With so much emphasis on technology these days, the power of in-person events is often overlooked. With the rise of AI, people are now become more distrustful of online resources; so now is the perfect time for you to jump on the opportunity to host your prospective clients in real life.
Whether you’re planning something fun (ax throwing, paint & sip, wine and cheese nights, etc.) or an educational gathering (traditional lunch & learn style), hosting live events can be a game-changer for your business, and I’ll tell you how in this article. Let’s explore how live events can help you build your list and create a bulletproof lead nurturing strategy.
Build Your List And Expand Your Network
Live events are a fantastic opportunity to build your list and expand your network. Imagine being the thought leader in a room filled with your ideal clients. When you bring your leads together in person, you create the perfect environment for networking. Connecting with these potential clients face-to-face is much more effective than trying to make a first impression from their cluttered feeds and inboxes.
Give yourself the opportunity to have a proper introduction that makes you stand out from your competition. Then, leverage your event for list-building by offering incentives for the attendees; you could ask them to sign up for your newsletter or follow you on social media. You can provide exclusive content, discounts, or giveaways to encourage them to join your community.
This not only helps you enhance your online presence but also creates a pool of engaged individuals who are eager to learn from you and support your business. After the event, they will remember you and you can start to nurture those leads from there.
Nurture Your Existing List And Strengthen Relationships
After you’ve converted your attendees into email subscribers and followers, the next step is to nurture those leads. Be sure you’re nurturing your leads before your in-person event takes place. But of course, remember to invite your list to your event – it’s an opportunity for your current audience to meet you in person, learn from you directly, and build a deeper connection with you and your brand.
As a managed service provider, you want to stand out from your competition as much as possible. You know how great your services are, but it’s hard to convey that to your prospects from behind a screen. Take advantage of live events to make an impression on the people who are already interested in your services; then seal the deal by offering exclusive perks or early bird discounts to your existing list members.
This not only shows appreciation for their support, but it also gives them a sense of belonging and exclusivity. Again, you want to stand out as much as possible against your competitors, and these benefits will incentivize your list to take that next step with you instead of someone else who’s been emailing them.
During the event, make an effort to engage with everyone, answer their questions, and provide valuable content and experiences tailored to their needs. This will further deepen the bond between you and your audience, which you’ll need later when you begin to secure them as customers.
Capture The Magic Of Your Event
Hosting a live event opens up a treasure trove of content creation opportunities. While the event itself may last only a few hours, the content you generate from it can be used and reused for years to come. Let’s explore some ways you can repurpose your event content and make it work for you long after the event is over.
Video Recordings
Capture the essence of your event by recording it. You can edit and share these videos on social media platforms, your website, or even create a dedicated YouTube channel. These videos serve as valuable resources that can attract new audiences and provide a glimpse into the experience attendees had at your event. We’ve been playing with Descript, which is a simple-to-use video editing tool that makes content creation fast and easy.
Slide Decks
If you’re delivering presentations or workshops during your event, transform your slide decks into visually appealing infographics or downloadable resources. These can be shared on your website or used as lead magnets to attract new subscribers.
Testimonials
Collect testimonials from happy attendees and use them as social proof on your website, landing pages, or promotional materials. Testimonials add credibility and demonstrate the value and impact of your event.
Blog Posts And Articles
Take the content from your event and turn it into a series of blog posts or articles. Share key takeaways, insights, and actionable tips that your audience can benefit from. This not only provides value to your readers but also positions you as a knowledgeable authority in your field, which I’ll elaborate on next.
Establish Yourself As A Thought Leader
Hosting a live event offers an incredible opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader in your geography, industry, or niche. When you take the stage and share your knowledge, experiences, and insights, you showcase your expertise and earn the trust and respect of your audience. Face-to-face interactions are powerful, and people value the opportunity to engage with someone they’ve seen and heard speak in person.
To maximize your impact as a thought leader, I want you to take the time to craft engaging and informative presentations for your event. Share practical tips, real-life examples, and actionable advice that your audience can apply to their own lives or businesses.
Be open to questions and discussions and encourage interaction to create a dynamic and memorable experience. Remember that you’re the expert, so don’t be afraid to share your knowledge and show off those awesome services they can only get from you!
Make Your Event a Reality
Are you ready to bring your event ideas to life? Whether you’re planning a workshop, conference, or an evening of fun activities, I can guide you through the process and ensure that your event is a resounding success.