Want to be known as the go-to expert in your field? Then read on and find out how to host your very own seminars and workshops!
Not only are seminars and workshops great networking opportunities, but if you host your own seminars where you offer insights to a group of people, you’ll be known as an expert in your field and you’ll be able to convert a lot of prospects into clients.
Let’s think about hosting a seminar of about 100 people. Since the people attending will be in an environment where they are receiving information with no obligation, they’ll be more open to talking and engaging with you because they see you as a trustworthy person. Giving people information and not expecting anything back is a very powerful tool.
Gary Vaynerchuk- who is a serial entrepreneur, did this really well when he set up a website and tried to sell wine online. In his first year he didn’t make many sales, but then he started producing educational videos about wine online. People thought that viewers would watch these videos but then continue to buy their wine elsewhere, but he bet on the fact that by giving out this free educational information, people would find him trustworthy and then buy his wine. His result? Massive success!
Hosting a seminar uses a similar principle. The only difference is that it’s face to face. You can speak to the group and then afterwards you can network with those people and develop business relationships. They’ll trust you because you provided a safe environment where they could learn, talk to other like-minded people and also to you.
Out of a seminar of about 100 people you’ll most probably be able to convert about 50 of these individuals into meeting with you afterwards. This method might take a bit of time and organising, but if you want to experience success then you need to put in the effort.
Workshops require a person’s undivided attention. And if they’ve taken the time to come and see you, then you’re already halfway there. For an entire hour or more, these people will be paying attention to you and only you. And by the end of the workshop, you’ll be the expert that they want to work with.
Tips for hosting workshops and seminars:
- Prospects sign up faster when they experience you in person: Hosting a workshop or seminar on your topic of expertise is a sure way to show that you know what you’re talking about. The people attending will be able to chat to you in a comfortable and neutral environment, where they aren’t pressured to buy from you immediately. Use this time to get to know potential clients, and then arrange to meet with them for a one-on-one afterwards.
- Give them useful information: A nice way of being remembered after the workshop is done is to create worksheets or brochures for attendees to take home. Include your contact information and links to your website and social media channels.
- Educate, educate, educate: Hosting a seminar shouldn’t be a way for you to make a quick buck. Your number one priority here should be to educate attendees, and provide as much helpful (and free) information as you can! Should you do a good enough job here, the sales will come later…
- Make sure that you share your social media information: By now you should know the importance of social media, so when you host a seminar make sure to integrate social media into your communications strategy, and ask all attendees to leave positive reviews for you on social media after the event.
