Does looking for new clients feel like you’re searching for a needle in a haystack?

Are you frustrated with trying to find that one person at a networking event who might be a match as a client?

Good news, there is a more effective way to connect with potential clients and build your community. It’s to switch from being a participant of events to being the host of events.

Hang on; before you reject this idea let me explain. There are many ways to do this and all of them (except one) don’t even require you to leave the house.

The idea is to invite people to spend time with you in a group setting where you share your expertise. It can be virtual events or in person events. And it’s something you want to offer people to attend for free.

“A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate.” Seth Godin Click to Tweet

Hosting your own events is all about the power of leverage, marketing one-to-many instead of one-to-one. Plus, it creates an opportunity for the participants to connect with each other. And it also increases your visibility and positions you as an expert.

Creating your own event is something that Michael Port, author of Book Yourself Solid, calls: “Always-Have-Something-to-Invite-People-to Offer.”

The idea being that whenever you connect with people, on-line or off-line, that you have a specific event you can invite them to.

The key is to host your event more than once, to consistently have something to invite people to. You can offer your events weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Really you can offer your events as often as you like, keeping in mind what your community wants.

Let me clarify, your events are not meant to replace your valuable free giveaway that you offer on your website (and other places) which you give people in exchange for their email address. Your events are in addition to your giveaway.

And as always, at the end of your event be sure to have a clear and compelling call to action that lets people know how they can work with you.

Here are seven ways you can host events for your business.

1. Tweet Chats

If you’re using Twitter you can host events where you answer questions about a particular topic. Get more details on how to do it here.

2. Teleclasses

This is basically a conference call where it’s only audio and you share helpful information and/or answer questions. Don’t forget you can record these live events and sell them or offer them as a bonus with other products and services. Learn more about this here.

3. Facebook Chats

You can host a Facebook Chat on your Facebook Page or Facebook Group. The Amsterdam Mamas has a Facebook Group, Amsterdam Business Mamas, and they host ‘Tutor Tuesdays’ where a special guest answers questions on a particular topic. Here’s a link to find out more about how to host a Facebook Chat.

4. Webinars

As you’ve probably heard, webinars are an incredible way to connect with potential clients. You could choose a specific topic or offer an open Q & A. More on how to do webinars here.

5. Livestream Facebook 

You know video is a smart marketing strategy and live video is getting a lot of attention. If you haven’t already starting using Facebook Live it’s time to check it out. Check out Hubspot’s complete guide to using Facebook Live here. And there is a new way to livestream on Facebook from your computer using BeLive.

6. In Person Events

You can also offer in-person event for free. You can host these at your office or workspace if you have one. You can also meet at a café. An example someone who offers a very generous three-hour free event is my friend, Albert Both. Albert teaches Dutch and this is a link to his event.

If you’re not sure what your community wants as topics or what channel they prefer, ask them. Create a survey on Survey Monkey or Typeform and send it to your email list and post it on social media.

My advice is to pick one channel and try it out. And remember, marketing is a continuous experiment. So be sure you give your new idea time to work. And make sure you promote it well so you have loads of participants. And if it turns out not to be a big hit be willing to try another channel. Because sometimes it’s not the concept, it’s the platform.

I hope you’re feeling inspired by the possibilities and that you will set aside some time to plan out the type of events you’d like to host.

Hosting events will allow you to connect with more of your ideal clients, build your community, and grow your business.

© Stephanie Ward

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this information with it: Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to create meaningful and prosperous businesses. Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips, at: https://www.fireflycoaching.com.

Which options will you choose to connect with more of your ideal clients? Share your thoughts and questions in the below in the comments section. I respond to every single comment.