Team building is important for any company and is one of the best ways to ensure that you have a cohesive team that knows how to work together to meet company goals and create a productive, effective work environment. While it is important for staff members who work together in close proximity each day to get along well and know each other’s strengths, team building is particularly important for companies that operate from a number of sites. If these sites are located in different areas of the country or state, this becomes even more crucial for your success.

Large corporations with multiple sites can benefit from quarterly or annual team building experiences that take place in a central location. While bringing thousands of employees together in one location may not be a viable option for all companies, hosting a centrally located retreat that groups together staff members in each geographical location is an effective option that will prove beneficial to the overall health of your company. Firms with numerous staff members scattered around the country or around the globe may also want to consider virtual team building experiences using video conferencing technologies.

Of course, for small and mid-sized companies, in-person team building experiences will always be the most effective option and can even include simple exercises that are incorporated into regularly scheduled meetings or events.

Success is often in the small details. What things do you make note of when you visit a location as a potential corporate meeting place? Before you go onsite, evaluate your client’s needs, size of the group, and any special needs that need to be addressed.

Make your appointment for the site inspection and make notes about everything. Have a site inspection checklist ready with important points you want to observe or cover in the evaluation of the venue. Here are a few examples:

• the overall condition of the facility- What is your first impression?
• carpets – Are they in good condition and clean?
• furniture – Is it shabby, worn, or does it smell of cigarettes?
• conference rooms – What is the feel of the room? Is it big enough to suite your client’s needs? Don’t forget to look up; lighting can be critical.
• rooms – Ask to see the best and worst rooms available. Make sure your client isn’t booked into one of the worst rooms. Check the room out thoroughly and don’t forget to check out the bathroom. Turn on the shower and note the water pressure.

Other points such as wireless Internet, teleconferencing capabilities, and audio visual needs will also be covered in the inspection in addition to overall cost.