Do you ever feel like you’re grasping at straws, trying to build a connection with your ideal customer? You pour your precious time, energy and money into social media strategies and marketing campaigns hoping to make an impression and create meaningful customer relationships, but how often do you think about getting out from behind the computer screen?
If you are looking for a new tool to get you in front of customers and expand your reach, hosting an event could be exactly what you’re looking for. Don’t think you have the kind of business that can add events to its offering? Think again! The wonderful thing about hosting an event is there are so many different options out there, that once you find the right choice for you, it can be simple to kick things off.
Open your mind to possibility as you read through the event types below and think about which one you could implement into your business in the next few months.
Pop Up Shops
Whether you are a product or service-based business, switching things up and setting up shop somewhere new can be a great opportunity to connect with new customers. A simple change of scenery can do wonders to spark inspiration and fuel you with new ideas on how to display your product or interact with people. To plan your first pop up shop, reach out to a few brands that complement your business and share a similar customer base. These can be local or destination hotels, boutiques, restaurants, or any other physical location that would allow you to set up shop with them. Invite them to partner with you by hosting you at their location on a specific date and time that works for both of you. Don’t forget to promote the pop up leading up to the date and include the location you’ll be and all of the details for customers, both new and returning, to come by and show their support.
Workshops and Classes
Think of everything you’ve learned since that first year you launched your business! You have so much value to offer someone by sharing advice and teaching your proven steps to success. Remember, you don’t have to know the steps A through Z to teach someone A through C! Host a workshop or class on a special topic you are knowledgeable and passionate about that coincides with your brand. Once you decide on the topic, figure out if your event will be free or paid and where you’d like to host it. While attendees can learn from you during this time, they can also learn about you and your business. By showcasing your expertise and becoming a resource for your audience, you gain trust, which helps build a strong, reputable brand people stand behind.
Networking Events
Even if your business is flourishing in its little corner of the internet world on social media, have you thought about taking things from online to offline? Networking events allow us to have real-time, face to face interactions where we can get to know the person behind the business.
Challenge yourself to think outside the box when it comes to networking events and create something that feels unique to you and the brand you are representing. If you want something that feels large scale and VIP, you can find a large venue and pull together lots of community contacts to invite their audiences. If you’re looking for something more intimate and industry-specific, perhaps you’ll want to book a small meeting room at a coffee shop downtown. Figure out what your goal is and the kinds of connections you’d like to help foster and go from there!
