What are the most effective self-promotion strategies for Live Events consultants?

One of the best ways to showcase your work is to have website people can visit, and have a gallery of pictures from the event, the items/tables you've design, and feedback from clients. Social media, blogging, podcasting and other online platforms are all great, but nothing beats great word of mouth, and direct engagement.

Live events are a real niche. Doing them well and having glowing client reviews is the "social proof" most folks need to consider you for the next project. Showcasing work with a portfolio is great, but I also think showing "behind the scenes" montages of your team at work in the trenches mixed with some of the spectacular reviews is the way to win business.

‘Self-promotion’ is a struggle. We, as a Team, place our client’s experience as our top priority. After that comes the client’s attendees’ experience. That being said, when in doubt about how to ethically proceed in a predominantly male-dominated business world, I ask myself the benchmarking question: WWDSD? This is “What Would @DeneenSpaniol Do?” Her presentation during the @UPS #SMB #WLD was an eye-opening game-changer for me.

Due to the nature of events, the people you want attending your events will be the same age range of people on social media. Make sure that you have a professional account AND a personal account. Brag about your accomplishments on your professional account and leave those profiles public. They will act as an online portfolio as well as a reference point when you want to look at pictures! Pictures are the best way to show how the event went and even some parts of ROI.

One: determine what you want to achieve. Two: Itemize positive skills and training ts you have to do this. Three: Itemize negative traits the might hurt your efforts. Four: Make a plan; see which good traits will help you and which negative ones will hinder you. Set a time line for action. Reward yourself with a * for each use of good skills and an X for each delay or misstep from negative traits. Count Hours worked and add a star for each hour. Count each hour goffing off or day dreaming with an X. THIS WAY, YOU ARE YOUR OWN BOSS AND CAN CRITIQUE TO IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE.

As a consultant, we can often fall into the "word of mouth" marketing trap. The problem is, when that dries up, most are stuck in a bad place. Building a personal brand is essential. Becoming a thought-leader and expert is critical. There is no better place to continuously build that persona than social media. It should be the main marketing strategy these days for consultants. On average, people need 7 interactions with you before they move forward with a business transaction. The best way to get those interactions is through social media and showcasing your thought leadership constantly.

It has become an essential part of my post event work to do a social media post or video talking about the takeaways and/or impact of the last event I worked upon. People appreciate positive round ups, especially given the prevalence of bad news these days. Also, as more and more in-person events come back, sharing the vibe and impact of your work is an easy way to remain top of mind.

I have found funnel marketing is the best way to leverage your digital community! Word of mouth referrals is still the best way to market with you community in real life. Be awesome and make sure folks know it whether your friends tell them or you do, get the word out!

I've learned that having a solid personal brand can help with promotion of events. Once you build your own following, people will look forward to the content you post from the events you work. I find that instagram is the best for promoting these events. I tend to also use Facebook stories to promote as well. Once the event is happening, make sure to post behind the scene content and make sure to tell your audience how the event went!

Social media is essential for live events consultants, enhancing brand visibility and expertise. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are ideal for engaging posts and photos, while YouTube, TikTok, and Vimeo are great for detailed video content. This strategy boosts brand awareness, credibility, and audience engagement. It's also a valuable networking channel with industry peers and offers insights through analytics. Its interactive nature deepens audience relationships and its cost-effectiveness, coupled with trend engagement, makes it a key marketing tool.

Blogging and podcasting are powerful tools for live events consultants. They allow you to display thought leadership and personality in your field. By sharing knowledgeable and relevant content, you showcase your expertise and passion for live events, offering valuable insights and advice. These mediums are excellent for addressing audience challenges and goals. Platforms like Medium, WordPress, and Anchor enable easy content creation, while guest posting on other blogs or podcasts expands your reach. This approach not only establishes authority but also fosters a deeper connection with your audience.

Podcasting is the most effective way to build a long relationship with an audience. If you choose to pursue an interview style podcast you also get the benefit of borrowing your guests credibility.

Not everyone is meant to podcast. Not everyone can write a blog. But everyone has a way of communicating, and once you find your voice and your medium, the world is yours to pursue. Blogging and Podcasting are great ways to showcase long form ideas, and with today's tools, easier than ever to get started.

Referrals are key - whether it's from clients who have loved working with you or peers who know that they want you on their team. Being intentional with your relationships, keeping in touch and most importantly knowing that you have left a lasting impression on everyone that you have worked with.

Let your work speak for you. The best starting point is when you are recommended by satisfied customers. No advertisement can do better than word of mouth.

Exceptional project work speaks volumes. Your clients refer your work for 20* years in this industry. Under promise and over deliver as the proof of your capabilities are always housed in your deliverables.

Nothing speaks more highly of you than referrals. As simple as that!! When you do networking and do a good job and people are happy, they will recommend you even if not knowing it, by talking good about you or your services. I've know business individuals that have told me they've never needed business cards because they get so many referrals that they are always full..that speaks highly. So, again, nothing speaks more highly than referrals. Good luck and keep up the good work.

Experience Turn up with depth of experience not ego. Roll up your sleeves. And remember - two ears and one mouth is the right ratio. Every morning and every night - re-read the brief. This is enough to get you started. If you contribute you will be recognised. If your recognised others will discover you.

Utilizing online platforms and directories is a strategic move for live events consultants. These resources amplify your profile, portfolio, and services to a broader, targeted audience. They enhance online visibility, exposure, and credibility, offering access to more clients and projects. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can be pivotal in finding freelance opportunities. Additionally, directories like Eventbrite, BizBash, or Event Planner provide a space to list your business, helping to attract potential clients and gather valuable feedback. This approach is key for expanding your reach in the digital landscape.

It sounds easy, but so many people forget that in order to be found, you need to make yourself easy to find! Whatever platforms, directories, or places people search for your service, you should be. I'm always amazed at people looking for more business without even having a simple website, or an email address people can reach them at. Don't make it difficult. I hate to say it, but most people are lazy, so if you make it just a little tougher than it needs to be.....good luck!

Thanks for sharing Upwork, Fiverr, Eventbrite, BizBash, and Event Planner. I’m only familiar with Eventbrite. I’ll have to check out the others. Eventbrite is so great, and I’ve connected with some of the greatest professionals at events from there. There’s an upcoming one next month that I am extremely excited to attend. Hoping to network and gain more connections!

Unleash The Press Release! A press release is the most valuable tool in my event promotion toolbox. In a well written press release, you tell the story of YOUR event. Journalists and broadcasters appreciate that you’ve done part of the work for them. They are more likely to follow up with you because you know your message. I’ve created a list of media contacts over the years. I unleash the press release to my contact list a few weeks before the event. Our events have received essentially free promotion to a wide audience through interviews with radio stations, TV broadcasters and the traditional newspaper press.

I've found during my career that word of mouth concerning an effective Consultant or Creative Manager spreads quickly. Armed with a solid industry level reputation combined with strong letters of recommendation, there is a significantly larger potential to not simply attract new talent but to have them already informed, knowing what to expect and saving everyone precious time and resources when you're approached by a client who is 85% ready to be closed, booked and starting out. I also agree with the above statement of solidifying the airborne info with a well timed press release. It is not a detriment to call in a proactive PR Agent. They are worth what you spend.

Create memorable experiences that really touch the viewers' emotions. They will remember it for a lifetime. This is a very effective way for live events consultants to share their work.

Never underestimate the power of collaborations. Partnering with adjacent service providers and organizations leverage the power of multiple audiences allowing for crossover relationships. Find similar opportunities in your field and work together to create a symbiotic network in-which spotlight can be shared and used to promote across organizations. Even a simple collaborative email blast can do wonders in introducing your offerings to new audiences with built in trust from a service or event curator they recognize. Collaboration leads to higher rate of reception as well as warm leads and more conversions.

Local media is a great way to share your next event. If the event ties to current events you've got a story that the news' audience will want to hear. Dig through your local media's website for the contact information of the news director and reporters and send them your press release. When you don't have an event, be sure to continue building the relationship so you are the go-to for anything in your industry.