Most new businesses put a huge focus on their online presence these days, and for excellent reasons. SEO, conversion techniques, social media – they are all great ways to kick start your business and build a reputation. Ultimately, though, we are a species that enjoys human, person-to-person, interactions more than anything else. And that’s why business events can be such a fantastic option for new companies.
Events are not a simple choice, of course, There is a lot to organize if you want to run a successful conference and attract a sizeable crowd. But if you can get it right, then you will benefit from a vast array of factors. Here are some of the incredible advantages of holding business events – read on to find out more.
Meet people face-to-face
First of all, one-to-one meetings are far more personable than online alternatives. You get to connect with your audience on a much more personal level than you can via the Internet, and it leads to a much more impactful meeting. Given the nature of the modern day business world, these simple interactions are becoming less common, so an event is a perfect place to buck the trend – and it will often make a huge difference.
Provide an experience
You can have a good experience online, but let’s face it – using a website isn’t all that memorable. In comparison, a fantastic live event will give your audience a visceral, memorable experience that they will link to your brand and business for many years to come. You can put on a real show by hiring an award winning speaker, for example, or maybe even a band to play some music after the speeches. Catering is another option – perhaps you could link up with a local restaurant to provide great cuisine as well as a great show.
Build an authority
When you put on an industry event, the people who attend will see you as an important figure. It’s a great way to create an air of authority for your brand – particularly during that period when you are just starting out and need to prove yourself. And the links you make with other people in your industry will lead to more events – perhaps you might end up speaking at one yourself.
Build a community
If you put on a great show, you will reap the rewards and have a great opportunity to grow a community around your business. Pitching the event right means you will also have an entire room full of people that are already expressing an interest in what you do – and could turn into loyal fans of your brand. Also, when people get together as a community, it promotes more engagement, both offline and on.
The money
Finally, creating an event can be costly, but no law says it has to be a loss maker. In fact, business events can be fantastic revenue generators. Ticket sales are an obvious example, of course, and there’s also the opportunity to sell courses, books, or even early access to your new product. Good luck with the show – and let us know how you get on!