Ready to host a vision board workshop? Three ways to know for sure

One of the first questions students coming into my program ask is:

“What in the world do I need to have before I’m ready to host my first vision board workshop?”

When I hosted my first event, I had no idea whether people would love it or hate it.

I got the classic pre-workshop nerves…

… nobody is going to show up.

… I’m not ready.

… I should get a life coaching certification or something first.” 

But you know what?

My belief in my story and transformation, and a strong desire to share it with the world, were too great.

So I jumped in feet first, loved helping others with my story and (most important) my audience left so inspired, they wrote books, built friendships and collaborated way beyond the event .

After that experience, I realized you don’t need a bunch of coaching or speaking experience or a huge social media following to get started.

I certainly didn’t.  

Having now taught hundreds of people to host vision board workshops, here are my top 3 ways to tell if you’re ready.

Turn your transformation into a teachable moment

You defined your goals, went through magazines carefully cutting out the words and pictures that represent your dream life, and built a vision board.

You showed up in front of it every day, manifested those goals, trusted the process, and IT WORKED.

Now you can’t wait to share your transformation story with the world and help others take the next steps towards their dreams.

Maybe you’ve already done so with friends and family but want to expand and touch as many people’s lives as you can.

You’ll have your own way of helping others bring vision boards to life, and a unique story to tell, so by default your workshop is going to be one-of-a-kind. 

You, my friend, are READY.

Use Your Skills in a Different Way

Haven’t built a vision board yet? Don’t worry.

If you teach, guide, or mentor people, you’ve got transferable skills that make you JUST as qualified to host a vision board workshop.

Do you run a women’s group at a church, a book club, or have people who trust you to help them implement the vision they want to create?

Then you’ve already got the perfect foundations for building a vision board workshop.

Take these teaching and mentoring skills, add in the passion for serving friends or a community, and turn that into your unique workshop.

This is totally doable, you are READY.

Make the Leap and Host Paid Workshops 

You’ve hosted one or more free vision board workshops and want to take a leap of faith in yourself and your event by charging for it.

So many of my students inside my Sold Out Vision Board Party program have gone through this. 

They’ve hosted a free workshop for their church community, friends or family, figured it out, got scrappy, had SO much fun, and seen the all-important transformations happen.

Now they’re ready to host a paid workshop but come to me worried whether they’ve got what it takes.

I’ll tell you the same thing…

… if you’ve done the work and hosted a free workshop, you’ve got what it takes to host a paid one.

No doubt about it, you are READY.

There’s No Right Time, Only Right Now

If worries or doubts have held you back from hosting a vision board party, throw them out the window and know you CAN make it happen.

Don’t wait for the ‘right’ time, take another class because you think you need more qualifications, or compare yourself to other hosts on social media. 

If you’ve made a vision board, have a community that you’re helping with goal setting or mentorship, or already hosted a free workshop…

… YOU ARE READY.

Make the leap, believe in yourself and your vision, and trust in your skill set. 

Ready? Set? Go! 

Drop a comment below: What’s the main thing holding you back from hosting your first workshop?

Want To Start Planning Your Vision Board Party? 

1. Download the FREE vision board party planning checklist.

2. Craft your inspiring vision board workshop talk with our FREE High Impact Storytelling Journal Prompts. 

3. Plan, promote & host your first (or next) professional & profitable vision board workshop with our signature course, Sold Out Vision Board Parties.

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

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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!

Why It’s Time To Put a Price Tag on your Vision Board Workshops

At the start of my entrepreneurial journey, I learned something invaluable. This one mindset switch set my business up for success.

Honestly, I wish I learned it sooner. 

If I had I wouldn’t have spent two years hosting free monthly goal setting events… which (if I’m being really honest) weren’t free. 

They were costing me money. 

I would pay for the space, I bought donuts and fruit for the women to snack on. 

I spent an hour running around getting snacks and going to the rented coworking space. It was a half hour from my house, but the most affordable place I could find. 

I was able to serve others, which warmed my soul (plus I made some of my best friends in the process) but in the back of my mind I knew there had to be a better way. 

So what’s this thing I learned that changed it all around for me and my budding business? 

Selling is a good thing.

Just let that sink in…

… selling is good!

Every time I host a live Q&A for the students in my signature course ‘Sold Out Vision Board Parties’, I  always get questions about putting a price on what you do.

“Can I really charge for my event?”

“How much can I charge?”

“Am I ready to charge?”

I’m here to tell you: You can, and you most definitely SHOULD.

I want to call out the stigma surrounding charging for something you put out into this world, and shine a big old light in its face.

Whether you’re a newbie pricing your first event, or a seasoned pro looking to raise your rates, here are my top 3 reasons why putting a price tag on what you do is a good thing.

Four Reason Charging Money for Your Vision Board Workshops Works

WHEN PEOPLE PAY MONEY, THEY PAY ATTENTION 

If you invest money into something, you are investing yourself into it as well. 

People who pay for an event are the ones who really WANT it, enough to open their purse, break out the credit card and tap in their details.

These same people will be the ones who show up on time, pen in hand, listen to what is said, and do the work.

Why? Because they want the results, and they’re invested. 

THAT’S who you want to serve.

You don’t want to serve people with no skin in the game. 

The psychology when signing up for a free event is totally different. There’s no commitment, no obligation to attend–they’ve got one foot out the door and the event hasn’t even started yet.

I once gave out a few complimentary tickets (like scholarships) for a vision board workshop to people who I knew couldn’t afford the price tag, but I thought would benefit from it.

They didn’t even show up. 

When someone lays down their hard-earned cash, they are making a commitment to you and your event.

This makes a HUGE difference to how people show up.

By charging, you’re weeding out the no-shows, the latecomers and those buried in Facebook timelines on their phones, instead jam-packing your event with people who are truly invested. 

YOU’VE DONE THE WORK, SO CHARGE FOR IT

Fear is a major reason that stops many people in their tracks when putting themselves out there and a price tag on what they’re delivering. 

Essentially, by charging money for something, you’re saying:

“Hey, I created a thing, do you agree it’s worth cold, hard cash?”

You worry whether you’ll get a ‘heck yes, sign me up’ or ‘girl, you crazy’!

The reality is we need to value what we put out there, the time and effort involved in creating our thing, and, most importantly, we need to value OURSELVES.

You’ve put everything into creating the perfect event. You swear your hairs got grayer in the event planning alone and there might be wrinkles where it was smooth sailing before.

Whether you charge for your event or offer it for free makes no difference to the workload involved.

You did the work, you’re going to change lives, so charge for it. 

NO CHARGE, NO EXPECTATIONS

Subscriptions like Netflix can do a 30-day free trial because it’s a taster to draw you into their world and entice you to stay there.

But your event is a one-off, and no one is going to expect a full transformation or a phenomenal experience if it’s free.

People don’t value or respect ‘free’, and expectations are low. 

“I might have a good time, learn something, meet people. But even if I don’t, it’s free and I can duck out early.”

Half won’t show up because they believe your event won’t be valuable to them precisely because YOU showed them it wasn't valuable by not charging.

But let’s say you charge $100 for a ticket.

Whoever pays that $100 has expectations. They know there’s about to be a transformation and ‘expect’ to be leaving with those life-changing tools.

YOU DON’T GET PHENOMENAL FOR FREE

People take you seriously when you charge, because you’re taking YOURSELF seriously, and they know it.

You’ve done the work, you’re going to show up as the professional that you are, and your audience will walk away with the transformation they came for.

The people who want to be there will be there, and respect you and your event with their full undivided attention.

Value what you do and don’t be scared to sell this amazing event you put your heart and soul into.

You’re 100% worth it.

Drop a comment below: What scares you most about charging for people to attend your event?

Want To Start Planning Your Vision Board Party? 

1. Download the FREE vision board party planning checklist.

2. Craft your inspiring vision board workshop talk with our FREE High Impact Storytelling Journal Prompts. 

3. Plan, promote & host your first (or next) professional & profitable vision board workshop with our signature course, Sold Out Vision Board Parties.

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

---

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!

Three Unexpected Ways to Make Your VB Party Successful

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?

Want To Start Planning Your Vision Board Party? 

1. Download the FREE vision board party planning checklist.

2. Craft your inspiring vision board workshop talk with our FREE High Impact Storytelling Journal Prompts. 

3. Plan, promote & host your first (or next) professional & profitable vision board workshop with our signature course, Sold Out Vision Board Parties.

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

---

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!

Four Steps to Hire the Perfect Vision Board Party Speaker

“I want to host a vision board workshop without actually ‘hosting’ it. Can I just HIRE a vision board party speaker to do it?”

This topic comes up a lot. And I'm here to tell you… YES YOU CAN!

Public speaking leave your palms sweaty?

Don’t have time to get to grips with how to actually teach vision boards?

Here’s the exciting news—YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

I’m going to guide you through how to hire someone to help with your workshop vision. 

Let’s dive right in.

How to Hire Your Vision Board Workshop Speaker

GET YOUR WORKSHOP GOALS IN ORDER 

Before searching for the perfect vision board workshop facilitator, clarify your workshop goals. 

Of course you want someone who can engage with your audience, get them excited and drive them towards their goals!

But you also want to find someone who can serve your group with the right message! So before you go looking for a host, make sure you understand your audience and their needs:

• What do you want their experience to be?

• What will create that ‘a-ha’ moment?

• What’s the takeaway message that will help them reach their goals?

Once you’ve got this nailed, home in on who’s the perfect fit to communicate your unique message.

DO YOUR SPEAKER DUE DILIGENCE

A speaker can make or break your event so you want to choose wisely.

Their message has to align perfectly with your workshop goals to give the audience the experience they need and deserve.

It’s crucial to find someone with the right background.  

Imagine wanting to do a workshop for people working on their finances.

If you asked me to speak, I would say: “Sorry, but I’m not your girl!”

Why??

I specialize in workshops on goal setting or intentionality, that’s what I love to talk about! I wouldn’t want to talk about finances, instead I’d want to talk about what each person wants to focus on.

Sure, the answer might be finance, but I totally recommend throwing finances out the window if something else brings that person joy.

APPLY THE ‘HECK YES’ TEST

You found a potential speaker and you’re excited.

But there’s still homework to do.

The speaker may sound good on paper, but make sure that translates in real life…

… they gotta pass the ‘heck yes’ test!

What’s the ‘heck yes’ test, you ask? 

This is where you hop on the phone with your potential speaker to evaluate their ability to serve your event and your audience. How you feel after this conversation is likely how your audience will feel. Now is the time for quality control!

After your conversation, ask yourself:

• Would you enjoy working with the speaker? 

• Did the speaker feel like a breath of fresh air? 

• Are they relatable and trustworthy?

• Will their story motivate and inspire your audience into ACTION?

Pay close attention to your answers, here. 

Did you say “HECK YES!” to all of those questions?

Otherwise, my friend, it’s a ‘heck no’ and move on to the next candidate.

GIVE THEM ALL THE INFORMATION

When you’ve found your ‘heck yes’ vision board workshop leader, give them as much information as you can, including:

• goals for the workshop;

• audience and their needs;

• the key message and takeaways.

Without ALL the background, your speaker won’t be able to create, or deliver, the awesome workshop you’re hoping for. 

Hire to Inspire

A speaker can up level your workshop or allow you to host, without actually hosting! 

YOU’LL have a professional on side to bring your workshop goals to life and deliver the transformation you’re looking for on the day.

YOUR AUDIENCE will leave the workshop with actionable steps, taking them closer to their goals. 

There’s nothing stopping you from following your workshop dreams.

So go out and find that message-giving, action-generating vision board workshop speaker, and bring those dreams to life!

Drop a comment here: What’s YOUR dream vision board workshop? Who would be your dream workshop speaker?

Want To Start Planning Your Vision Board Party? 

1. Download the FREE vision board party planning checklist.

2. Craft your inspiring vision board workshop talk with our FREE High Impact Storytelling Journal Prompts. 

3. Plan, promote & host your first (or next) professional & profitable vision board workshop with our signature course, Sold Out Vision Board Parties.

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

---

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!