Be Event Centric

Be Event Centric.

I know…what does that mean Ray?

Let me backup…

Direct questions:

• Want a better network? 
• Would you like to be in rooms with your mentors? 
• Ever wonder why the wealthy are always having parties?

Host an event…regularly.

Even if you are an introvert you can do this…

Today’s newsletter is more tactical. Let’s get going.

Myths.

First, let’s do some myth busting. I want to handle those objections before we dive in…

Myth: Hosting Events Is Only for Large Businesses

Reality: Events can be beneficial for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small business or a solo entrepreneur, hosting events can help you connect with your audience, showcase your expertise, and build meaningful relationships.

Myth: Events Are Expensive and Require a Large Budget

Reality: While some events can be costly, there are plenty of budget-friendly options. Virtual events, local meetups, or collaborating with partners can significantly reduce expenses. Creativity and strategic planning can make hosting events affordable.

Myth: Only Extroverts Make Successful Event Hosts

Reality: Successful event hosting is not exclusive to extroverts. Introverts can excel by focusing on their strengths, such as detailed planning, creating engaging content, and fostering one-on-one connections. Both personality types bring unique qualities to event hosting.

Myth: Events Are One-Time Marketing Efforts

Reality: Successful event hosting is often a series of efforts. Consistency is key, whether it's hosting regular webinars, meetups, or annual conferences. Building a community around your events requires ongoing engagement and communication.

Myth: Events Only Benefit the Host, Not Attendees

Reality: Well-organized events provide value to attendees, not just hosts. Attendees gain knowledge, networking opportunities, and a sense of community. A positive attendee experience can lead to increased brand loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Myth: Virtual Events Lack Engagement Compared to In-Person Events

Reality: Virtual events can offer high engagement when planned effectively. Incorporating interactive elements like live Q&A sessions, polls, and virtual networking can create a dynamic and engaging experience for participants.

Myth: Hosting Events Is Only About Selling Products or Services

Reality: While events can contribute to sales, they are also about building relationships, providing valuable content, and establishing your brand as an industry authority. Focusing solely on sales can undermine the potential for long-term success.

Debunking these myths will help you approach your role with a more realistic and strategic mindset.

Benefits.

Hosting events can be a powerful strategy for service professionals like yourself. It not only allows you to showcase your expertise but also brings several benefits. Remember, each event is an opportunity to not just sell but to engage and provide value, aligning with your approach of solving challenges rather than just selling.

Let's dive deeper into the benefits:

Brand Exposure:

• Targeted Marketing: Tailor event promotion to reach your specific audience, ensuring your brand is exposed to those most likely to benefit from your services.
• Media Coverage: Leverage events to attract media attention, enhancing your brand exposure through local news, blogs, or industry publications.
• Social Media Buzz: Encourage attendees to share their experiences on social media, amplifying your brand's reach and creating a digital buzz.

Networking Opportunities:

• Strategic Guest List: Curate a guest list that includes potential clients, industry influencers, and collaborators, maximizing networking opportunities.
• Interactive Sessions: Design interactive sessions or workshops to facilitate meaningful conversations and connections among attendees.
• Follow-Up Strategies: Implement effective follow-up strategies post-event to nurture the connections made and turn them into long-term relationships.

Positioning as an Expert:

• Educational Content: Incorporate educational elements into your events, demonstrating your expertise and providing valuable insights to attendees.
• Panel Participation: Include industry experts in panel discussions to reinforce your credibility and offer diverse perspectives.
• Consistent Thought Leadership: Extend your expert status beyond events by consistently sharing insights through blogs, podcasts, or other channels.

Engagement and Interaction:

• Q&A Sessions: Incorporate live Q&A sessions to encourage direct interaction with your audience, addressing their specific questions and concerns.
• Interactive Elements: Utilize technology like polls, surveys, or live chat to actively engage attendees during the event, fostering a dynamic experience.
• Networking Platforms: Explore virtual or physical networking platforms to facilitate connections among attendees, enhancing overall engagement.

Content Creation:

• Multimedia Content: Capture event highlights through photos, videos, or podcasts, creating diverse and shareable content for post-event marketing.
• Blog Recap: Craft a comprehensive blog post summarizing key takeaways, insights, and memorable moments from the event to share with a wider audience.
• Repurposing Materials: Repurpose event content into various formats, such as infographics, articles, or social media snippets, extending the lifespan of your content.

Lead Generation:

• Opt-In Incentives: Offer exclusive content or resources as incentives for attendees to provide their contact information, boosting your lead generation efforts.
• Post-Event Surveys: Gather feedback through post-event surveys to understand attendee needs better and identify potential leads for follow-up.
• Personalized Follow-Up: Tailor follow-up communication based on attendee interactions during the event, creating a more personalized and effective approach.

Community Building:

• Exclusive Community Forums: Establish a dedicated online forum or group for event attendees to continue discussions, share insights, and foster a sense of community.
• Regular Updates: Provide regular updates and relevant content to your event community, keeping them engaged and connected between events.
• Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge and reward active community members, cultivating a positive and supportive atmosphere around your brand.

Tools.

Here are some free tools you can leverage to jumpstart your social media efforts for event promotion:

Canva:

• Purpose: Graphic Design
• How to Use: Create eye-catching event posters, social media banners, and promotional graphics with Canva's user-friendly design templates.

Buffer:

• Purpose: Social Media Scheduling
• How to Use: Schedule posts across different social media platforms in advance, ensuring consistent and timely promotion leading up to the event.

Eventbrite:

• Purpose: Event Registration and Promotion
• How to Use: Create and promote your events for free on Eventbrite, allowing attendees to register and share the event with their networks.

SurveyMonkey:

• Purpose: Post-Event Surveys
• How to Use: Collect feedback from attendees to understand their experience and gather insights for improvement, enhancing future events.

Facebook Live:

• Purpose: Live Streaming
• How to Use: Utilize Facebook Live to broadcast behind-the-scenes content, Q&A sessions, or event teasers, engaging your audience in real-time.

Bitly:

• Purpose: Link Shortening and Tracking
• How to Use: Shorten event URLs for cleaner promotion and track click-through rates to measure the effectiveness of your social media posts.

Google Forms:

• Purpose: Surveys and Feedback
• How to Use: Create customized event feedback forms to gather insights from attendees, helping you refine future events.

Instagram Stories:

• Purpose: Visual Storytelling
• How to Use: Leverage Instagram Stories to share event highlights, countdowns, and sneak peeks, creating anticipation and engagement.

Mailchimp:

• Purpose: Email Marketing
• How to Use: Build an email list and send event updates, reminders, and exclusive content to your audience, complementing your social media efforts.

These tools offer a range of functionalities to enhance your social media strategy for event promotion without requiring a financial investment.

Email Template:

Subject: Exciting Partnership Opportunity for [Event Name]

Dear [Partner's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am reaching out to you with an exciting opportunity that I believe aligns perfectly with the values and goals of [Partner's Business Name].

I am in the process of organizing a [Type of Event] named [Event Name], scheduled to take place on [Date] in [Location]. The aim of this event is to [Brief Description of Event Purpose and Goals], and I am impressed with the positive impact [Partner's Business Name] has made in the community.

We are currently seeking strong and community-oriented partners to host this event, and I believe that [Partner's Business Name] would be an excellent fit. Hosting [Event Name] at your venue would not only provide exposure for your business but also offer an opportunity to actively engage with our shared community.

Here are a few key benefits of partnering with us:

- Increased Visibility: [Partner's Business Name] will be prominently featured in all promotional materials and marketing campaigns leading up to the event.

- Community Engagement: Hosting the event at your venue allows for direct interaction with attendees, fostering a positive connection with potential customers.

- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other local businesses and professionals attending the event, creating valuable relationships within the community.

I would love to discuss this opportunity further with you. Could we schedule a brief meeting tomorrow or [another day] to explore how [Partner's Business Name] and [Event Name] can collaborate for mutual success?

Thank you for considering this partnership opportunity. I am looking forward to the possibility of working together to make [Event Name] a remarkable and memorable experience for all.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Position]

[Your Contact Information]

Action Items:

Create Engaging Visual Content:

• Action Item: Use Canva or a similar tool to design eye-catching visuals for your upcoming event. This could include event posters, social media banners, or graphics that highlight key information. Share these visuals across your social media platforms to start generating excitement.

Schedule Social Media Posts:

• Action Item: Utilize Buffer or another tool to schedule a series of social media posts leading up to the event. Plan a mix of promotional content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and countdown posts to keep your audience engaged consistently. Ensure that these posts align with your overall event marketing strategy.

Set Up Event Registration:

• Action Item: If you haven't already, create and promote your event on platforms like Eventbrite. Set up an easy registration process for attendees. Share the registration link across your social media channels and encourage your audience to sign up. This not only helps in managing attendance but also provides a way to communicate directly with potential attendees.

Friends...I challenge you to take immediate action and kickstart your event promotion efforts and build momentum for a successful event and an expansive business.

Thank you for reading.

I hope you found value in this. 

Please share with anyone this can help.