What NOT to do when planning a LIVE event! Part 2 of 2

Last week I started discussing my trials and tribulations on planning and promoting a big live event. I shared with you 10 of the 20 things I came across that you do not want to do when planning your live event. Here’s the other 10.

11. Don't think you're going to run your own audio visuals especially if you're the speaker (that includes videotaping yourself, recording the audios, playing music during breaks etc.) - you need to be 'on your game' the whole day

12. Do not forget that you have to give your attendees "AN EXPERIENCE" they will never forget or why will they come back or buy from you?

13. Don't think "if you build it, they will come"

14. Don't spend your marketing dollars in the wrong places or inexpensive places just because they're inexpensive - make sure you spend your dollars where your target audience will see it

15. Don't think you can put on an event for 30 + (and especially more!) people and NOT spend hardly any marketing dollars

16. Do not be cheap - you want to look like you have what it takes for them to hire you or feel comfortable to buy your products

17. Don't forget last minute details like nametags, volunteers, extra microphones, table signs, electricity and internet, parking and directions

18. Do not let yourself get sick because you are working 20 + hours a day trying to pull it all together at the end because you thought you could 'do it all yourself' (to save money)

19. Don't forget to sell stuff at your LIVE event

20. Don't forget to have a feedback survey afterwards and collect testimonials (live in person, audio or written) for future marketing purposes

No, Richard and I didn't make all these mistakes but we came close to many and did a few. Since this topic was so top of mind with me at the moment I thought I'd share these points I've learned with you. I hope you find it helpful.

Now don't get discouraged! You can still plan your own event, just be wise about it. You can actually make a TON of money if you structure it right. I plan to sell stuff at EntrePalooza - product and services packages and a bootcamp for example. And at one event Ali was a guest at (not her own event - she makes more there) she made over $100,000 on her product sales in the back of the room - amazing huh? (maybe some of you already do this? fantastic!)

Ali Brown actually put together her complete marketing secrets on every step she took to plan, promote, market, sell out and put on her Blueprint Workshop among other tips for being a speaker at other people's events too - she rolled it all into an awesome product she now sells called her Marketing Workshop Secrets. I think it's fantastic myself and she gives you all her email templates, copies of her mailings, timeline, budget, everything in this package. If you're thinking about planning your own LIVE event in the next year or two (because Ali says you have to plan 6 months in advance!) I highly recommend you pick up her Marketing Workshop Secrets product and get some help! (because believe me, I'm not going to do it for you! hee hee)

Go to the products page of her website and check it out - Alexandria Brown

-- Kat Out


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© Copyright 2008 K. Sawa MarketingWANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Katrina Sawa is known as The JumpStart Your Biz Coach because she literally kicks her clients and their businesses into high gear. She works with highly motivated women entrepreneurs that want to maximize and fast-track their business to make more money and enjoy more free time. Katrina uses online and offline Relationship Marketing Systems & Strategies to leverage your resources, contacts and your expertise; plus she kicks you in the butt to implement it all too! Get her Free Tips, Free Audio & Free Report online at www.JumpStartYourMarketing.com!