Workshop Marketing/Promotion Suggestions...

Leif -

If you have them, testimonials help people decide.

Did you advertise this workshop anywhere, did you send out an eblast or direct snail mail to your list? The mass exposure is great, but none of us have great memories. So I f I has seen the press I might have said cool I want to attend, but then would need to be reminded.

Just some random thoughts

I agree with Stephen. And maybe I'm missing something, but did you not get any press in the local rags? What kind of response did you hope to get from press in LA and Chicago about an event in Seattle?

The other thought, and I don't know if this helps, but our experience in throwing Biznik's first BizJam conference in Seattle last June, was that Seattlites are notorious for waiting until the last minute to commit. When I complained about the slow response to BizJam, most everyone I spoke with shared a similar story about their own seminars, non-profit fundraisers, even weddings. They all said the same thing - people in Seattle wait to buy tickets and RSVP until right up to the event's date.

I would look at offering the workshop in partnership with the executive end of the Seattle chamber.

In a like-minded slant, offering the workshop to members of the start-up community: including things like mindcamp and ignite seattle. Many of those tech souls know all too well the danger of working long and hard hours towards technical superiority.

I would also pursue a visit to the UW or Seattle U, as the technical and entrepreneurial students are entering into a mind-field of explosives (bad pun) that they don't know is there. You could get a professor or two to recommend dealing with the karmic requirements of being techie.

Leif,

I see several problems.

First, from visiting your site, I can't figure out what you are selling and why it would be of interest to me as a small business owner or to my clients who have started high-tech and other start-up companies.

In 25 words or less with no industry or woo-woo jargon, what value are you offering for the cost?

Second, I can't read your site because the type is too small. I also found the page pretty intense with color rather than calming (which struck me as being the reason for the workshop, right?)

Third, I agree with Stephen Fox about adding more testimonials (to the far right column), particularly the ones where former participants talk about what they specifically got out of previous workshops.

I'd be more likely to attend if I saw something like "I learned how to cut back on my work time 20%", "I connected with one person I later did business with", or "I learned how to focus on one project at a time which has reduced my stress level."

One reason I attended BizJam was because I could see who was attending. You might want to list participants with a link to their web site and e-mail addresses.

Fourth, you haven't mentioned this workshop on the first 25 words of your Biznik profile, your needs, or your promotions page, right? Which means every time someone visits your profile, they aren't aware of it un less they click further.

I notice that for your promotions, for example, you are offering a two for one for Biznik members but that isn't mentioned until further down in your promotion. Shouldn't it be first? And shouldn't you mention the workshop just before that rather than just the workshop description? Sell the sizzle with the (tofu) steak.

Fifth, have you talked to reporters Bill Virgin and John Cook about it?

Just my 2 cents, (now 3 cents with inflation) worth.

KG (picking up a copy of the The Man in a White Sharkskin Suit: My Family's Exodus from Old Cairo to the New World to continue reading)

All the media and eblasts in the world don't always fill the empty seats. Here's what I suggest my clients do: Consider this as an option to fill the house with perspective clients. If the seats are empty then invite potential decision makers from organizations you are interested in presenting to attend as your guest to get a flavor for what it is you have to offer. Invite the media, too, to come check it out. And don't forget about potential partners. In other words make it a win-win situation for everyone. I hope you have a great turn out! Karen

Hi, Leif! I am also a workshop presenter and recently found myself disappointed after national media attention didn't bring me any immediate work. I am still capitalizing on that attention though, by making sure to mention it in press releases, e-blasts, etc. It has definitely helped get my press-releases noticed.

I luuuv Karen's advice, too (gotta do that myself).

I also make it a point to present in places with a clear tie-in or a ready-audience, especially if the venue assists with the promotions (such as publishing the event in their own newsletter).

Also, it's often easier and much more lucrative to get hired to present somewhere (like a major high-tech firm) than it is to have to promote yourself and get people to come to you.

Hope this helps! I could use tons of help in this arena myself! Yeah for Biznik! ~C