Host your Own Events to Build your Tribe

You have your own business, you want to grow your audience and have that growth be consistent. Hosting your own events – an idea that may seem daunting but really is as easy as 1 – 2 – plan! Here are the 8 creative opportunities to grow your tribe by hosting your own events:

Hot Topics

What’s the buzz about? What are people asking for? Keeping a finger on the pulse of your community, industry, and/or profession is an integral part of knowing what your clients want and where the future is in your niche. Find out what people want by conducting surveys; in-person (by asking questions) or on-line (with the use of applications such as SurveyMonkey, TypeForm, or Zoho). This will allow you to ask questions that will lead your clients to talk about what they need and want to hear.

 Networking - Go where your audience is

Is your e-mail lead list non-existent? Are your “follower” numbers in the single digits? Its not hopeless! You can actually build your list with the help of existing lists and groups – and you don’t have to break the bank to do it. What is it you want to talk about? Where are your passions? Groups that are part of social media platforms provide people who are like minded a place where you can (with permission of the groups creator and in line with the group’s guidelines and rules) begin to make contacts to build your base. You never know who you know until you start talking so be attentive, interactive and leave your shyness at home!

Say what you want to say

Everyone loves a captivating speaker – someone who knocks it out of the park, has the audience eating out of the palm of their hand, and is saying what the crowd needs to hear. Be sure that your message is one you feel passionate about, one that excites you to get up and bear witness to. If you don’t believe in your words, no one will pay you no never-mind!

 Community based organizations

Not unlike the social media groups, organizations that are in your own community are a fantastic place to start your talk. And your community doesn’t have to be just based on your location – your community is any group where you may have like minded interests – political groups, religious organizations, social cause organizations, survivorship support groups and more. Go where you feel your peeps are!

 Phone-a-business-friend

No, I am not suggesting you annoy your friends, family and co-workers, everyday, all day – what I am saying is you may want to let those people know what you do but more importantly, you need to bring your message to the people that are going to pay you, not just fill the seats. (A crowded event is a good thing, though, and if you are short on attendees, a few friends and family members’ support on the day of the event couldn’t hurt!) Remember, your competitors are in your niche too and how you approach them can help or hurt your business. Pick-up the phone and call a competitor – business/professional roundtables are an awesome way to learn more about what you do, how others do it and what works (or doesn’t).

 Pro-bono

Sometimes, just giving some word of advice works well. Other times, you may feel like someone is taking advantage of your good will. Either way, there is power in numbers – adding a few clients that may never be able to afford your services, but whom really need your help can pay-off for you in a huge way. Do some ‘pro bono’ work – the clients may not pay you in dollars and cents but a results-based recommendation from them could bring more positive leads than you could ever pay for. 

 Back to School

Where ever you choose to learn, there your tribe can exist. People with similar interests will gravitate toward a common learning experience and people with similar ideals. Classroom settings, whether virtual or actual can provide a space for conversations which can lead to all sorts of continued interaction for you and your business.

 Presence

In all of the previous tips, communications is the key element in getting people to hear you, listen to you and follow you. Your tribe has to be confident in who they are as a listener to confident in you as a speaker or event leader. Go to the event, do the introduction, dress the part of the person you want to represent, have the conversations, don’t be afraid to follow-up and welcome the questions that may come to you as you build your tribe.