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I have been professional entertainer for over 10 years. I have learned from experience some of the things that make an event run well and some things to avoid. I would like to share some of this information with you to help you choose the correct entertainment for your event.First I am continually amazed at how much time, money and effort is put into selecting the menu, caterer, colors, arrangement of the centerpieces, location, and how secondary the choice of entertainment is. Here is an unvarnished truth. NOTHING AFFECTS THE SUCCESS OF YOUR PARTY, RECEPTION, DINNER OR EVENT MORE THAN THE ENTERTAINMENT YOU CHOOSE. – So do so carefully. To put it another way, no matter how much you spend on the food, venue, or decorations they soon be forgotten. But the entertainment will be remembered for a very long time. If you do not believe me, when was the last time you heard someone rave about the meal they had at an event three weeks later. Therefore, you need to choose your entertainment carefully. Your reputation depends on it.I will not be discussing hiring a band or DJ in any detail here; however, much of this can apply to them as well. Generally speaking bands and DJ are what are considered “background” entertainment. While these are important they will not have nearly the impact on your event that a professional act can have. In fact, as long as they play appropriate music that people like at the right times a simply “adequate” band or DJ and still allow everyone to have fun. However, an “entertainer”, who provides a successful show can literally have people laughing, and talking about the outstanding event WEEKS LATER.One of the first things you need to ask for when contacting a performer is a promo or promotional packet or at the very least a brochure. A promo packet will contain the following: a photo (or photos), a biography, a list of credentials including places he or she has performed, a list of clients he or she has successfully entertained, reviews of their act and testimonials from past clients.Review the material carefully, it is not uncommon in this business to list prestigious places the act has supposedly entertained when in truth they have not. If there is any doubt ask questions. Make sure they are being truthful with you.The most important item is a video or demo reel of the act. This may be provided on DVD but it is becoming more and more common to provide you a link to a website. This allows the performer to get the information to you more quickly and it also allows you and several others to review it independently.When you review the demo reel, watch it as if you were in the audience. Listen not only to the performance but also to the audience. Are they having a good time? Would you be having a good time if you were there? Be wary of video that is shot in a studio without an audience.Because your time is valuable, it is not uncommon for a demo reel to be edited for time. This is to give you as much of a feel for the show as possible in a short period of time. But at least should be able to have at least one good routine.I would recommend staying away from acts that contain “blue” or “risque” material. The audience on the demo reel may be laughing, and you might even think that it is funny, but an act with that type of material is bound to offend someone. As a result, it can reflect poorly on you as well as your company or organization.Once you have identified an entertainer or act you would like to book for your event, you need to sign a contract with them AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The best acts book their yearly calendar quickly. I can not tell you how many times I hear, “How soon do you need to know?” The answer for me and every other act in demand is a soon as you know. Often I have had a date open and then when they call back that date has been booked. Remember, you are hiring the best — others will be looking for the best as well!The cost of an entertainer varies. It is primarily related to the demand for the performer. And the best performers are in demand. As a rule, the best performers will be more expensive — as it should be. Many have made the mistake of hiring two inexpensive poorer acts instead of one quality act. Trying to make of for quality with quantity. Two poor acts will never compare to one great act. The money you spent on the two poorer acts is simply wasted.When you call a performer you will often be asked what is your budget. The reason is simply If you budget will not fit their price, they can do one of two things let you know right up front they are not a good fit. And they may be able to offer alternatives. The other option is if you are in the ball park their might be able to be make some adjustments to their show to fit within your budget. But you should not expect major swings in the price. Each performer knows what they are worth and in order to maintain a good reputation in the industry they have to maintain consistent pricing. To charge you less for your event than they charged their last group is simply a poor business practice.Once you have a contract with the entertainer make sure they provide you with a list of what they will need for a good performance, this is generally in the form of a tech rider to the contract. It will be a list of things they need to make their show runs smoothly. This will include things like a dressing area, stage size needed, microphone or sound requirements, the time they will need in order to set up for the show, etc. Getting this list of requirements early will save you from any last minute surprises like “not knowing that the act required a CD player”, or that “the audience should not have been seated at the sides of the performer”. The tech rider tells you what is needed to make the program run smoothly. If you cannot meet one or more of these requirements, let the performer know as soon as possible. It may not be a deal killer they may be able to simply adjust the show to account for the changes.Once you have met the requirements in the tech sheet, you can relax and rest assured that the show will run smoothly.Here are a three checklists to aid you through the process.CHECKLIST:Before contacting an entertainer:
___ 1. Location of the event
___ 2. Number of people attending the event.
___ 3. Performance area available (dance floor, stage, etc.)
___ 4. Availability of Sound system and Lighting
___ 5. Any other entertainment
___ 6. Performance to start time
___ 7. Other activities (e.g. award presentations or speeches)Things to find out:
___ 1. Number of years in business
___ 2. Experience
___ 3. Professional credentials, e.g. awards, and recognitions
___ 4. Availability5. Request:___ A. Promotional packet___ B. Demo reel___ C. Testimonials from previous clientsAfter Selection:
___ 1. Send performer directions to the event
___ 2. Send performer program and event information with the returned contract.
___ 3. Ask for copy of “Performance Requirements” or tech rider. Ensure you give copy to those handling the technical aspects of the show (lighting and sound people, hotel AV department, etc.)
___ 4. Call a week or two prior to event to go over last minute details. If the entertainer know these it may effect the show they approach the show — especially things like an addition of an “awards presentation”, a “speech by the company President” etc.

An Introduction to Investment Trusts – Emerging markets comparisonThe Investment trust landscape within emerging markets across the globe is a fascinating and diverse environment, offering long-term investors the opportunity to see significant returns. For example, reports from a range of Investment Trust managers indicate that over the past decade the average global emerging markets investment trust has returned 461pc (The Telegraph Online, 16/09/2011).It is argued that this is because emerging markets are currently in a much better position than their Western counterparts due to their typically higher fiscal reserves and lower levels of debt, as well as strong macroeconomic trends.Investing in emerging markets is therefore potentially advantageous through an investment trust. However it is important to remember that it is emerging market funds which are held only as part of a diverse investment portfolio that have seen the safest returns in recent times, primarily for investors who invest for the long-term.Here we take an introductory look at the Investment Trust landscape within a selection of key emerging markets.South America:Countries within South America have arguably seen the greatest change of all emerging markets and Investment Trust activity has grown recently.For example, the stock exchange integration between Colombia, Chile and Peru, which made it the second largest equity exchange in the region, has drastically altered the landscape within the region, especially as Mexico and other countries have also stated their desire to join.The major cities throughout the region are also increasingly showing signs of becoming key international destinations for business and tourism due to large-scale improvement in local infrastructure, a trend with the potential to yield economic benefits for foreign investors. For example, Colombia’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by about 6.0% year-on-year in 2011, while inflation ended 2011 at less than 4%, facilitating a generally optimistic economic outlook.Certain areas within the region also display a forward-thinking mind-set towards energy production and consumption with a focus on efficiency which, combined with significant growth in production volumes, should create a healthy future investment environment.South-east AsiaSouth East Asiahas experienced large scale economic change over the past decade. Providing the potential for real growth across many developing markets, this dynamic region has become an attractive modern investment arena.Economies in Southeast Asia have been growing faster than in many developed countries such as North America and Japan as well as nations within Western Europe. They have also outperformed many of their emerging market counterparts which has been reflected in a steady increase in Investment Trust activity throughout the area.This growth has been largely fuelled by the fact that Asian economies are rapidly increasing domestic consumption of a wide range of goods. Increased demand for core commodities from Asian industry has given a further boost and the growing demand is expected to continue the growth of industrial output, offering greater impetus for Investment Trust activity.For example, the Indonesian stock market was one of the best performing markets in 2011 – the MSCI Indonesia Index was up 6% in US dollar terms in 2011 – and this is predicted to continue through 2012-2013.This strong performance has been matched by Malaysia’s growth as a very attractive investment destination, particularly for consumer and commodity stocks. As a result of sound fiscal policy, stable macroeconomic fundamentals and continued demand of natural resources, the long-term outlook for the country appears both resilient and positive.Thailand also appears to be healthy and the economic recovery in good condition. The key to this economic growth has been maintenance of the country’s substantial agricultural resources, exploitation of offshore gas reserves, as well as well-established and highly successful manufacturing and tourism industries.As a whole, South East Asia, like South America, will also benefit from the continued increase in infrastructure quality within each nation and this development will feed into each country within the region. This should mean that investment into a well-managed and regionally experienced Trust will yield strong returns.ChinaChina is the world’s most populous country and remains one of the fastest-growing major economies.Consumerism has experienced colossal growth in the modern era as per capita income has increased. This vast demand for consumer goods and services ensures that the earnings growth outlook for managed investment is extremely positive. China’s foreign reserves are also the largest in the world, making it less vulnerable to external financial downturns. Combined with the fact that inflationary pressures have continued to ease in China and the industrial sector is still recording strong growth, means that international investors remain attracted to China’s booming economy and continue to increase their activity.Commodity stocks are the obvious attraction as the global demand for commodities is expected to continue its long-term growth and as such commodity prices will continue to rise due to continued demand and supply constraints associated with the area.IndiaA weak rupee means that there is currently an inflation risk but this also makes India more competitive in the global landscape. Some companies have been negatively impacted while others, like exporters, benefit from higher foreign earnings.If foreign investment in India increases then the strength of the rupee would rise and this appears to have been stimulated by a governmental decision to allow in excess of 50% ownership of foreign companies in the retail area.However, general weakness in global equities and the fact that the Indian market is somewhat more expensive than other emerging markets, means that large investment flows into the country could be inhibited in the near to mid-term. This adds to the general volatility of the Indian marketplace and as investors around the globe are seeking to move their money into assets they perceive to be safe due to the global financial climate, predicting future Investment Trust activity in India is challenging.

Today’s busy world leaves us no time to do our own things and thus we have started to rely on others for the completion of our duties. This is true for organizing our travel plans as there are numerous travel agents who are available to help us but you will understand that planning our own vacation can be rewarding and an experience in itself. Of course, arranging your own travel plans is definitely stressful and also involves a lot of confusion but with the wide availability of the internet, you can be sure of creating the best trip for you and your family. The key to organizing a good travel plan includes being organized, educating yourself on the different kinds of travel and also taking into consideration the time and money you are working with.Be OrganizedThe first step to start off your travel arrangements is to be organized. You need to keep track of the arrangements which you are making and you can do the same by researching and recording the details in a notebook or a computer file. If your travel includes air, train and bus or any of the two, you have to make connections so as to make it to the final destination. Make sure that you keep your notes handy which will prove useful anytime you have to search for a travel type or the travel time. Also, make sure you record all kinds of necessary information when you come across it so that you can refer back to the same at any given point of time. Also, write down all the relevant details regarding the destination so that you do not have to go back to the internet over and over again to decide about the routes.Carry Out Your Own ResearchRummage through all the websites which provide you information on airlines and flights and do it all together so that you can compare all the flight details and can create the list of all the relevant one for your travel. Most of these websites allow you to put in the approximate date of travel, time of your return journey and the destination so that you can easily get the information on the flights which are scheduled for those dates and also the possible rates for the journey. Once you have decided on your destination, you can get information on the off season and booking your tickets in the off season will be very helpful as you can save hundreds of dollars in this matter.Be EconomicalMany airlines have introduced the frequent-flier miles option and taking advantage of such programs will certainly prove beneficial in the long run and you can save your hard-earned money in this matter. You can find all these special deals on the official website, so do not forget to cash in on all these offers.

A Lean Six Sigma practitioner can use the structure of different methodologies, such as DMAIC, in coaching an individual for operational excellence, even if the organization’s focus is shifting from process improvement to culture improvement. Any Lean Six Sigma methodology can still be used to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to support individuals in achieving operational excellence. However, the focus of the coaching may shift to an emphasis on developing soft skills, such as effective communication and problem-solving, that are necessary for achieving operational excellence in a culture improvement context. The coach may also need to adapt their approach to better support individuals in developing these skills by using various tools and techniques, providing active listening and support, and encouraging introspective reflection and growth.

DMAIC

DMAIC is a problem-solving methodology commonly used in Six Sigma and other continuous improvement initiatives. It stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. This approach can also be applied to performance-based coaching, with each of the five phases corresponding to a different step in the coaching process (Harry, 2010). Defining is the first step. In this step, the coach and the person being coached work together to determine the performance goal and identify specific areas that need improvement. This could involve conducting a thorough assessment of the person’s current skills and abilities and discussing their long-term goals and objectives.

Once the performance goal has been defined, the next step is to measure the person’s current level of performance. This could involve collecting data through various means, such as observing their performance in a real-world setting, conducting assessments, or asking for feedback from others. The following phase involves the coach and the individual being taught looking for patterns or trends in the data gathered in the step before. This could involve looking for areas where the person is performing exceptionally well or poorly and considering why this might be the case.

The next step is to improve. Following identifying the areas that require development, the coach and the individual receiving coaching collaborate to create a strategy to enhance performance. This could involve setting specific goals and objectives and identifying any resources or support needed to help the person achieve their goals. To guarantee that the person is moving toward their performance objectives, the coach and the person being coached jointly monitor and assess the person’s progress in the last phase, control. This could involve conducting regular check-ins and assessments to track their progress and making necessary adjustments to the improvement plan.

PDCA

PDCA is another problem-solving methodology that is commonly used in continuous improvement initiatives. It stands for Plan, Do, Check, and Act. Like DMAIC, this approach can also be applied to performance-based coaching, with each of the four phases corresponding to a different step in the coaching process. The plan is the first step. In this step, the coach and the person being coached work together to define the performance goal and develop a plan for achieving it. This could involve conducting a thorough assessment of the person’s current skills and abilities and discussing their long-term goals and objectives. The plan should be specific and measurable and include any resources or support needed to help the person achieve their goals.

Once the plan has been developed, the next step is to implement it. This could involve implementing the various elements of the project, such as setting specific goals and objectives, providing training and support, and monitoring the person’s progress.

In the check step, the coach and the individual receiving coaching track and assess the person’s advancement toward their performance objectives. This could involve conducting regular check-ins and assessments to track their progress and making necessary adjustments to the plan. The coach and the individual receiving coaching utilize the data acquired during the checking phase to make any required modifications to the plan in the last stage. This could involve adjusting the person’s goals and objectives, providing additional support or resources, or making other changes to help the person continue progressing towards their performance goals.

A3

An A3 methodology is a problem-solving approach that originated in the Toyota Production System and is now commonly used in various industries. It involves using a specific template, known as an A3 report, to document and communicate the problem-solving process. Like DMAIC and PDCA, this approach can also be applied to performance-based coaching, with each step in the A3 process corresponding to a different phase in the coaching process (George, 2010). The first step is to define the problem. In this step, the coach and the person being coached work together to determine the performance goal and identify specific areas that need improvement. This could involve conducting a thorough assessment of the person’s current skills and abilities and discussing their long-term goals and objectives.

The second phase entails looking at the underlying reasons. After the performance objective has been established, the following stage is to look at the underlying reasons for any issues or difficulties the person is experiencing. This could involve collecting data through various means, such as observing their performance in a real-world setting, conducting assessments, or asking for feedback from others. Developing countermeasures is the next step. In this step, the coach and the person being coached develop a plan to improve their performance. This could involve setting specific goals and objectives and identifying any resources or support needed to help the person achieve their goals.

Implementing and verifying the countermeasures is the next step. Once the improvement plan has been developed, it is implemented. This could involve implementing the various elements of the plan, such as providing training and support and monitoring the person’s progress. The third stage, follow-up, involves the coach and the individual being coached monitoring and assessing the person’s development to make sure they are moving toward their performance goals. This could involve conducting regular check-ins and assessments to track their progress and making any necessary adjustments to the plan]

Kata

A kata methodology is a structured approach to improvement, and problem-solving originated in the Toyota Production System. It involves regularly practicing specific, pre-defined steps or “katas” to develop a habit of continuous learning and improvement. This approach can also be applied to performance-based coaching, with each step in the kata process corresponding to a different phase in the coaching process.

Finding a goal is the first step. The coach and the individual receiving coaching define the performance objective and particular areas that require improvement in this stage. This could involve conducting a thorough assessment of the person’s current skills and abilities and discussing their long-term goals and objectives. The next step is to gather data. Once the performance goal has been defined, the next step is to gather data that can help to inform the coaching process. This could involve collecting information through various means, such as observing the person’s performance in a real-world setting, conducting assessments, or asking for feedback from others.

The following stage is to find patterns and trends. To find any patterns or trends in the data gathered in the previous stage, the coach and the individual receiving coaching evaluate it in this step. This could involve looking for areas where the person is performing exceptionally well or poorly and considering why this might be the case.

Developing and implementing a plan is the next step. Having determined the areas for improvement, the coach and the individual receiving coaching collaborate to create a plan. Setting clear objectives and targets and determining any necessary resources or assistance might be part of this process. The last stage is to review and modify the plan. To ensure the person is moving toward their performance objectives, the coach and the person being coached monitor and assess their progress in the last phase. This can entail monitoring their progress with frequent check-ins and assessments and modifying the improvement plan as needed.

In conclusion, all the above methodologies – DMAIC, PDCA, A3, and kata – can effectively apply to performance-based coaching. Each approach provides a structured and well-defined framework for identifying performance goals, gathering data, analyzing problems, developing improvement plans, and monitoring and evaluating progress. By aligning these methodologies to the steps in the coaching process, coaches and the people they are coaching can work together to achieve their performance goals proactively and effectively.

Over two decades work experience in a Government Agency. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, trained Master Black Belt. Lean Six Sigma Trainer and Project Coach. Over a decade experience in Process Improvement. Experience in leading the organization department responsible for Policy and Procedures; Finance Manager; Lead Maintenance Manager for 1 million square foot processing facility. Operational Excellence facilitator and Executive Coach.