... Thanks!!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
There is Power!
I wanted to share this video with you of my Pastor at one of our Communion Services. We don't do communion like most churches. This 10 minutes will bless your life!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzKf23r1Lks
Remember,
Excellence Matters!
Robin Ware
www.thewareagency.com
www.ladyetiquettepresents.com
www.robinmware.com - coming soon!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzKf23r1Lks
Remember,
Excellence Matters!
Robin Ware
www.thewareagency.com
www.ladyetiquettepresents.com
www.robinmware.com - coming soon!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Prepare for New Year's Eve Visitor's
New Year’s Eve is next Wednesday. This is one of the CME holidays so use it wisely to influence the unchurched!
1. Create a flyer INVITING them to church. Most flyers are designed for the churched and not the unchurched. Be careful of using too many titles. Use the KISS principle – keep it short and sweet. Why? You don’t have much time to attract their attention and you catch more with honey than you do with vinegar. Ask your Grandmother for help with this one if you didn’t get it.
2. Post the flyers in unchurched places. It always amazes me that I see flyers for the unchurched at Christian bookstores, or in Christian newspapers and saved magazines. To go after the unchurched, you have to meet them where they are. Consider buying ad space in the mall, in the local health club, on the sides of the local bus or other modes of public transportation, or even in the restrooms in the hottest club in town.
3. Use the internet. There are tons of free places online to attract “a new crowd” if you just utilize them. If you are clueless, ask your teenagers their favorite websites and begin there.
Co-sponsor a New Year’s event with your local radio station. The radio mentions and controversy it will stir up alone will far outweigh what you paid.
4. Offer door prizes. Ok, I know you can’t call it this, but you know what I mean. And of course, present them at the end of service. The unchurched understands what it means when you say “you have to be present to win”. It’s the churched that leaves before the benediction.
Host a concert and use secular artists along with gospel artists. Make arrangements with the secular artists to “keep it clean” and the gospel artists to “keep it holy” and you’ll be fine.
Now when “your new crowd” arrives, here’s how to make them feel welcome:
1. Update your voicemail with the New Year’s Eve information. Be sure to include directions, times of service, special details and dress attire. Chances are they will call the day of or even 1 hour before for information.
2. Reserve parking for First Time Attendees. Make sure your VIP and special seating is reserved well before the doors open. It’s embarrassing to ask a visitor to move because they are sitting in Deacon Joe’s seat.
3. Try to prevent First Time Visitors from having to sit in the overflow section. Overflow seating isn’t desirable to most church folks so imagine how a First Time Visitor feels. I know you’re saying they should get there on time but you remember when you went to clubs, it was fashionable to be late. If possible, reserve the last 2 rows until 11pm. Also, ask your Deacons, Elders and Ministers to give up their seats. I’m sure they’ll do it willinglyJ.
4. Print bulletins that are useful and not full of “churchy” stuff that First Time Visitors won’t understand. Give them “meat” that they can chew on well after the service is over.
5. Give out business cards. Consider printing business cards with your church information on one side and the entire 2009 calendar or a Tip chart on the back so they’ll be inclined to keep them.
6. Start on time.
7. End on time.
8. Prevent gaps in the service.
9. Keep the temperature comfortable.
10. Clean the restrooms throughout the service.
Bonus: Serve breakfast or comfort foods (fried chicken, French fries etc.) immediately following service and you may actually get a chance to touch (evangelize) and love on your guests.
If your parking lot has challenges – meaning it may take 30 – 45 minutes to depart – have a plan to increase the number of exit lanes. And, as a sign of your final hospitality, offer complimentary coffee and hot chocolate in the parking lot. It will make a great lasting impression on everyone!
Remember Excellence Matters...!
Robin
1. Create a flyer INVITING them to church. Most flyers are designed for the churched and not the unchurched. Be careful of using too many titles. Use the KISS principle – keep it short and sweet. Why? You don’t have much time to attract their attention and you catch more with honey than you do with vinegar. Ask your Grandmother for help with this one if you didn’t get it.
2. Post the flyers in unchurched places. It always amazes me that I see flyers for the unchurched at Christian bookstores, or in Christian newspapers and saved magazines. To go after the unchurched, you have to meet them where they are. Consider buying ad space in the mall, in the local health club, on the sides of the local bus or other modes of public transportation, or even in the restrooms in the hottest club in town.
3. Use the internet. There are tons of free places online to attract “a new crowd” if you just utilize them. If you are clueless, ask your teenagers their favorite websites and begin there.
Co-sponsor a New Year’s event with your local radio station. The radio mentions and controversy it will stir up alone will far outweigh what you paid.
4. Offer door prizes. Ok, I know you can’t call it this, but you know what I mean. And of course, present them at the end of service. The unchurched understands what it means when you say “you have to be present to win”. It’s the churched that leaves before the benediction.
Host a concert and use secular artists along with gospel artists. Make arrangements with the secular artists to “keep it clean” and the gospel artists to “keep it holy” and you’ll be fine.
Now when “your new crowd” arrives, here’s how to make them feel welcome:
1. Update your voicemail with the New Year’s Eve information. Be sure to include directions, times of service, special details and dress attire. Chances are they will call the day of or even 1 hour before for information.
2. Reserve parking for First Time Attendees. Make sure your VIP and special seating is reserved well before the doors open. It’s embarrassing to ask a visitor to move because they are sitting in Deacon Joe’s seat.
3. Try to prevent First Time Visitors from having to sit in the overflow section. Overflow seating isn’t desirable to most church folks so imagine how a First Time Visitor feels. I know you’re saying they should get there on time but you remember when you went to clubs, it was fashionable to be late. If possible, reserve the last 2 rows until 11pm. Also, ask your Deacons, Elders and Ministers to give up their seats. I’m sure they’ll do it willinglyJ.
4. Print bulletins that are useful and not full of “churchy” stuff that First Time Visitors won’t understand. Give them “meat” that they can chew on well after the service is over.
5. Give out business cards. Consider printing business cards with your church information on one side and the entire 2009 calendar or a Tip chart on the back so they’ll be inclined to keep them.
6. Start on time.
7. End on time.
8. Prevent gaps in the service.
9. Keep the temperature comfortable.
10. Clean the restrooms throughout the service.
Bonus: Serve breakfast or comfort foods (fried chicken, French fries etc.) immediately following service and you may actually get a chance to touch (evangelize) and love on your guests.
If your parking lot has challenges – meaning it may take 30 – 45 minutes to depart – have a plan to increase the number of exit lanes. And, as a sign of your final hospitality, offer complimentary coffee and hot chocolate in the parking lot. It will make a great lasting impression on everyone!
Remember Excellence Matters...!
Robin
Monday, December 22, 2008
Crisis can happen within YOUR Ministry
Last week, I was shocked when the 6 o'clock news ran a story about a well respected pastor admitting to a "personal indiscretion" that was leading him to leave his mega church for 2 years to go through restoration and healing. A few months ago, I watched another church share thier disblief in having their air conditioning units vandalized ($38,000 to replace) to steal about $900 worth of copper. Years ago, I remember a prominent pastor being rediculed in the media for giving the policemen in his precint $1000 Christmas bonus which was illegal for them to accept and they had to return the checks or lose their jobs. In all of these cases, my mind shifts to crisis management mode. When I teach my workshops, I always ask the host pastor and leaders if they have a crisis management plan. Most do not. They never think it could happen to them. I break it down and explain that having a crisis management plan is as important as having an annual budget. If you don't handle a crisis correctly, it could cost you your membership.
From the time we enter elementary school, we are taught the importance of having a crisis management plan - remember those fire drills where we were told to remain calm and stay low. Being from the midwest, we practiced tornado drills where everyone was directed to the hallways or to a storm shelter. These plans were also posted PROMINENTLY on the walls of our classrooms. Churches ae not exempt. Any public gathering place should have such a plan. Now, it doesn't matter what the crisis is, YOU MUST HAVE A PLAN. Here's a quick outline of the tips I share during my workshops:
1. Prepare
It's amazing how quickly a situation can grow from a managable opportunity to a major crisis because of the lack of preparation. In layman's terms, if you ignore your change oil light and continue to drive your car for months, you could burn out your entire engine. Once your engine is burnt out, you are looking at a repair bill that could have been $40 to change the oil to thousands of dollars to replace an engine or to even purchase a new vehicle. Sit down with your leaders and identify fire hazards in your church, potential safety issues (are all of the locks working properly, do you use your alarm system, has the code been changed on a regular basis so not too many people have it, have you practiced fire drills during a Sunday service, are your air conditioners in a fenced and locked area so vandals won't target them for their copper?) and risk management opportunities (is there a Security person present any time the building is unlocked, do you have a safe to lock up valuables or offerings that can't be deposited until a later date, do you have a plan to dispose of weapons or drugs that may be left at the altar following a deliverance service, are you performing back ground checks on EVERY leader EVERY year).
2. Identify a Spokesperson
Teach your members how to respond to the media. They are to say "no comment". Identify who the authorized voice of the ministry is and share with your members that only this person is authorized to give comments to the media as well as to invite the media to your church. This person should be well spoken, well educated/trained, works well under pressure and media savvy. Hint, it should not be the Senior Pastor.
3. Train the Executive Office
If a situation arises, train your Executive Office to not discuss the particulars of the case with anyone. Employees and volunteers in this area can harmlessly sink ships. Updates should only be communicated by the authorized spokesperson to not only the media but to the congregation.
4. Don't Delay in Responding
Failure to address a situation is bascially admitting guilt. It may be difficult to phathom that trusted Deacon Smith mishandled the church finances, but it's a possiblity so take the time and investigate. Be careful to handle it professionally so if the investigation doesn't uncover any wrongdoings, no one's reputation has been tarnished.
5. Seek Legal Representation
Laws change and are updated all the time. Invest in legal counsel to represent your ministry so that you are compliant with all local, county, state and federal laws. Don't assume because you are a church, you are exempt from following certain guidelines. And, don't make the mistake of believing members that THINK they know the law, pay the price for an attorney to ensure you have someone assisting you that DOES know the law.
These 5 items will assist you in getting your crisis management plan started. Look out for more ministry tips in this blog!!!
Remember,
Excellence Matters...!
Robin
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Learn the value of Twitter
Twitter is the latest web 2.0 product that is catching on like wildfire. I have been working on convincing my church community world to get on board. Right now, its not in the top 2 (MySpace and Facebook) social networks but it's coming. Unlike MySpace, you do not have to create and decorate a page. Unlike Facebook, you do not have to type a lot of text -in fact, Twitter will only allow you to type 120 characters, so the shorter the better.
To help you get started, I wanted to share with you that I listened to a great blogcast hosted by my friend Pam Perry of the Chocolate Pages network featuring Warren Whitlock and Sherese Duncan. They shared tips that will enable you to understand Twitter and why you should be "tweeting" right now! Check it out at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chocolatepages
Thanks!
Robin
To help you get started, I wanted to share with you that I listened to a great blogcast hosted by my friend Pam Perry of the Chocolate Pages network featuring Warren Whitlock and Sherese Duncan. They shared tips that will enable you to understand Twitter and why you should be "tweeting" right now! Check it out at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chocolatepages
Thanks!
Robin
Monday, December 8, 2008
How to Prepare Your Church for CME (Christmas, Mothers Day and Easter)
Excellence Matters
By
Robin M. Ware, CMP
How to Prepare Your Church for Christmas, New Years and Easter (CME)
Most true church folk can define what the initials CME means. For those that aren’t familiar with it, it means Christmas, Mothers Day and Easter. These are the three traditional holidays that the unchurched are likely to visit and attend a church service. These “special visitors” may already be filled with apprehension so we must do all we can to make sure they have a wonderful visit during all of their experiences at church. It is during these holidays that the parking lot overflows, the sanctuary seats overflow and the restrooms look like they were hit by a tornado.
It’s awesome that more and more ministries are focusing more on SERVICE. Please allow me to share 15 tips that I believe will propel ministries to receive guests in an excellent manner so much so that perhaps they will not only attend during CME, but will actually join!
Is this really necessary? Yes! You only get one time to make a first impression. With that shared, we are going to begin with what I call the First Impression ministries. I came up with this phrase earlier this year and it defines the four areas in ministry that I believe define or communicate to members and visitors the service commitment of the church. They are the Parking Lot team, the Greeters, Hospitality and Security. We will begin with the Parking Lot team.
Parking Lot
1. Organize a Parking Lot Ministry if you don’t already have one. If you don’t have the manpower or experience to do it right, think out of the box and hire a Valet service. They will provide a team of experienced workers that have proper insurance to handle your parking lot AND park cars. It goes without saying, but do not allow your volunteers to park cars if you aren’t properly insured or trained in this area. It is not worth the liability. Provide Communication training to this team and make sure they understand they must be available 2 hours prior to service and until the last vehicle departs.
2. Purchase “Spot Lights”! These are the incredible bright lights that you often see at car dealerships. They are a great way to draw a crowd to your building. This lets the community know that something major is happening here. Rental is about $150.
3. Say Yes to Neon. It’s a good start for your Parking Lot team to wear matching polo shirts but you want to make sure they are easily visible. Purchase neon colored coats or vests depending on the season and flags for your workers to wear and use so it is obvious they are working the Parking Lot. During CME season, place additional workers in the parking lot. Be sure to place at least 2 at each entrance to easily direct the flow of traffic and place one additional worker at the entrance of the current available parking section so they can direct drivers to the next available parking space. Also, provide your workers with walkie-talkies so that they can easily communicate with one another.
4. Color code sections of the parking lot if necessary. Purchase 4’ (yes, 4 foot not inches) round inflatable balloons in multiple colors and place in the parking lot. This will help your guests identify the area they parked in. Budget $20 per balloon.
5. Create Car Pool Spaces. For anyone that arrives with 4 or more in their car direct them to a special lane close to the door so that they are basically rewarded for sharing the ride!
6. Create a Children’s Parking Section. Direct anyone with small kids to a special section to park. Try to make it as close to the front as possible. Place a volunteer in a character costume and a “kid friendly” Greeter in this section to welcome the families and direct the parents to the Nursery and Children’s area of your church. People with small children will greatly appreciate the convenience!
7. Reserve spaces for Senior Citizens. This goes without explanation. They’ll appreciate this every Sunday!
8. Red Carpet adds pizzaz! Rent a Red Carpet and roll it out on the walkway that leads from the parking lot to the main entrance. Nothing says VIP like a red carpet! Rental is about $100 for a 50’ roll.
9. Be sensitive to timing. If you have a large influx of traffic 1 hour to 2 hours prior to your start time, convert one of your EXIT lanes to an ENTRANCE lane so that you increase the number of lanes coming into your facility. Of course, use the same logic at the end of your event. Also consider creating IN only entrances and OUT only exits. Lastly, direct your guests upon parking to park backwards if that will help them exit easier and help increase the flow of traffic exiting at the end of your event.
10. Be prepared for overflow parking. If possible, secure parking in a neighbor’s lot, or secure parking farther away for your leaders and shuttle them to your church so that your guests will have parking at your building.
11. Additional Parking. If necessary, secure additional parking further away and provide complimentary shuttle service for everyone. Use this opportunity to really show your hospitality! Think like a theme park. Make sure your vans are pristine! They should be clean and have a soft non offensive air freshener smell. Also, place a Step On Guide on each van. A Step On Guide is the official welcoming person from your Greeters Ministry. They engage the riders in warm conversation (provide a script to ensure each Step On Guide is saying the same thing) being sure to answer any questions while on the ride to your facility. They should also have a small basket of candy to offer each rider and a welcome brochure highlighting your ministry. Lastly, play a looped commercial recorded by your Pastor welcoming the riders, explaining the shuttle drop off and pick up system, where the nursery is, and other important details about your church. It should end with music samples from your choir – I don’t recommend trying to sell any product on this recording.
12. Prepare for Parking. It goes without saying, but for VIP’s and invited special guests (guest artists, choirs, dignitaries or speakers), reserve special parking and provide written printed direction prior to their arrival detailing which entrance they are to use and where in your parking lot their spaces are reserved. If necessary, provide a layout of your parking lot and highlight their spaces and email it to them. Have your marketing team create signs that identify these spaces as well. I recommend you place their names on the signs. Be sure to provide your Parking Lot team with their names so that they are prepared to direct them to these special spaces with no drama.
13. Use trash cans! Place “attractive” trash cans in key areas in your parking lot and directly outside the entrance to your church. This will encourage everyone not to litter. Direct your Parking Lot team to assign a trash rotation to change out the liner every 30 minutes or per hour based on use. Note: resist the urge to place marketing materials on the windshields of cars. Allow your Greeters to provide this material to guests upon entrance to the building.
14. Timing is everything! On New Years Eve, if it is going to take your guests more than 30 minutes to vacate your parking lot, consider having fireworks as a sure fire way to keep them entertained and distracted from the fact that it is taking 30 minutes to vacate the parking lot. Also consider setting up a beverage station outside and providing complimentary cups of coffee, hot chocolate, coloring books and crayons for kids, or apple cider so that your guests will be comfortable in their cars while waiting to depart.
15. Use Signage! Upon departure, have your marketing team create signs that are placed in the parking lot thanking your guests for visiting and encouraging them to return. Have a volunteer dressed as a favorite character at the exit and wave goodbye and pass out candy suckers to all the cars. This will be one last final touch that I guarantee will make a lasting FIRST IMPRESSION!
Robin Ware is the President of the Ware Agency ATLANTA. Here agency works with churches and small business owners to operate in excellence. Learn more about her at www.thewareagency.com.
By
Robin M. Ware, CMP
How to Prepare Your Church for Christmas, New Years and Easter (CME)
Most true church folk can define what the initials CME means. For those that aren’t familiar with it, it means Christmas, Mothers Day and Easter. These are the three traditional holidays that the unchurched are likely to visit and attend a church service. These “special visitors” may already be filled with apprehension so we must do all we can to make sure they have a wonderful visit during all of their experiences at church. It is during these holidays that the parking lot overflows, the sanctuary seats overflow and the restrooms look like they were hit by a tornado.
It’s awesome that more and more ministries are focusing more on SERVICE. Please allow me to share 15 tips that I believe will propel ministries to receive guests in an excellent manner so much so that perhaps they will not only attend during CME, but will actually join!
Is this really necessary? Yes! You only get one time to make a first impression. With that shared, we are going to begin with what I call the First Impression ministries. I came up with this phrase earlier this year and it defines the four areas in ministry that I believe define or communicate to members and visitors the service commitment of the church. They are the Parking Lot team, the Greeters, Hospitality and Security. We will begin with the Parking Lot team.
Parking Lot
1. Organize a Parking Lot Ministry if you don’t already have one. If you don’t have the manpower or experience to do it right, think out of the box and hire a Valet service. They will provide a team of experienced workers that have proper insurance to handle your parking lot AND park cars. It goes without saying, but do not allow your volunteers to park cars if you aren’t properly insured or trained in this area. It is not worth the liability. Provide Communication training to this team and make sure they understand they must be available 2 hours prior to service and until the last vehicle departs.
2. Purchase “Spot Lights”! These are the incredible bright lights that you often see at car dealerships. They are a great way to draw a crowd to your building. This lets the community know that something major is happening here. Rental is about $150.
3. Say Yes to Neon. It’s a good start for your Parking Lot team to wear matching polo shirts but you want to make sure they are easily visible. Purchase neon colored coats or vests depending on the season and flags for your workers to wear and use so it is obvious they are working the Parking Lot. During CME season, place additional workers in the parking lot. Be sure to place at least 2 at each entrance to easily direct the flow of traffic and place one additional worker at the entrance of the current available parking section so they can direct drivers to the next available parking space. Also, provide your workers with walkie-talkies so that they can easily communicate with one another.
4. Color code sections of the parking lot if necessary. Purchase 4’ (yes, 4 foot not inches) round inflatable balloons in multiple colors and place in the parking lot. This will help your guests identify the area they parked in. Budget $20 per balloon.
5. Create Car Pool Spaces. For anyone that arrives with 4 or more in their car direct them to a special lane close to the door so that they are basically rewarded for sharing the ride!
6. Create a Children’s Parking Section. Direct anyone with small kids to a special section to park. Try to make it as close to the front as possible. Place a volunteer in a character costume and a “kid friendly” Greeter in this section to welcome the families and direct the parents to the Nursery and Children’s area of your church. People with small children will greatly appreciate the convenience!
7. Reserve spaces for Senior Citizens. This goes without explanation. They’ll appreciate this every Sunday!
8. Red Carpet adds pizzaz! Rent a Red Carpet and roll it out on the walkway that leads from the parking lot to the main entrance. Nothing says VIP like a red carpet! Rental is about $100 for a 50’ roll.
9. Be sensitive to timing. If you have a large influx of traffic 1 hour to 2 hours prior to your start time, convert one of your EXIT lanes to an ENTRANCE lane so that you increase the number of lanes coming into your facility. Of course, use the same logic at the end of your event. Also consider creating IN only entrances and OUT only exits. Lastly, direct your guests upon parking to park backwards if that will help them exit easier and help increase the flow of traffic exiting at the end of your event.
10. Be prepared for overflow parking. If possible, secure parking in a neighbor’s lot, or secure parking farther away for your leaders and shuttle them to your church so that your guests will have parking at your building.
11. Additional Parking. If necessary, secure additional parking further away and provide complimentary shuttle service for everyone. Use this opportunity to really show your hospitality! Think like a theme park. Make sure your vans are pristine! They should be clean and have a soft non offensive air freshener smell. Also, place a Step On Guide on each van. A Step On Guide is the official welcoming person from your Greeters Ministry. They engage the riders in warm conversation (provide a script to ensure each Step On Guide is saying the same thing) being sure to answer any questions while on the ride to your facility. They should also have a small basket of candy to offer each rider and a welcome brochure highlighting your ministry. Lastly, play a looped commercial recorded by your Pastor welcoming the riders, explaining the shuttle drop off and pick up system, where the nursery is, and other important details about your church. It should end with music samples from your choir – I don’t recommend trying to sell any product on this recording.
12. Prepare for Parking. It goes without saying, but for VIP’s and invited special guests (guest artists, choirs, dignitaries or speakers), reserve special parking and provide written printed direction prior to their arrival detailing which entrance they are to use and where in your parking lot their spaces are reserved. If necessary, provide a layout of your parking lot and highlight their spaces and email it to them. Have your marketing team create signs that identify these spaces as well. I recommend you place their names on the signs. Be sure to provide your Parking Lot team with their names so that they are prepared to direct them to these special spaces with no drama.
13. Use trash cans! Place “attractive” trash cans in key areas in your parking lot and directly outside the entrance to your church. This will encourage everyone not to litter. Direct your Parking Lot team to assign a trash rotation to change out the liner every 30 minutes or per hour based on use. Note: resist the urge to place marketing materials on the windshields of cars. Allow your Greeters to provide this material to guests upon entrance to the building.
14. Timing is everything! On New Years Eve, if it is going to take your guests more than 30 minutes to vacate your parking lot, consider having fireworks as a sure fire way to keep them entertained and distracted from the fact that it is taking 30 minutes to vacate the parking lot. Also consider setting up a beverage station outside and providing complimentary cups of coffee, hot chocolate, coloring books and crayons for kids, or apple cider so that your guests will be comfortable in their cars while waiting to depart.
15. Use Signage! Upon departure, have your marketing team create signs that are placed in the parking lot thanking your guests for visiting and encouraging them to return. Have a volunteer dressed as a favorite character at the exit and wave goodbye and pass out candy suckers to all the cars. This will be one last final touch that I guarantee will make a lasting FIRST IMPRESSION!
Robin Ware is the President of the Ware Agency ATLANTA. Here agency works with churches and small business owners to operate in excellence. Learn more about her at www.thewareagency.com.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Partner Appreciation at the dReam Center church
left: Joanne Thomas
left: Joanne "running" and Pastor Murphy running behind her.
left: Shouting John nominees
left: Our Executive Team
below - Dr. Kristie Roberts with her Partner of the Year award.
left: Joanne "running" and Pastor Murphy running behind her.
left: Shouting John nominees
left: Our Executive Teambelow - Dr. Kristie Roberts with her Partner of the Year award.
We had a fabulous time last month at my church. We took the time out of a service and honored some of our partners (we don't call our partners members. Partners take ownership and share in the risk and reward of belonging. Members just belong and don't
take ownership. They come and go at will...ok - I know but it's real)...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
My day at American Girl
Incredible.
Excellence Matters...!
Excellence Matters...!
Robin M. Ware
Register for the 2008 Excellence Conference NOW!! The dates are
November 13-15, 2008. Go to www.thewareagency.com to REGISTER.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Photo Shoot
I love Twitter! Don't know what Twitter is? Go to www.twitter.com . It's the latest online social networking but it's for adults (big kids)!!!! Check it out! If you join, please follow me. Once you check it out you'll know what I mean by saying please follow me.
Robin
Robin
Monday, September 29, 2008
Nov. 13th - Professional Photo Shoot
As a part of my Excellence Conference I am hosting my 3rd Professional Photo Shoot. These photo shoots are incredible! If you have never had the opportunity to parcipate in a professional photo shoot with hair, makeup and styling, you don't know what you are missing!
Let me tell you, this is a seed that I sow along with some other ministry minded friends. With that stated, the fee is only $350 for one person and $500 for a couple. You can't beat it. Reach out to my offices for more information or to register!!!!
The Ware Agency ATLANTA
678.618.6264
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