So many entrepreneurs have such valuable content to share, have created solutions to others’ problems, or have created a system or process that others need to know about. An online workshop is one way to share content and build your client base at the same time. Those “one and done” courses take a lot of time, money, and energy. Instead, what about using an online workshop to help you build and create a system that can run on autopilot?
Knowing how to optimize online events is one of the superpowers of Entrepreneurs HQ co-founder, Liam Austin, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing for Generate Paying Clients Fast, Consistently & On Autopilot By Hosting A Virtual Workshop.
Below are the online workshop questions that many entrepreneurs wrestle with (and these were a few of the questions that I asked Liam):
How do I create a profitable strategy for my online events?
What is the best marketing strategy for filling events with the right clients?
How do I systemize my tasks to make better use of my time?
How important is market research in launching events?
Do titles of programs really matter?
Create Quick Wins For Paying Attendees
Liam shared a proven strategy he uses for 90-minute “quick win / results” workshops online. These are not FREE workshops. He advised that entrepreneurs charge a fee to participate and the expectation is that you as the host, in the very beginning of the workshop, provide your audience with a win. The importance of charging a fee is that it adds value to what you are delivering and helps increase the turn out rate.
As Liam explained the quick win strategy to online workshops, he shared some helpful tips such as including the win in the title of the workshop and, of course, in the marketing copy for the online workshop. He suggested that when you are deciding the quick win to include in your online workshop, you can begin by thinking about a strategy, tip or action that the workshop attendees can actually complete in the class with you (Liam stated the earlier into the class, the better). That way they experience an early win.
I did this recently in a live event where I was teaching how to connect with potential collaboration partners or sponsors on LinkedIn. I put two options of our Raide a Dream script on the slides for the audience to see (and I provided the script via a link so they didn’t have to type it; they could save the link and download so they also have it for future use… that’s a win). Then the attendees found 5 people they wanted to connect with on LinkedIn. I provided time for them to modify the script and send connection requests. This was a win because they had already completed a task as one step in the strategy. There was also a big win when a couple of attendees announced they received a response right there during the class.
Help Clients Experience Your Expertise
Now, if you’re considering what a quick win or result could be in a virtual workshop, Liam gave some examples that you will hear during the interview. One example was how he teaches “3 referrals in 3 minutes.'' He explained that this referral process gives his attendees an opportunity to experience his expertise and see a result. People used his strategy in the online workshop to put the 3 referrals in 3 minutes strategy into action. This was one of their immediate wins.
Notice the power of a title that shows a result (in fact, “3 referrals in 3 minutes” is an example of a title that shows a result). The title is time focused (which people appreciate) and does not look complicated. On the interview recording, you will hear Liam mention the importance of some of the actions being easy and fun instead of complicated and overwhelming.
Think about the titles and structure of your current online workshops if you have done them before. What was your show up rate? Would a new title that includes a win in it help? How could you include a win in your workshops?
The Importance of Collaboration
One of the questions that came up during the interview was about marketing online workshops, which is where Liam talked about the importance of collaboration and having others promote your workshops. He said that social media and ads are not the “be-all and end-all” to marketing. In fact he strongly encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on relationships and collaborations (music to my ears!) and word-of-mouth marketing. Authentic connections help build that “know, like and trust” factor, which is so important. It also helps you expand your community and your reach.
To watch the interview, register here: https://go.raiseadream.com/VirtualWorkshop
Do you bring your ideas to colleagues, partners, and clients for feedback? Many entrepreneurs keep their ideas to themselves for fear of “someone else running with them.” Instead of a fear-based approach, choose an engaging one. Liam encouraged people to bounce their online event potential titles and descriptions off people who would be the audience for your workshops. Don’t make the mistake of creating a program that people don’t want or need. Be clear on what problem your event solves for the audience and what dreams it helps them raise.
One of the elements I love about business ownership is the people I get to connect with and how my learning keeps growing. Liam had a checklist that you can use in planning your next online workshops. You can find the checklist here.
As you step into action, I suggest taking 2 key points that were ah-ha moments or rich learning from the interview video recording and put them into action so the world can start experiencing your expertise through your online workshops. Here’s where you can watch the complete interview: https://go.raiseadream.com/VirtualWorkshop
We wish you the best of success on your first (or next) virtual event and creating systems, filling seats, and attracting the perfect clients.
About Charmaine Hammond
Raise a Dream Training & Consulting Inc.
Charmaine Hammond, CSP, has been in the business of changing lives and raising dreams for more than 25 years through teaching the principles of collaboration, partnership, and sponsorship. Through experiences like her speaking and book tour, Million Acts of Kindness, she has developed sponsorship relationships with hundreds of companies. Charmaine shares her unmatched speaking; sponsorship; and entrepreneurial experiences with business owners, nonprofits, authors, and speakers looking to expand the funding and reach of their projects.
About Liam Austin
Entrepreneurs HQ
Liam Austin is the co-founder of Entrepreneurs HQ and a virtual event strategist, having launched over 15 virtual summits, dozens of quick workshops, and many more online events, hosting over 400 speakers whilst educating 100,000+ business owners through his programs. Liam is also the creator of the Million Dollar Virtual Summit Program, where he partners with select clients to generate seven figures.
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