Was Your Event A Success?

It’s easy to ensure your event is a success – if you know exactly what you want to get out of it.

Yet, too often, we commit our businesses to an event without knowing exactly what we want to achieve. It’s a bit like throwing a party and hoping someone will come. Someone……… please come!

There is nothing wrong with wanting to get “something” out of it, you know. When you are in business, events are an important part of our activities. Both online or in the physical world.

Are You A Keynote Player in this Event?

First, are you a “keynote” player. Is it YOUR event, or are you attending as a participant? If you are a participant, what is your level of participation and how are you going to exercise that role?

Your Own Events

YOUR own events – promote and invite others to attend. You know what you want to achieve. If you don’t know, don’t have an event until you do!

• Planning is key – location, venue, time, topic, audience – so you can focus on the desired outcome.
• Promotion is key – email, Facebook, Twitter, phone calls, paid advertising all have a part to play.
• Timing is key – allow sufficient time for people to respond.
• Be mindful of holidays and other events. Don’t promote too late and in a tone of desperation.
• Preparation is key – have a format to follow and stick to it.
• Check out the physical venue beforehand, to make sure it is appropriate for your audience.

Participating in Events.

PARTICIPATING events – where you are a keynote player,  you definitely can, and should, promote the event. Invite others to attend. Whether you have been invited or paid to display your business, promotion is essential.  If you are one of the speakers, promote, promote, promote.

Have a clear game plan in mind, and know who you want to meet, what you want to learn, whether this event is the correct forum for getting that “whatever”.

• Support the organizers by promoting your participation
• Respond tactfully to advice from the organizers on what you can and cannot say about the event
• Be respectful of their game plan, and their desired outcomes are, as well as your own.

Attending events as a ‘non-keyperson’ 

ATTENDING events – whether paying to attend or it’s free, be respectful of the organizers and their intended outcomes.  It’s not likely you need to put yourself front and centre, without a very clear and valid reason.

• Don’t hog the microphone during a Q&A session. Neither should you make long rambling introductions, which are really just an excuse for putting your own point of view
• Introduce yourself politely to other guests to encourage conversation and networking.
• Don’t stand where you block others from accessing the food, the drink, or the doorways.
• Get a conversation going by asking other guests “What is your unique selling proposition? What makes your business stand out?”

Be Recognised as a “Good Guest”

Have a clear idea of what YOU need to get, for the event to be a success for YOU.  Within those boundaries, you will find it easy to be recognized as a great Host and a great Guest.

Never be afraid to ask your Event Host (if it’s not your own event) what they would like FROM YOU. They are likely to be grateful for the extra promotion and participation.

Being a good Guest lead to your invitations to be a Keynote Player. Then, you have more opportunity for promotion of your own business.

Being a Good Guest Brings Rewards

Being a Good Guest definitely help you when you host YOUR own events.  Good guests are usually good hosts. Your behaviour as a guest will  encourage more attendees at YOUR events.

Be a good Event Guest. Be friendly, supportive, encouraging. Smile a lot. Be prepared to listen and ask questions. You will be amazed at what rewards will come your way.

You might even get on TV.  CLICK TO VIEW