My Offline Seminar Brought $10,000

[MWGrubb58]

My seminar is over and I have 10 grand coming my way. No, I DID NOT use David Preston's model.

The interesting thing is as a result of this seminar, I have ANOTHER presentation for 45 business owners in which I will be talking about my higher priced 10 grand package!

How did I get the seminar going in the first place? Some well crafted press releases, a few phone calls, and a few emails.

Another result of the seminar?

Lunch on Monday with a client where I will be introduced to ANOTHER prospect.

The way i have things set up, I will continually get clients weekly and at higher fees.

Keep Looking Ahead,

Millard

[melanied]

Congratulations! There are as many different ways to approach an offline consulting business as there are any other business. Sounds like you've found one that works for you in a big way!

[MWGrubb58]

Thank you!

I appreciate the kind words.

With my background, a workshop was just the best way to go for me.

Cheers,

Millard

[jukeboxhero]

Great job dude...

Are you going to provide any insight as to your strategy or is it an ebook in the works that I'll have to pay to see?

[MWGrubb58]

Originally Posted by jukeboxhero

Great job dude...

Are you going to provide any insight as to your strategy or is it an ebook in the works that I'll have to pay to see?

Here's some info:

I want to make some things clear. I've had a consulting firm for quite a while and worked in the entertainment industry for a long time. So, to say that I have just started things and it worked would be a bit misleading.



I spent quite a bit of time talking with an industry leader in the "Online-Offline Business." I used his letters, scripts, and techniques. THEY DID NOT WORK FOR ME!

I had to go back to what I knew, what my experience had taught me, and what had WORKED FOR ME, in the past.

I think that is important.

You can take systems, methods, and techniques from others..... but you have to make them yours. If you have to adapt, adopt, and modify until they WORK FOR YOU, keep trying.



Additionally, I want to add that I have purchased thousands upon thousands of dollars of materials from almost every guru on the planet. The bottom line, for me, at least, is to use things that work for me.



I know my strengths. I know where I miss it. If I am weak in an area, I hire someone to make up the difference. If I want to learn something that will be useful, I take the time to learn it. If I know that someone else can do something better than I, more quickly, I hire them, so I can do what I do best.



I say all these things to help you to see that there is no real "Magic Bullet."



I put on a seminar because I have over 30 years experience being in front of people and getting paid.

Based upon the feedback from the people who attended my seminar, I know that they were HUNGRY to receive what I had to offer.

I had to create a press release that tapped into that hunger and pain.



NOTE: The newspaper put the WRONG STREET of my event. I could of had more people attend. BUT, the people that attended wanted SO BAD to be there, they found out where the workshop was being held.



The bottom line I want to mention is that your success is not only about what system you use, but how you can use what you already have to make it work.



THE DIRTY LITTLE SECRET: Many gurus won't tell you the WHOLE story of why something worked. One guru I know made a boatload of money just days after starting the "Offline-Online" process. Nobody was told that 80% of that money came from one client that she already had a relationship. Frankly, most people are not going to share the failures of their systems, just the successes.



My DIRTY LITTLE SECRET: I tried a bunch of the methods springing up all over the 'Net and they did not work for me. I had to go back to methods I knew WORKED FOR ME! I don't know if they can work for you.



With that said, in a nutshell: the local Çhamber of Commerce in the THREE cities around me DID NOT want me pitching something to their members unless I was a member. Therefore, I went to other associations with a press release; both electronic and in print.

I followed up with a simple phone call inviting members to attend my seminar.



At the seminar, I DID NOT use a power point presentation. I chatted with the attendees about the power of the internet. You know, keywords, searching, Youtube, email, etc.



After the seminar about sixty percent wanted my card.

The next day, I figured about 20% of those attending called me (Boy did my ear fall off).



From that I got an immediate $10,000.

I have meetings all next week. I also have ANOTHER meeting as a result with 45 business owners, pre set up. I should get about 8-10 clients from that.



Now, to me, the most exciting thing is that these business owners will have success with me FIRST, with the internet, then I can upsell them to one of my other packages on business development where I can get 10-20 THOUSAND extra a piece.



THAT IS THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF ME DOING SEMINARS... NOT THE INTERNET MARKETING , PER SE, BUT TO GET A CLIENT THAT IS WILLING TO PAY ME 10 OR 20 THOUSAND INSTEAD OF $1500 - $5000.



I hope this brief message is helpful in having you look at your abilities to move ahead.



Warmly,



Millard

[melanied]

That's interesting that you have worked in the entertainment industry. My consulting clients are all entertainment industry, as well, and I haven't really posted about my "methods" (if you could call them that) because I didn't think that it would work for people living outside LA or NY.

Have you found that to be an obstacle? Or...maybe you live in one of those places. LOL

[MWGrubb58]

I used to live in Chicago and had my own TV show, etc. Now I live in the Ozarks, where life is much slower.

My show business background is VERY helpful, simply because people who are not in the industry have little idea of what we really do to make things happen. When I do a workshop or seminar, I let business owners know about some of the things I do that have worked for years.

Warmly,

Millard

[Richard Tunnah]

millard,
That's great! I certainly agree that one system doesn't fit all. It's down to what works for you and also what works in your local area.

Rich

[Mark Riddle]

Originally Posted by MWGrubb58

Now I live in the Ozarks, where life is much slower.
Millard

Hey I didn't know you were in the Ozarks

Mark Riddle

[Karen Connell]

I have worked as an offline trainer for various government run schemes doing Personal Development and Health and Safety Training etc.

I have recently started in IM and am making a few $'s here and there.

Do you think there is a market for training in IM, running an offline course or a seminar? If yes, how do you maximise your earnings?

I am no threat to anyone here - I'm in Ireland!

Any suggestions would be welcome

Thank You

Karen

[MWGrubb58]

Karen,

I believe there is a good market for using the internet in almost ANY business. However, don't just stop there. Most businesses don't know how to raise PROFITS, let alone get more customers.

And that's the big problem... Most biz owners just do ONE thing, look for new customers. A business can set things up right where they make more from their EXISTING customers than from their new ones all day long. And save money, too.

Karen, just walk into some of your local shops and ask one question (After chatting a bit): "How's business?"

You'll find more things to help an owner after that conversation than you have time to do. :-)

Cheers,

Millard

[Bruce NewMedia]

Hey Millard, nice to hear you pulled off that success!

We've chatted before about your plans to do this. I think what you're saying about having to ADAPT SYSTEMS to what works for you is so true.
Alot of the offline stuff is pretty obvious, yet most are not able to pull it off.

I know marketers right now that are trying to mail repeatedly to local businesses but won;t go see or call anybody. ...and their results are dismal.

..and your success is even more impressive as you're doing it a much smaller market area than Chicago.
_____
Bruce

[Karen Connell]

Originally Posted by MWGrubb58

Karen,

I believe there is a good market for using the internet in almost ANY business. However, don't just stop there. Most businesses don't know how to raise PROFITS, let alone get more customers.

And that's the big problem... Most biz owners just do ONE thing, look for new customers. A business can set things up right where they make more from their EXISTING customers than from their new ones all day long. And save money, too.

Karen, just walk into some of your local shops and ask one question (After chatting a bit): "How's business?"

You'll find more things to help an owner after that conversation than you have time to do. :-)

Cheers,

Millard

Millard

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Karen

[Pete Egeler]

I know Millard has been working on this seminar for quite some time so "flash in the pan" sure doesn't fit. However, hard work does!

Way to go Millard.

Pete

[Corwinnx]

Millard,
Great job man! Great, great job! People tend to 'overthink' the strategies and the methods to death, or they try to 'clone' another model. Doing what works 'for you' comes down to taking the strategy, but making it your 'own'- putting it into your voice. Congratulations on one of the greatest achievements of the journey of self- the realization that you, the individual, is what will draw people to you, not the robotic copy of the voice that told you 'say this and you will..'

Warmest Regards,
Marcus

[MWGrubb58]

One of the things that is important is that you must remember to NOT think small.

I wasted a lot of time working with businesses that were interested, but just didn't have the gumption or money to change what they were doing. A business that is living on just-get-along-street down by grumble alley, generally doesn't see how you can help, no matter what the circumstances.

A good case in point was one of the businesses that was at the workshop the other night who worked in the disaster recovery industry. He made sure to get all the water out of buildings after fires, plumbing accidents, accidents, etc. He had a very hard time seeing how he could do ANYTHING other than work disasters, no matter what was said.

I cannot afford to waste any time with such people.

That's an important point, too. Ultimately, we deal with people, not businesses.

Do you want to work with someone you can't stand? No matter how much money they give you? No matter how much heartache they cause you? Is it worth an ulcer for a few pieces of silver? Life is a wisp that disappears before you know it; you might as well work with people that can become friends and advocates.

Warmly,

Millard

[mailcold]

Originally Posted by MWGrubb58

One of the things that is important is that you must remember to NOT think small.

I wasted a lot of time working with businesses that were interested, but just didn't have the gumption or money to change what they were doing. A business that is living on just-get-along-street down by grumble alley, generally doesn't see how you can help, no matter what the circumstances.

A good case in point was one of the businesses that was at the workshop the other night who worked in the disaster recovery industry. He made sure to get all the water out of buildings after fires, plumbing accidents, accidents, etc. He had a very hard time seeing how he could do ANYTHING other than work disasters, no matter what was said.

I cannot afford to waste any time with such people.

That's an important point, too. Ultimately, we deal with people, not businesses.

Do you want to work with someone you can't stand? No matter how much money they give you? No matter how much heartache they cause you? Is it worth an ulcer for a few pieces of silver? Life is a wisp that disappears before you know it; you might as well work with people that can become friends and advocates.

Warmly,

Millard

There is some very valuable advise in the above post. I see so many IM here on WF selling $10 to $29 WSO. It might generate some pocket change for a student attending University and may be one in 100 IM might get lucky and make some decent money but that is all.

What Millard did is something that would build business for the long haul.
One thing though upselling 15K-20K consulting package to existing customers is fair as you can give then value.

[RainDrop]

Congrats on your success! Sounds like the beginning of a great new venture for you!

I agree that putting your own spin on any method is the key to making it work for you.
That's what I am trying to do right now with the wealth of information I have recently found here in the WF. I don't think cookie cutter approach will work for me, so I'm finding my own way to approach it all and working on a business plan based on that.

[mailcold]

Originally Posted by MWGrubb58

Here's some info:
....

With that said, in a nutshell: the local Çhamber of Commerce in the THREE cities around me DID NOT want me pitching something to their members unless I was a member. Therefore, I went to other associations with a press release; both electronic and in print.

I followed up with a simple phone call inviting members to attend my seminar.


....



Millard

Hello Millard,
Could you give us some pointers to the way you issued press release ?
Were these electronic media press release ? Did you pay for these press releases ?

What were some of the associations you approached ?

Thanks in advance for the response

[Ray Erdmann]

Thanks for the thread and the insight into your success MWGrubb...

I just have one question....How can someone who is only 24...(as your profile claim) have over 30 years experience being in front of someone?

[MWGrubb58]

Ha! Obviously, my profile is wrong! I am 56 years old and grew up in the 1950's and 1960's. My professional career started in 1976 (although I was paid for shows earlier than that.)

thanks for pointing out my profile... I'll see how I can fix that! : )

Cheers,

Millard

[MWGrubb58]

Ray,

I appreciate you pointing the error... I did not even know there was a profile page!

Fixed the error!

Cheers,

Millard

[Ray Erdmann]

Originally Posted by MWGrubb58

Ray,

I appreciate you pointing the error... I did not even know there was a profile page!

Fixed the error!

Cheers,

Millard

I wouldn't really call 'hiding' your birthday as really 'fixing it'...but then again, WTF do I know! I just see the little things that most others over look!


To your continued success..


Ray

[MWGrubb58]

Thanks!

Ha! I guess there must be a DEFAULT birthday in the profile... I just never bothered to look!

BTW, I just got an email from someone who could not make it to the workshop. He had a website he wanted me to help turn around, PLUS he wants me to talk to ANOTHER group of business owners.

This just keeps snowballing.

I'm thankful for that.

Cheers,

Millard

[chrisnegro]

Millard:

Would you mind spelling out the details of how you worked the seminar angle. I'm working the seminar angle but am open to new ideas and seems you have some. You post left alot of details out and I'm hoping (as well as others here on this thread) that you would spell out all little details in your press release angle.


Success to you,

Chris Negro

[Karen Connell]

Originally Posted by chrisnegro

Millard:

Would you mind spelling out the details of how you worked the seminar angle. I'm working the seminar angle but am open to new ideas and seems you have some. You post left alot of details out and I'm hoping (as well as others here on this thread) that you would spell out all little details in your press release angle.


Success to you,

Chris Negro

Me Too - I would be very interested.

Regards

Karen

[sofia12]

Me too! I'm holding a seminar/workshop at the end of July and so far have submitted one press release through PRWeb so interested how else you are using press releases to promote seminars

[AndrewCavanagh]

If you want real offline media coverage you need to send your press releases OFFLINE to offline media like newspapers, radios and local television stations.

Generally speaking the press release should be just one page, have a sexy angle and you don't give the whole story in the press release (have suggested questions instead) so the media have to call you to get it.

Once a paper, tv or radio call you they're about 95% committed to doing a full story on you and you'll get much more significant coverage than if they just write a small story off a press release.

Also when they interview you you can pitch them for a second sexy story (you should be prepared for that too.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

[MWGrubb58]

Andrew,

You make some really good points!

When I used my press release for this seminar, I also used electronic as well as print methods. In this case, I visited local papers and talked to reporters. I just walked in and asked to see someone in charge of the local business news.

One of the things that helped greatly was that I had a book and a nice DVD holder with wrap-around cover, etc. Of course, my story was to HELP the local business owners by showing them some great information.

When I was on the road in my entertainment business, it was an easy thing to drop by the local radio and TV stations and comment about my show at a local hotel. I did a few things and was asked to come by for a talk show.

Most of the things I do are simple, but take guts. (Don't worry, people don't bite!)

Hope this helps.

Millard

[chrisnegro]

Originally Posted by MWGrubb58

Andrew,

You make some really good points!

When I used my press release for this seminar, I also used electronic as well as print methods. In this case, I visited local papers and talked to reporters. I just walked in and asked to see someone in charge of the local business news.

One of the things that helped greatly was that I had a book and a nice DVD holder with wrap-around cover, etc. Of course, my story was to HELP the local business owners by showing them some great information.

When I was on the road in my entertainment business, it was an easy thing to drop by the local radio and TV stations and comment about my show at a local hotel. I did a few things and was asked to come by for a talk show.

Most of the things I do are simple, but take guts. (Don't worry, people don't bite!)

Hope this helps.

Millard

Millard ....care to spell out any more details. Or maybe your purposefully holding back information....which is fine...if this is intended.

So is this intended

Chris Negro

[MWGrubb58]

More information will be forthcoming...

I am busy setting up a client at the moment....

BTW, the press release isn't the "Magic Bullet" either.

I believe the "Magic Bullet" is a blend of things .....

More a little later today...

Cheers,

Millard

[Jillian Slack]

Hi Millard,

I'm in the same town as you. Good to hear about your success.

I've worked as a reporter here in town.

Just wanted to say that care should be used when just dropping in at a newspaper office.

Deadlines are TIGHT and there were times when letting work screech to a halt to visit with someone who dropped by was impossible.

I would advise against drop-ins, but if someone out there wants to try this method, keep in mind that if the reporter can't see you, just leave your information and follow up via email or phone.

Jill

[MWGrubb58]

Jill,

I appreciate your thoughts.

Of course, whenever I have just dropped in, I always had a press release all printed and ready to go so that I wasn't "Just dropping in" but had a release to drop off. In the interests of full disclosure, not every drop off resulted in an interview, but a whole lot of them did.

I make a point to call and set up things with editors and see if my story has "legs." In pitching the story, I try to put as many "hooks" into the piece as possible. The key to me is to get called, not just have a story written, so that is how i gear all my releases.

Thanks to everyone who has responded.

Millard

[Fernando Veloso]

Thanks for sharing your story with us Millard. Just realized the oportunities i am losing right now... geez!!!

I will knock my head on the wall and be back soon.

Fernando

[MWGrubb58]

Just an update for the seminar I just completed.

Got an email a few hours ago from someone who wanted me to consult with them because they did not make it to the seminar. I emailed them back. They said they wanted me to talk to another group of business people... Hmmmm... that's ANOTHER group of business owners from one seminar... Can you say three separate groups?

One of the things I did at the seminar was to just talk as if I was talking across the table to friends. I had a bunch of power points, but after thinking for a while, I realized that since I had been in front of folks for years, whereas when using powerpoint, I was a newbie. I wanted to be comfortable, not have to poke around with a computer... even though I know the Mac inside and out.

I am more comfortable working from an outline. Soooo, I just printed out the slides and talked a bit. I went down a lot of paths and side trails, but the slides kept me on track.

What I think was happening is that the folks at the seminar just realized that I was a real person and not someone in an office somewhere.

Cheers,

Millard

[Mark Riddle]

Millard,

Great info ~!

Just to emphasize one major point Millard is making that may be missed..

You are talking with the group.

Many times a prepared presentation comes off as a "speech" and the feeling of being canned and not the speakers real life experience coming through.

Keeping it as a informal talk not only shows your comfort on the subject, it also indicates there is a greater depth of knowledge than you are covering.

Mark Riddle

[EmmaJames]

My mind is spinning with ideas of how to get with local business owners
in my area...

It's all about just doing it...no excuses. And, if you've done it, that means
I can do it too.

Thanks for giving such detailed info.

[JohnMcCabe]

Millard, you've been one of the good guys at least since I first encountered you back in the AOL/CompuServe days...

I really like the informal style you describe. I still remember the opening to one of the best seminar/workshops I ever saw...

"Good morning. I could talk to you about a lot of things, and if they aren't what you want to know, this morning together won't be as good as it could have been. So what do YOU want to know?"

That was the end of the pre-scripted material...

[MWGrubb58]

Here's the PRESS RELEASE I used:

Press Release

Business Owners To Find Gold On the Internet

Business owners in SW Missouri will get an almost unfair advantage when they attend a workshop to learn the secrets of bringing more customers and clients by using the internet.

“Many business owners have spent thousands of dollars on pretty websites that do nothing to bring in clients,” says Millard Grubb, author of The Springfield Business Owners Guide To Using the internet.”

“In this internet workshop,” continues Grubb, “we’ll learn the most important reason business owners fail when it comes to using the web.”

In the workshop, business owners will learn what simple change can put them on the first page in Google search engine. Owners will also learn the number one way to save up to 50% on ad costs while bringing in new customers.

“There’s no charge for the workshop and there will be no selling involved,” promises Grubb. “Don’t you just hate it when you go to a workshop and all you hear is a pitch for something?” he asked.

Grubb promises a full two-hour, roll-up-your-sleeves lesson in making the web work for you.

The seminar will be held on June 25, Thursday night from 7pm-9pm at the North Fellowship Hall in the First Baptist Church in Ozark. The church is located at 1400 W. Jackson Street, Ozark, MO 65721. The facility is right next door to the post office.

If you want more information, call (417) 581 - 4111.

###

Cheers,

Millard

[mailcold]

Thanks for sharing the press release. You are generous.

[Paul Ashbrook]

Nice Press release. Focused on the customer and you've branded yourself as an expert.

Thanks for sharing.

[MWGrubb58]

You're Welcome.

If you've got questions, just let me know.

Warmly,

Millard

[Fernando Veloso]

Millard,

Firstly thanks for the Press release mate, really useful. Did you rented the space for the Seminar or it was a free space?

[Jesus Perez]

Finally, I helpful post with details and real-life explanations.

Thank you for contributing this great info and explaining how unique your situation is.

A lot of people need to understand the "DIRTY SECRET" parts in your OP.

[MWGrubb58]

I was able to get the room for free with no cost whatsoever. All I did was ask!

The room was every bit as good as a hotel... chairs and tables were set up, nice place, good people. For something quick, this was just fine.

If I were to ask for money, I would go the hotel route with snacks, drinks, etc.

Until next time,

Millard

[chrisnegro]

Millard:

Many thanks for the Press Release above (nice job). Was curious though in post #4 on how you landed the $10,000. Was specific services were you offering and how did you "present" the deal?

Success to you,

Chris Negro

[MWGrubb58]

Chris,

Basically, I just told about some of my clients and how I helped them. I used specific numbers and specific case studies of my clients. I also told a couple of stories of personal experiences talking with business owners who DID NOT hire me and within six months were out of business. (These owners were all local)

I think this put fear in hearts, but I couldn't say for sure.

I also made sure that everyone knew that I could "care less" whether or not I was hired. You could say I wanted everyone to chase me!

Cheers,

Millard