When I started hosting vision board workshops, I would get most excited thinking about the big stuff.
I’d imagine the venue on the day.
White linen tables dusted with pink and gold confetti, each with a fresh flower centerpiece, and perfectly curated worksheets on cardstock.
I’d see the audience’s faces light up as they connected with the messages the guest speakers were sharing.
I love that special moment when you just KNOW a transformation is about to happen.
The big stuff is key to a workshop win.
But over the years I’ve learned about the power of the ‘unexpected small stuff’.
I’m talking tiny tweaks you might not have thought about that can make ALL the difference to the success of your workshop.
Today, I’m sharing my top three unexpected ways to help take your event to the next level.
Be a Little Spammy
Before you go printing a million flyers or putting an arm-flailing inflatable man on your front lawn like a car salesman–let me explain.
I’m talking about creating a strategic approach to getting your event seen by the people who need it.
Most vision board workshop organizers don’t talk about their event enough, so people don’t hear about their events, and they don’t sell out.
Whether it’s talking the event up to friends, putting it on blast on social media, or sending a newsletter, the point is to start conversations and share information.
Folks like to wait until the last minute to decide if they want to buy a ticket, so you need to give your event the biggest chance of getting people into those virtual seats.
Put out all the key details on repeat. Include:
• When the event is happening
• What it’s all about
• What your audience is going to get
• How they can get tickets
People need to hear about your upcoming event, know about it, and be reminded about it.
Less is More on Event Day
Your audience will look to you as the expert on building vision boards, who’s got the tools they need to get the results on their transformation journey...
… but they’re also there to explore themselves and each other, to brainstorm ideas in a safe space with like-minded people.
The more you talk, the less space there is for your audience to express themselves.
Allow that to happen by simply cutting down the time you’re speaking to give them the opportunity to share stories, be vulnerable, go deep, and build relationships.
You want to fill the room with conversations, interactions, and breakthroughs!
Remember, on the day, the event is all about THEM.
Let Go of Control
You’ve planned, prepped, and poured your heart into this event.
Now, take a step back and allow the event to be what it is.
You’ve created a space with a lot of different people, all contributing something to the event.
Give your event the space it needs to blossom and flower into something beautiful and life-changing.
Time to throw control out the window.
Here’s an example…
I love to send people into break-out rooms to talk about whatever they’ve just done, explore their ideas further, and brain-storm in a different environment.
When I first started hosting virtual events, I would pop into each room to say ‘hey’ and check whether the conversation was flowing.
To be honest, I wanted to be a fly on the wall!
What actually happened was that my guests would stop talking and switch their focus to me. I totally interrupted the flow of conversation.
Once I let go of the control, I gave them the freedom to explore.
The Tweaks to Success
The “big things” like the venue, activities, or speakers are a huge part of what makes an audience walk away from an event with a huge smile, excited to use the tools they’ve been given to take the next step toward their dream life.
But the ‘unexpected small things” are a bonus that can up your workshop game, and your audience experience.
Shout your event from the rooftops.
Give your audience the space they need to express themselves and grow.
Stand back and trust that you’ve done the work, attracted people that will jump in and participate, and created a phenomenal experience.
Now, tweak your event to the next level and watch its success grow exponentially.
Drop a comment below: What’s something small you’ve done that made a BIG difference to your workshop?
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About the author
Cyrene is a fun and accomplished workshop facilitator, learning and development guru and Human Resources professional. Being at the helm of Thrive Lounge has been a long-time dream. Through vision board workshops she plans to accomplish two-way learning. Sharing her vast years of knowledge to motivate and encourage others; while simultaneously getting the reward of great energy, ideas and questions to ponder back from each group. A super win-win. Please join our Thrive Lounge community so you too can benefit!
