Moving through the approval and implementation process of a Strategic Meetings Management program can seem like you are moving at the pace of a snail! As the leader of the SMMP you need to keep the momentum of positive progress moving forward!  

You need to be persistent about the progress you are making even if it is slower than you had hoped. Sometimes we are overly optimistic when planning timelines for implementation; not taking into consideration the time for internal approvals, beta testing of new processes or training for those using new models and tools.

Don't let these things undermine your laser focus on the ultimate goals and objectives for your Strategic Meetings Management program. For that matter, any new program or process that you are working on implementing even if it is not an SMM, can benefit from the progress positive and productive. Here are some best practices to keep your progress productive:

• Stay focused on the end goals of your SMM such as saving money for your organization, mitigating risk, controlling corporate messaging, and improving productivity and meeting outcomes
• Celebrate all of your successes! Not just the huge milestones, but celebrate the short term, incremental successes which can seem relatively insignificant. This "small wins" are immensely important in keeping the morale of your team high
• Keep the dialogue alive with your key stakeholders. Meet with them periodically so you can share your progress and successes
• If you are hitting unexpected roadblocks, develop a plan and reach out to your executive sponsor for support
• Don't be afraid to ask for new ideas and help from any number of people. Your staff, suppliers, clients and leadership can all provide insight and support to keep the program moving ahead