A seminar with empty seats is definitely a sore sight. Promoting your seminar is just like selling a product. You find people that will be interested and persuade them to buy it. Sounds easy, right? It definitely sounds easier than you think. There are a few more technicalities to consider such as:
- Different people with different interests
- Skeptics that doubt the effectiveness of your seminar
- Costs of your seminar space, promotions, etc.
- Man's innate characteristic of only paying if they think they are getting their moneys worth
The key to solving these problems and creating a successful and profitable seminar is marketing. Marketing is a fundamental process in any business venture. It involves the advertising and selling of your service to the public. A good seminar marketing plan must be strategic and well-planned. Below are steps in marketing that will reap rewards for your seminar.
Step 1: Know Your Market.
First, you have to know your market. You need to know what the people want and need. Research their social backgrounds and interests. This will be a little tricky as people have different lifestyles and tastes. This is where picking your audience comes in. Your target audience will be your focus in promoting your seminar.
Step 2: Create A Good Title And Theme.
Your seminar title needs to be catchy in order to appeal to the public. You should clearly state what the seminar will be about and what they can learn from it. One tip is to make a list of potential titles for your seminar and ask for opinions from other people on which one is more attractive.
Step 3: Set The Budget And Registration Price.
You have to work on a budget to guarantee a profitable seminar. Think of the costs of your location, speakers fee, designs and promotions. Be cost effective but do not compromise quality. After you know your budget, set your registration fee. The fee should be able to cover all your costs and generate a profit. Remember though that your audience will not attend a seminar that's overpriced. It will also be helpful if you get someone to sponsor your seminar.
Step 4: Promote Your Seminar.
Pick a date that your target audience will most likely be available but also consider the time for promotions. Put up posters, flyers and hand out brochures weeks before your event. Send out invitations if you have contacts to your target audience. The most effective way is to personally endorse the seminar.
Step 5: Final Week, Polish Your Seminar.
The final week should be reserved for last-minute promotions and polishing of the program. Make sure that the facilities are in place and that your presentation is ready.
Step 6: Finally, Deliver A Great Seminar.
The best way to promote your business is through building a good reputation. When your seminars work, people will come back. Remember to always deliver your best each and every time. And for sure, there will be no empty seats at your seminar.
Jumat, 20 Januari 2012
Effective Seminar Design
Seminars should follow a strategic plan in order to work. This includes the conceptualization of the seminar, the promotions and the program flow. Here's a detailed explanation of what your seminar design should include.
The Pre-Seminar Stage
During the planning of the seminar, you should select your target audience and establish a good topic. Prepare advertising tools such as posters and invitations which you are going to use to promote your event. Choose an ideal location and date that fits the seminar. Also, think of how much you will charge each participant.
The Program Design
A seminar should always employ a theme depending on what the seminar is all about. If it is a business-type seminar, the theme should be formal and bold. If it is a motivational seminar, maybe you should choose something that the participants can feel good about. Set a mood so your audience will be comfortable.
The Program Order
An effective seminar should be organized. Hand-out the programs for the seminar upon the registration of your participants. This will help them know what they will learn for the day. The program should begin with the opening remarks, stating the objectives of the seminar. It should be followed by the introduction of the speaker and their background. The speaker should start his speech aiming to interest the audience.
He could use a quote, a statement, or even a joke to get their attention. Then he should carry out his points in such a way that they will be understood by the audience. He should smoothly make the transition from one idea to another and discuss them point-per-point to avoid cluttered ideas. It would be helpful if the speaker suggests attainable means and shares experiences or some situational analysis to explain his point further.
Give 15-minute to 30-minute breaks in between topics to keep your audiences minds fresh. Make a visual presentation of the talk to help the audience understand what the speaker is talking about. Try to make the seminar interactive so the audience feels that they are part of the program. After concluding the speech, allot time to conduct an open forum to address the participants comments and questions.
Then, follow it with the closing remarks. Leave a powerful statement for the end to make the audience remember your seminar and inspire them to act. Remember to thank them for their participation and promote your future seminars as well.
The Pre-Seminar Stage
During the planning of the seminar, you should select your target audience and establish a good topic. Prepare advertising tools such as posters and invitations which you are going to use to promote your event. Choose an ideal location and date that fits the seminar. Also, think of how much you will charge each participant.
The Program Design
A seminar should always employ a theme depending on what the seminar is all about. If it is a business-type seminar, the theme should be formal and bold. If it is a motivational seminar, maybe you should choose something that the participants can feel good about. Set a mood so your audience will be comfortable.
The Program Order
An effective seminar should be organized. Hand-out the programs for the seminar upon the registration of your participants. This will help them know what they will learn for the day. The program should begin with the opening remarks, stating the objectives of the seminar. It should be followed by the introduction of the speaker and their background. The speaker should start his speech aiming to interest the audience.
He could use a quote, a statement, or even a joke to get their attention. Then he should carry out his points in such a way that they will be understood by the audience. He should smoothly make the transition from one idea to another and discuss them point-per-point to avoid cluttered ideas. It would be helpful if the speaker suggests attainable means and shares experiences or some situational analysis to explain his point further.
Give 15-minute to 30-minute breaks in between topics to keep your audiences minds fresh. Make a visual presentation of the talk to help the audience understand what the speaker is talking about. Try to make the seminar interactive so the audience feels that they are part of the program. After concluding the speech, allot time to conduct an open forum to address the participants comments and questions.
Then, follow it with the closing remarks. Leave a powerful statement for the end to make the audience remember your seminar and inspire them to act. Remember to thank them for their participation and promote your future seminars as well.
Cashing In On Seminars
When people hear the word seminar what do you think comes to their minds? Many might say that they are technical and boring. Well, get these connotations out of your mind. Seminars can be educational and fun at the same time. Here are some pointers in conducting a profitable seminar:
1. Find An Interesting Topic.
You can't expect to sell your seminar with a topic that does not appeal to your target audience. You have to do research on what the people want and/or need. Make sure that you study the topic you have chosen if you are the speaker. If not, hire a speaker that is knowledgeable about the subject at hand.
2. Plan The Seminar.
The seminar should be well-planned from the conception phase to the feedback phase. You have to set targets such as when and where the seminar is going to take place, the design, etc. Of course, you have to consider when a large group will be available to go to your seminar. As for the place, you need to know how many participants you are aiming for. Make sure that it is big enough to fit the audience comfortably and is conducive to learning.
Select a theme for your design. As for how much you will charge for your seminar, you have to consider your budgeted costs first. Charge over your costs but never overprice. Also, promote your program as much as possible. While you're at it, create a catchy title that will attract your audience to coming to the seminar.
3. Employ Techniques Other Than The Traditional.
To eliminate the dullness of a seminar, why not use other techniques that will brighten up the program? There are many ways to do so like making the seminar interactive wherein the audience can ask or comment on the speakers talk. Or maybe, provide a short video depicting a story or a point that will move them. In conducting your speech, try to make the seminar entertaining by adding in a bit of humor. Relate to the audiences lives and deliver sincerely. A visual presentation is a plus. Make the learning experience fun so that the participants will look forward for more.
4. The Week Before The Seminar: Call, Rehearse And Check!
The last week before the seminar should be used for getting people to come to your seminar. Use your public relation skills and your craftiness to convince people to come. Rehearse the flow of your program and your speech, if you are the speaker. Polish your presentation and make sure that all your printed materials are ready for the big day.
5. Talk With Plenty Of Confidence.
During the seminar itself, talk with a lot of confidence, whether you're the host or the speaker. This will create a sense of professionalism concerning your seminar. Always be entertaining and try to address the needs of your participants and remember to thank your participants in the end.
1. Find An Interesting Topic.
You can't expect to sell your seminar with a topic that does not appeal to your target audience. You have to do research on what the people want and/or need. Make sure that you study the topic you have chosen if you are the speaker. If not, hire a speaker that is knowledgeable about the subject at hand.
2. Plan The Seminar.
The seminar should be well-planned from the conception phase to the feedback phase. You have to set targets such as when and where the seminar is going to take place, the design, etc. Of course, you have to consider when a large group will be available to go to your seminar. As for the place, you need to know how many participants you are aiming for. Make sure that it is big enough to fit the audience comfortably and is conducive to learning.
Select a theme for your design. As for how much you will charge for your seminar, you have to consider your budgeted costs first. Charge over your costs but never overprice. Also, promote your program as much as possible. While you're at it, create a catchy title that will attract your audience to coming to the seminar.
3. Employ Techniques Other Than The Traditional.
To eliminate the dullness of a seminar, why not use other techniques that will brighten up the program? There are many ways to do so like making the seminar interactive wherein the audience can ask or comment on the speakers talk. Or maybe, provide a short video depicting a story or a point that will move them. In conducting your speech, try to make the seminar entertaining by adding in a bit of humor. Relate to the audiences lives and deliver sincerely. A visual presentation is a plus. Make the learning experience fun so that the participants will look forward for more.
4. The Week Before The Seminar: Call, Rehearse And Check!
The last week before the seminar should be used for getting people to come to your seminar. Use your public relation skills and your craftiness to convince people to come. Rehearse the flow of your program and your speech, if you are the speaker. Polish your presentation and make sure that all your printed materials are ready for the big day.
5. Talk With Plenty Of Confidence.
During the seminar itself, talk with a lot of confidence, whether you're the host or the speaker. This will create a sense of professionalism concerning your seminar. Always be entertaining and try to address the needs of your participants and remember to thank your participants in the end.
Put The Power In Powerpoint!
A good seminar always has a good presentation to go with it. A powerpoint presentation will help your audience grasp your points in a seminar as it summarizes the whole talk. Here are some helpful tips in making your powerpoint presentation effective in your seminar.
The Design
Use backgrounds that are catchy yet simple. Avoid loud colors as they tend to shadow the text. Backgrounds are intended to make your presentation colorful but not to the point that they will be all that the audience sees. Keep it subtle and uniformed.
The text fonts should likewise be uniformed in terms of style. Never use a font style that is hard to read. A standard font will do. Make sure that your text is big enough to see from the back of the room. It will be helpful if you use different sizes of font to highlight the main and sub-points. Also, use a font color in contrast with your background. This will make your text pop out and easier to read.
Graphics should be kept to a minimum. Use them only when necessary to bring out a point. Avoid animations and sound effects as well to keep the audiences concentration on your talk.
The General Presentation
The first slide should always be reserved for the title of the seminar. Make sure that the title is something that will appeal to your target audience and will make a statement of what the seminar is all about.
The next slides should be the body of your talk. Follow the outline of your speech to avoid mixing up information. Use words that can easily be understood. It is also advisable to use bullet points for each of your statements. A powerpoint presentation is made to carry out the important points of a seminar. It is just a tool, so don't just read the whole thing. Show the important points one at a time and then explain them to keep the audiences focus on the speaker not on the visuals. Avoid wordiness as well. Use the six-words per line, six-lines per slide rule. Double check your work for spelling and grammatical errors.
If you plan to set times for your slides to switch automatically, remember to rehearse your timing. Give ample time to discuss your point before proceeding to the next. Finally, end your slide presentation with a strong and effective conclusion that the audience will remember.
The Design
Use backgrounds that are catchy yet simple. Avoid loud colors as they tend to shadow the text. Backgrounds are intended to make your presentation colorful but not to the point that they will be all that the audience sees. Keep it subtle and uniformed.
The text fonts should likewise be uniformed in terms of style. Never use a font style that is hard to read. A standard font will do. Make sure that your text is big enough to see from the back of the room. It will be helpful if you use different sizes of font to highlight the main and sub-points. Also, use a font color in contrast with your background. This will make your text pop out and easier to read.
Graphics should be kept to a minimum. Use them only when necessary to bring out a point. Avoid animations and sound effects as well to keep the audiences concentration on your talk.
The General Presentation
The first slide should always be reserved for the title of the seminar. Make sure that the title is something that will appeal to your target audience and will make a statement of what the seminar is all about.
The next slides should be the body of your talk. Follow the outline of your speech to avoid mixing up information. Use words that can easily be understood. It is also advisable to use bullet points for each of your statements. A powerpoint presentation is made to carry out the important points of a seminar. It is just a tool, so don't just read the whole thing. Show the important points one at a time and then explain them to keep the audiences focus on the speaker not on the visuals. Avoid wordiness as well. Use the six-words per line, six-lines per slide rule. Double check your work for spelling and grammatical errors.
If you plan to set times for your slides to switch automatically, remember to rehearse your timing. Give ample time to discuss your point before proceeding to the next. Finally, end your slide presentation with a strong and effective conclusion that the audience will remember.
Have Large Profits! Use These Seminar Payment Schemes
The conduct of seminars is not only talking and interacting with people. It will cover the logistics before and after such an event. You may need to market yourself to other people and this will also mean bargaining and negotiating for the fees to be collected. This will be stressful if the clients want a good seminar for a low price. If this is your problem, this article can give you helpful tips on choosing the payment scheme that will work for you.
The first thing to know about charging is the amount of money you will want to make. This will be important since your real motive for conducting a seminar is to gain profit. You will also have to consider the number of participants that you can accommodate. Do not sacrifice your seminar just for the sake of the money; be sure that your clients will be happy on the outcomes.
After computing the expenses and earnings that you can acquire from your seminar, you are now ready to decide on your own payment scheme. Be reminded that this scheme will depend on the kind of seminar that you will conduct and the number of participants that will be attending.
If the participants are coming from different locations, your payment schemes can be through the internet and online banking. Nowadays, mobile banking is also being utilized; real-time money transfers can be done over the phone. Using this scheme can bring you comfort since it is faster and more convenient.
Advance payment is one sure payment scheme that will be favorable for you. To entice attendees to pay in advance, you can offer discounts. Another technique is to offer price cuts for group packages; this way, you not only attract more attendees but profits as well.
Another payment scheme is via credit card such as Visa and MasterCard. Personal checks are also acceptable mode of payments. Just be sure that confirmation will be done before the conduct of the seminar.
It will also be useful to include a reservation and cancellation policy on your payment schemes since there are inevitable circumstances when participants cannot join the set activity. Stating your policy can save you from additional expenses that may be incurred due to absences. The policy can state that payment may be refunded for those with prior notice within 5 working days; beyond this set limit, the payment cannot be taken back. You can also note that a representative of a participant who cannot attend may be allowed as long as prior notice will be done.
Payment schemes can be acceptable as long as it brings a good relationship between you and your clients. One scheme may not work for the other set of participants so be flexible in offering different schemes that can be satisfactory for all. And do not neglect the payment options since this will be your key to have a profitable seminar.
The first thing to know about charging is the amount of money you will want to make. This will be important since your real motive for conducting a seminar is to gain profit. You will also have to consider the number of participants that you can accommodate. Do not sacrifice your seminar just for the sake of the money; be sure that your clients will be happy on the outcomes.
After computing the expenses and earnings that you can acquire from your seminar, you are now ready to decide on your own payment scheme. Be reminded that this scheme will depend on the kind of seminar that you will conduct and the number of participants that will be attending.
If the participants are coming from different locations, your payment schemes can be through the internet and online banking. Nowadays, mobile banking is also being utilized; real-time money transfers can be done over the phone. Using this scheme can bring you comfort since it is faster and more convenient.
Advance payment is one sure payment scheme that will be favorable for you. To entice attendees to pay in advance, you can offer discounts. Another technique is to offer price cuts for group packages; this way, you not only attract more attendees but profits as well.
Another payment scheme is via credit card such as Visa and MasterCard. Personal checks are also acceptable mode of payments. Just be sure that confirmation will be done before the conduct of the seminar.
It will also be useful to include a reservation and cancellation policy on your payment schemes since there are inevitable circumstances when participants cannot join the set activity. Stating your policy can save you from additional expenses that may be incurred due to absences. The policy can state that payment may be refunded for those with prior notice within 5 working days; beyond this set limit, the payment cannot be taken back. You can also note that a representative of a participant who cannot attend may be allowed as long as prior notice will be done.
Payment schemes can be acceptable as long as it brings a good relationship between you and your clients. One scheme may not work for the other set of participants so be flexible in offering different schemes that can be satisfactory for all. And do not neglect the payment options since this will be your key to have a profitable seminar.
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