After nearly a decade coaching creative entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that what business owners crave most isn’t more sales or better systems – it’s connection.
Connection to other business owners who get it, connection to customers who value what we do and, more than anything, connection to resources that can get us both!
There is Power Going Offline
While social media tends to be one of the first marketing tools we think of to connect our business to the world, it’s not the only way. In fact, some of the most powerful connections I’ve ever made (ones that led to dream clients and big sales) happened offline, in real life, at events.
The truth is that your next client isn’t scrolling Instagram; they are in the rooms you need to be in!
Want a powerful lead generator? Here are three action steps to start showing up at live events with intention and strategy.
#1 Own Your Offer & Your Ask
If you can’t confidently articulate what you do and who you help, it’s hard for others to refer or work with you.
What do you have to offer right now?
Who do you feel called to work with?
Can I speak about what I do concisely to people?
You want to get as specific as you can when meeting ideal clients. Don’t be afraid to ask people if they know the kinds of connections, projects or opportunities you’re looking for and be open to being a resource for them as well.
#2 Be In The Right Rooms
Let me be clear – not all events are created equal! You’re a business owner who wears a lot of hats, so you don’t have time to waste! Your goal is to show up in rooms where your ideal clients or referral partners are. Whether as a host, educator, attendee or sponsor, hold onto your “yes” until you know if it checks the boxes that matter!
Who do I want to work with?
What types of events do they attend?
What conversations are happening there?
Sometimes, this means getting out of your comfort zone and into a room that challenges you. Other times, it means creating the room yourself; host a brunch for business owners, start a coffee meetup, build your own table and invite others!
#3 Borrow a Stage or Find a Mic
Visibility builds credibility! The goal is to get more eyes on your business while building trust and a reputation of value. You don’t have to throw a huge conference or speak in front of hundreds of people to lead with authority, but you do need to get your message out there.
Can you pitch to speak on a local panel for my industry?
Offer a free workshop at your coworking space?
Attend an aligned pop-up or speed networking event?
Small events can give you BIG results. Don’t get caught up in the “Instagram worthy” events but ones of real substance and impact that you know you are going to be able to captivate the right attention and create real relationships that can benefit your business.
Let Connection Be Your Compass
It’s not about being the loudest in the room, it’s about being the most intentional. Live events can be lead-generating machines when you know how to use them. Keep connection at the center of every event you attend, allowing it to guide your strategy, conversations and conversions!
Hustle & Heart Challenge
This month, give yourself five minutes to answer the question, “what do I want to be known for when I walk into a room?” Dig into your offers and who needs them most to uncover which rooms your business actually needs to be in and how you can build a plan to leverage live events as a marketing tool and lead generator this year!
