How to Host Your Own Conference For Little or No Money- Part Three
Building a freedom business involves many components. One that appeals to many entrepreneurs is public speaking. In this series we’ve talked about speaking at conferences, booking consulting at companies, and hosting your own conference for little or no money. If you missed part one, or part two, head back and check out what we’re been talking about.
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I hope you’ve seen that hosting your own conference is not only a reality, but also something that you should try at least once. I’m an introvert, so I know what you’re thinking fellow introverts, but this can be profitable and build your business.
Think about the math behind this. You host a conference that charges $97 a ticket. You can get the conference sponsored, which means everything you make is profit. If you don’t, you can keep expenses down by renting a place for $100-$150, you buy lunch and juice, which would cost close to the room. Let’s be generous and say your expenses are $400. When you get five people you’re profitable, but what about beyond that?
What about when you get 10-20? What if you hosted the same (or different) event once a month? When you think about it that way, it becomes a serious source of income. I have two clients that host a different event every month and earn $4,000 after expenses. Not bad at all.
The extras
We’ve talked about making money from the event, but what about other ways to monetize? THIS IS YOUR EVENT! Meaning, you can promote your other products and services to an audience that has already proven they’re willing to spend money with you. That is the definition of a “hot lead.”
I’m not telling you to make your event a hype machine where you try to cram your other offerings down people’s throat. What I am saying is WHEN you give over the top value; don’t be afraid to mention other offerings that could benefit those attending.
You can set up a table that has your books, a one-sheet to book you to speak, and a one-sheet that explains your coaching program or group class. When you add value at your event, people will naturally want to know what else you offer. The income adds up.
Be sure to have a sign up for your email list at the event. At the very least it’s a good opportunity to add names to your list that could be future customers. You can have a sign up sheet somewhere or use a text to add program.
Many email service provides now offer the option to have people opt in to your email list through text messaging. I use MailChimp, and I know they offer it. It’s very convenient to say “text hello to 555” and get people to sign up.
Take action
I’m using the rest of this year to get you ready for 2015. I want everyone who reads this blog to experience true freedom by the end of 2015. I realize speaking may not be your thing, that’s cool. I have more coming your way.
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For all you present and future speakers, use what I’ve talked about the last three posts to host your very first conference. If you like it, use it regularly. Even if you do it every now and then, this could be one part of your income stream. The only thing left now is to take action. I’ll be watching!
Do you plan to host your own conference/training at some point?
This week’s articles:
An Open Letter to My Grandfather (This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever written. My grandfather has been given two weeks to live…)
The Good Men Project
10 Lies We Need to Stop Telling Ourselves
The Huffington Post
I’m a Man & I Hate My Body
Mind Body Green
To Grow Your Business, Get Beyond These 4 Entrepreneurial Cliches
Entrepreneur Magazine
