As a full-time entrepreneur for over ten years, I have found great value in prioritizing events as an integral part of my business marketing plan. Although there was a season where most of us had to rely on building virtual connections, we can now incorporate live events as a great medium to grow our business revenue. Aside from the general goal of “networking”, it is imperative to be more intentional with maximizing any event opportunities that emerge. Below are four ways to effectively monetize events for your business endeavors:
- Enhance Your Speaker Brand
If the ultimate goal is to attract paid speaking opportunities, your network needs to see you frequently positioned as a guest speaker on different platforms or stages. Instead of waiting for such invitations, don’t be afraid to pitch yourself as a guest speaker for events that align with your business or passions. If selected to speak, create a plan to monetize the content you share by repurposing the recording as a digital product or leveraging snippets as social media marketing content. Consider bringing an assistant as well to capture video testimonials from the guests that can be added to your speaker reel.
You can also invest in a speaker package with platforms that cater to your ideal audience and make a sales offer from the stage to recoup the investment. While speaking in Tulum, Mexico in 2022, I witnessed a very successful stage offer in real-time. The speaker shared immense value on how to build a successful Airbnb business and offered his $997 course for $497 if purchased during the conference. The audience took swift action on their cell phones by texting a specific number that would allow them to fully register. By sharing great value from the stage and creating an irresistible offer, you too can successfully monetize an unpaid speaking engagement.
- Upgrade Your Business Cards
Although business cards have been a networking staple in years past, consider evolving this into an action-inspiring marketing tool like a 4” x 6” flyer. Event attendees are far less likely to misplace a sizeable marketing card and it helps you stand out from others. If designed correctly, you can use one side to promote a specific offer and the other side to inspire immediate action. For example, on my marketing flyers for this season, I would include “Visit VisibilityForMe.com to sign up for my FREE Visibility workshop!” or “Join the Glambitious Facebook Group to network with other entrepreneurs!” This has worked very well for me to attract new clients when attending expos, conferences, or any live event experience.
- Vend Strategically
Participating as an event vendor can be a little risky if you don’t have a strategic vendor plan. I recall investing $350 for a vendor table once and only selling two books! Aside from physical in-person sales, consider other ways to maximize the event vendor opportunity. For example, create an engaging space that prompts attendees to stop by your table. At my last Glambitious Conference in Atlanta, one vendor put a red carpet and stanchions in front of his table. This brilliant idea created a line of guests to engage with his team. Consider also including a visible candy bowl beside an email sign-up form that enters guests for a special giveaway. From collecting guest email addresses or phone numbers, you can send out future marketing correspondences to nurture those contacts.
- Follow-up Flawlessly
Flawless follow-up is the key to fostering authentic connections that evolve into profitable partnerships. Take the time to research each contact and pitch an actionable next step within 48 hours of meeting them at the event. For example, instead of the generic prompt to have a phone call, perhaps pitch the idea of doing a collaborative Instagram Live together. When nurturing a new connection, always lead with value, by making an offer that is mutually beneficial and furthers the connection.
These four recommendations can significantly shift your event experience as a business owner. I’ve created the Glambitious platform as a stage for business owners to speak around the country and invite you to join us at TheGlamCEO.com.
