How To Choose A Team Building Company
If you are looking for a team building company, we hope that you’ll choose to work with Wildly Different. We know you have choices, however, and we encourage you to do your due diligence to ensure the team building company you select is the right fit! So, how do you choose from among the many team building companies populating the internet? Consider…
Team Building Event Companies, Attributes To Consider
Reputation
There’s an old saying that it’s not what you know, but who you know. Ask people for referrals. If you don’t know of anyone who has used a team building event company, read online reviews. Other ways to measure reputation include evaluating which companies have hired the company you’re considering. Also check what the company’s qualifications are, if they’ve won awards, and what professional organizations they are affiliated with. Lastly, ask for references from at least three different organizations the this company has worked for, preferably those who have done the same or similar team building event you’re considering hosting for your group.
How long they’ve been in business
Corporate team building companies that have been in business for a while are a big indication of success. But, if a company is new, that does not necessarily mean they should not be considered. Instead of measuring their success in years, ask them the tough questions, so you can evaluate if they do indeed know what they’re doing and if they have what it takes to deliver what you’re looking for. Ask them to walk you through how their events work. What would they do should a problem arise? Throw a worst-case scenario at them. If they don’t have quick answers, buyer beware – team building event companies often have to pivot quickly on-site when factors outside of their control arise and you want a company that knows how to manage them when they do.
Overall vibe
Look at their marketing, website, social media, proposals, etc. Is it professional, visually appealing, with proper spelling and grammar? How they represent themselves is a reflection on how well they will represent you during the event. Does the personality they project jibe with the type of team building event you’re looking for? For instance, at Wildly Different, our team building events focus on play-based activities that connect people with one another, different team dynamics and your message. If you’re looking for a serious, facilitated team building activity that will metamorphosize your company, you would be better suited to search for a serious professional facilitator or trainer instead.
Your goals and objectives
Know what you’d like the outcome of your team building event to be. Ask the team building company for their suggestions that will deliver it. Do their offerings make sense for what you’re trying to achieve? Does the team building company understand your goals?
Actions
Anyone can tell you what a great job they will do, including team building vendors. But, the old adage, “actions speak louder than words” is a real indicator on if they’ll deliver on their promise. How quickly do they respond to your inquiry and subsequent emails? Do they take the time to ensure your questions are answered and pay attention to detail? Do they offer a chance to speak/meet with you, if requested? If so, how well do they present themselves to you in how they look, speak and act?
Budget
Prices vary from team building company to team building company. Know what you are paying for, focusing on what is and is not included, the team building company’s expertise, and their professionalism. Keep in mind that you may be able to get an inexpensive program that suits your needs just fine. Sometimes not. Know what the difference is when weighing up price vs. value and know when and what you will sacrifice if facing a choice between dollars and a quality experience.
Terms
Ensure the team building company you choose is able to work within the confines of your requirements. For instance, some companies require vendors to sign their contract instead of you signing theirs. Do they accept your payment terms and how it’s paid? What is the cancelation policy – an especially important question that has reared its head since the COVID pandemic. Check the fine print before signing to ensure you are happy with the terms and ask if they are willing to work with you if you are not.
Your team building vendor company’s team
“Team” does not only come into play when you’re talking about the team-building event. It also applies to your contacts at the team building company. A big part of which team building company to choose will be based on the service you received from your salesperson. But it doesn’t stop there. You also need to evaluate your event manager. Do they make themselves available to you prior to your event? Will you get to speak with them to ensure you are comfortable with them and all of their planning before the event, should you wish? Being simpatico with your contacts is essential for all to come together and create the perfect team-building event.
End result
Hopefully, after all this due diligence, you are happy with your choice of team building events company and they do a great job for you. If so, ask if they travel if your next team building event is in a different city and use them again! There’s great peace of mind working with a team building company you know will deliver for you, so give them an opportunity to bid again on your next team building event wherever it may be.
Wildly Different
