How can I get people to fill seats for my event.

6 years ago

Originally Posted by kenlwf

Hello all,

My partner and I are holding an entrepreneurial workshop for women in less than two weeks time in order to raise funds for our startup as we do not have enough visitors and buyers to buy or visit our marketplace. We aim to invite at least 50 people to join this event in so that we could give back something to our venue sponsor as we promised to help them to market their services as well. We can't afford to pay for Google or Facebook ads because it's way too expensive for us, the conversion rate is x4 if converted. (MYR)

What we have done so far to get people to participate:
1. Call and message potential friends and family who is interested in the topic of the event (entrepreneurship for women)
2. Share on social media

Over the 2 weeks we have only receive confirmation of less than 10 participants who wanted to join the seminar because of the free 10 early bird seating. But sadly, it has been fully taken and the late comers are unwilling to pay for a small fee of MYR48 for women and MYR62 for men.

How and what can I do in order to market the event without breaking the bank?

Its time to get SOCIAL. Facebook, you can set up an event.. you need to get into groups and post post post.

I would be looking for local female influencers

Flyers / handouts at internet cafes etc.

Your local colleges?

Keep in mind here the average monthly income in your neck of the woods is like what? 3600MYR, so the fee is not so small

Bottom line is you just need to do something.. and GRIND it out.

Promises kept are the building blocks to great working relationships.. promises broken, are not often forgotten. There is more at stake here than just filling the room.

Thanks

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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by kenlwf

Over the 2 weeks we have only receive confirmation of less than 10 participants who wanted to join the seminar because of the free 10 early bird seating.

Unfortunately, you will probably realize only a 20% attendance from those sign-ups.

If you don't have the funds to launch your start-up, best to cancel this event lest you be completely embarrassed. That will only make your next event that much harder to successfully pull off.

Thanks
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kenlwf

6 years ago

Hi OptedIn,

Thanks for your comment. This is a do or die situation we're facing now. We are really low on funds and really desperate now. Hence looking for free ways to promote the event in order to build a community and to promote our marketplace at the same time.

We have already filled up the 10 early bird free seats, but it's really difficult to get the remaining paid seats to be filled.

Thanks
2 replies

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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by kenlwf

Hi OptedIn,

Thanks for your comment. This is a do or die situation we're facing now. We are really low on funds and really desperate now. Hence looking for free ways to promote the event in order to build a community and to promote our marketplace at the same time.

We have already filled up the 10 early bird free seats, but it's really difficult to get the remaining paid seats to be filled.

I understand, but I hate to be the one to tell you that unless your event is very far-off, your chances of developing a lot of interest and converting that to butts in the seats is going to extremely difficult. Wanting to accomplish that, no matter how desperately, will not alter the facts nor the chances for success.

These are the type of issues that need to be well thought-out and planned for, very early in the process. Better to have a targeted group of people going in, then trying to create one as the deadline approaches.

I realize that I am the 'Donny Downer' of this forum, but that's because I'm not afraid to give you the cold, hard facts, as opposed to blowing pink smoke up your butt. The truth is ugly, but no one is doing you any favors by simply giving you tips that you know already, have probably tried with no success and if you haven't tried them yet, and you do, probably wouldn't improve your situation.

Again, even the freebies that signed-up, most probably won't attend. People sign-up for anything when it's free, but since it's free they put absolutely no perceived value on the product, service or event.

Sadly, desperation won't change your plight, if you're going about it the wrong way. If that was how life worked I'd be writing this from Sardinia.

Save face by pulling the plug, reevaluating your situation, developing a viable plan, having a realistic budget and implementing intelligently, the next time.

If it's truly a die or die situation to keep your operation alive, then I have very, very bad news for you, but you don't really need to hear it from me as the handwriting is on the wall.

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Claude Whitacre

6 years ago

Originally Posted by kenlwf

Hi OptedIn,

Thanks for your comment. This is a do or die situation we're facing now. We are really low on funds and really desperate now. Hence looking for free ways to promote the event in order to build a community and to promote our marketplace at the same time.

We have already filled up the 10 early bird free seats, but it's really difficult to get the remaining paid seats to be filled.

You are making a mistake. All the seats should be free. If you are going to be selling something in the room (and why else have a meeting?), the seats should be free.

And if you want to fill the seats with business owners, the way to do that is to walk in to businesses and ask if they would like to attend...and offer complimentary tickets.

And then assume that about a third of the people that Swore To God that they would show up...will actually show up.

And now you have an audience.

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ShayB

6 years ago

Not sure where you're located, so this is general information.

* In addition to social, promote the event on Eventbrite.
* Go to Meetup.com. Find local biz groups (you can search by city or ZIP Code) and reach out to the Organizers to tell them about your event. (Before doing so, read about Meetup's guidelines about the best practices for reaching out to Organizers.)

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andrew bogutt

6 years ago

Hi post your event deatils in all event website & blogs & pronote on Socil media where the event is going to happen

Thanks

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Kay King

6 years ago

This is a do or die situation we're facing now.

With the stats you are providing:

*no funds for promotion

*only 'takers' are for the FREE seats (and will they even show up?)

* only reservations are from friends/family AND free?

*less than 2 weeks to event

I think you need to face the fact that death may be imminent. Spend the next 7 days really working social media as Shay and others recommended above Then re-evaluate in a practical way and decide if it's worth proceeding. What do you do if you hold an event where the only attendees are 5-10 freebie seekers?

We often see posts here where the person says "do or die" or "this HAS to succeed" or 'failure is not an option'. Sounds good, but desperation does not work and failure IS an option.

Much smarter to postpone or cancel - regroup or start over - than to try a desperate ploy to sell when no one is buying. Let us know how it turns out.

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OptedIn 6 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

Much smarter to postpone or cancel - regroup or start over - than to try a desperate ploy to sell when no one is buying. Let us know how it turns out.

Hard to believe that I was writing my post as you were posting yours.

It's true, what they say. "Great minds think alike." :-)

You're so much nicer than me, though. lol
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kenlwf 6 years ago

Thank you very much. I actually felt the same but my partner doesn't feel like giving up. I might need to talk some senses to her.

Just hope that she'll take it easy on me.

Thank you all once again to whoever that read and commented here. Great help before we step our feet out to the hillside.
- Thanks
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yukon

Banned 6 years ago

Originally Posted by kenlwf

Hello all,

My partner and I are holding an entrepreneurial workshop for women in less than two weeks time in order to raise funds for our startup as we do not have enough visitors and buyers to buy or visit our marketplace. We aim to invite at least 50 people to join this event in so that we could give back something to our venue sponsor as we promised to help them to market their services as well. We can't afford to pay for Google or Facebook ads because it's way too expensive for us, the conversion rate is x4 if converted. (MYR)

What we have done so far to get people to participate:
1. Call and message potential friends and family who is interested in the topic of the event (entrepreneurship for women)
2. Share on social media

Over the 2 weeks we have only receive confirmation of less than 10 participants who wanted to join the seminar because of the free 10 early bird seating. But sadly, it has been fully taken and the late comers are unwilling to pay for a small fee of MYR48 for women and MYR62 for men.

How and what can I do in order to market the event without breaking the bank?

Giving up is for losers. Don't listen to people telling you to give up.

Here's what you need to do.

Your goal is "women + business", so, target women that belong to women business groups. Specifically women groups that charge membership dues to belong to the group, this way you weed out tire kickers that are broke.

National Association of Women Business Owners
- 7,000 members and 70 local chapters nationwide
- Annual membership dues range from $150 to $350

American Business Women's Association
- 49 local chapters
- Annual dues for national membership are $90

Ellevate network
- Over 30,000 members & 37 regional chapters.
- $250 for the year

Ladies Who Launch
- New York City
- Online $19 (month), events $39 (month)

You have the perfect traffic sources (above), get creative and figure out how to get your event in front of those people.

I have no idea where you're located and assume you're near a US city within a reasonable driving distance.

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kenlwf

6 years ago

Thank you so much Yukon.

I'm from Malaysia and we do not have any events like the ones you mentioned, but you've pointed me somewhere. Thank you very much.

The event is happening in 9 days, to be honest I plan to try anything I can to find more people to come ti the event and see how it goes in the end.

You'll never know until the end right?

Thanks
1 reply

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yukon

Banned 6 years ago

Originally Posted by kenlwf

Thank you so much Yukon.

I'm from Malaysia and we do not have any events like the ones you mentioned, but you've pointed me somewhere. Thank you very much.

The event is happening in 9 days, to be honest I plan to try anything I can to find more people to come ti the event and see how it goes in the end.

You'll never know until the end right?

Look for similar local women business groups.

You should have been doing this research 6 months ago. Most people that do event planning have a full year planned out ahead of time. Example, they'll have 2019 event schedule done right now or close to being finished.

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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

Giving up is for losers.

Beating a dead horse is for losers.

Thanks
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yukon

Banned 6 years ago

Originally Posted by OptedIn

Beating a dead horse is for losers.

Nonsense.

OP just needs to learn to plan ahead better and where to find relevant traffic.

Thanks
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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

Nonsense.

OP just needs to learn to plan ahead better and where to find relevant traffic.

Yes, I said that in my post, but you're encouraging him to flog the current event which is doomed for failure.

Thanks
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yukon

Banned 6 years ago

Originally Posted by OptedIn

Yes, I said that in my post, but you're encouraging him to flog the current event which is doomed for failure.

Current event failure isn't important. Not a big deal.

You learn from your mistakes and If anything it's a great opportunity to rehearse for better planned events in the future. It should be used for gathering data, what worked, what went wrong, etc...

...take that data and make the next event better. Repeat with each event and conversions should increase over time.

It's a business, you get all the chances you're willing to take.

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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

Current event failure isn't important. Not a big deal.

You learn from your mistakes and If anything it's a great opportunity to rehearse for better planned events in the future. It should be used for gathering data, what worked, what went wrong, etc...

...take that data and make the next event better. Repeat with each event and conversions should increase over time.

It's a business, you get all the chances you're willing to take.

True. Thanks for confirming everything I said: "Save face by pulling the plug, reevaluating your situation, developing a viable plan, having a realistic budget and implementing intelligently, the next time."

Cheers.

Thanks

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OptedIn 6 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

Current event failure isn't important. Not a big deal.

Oh, BTW - the OP considered the necessity of having a successful event as a 'life-or-death' matter.
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- yukon Banned 6 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by OptedIn
  
  Oh, BTW - the OP considered the necessity of having a successful event as a 'life-or-death' matter.
  
  Get busy living or get busy dying. - Andy
  
  Nobody learns from giving up and life doesn't end from a failed business attempt.
  
  OP will learn the most important lesson, they didn't deal with the traffic issue 6 months ago. If they take that learning step and apply it to the next event they'll have time to fill seats.
  
  Move on to the next issue... and keep on going.
  
  Again, it's business, it's never life or death. They won't die If they fail this time or the next time, crying in your Cheerios isn't dying.
  
  People hold events every day so we know it's possible, so If it's possible then the only thing holding OP back is OP.
  
  BTW, I realize you'll never change your tune and that's ok, lmao.
  
  Thanks
  
  2 replies
  
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  OptedIn 6 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by yukon
  
  Get busy living or get busy dying. - Andy
  
  Bob Dylan put it much better.[/quote]
  
  BTW, I realize you'll never change your tune and that's ok, lmao.
  
  True. I am know for fiercely sticking to my principles and attitudes about life and business. Old age will do that to you as it produces something called, 'experience.' I won't hold your youthful musings against you. :-)
  
  Thanks
  
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  OptedIn 6 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by yukon
  
  People hold events every day so we know it's possible, so If it's possible then the only thing holding OP back is OP.
  
  No. That would be the OP's budget, which is non-existent according to his own words.
  
  You need to spend money to make money, or to do almost anything else in life, unless eating out of a dumpster is your idea of an exotic meal. Money makes the world go round.
  
  No money and down to a week 'til your event? One word: QUIT!!!
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  Claude Whitacre 6 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by OptedIn
  
  No. That would be the OP's budget, which is non-existent according to his own words.
  
  Tom Hopkins used to fill his events this way..
  
  He hired a few commission salespeople to offer short presentations to office sales reps. They would call local sales offices.
  
  After the short presentation (of course, really a pitch for the event), the rep sold tickets to the day long event for $100 each. The rep got to keep half. Every event got filled that way.
  
  Personally, for the OP, I'd just give the tickets away to fill the room. Still not an easy task, but if I had a week to fill an empty room, that's what I'd do. In fact I did that a few times.
  
  The best idea here is to get booked by associations to speak to their attendees at events. There is no better ready made audience.
  
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Claude Whitacre

6 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

Giving up is for losers. Don't listen to people telling you to give up.

Here's what you need to do.

Your goal is "women + business", so, target women that belong to women business groups. Specifically women groups that charge membership dues to belong to the group, this way you weed out tire kickers that are broke.

National Association of Women Business Owners
- 7,000 members and 70 local chapters nationwide
- Annual membership dues range from $150 to $350

American Business Women's Association
- 49 local chapters
- Annual dues for national membership are $90

Ellevate network
- Over 30,000 members & 37 regional chapters.
- $250 for the year

Ladies Who Launch
- New York City
- Online $19 (month), events $39 (month)

You have the perfect traffic sources (above), get creative and figure out how to get your event in front of those people.

I have no idea where you're located and assume you're near a US city within a reasonable driving distance.

Brilliant, and the right answer.

Call these people and ask when they are having their next convention/local event. offer to be a free speaker, offering free training to the attendees.

One phone call can book an event. They cover all expenses, you do it for free. A free guaranteed attentive audience .

It's how I did my speaking business for several years. Go where people are already gathering.

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John Jonas Phil VA

6 years ago

Have you considered selling online access to the event, like a webinar? That way you can have a broader audience and continue to sell access even after the event.

Thanks

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Internet Trillionaire

6 years ago

Hi what you should have done a month or two months ago, was start a media campaign in conjunction with your social media campaign.

You contact local and national television, radio and newspaper outlets, getting them to interview you about your upcoming event. This would have given you and your event lots of local exposure. Had you done this religiously two to three months prior to your event, you would of had most of your 50 seats filled.

Being interviewed on a local television show, will give you and your event loads of credibility, and more people will want to interview you after that, if your interview was informative, with a strong call to action, to attend the live event for more in depth information.

Thanks
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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Internet Trillionaire

Hi what you should have done a month or two months ago, was start a media campaign in conjunction with your social media campaign.

You contact local and national television, radio and newspaper outlets, getting them to interview you about your upcoming event. This would have given you and your event lots of local exposure. Had you done this religiously two to three months prior to your event, you would of had most of your 50 seats filled.

Being interviewed on a local television show, will give you and your event loads of credibility, and more people will want to interview you after that, if your interview was informative, with a strong call to action, to attend the live event for more in depth information.

Do you have any idea how incredibly difficult it is to get any time of radio or TV coverage for an upcoming event being put on by a new business entity with no proven track record or person involved that might create some buzz? To say that adopting this strategy would have produced success is beyond wildly optimistic. It's ludicrous.

Even getting a one or two paragraph in a local newspaper is next to impossible unless you are willing to by a corresponding ad at the same time.

Have you ever worked in radio, tv, or print? Just curious because giving suggestions in areas where it appears you don't know how the mediums actually work doesn't really help the OP.

Thanks
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Internet Trillionaire

6 years ago

Originally Posted by OptedIn

Do you have any idea how incredibly difficult it is to get any time of radio or TV coverage for an upcoming event being put on by a new business entity with no proven track record or person involved that might create some buzz?

It would be incredibly difficult for a "Donny downer" to get interviewed yes, but for those who use Public Relations regularly to create buzz, it's easy.

Originally Posted by OptedIn

To say that adopting this strategy would have produced success is beyond wildly optimistic. It's ludicrous.

Even getting a one or two paragraph in a local newspaper is next to impossible unless you are willing to by a corresponding ad at the same time.

Not every national television or radio station will want to interview the OP about the upcoming event, but local community television stations are looking for good local content to produce and air to their viewers.

Originally Posted by OptedIn

Have you ever worked in radio, tv, or print? Just curious because giving suggestions in areas where it appears you don't know how the mediums actually work doesn't really help the OP.

Yes I have done many television and radio interviews inviting people to attend my live events.

When doing a proper due diligence, and contacting as many print, radio and television outlets, at least two to three months prior to your live event, will definitely fill seats with paying clients at your live events. I've done it many times before and now as well, and I still use this method to generate interest in my online offers.

Just because you are not able to be interviewed on radio and television, it doesn't mean that others can't do it too. Many of my mentors and mentees have made use of Public Relations to drive targeted buyer traffic to our offers. The OP can use PR and can fill seats at their live events too.

Thanks
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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Internet Trillionaire

The OP can use PR and can fill seats at their live events too.

So, what you are saying is you have extensive knowledge and experience implementing this strategy. That's great.

Unfortunately, you make the same mistake that many people who are successful at a certain strategy make and that is believing that if they can do it, anyone can do it. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I invite them to try it for their next event. We'll get to see how that goes.

You have no idea how many time I have not only been interviewed but interviewed others in a long career in all aspects of the communications industry, including radio, TV, theatre and print. I think my decades long memberships in SAG - AFTRA - AEA, as well as publishing my own NYC magazines in the performing arts can speak to this, but I'll leave it there.

Cheers.

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Internet Trillionaire

6 years ago

Originally Posted by OptedIn

So, what you are saying is you have extensive knowledge and experience implementing this strategy. That's great.

Unfortunately, you make the same mistake that many people who are successful at a certain strategy make and that is believing that if they can do it, anyone can do it. Nothing could be further from the truth.

If the OP doesn't know how to do PR, the OP can always learn how to do it correctly. Anything can be taught, and anything can be learned, unless the OP has a learning disability. Everyone has to learn at the beginning, or they can get a mentor and speed up their learning curve.

Originally Posted by OptedIn

You have no idea how many time I have not only been interviewed but interviewed others in a long career in all aspects of the communications industry, including radio, TV, theatre and print. I think my decades long memberships in SAG - AFTRA - AEA, as well as publishing my own NYC magazines in the performing arts can speak to this, but I'll leave it there.

Cheers.

Thanks for sharing your credentials, but the OP is embarking on becoming an event planner, and without using some form of media to promote events, the OP doesn't stand a chance of filling seats at their events.

Thanks
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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Internet Trillionaire

If the OP doesn't know how to do PR, the OP can always learn how to do it correctly. Anything can be taught, and anything can be learned, unless the OP has a learning disability. Everyone has to learn at the beginning, or they can get a mentor and speed up their learning curve.

Thanks for sharing your credentials, but the OP is embarking on becoming an event planner, and without using some form of media to promote events, the OP doesn't stand a chance of filling seats at their events.

You make no sense. What you propose in this post and in your response to Kay's post is just an unattainable goal, but you can go on believing whatever you like. You have offered absolutely nothing that is at all viable to helping the OP with the CURRENT situation. Even going forward, your suggestions border on the impossible for most people and barely plausible for those with a modicum of experience in attracting press. You're just wrong - period! lol

Your ridiculous notion of getting press interest for this 'non-event'' does nothing more than show you have no understanding of the situation at hand and the most effective way to deal with it. The world and this situation is the way it is, not the way you think it is.

NO ONE will give this event any coverage. Why would they??? There's nothing of interest in any way, shape or form that any paper would devote a single drop of ink to and that a radio or TV station would devote 10 seconds of airtime to. That's a fact. Accept it or not. your beliefs on the matter are beyond meaningless if you can't deal with the reality of the situation.

If you're so adept at this, lend a hand. Oh, I see! :-)

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Internet Trillionaire

6 years ago

Originally Posted by OptedIn

You make no sense. What you propose in this post and in your response to Kay's post is just an unattainable goal, but you can go on believing whatever you like. You have offered absolutely nothing that is at all viable to helping the OP with the CURRENT situation. Even going forward, your suggestions border on the impossible for most people and barely plausible for those with a modicum of experience in attracting press. You're just wrong - period! lol

Your ridiculous notion of getting press interest for this 'non-event'' does nothing more than show you have no understanding of the situation at hand and the most effective way to deal with it. The world and this situation is the way it is, not the way you think it is.

NO ONE will give this event any coverage. Why would they??? There's nothing of interest in any way, shape or form that any paper would devote a single drop of ink to and that a radio or TV station would devote 10 seconds of airtime to. That's a fact. Accept it or not. your beliefs on the matter are beyond meaningless if you can't deal with the reality of the situation.

If you're so adept at this, lend a hand. Oh, I see! :-)

Oh I see, you want to be the only expert on this thread, and have the final say!

Originally Posted by OptedIn

You make no sense.

Neither do you, all I am reading is that in your opinion, "DON'T TRY TO DO ANYTHING OP YOUR "NON EVENT" IS DOOMED!"

Originally Posted by OptedIn

You're just wrong - period! lol

Only in your opinion, because you are the expert in your eyes.

Originally Posted by OptedIn

Your ridiculous notion of getting press interest for this 'non-even"

You would be surprised as to what the press finds newsworthy. Unless of course you are the press.

Originally Posted by OptedIn

your beliefs on the matter are beyond meaningless

Again, that's only your opinion, and your opinion is meaningless too.

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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Internet Trillionaire

Oh I see, you want to be the only expert on this thread, and have the final say!

Neither do you, all I am reading is that in your opinion, "DON'T TRY TO DO ANYTHING OP YOUR "NON EVENT" IS DOOMED!"

No. We've already established that no matter what they try at this point, "the event is doomed."

Only in your opinion,

Have you read the entire thread, or are you just fixated on my posts? lol

because you are the expert in your eyes.

Absolutely no argument, there - but you don't need to be any type of expert to easily see how futile any effort would be, days before the event. It's just common-sense.

You would be surprised as to what the press finds newsworthy.

I wouldn't be surprised. I'd be shocked if anyone had any interest in what we are dealing with here, so much so, that if I were a segment producer or a feature editor, I'd fire anyone that tried to sell me on this. Instantly!

Unless of course you are the press.

Well, I have been, "the press." Have you???

Again, that's only your opinion, and your opinion is meaningless too.

Whatever allows you to feel good about yourself. Everyone sees what you have written and can evaluate for themselves if anything you have contributed to the discussion was of any value to the OP's situation.

I invite the OP to follow what I have suggested and what you have suggested and let us know which was more productive. I already know the answer to that, but as you say, that's just my opinion, although I'm quite comfortable with it based on my decades-long experience.

You've reached the point where you are arguing, just for the sake of arguing. I'll leave you to that as it doesn't help the OP or anyone else. Enjoy. lol

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Internet Trillionaire

6 years ago

Originally Posted by OptedIn

No. We've already established that no matter what they try at this point, "the event is doomed."

Have you read the entire thread, or are you just fixated on my posts? lol

Absolutely no argument, there - but you don't need to be any type of expert to easily see how futile any effort would be, days before the event. It's just common-sense.

I wouldn't be surprised. I'd be shocked if anyone had any interest in what we are dealing with here, so much so, that if I were a segment producer or a feature editor, I'd fire anyone that tried to sell me on this. Instantly!

Well, I have been, "the press." Have you???

Whatever allows you to feel good about yourself. Everyone sees what you have written and can evaluate for themselves if anything you have contributed to the discussion was of any value to the OP's situation.

I invite the OP to follow what I have suggested and what you have suggested and let us know which was more productive. I already know the answer to that, but as you say, that's just my opinion, although I'm quite comfortable with it based on my decades-long experience.

You've reached the point where you are arguing, just for the sake of arguing. I'll leave you to that as it doesn't help the OP or anyone else. Enjoy. lol

Enjoy your day further too!

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Kay King 6 years ago

Are you saying that the OP shouldn't bother to try to promote the event with their local media outlets, because media outlets in their country won't be interested?

What is the point of your repeated posts arguing with other opinions? Multiple posts of what the OP "should have done" doesn't solve the problem he has NOW.

What I MEANT - was that you (in South Africa) and I (in the U.S.) cannot speak authoritatively about 'media outlets' or other promotional potential....in Malaysia. One rule of marketing is to know your target audience....

I wish the OP well with his event or whatever he decides to do.
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Frank Donovan 6 years ago

The event, much like the OP, has come and gone.
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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Internet Trillionaire

No national television or radio station will want to interview the OP about the upcoming event,

Edited for accuracy.

but local community television stations are looking for good local content to produce and air to their viewers.

"Good local content," is in the eye of the segment producer. The first thing they are going to ask is, "How many people are attending." Answer, "10 - if all the freebies show up."

Epic fail.

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Internet Trillionaire

6 years ago

Originally Posted by OptedIn

Edited for accuracy.

"Good local content," is in the eye of the segment producer. The first thing they are going to ask is, "How many people are attending." Answer, "10 - if all the freebies show up."

Epic fail.

You have a good point, but the OP could possibly pitch the idea to a segment producer better than you can, because the OP has more details about the event than you do.

If one producer says no, just keep improving and sending out more media briefs, until another producer at another outlet, eventually says yes. OP is never going to know, unless he tries.

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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Internet Trillionaire

If one producer says no, just keep improving and sending out more media briefs, until another producer at another outlet, eventually says yes. OP is never going to know, unless he tries.

They are now down to just a few days. What about the clock can you not simply grasp???

It's over!!! Better luck, next time.

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Zaiyan

6 years ago

I'd suggest to do the following :

1. Create an articles of the event and link to the event page on your website
2. Publish the article on various social networks
3. Create a facebook campaign and promote post to the interested audience (facebook allows you to target specific audiences)
4. Create an adwords campaign (it can be cheap to do so if you use the correct keywords and use proper bidding strategy) to boost presence on online searches, send emails to various event ticket selling websites to ask for advertisement opportunities.
5. Social media & Event ticket selling websites are your BEST BET
My 2 cents

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kenlwf 6 years ago

Thanks a lot for the suggestion zaiyan.

FYI we really can't afford to pay for adsense and Google or Facebook ads.
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Kay King

6 years ago

we really can't afford to pay for adsense and Google or Facebook ads.

You got nothing!

You say 'inviting' people - but what you are doing is selling tickets. You have promised to promote the 'venue sponsor' - but can't promote your own event. Much of your original post sounds like someone with a good idea who is "running with it" rather than planning for it. The question is whether you keep running until you hit a wall or whether you give up for now and regroup/replan/reorganize.

There is no 'magic' that will save your behind. If you can't advertise to reach a potential audience - that audience will not know about you. If you are willing to hold your event for a very few people, that's fine. If that will put you in debt or damage your credibility, not good.

The argument is whether you should go ahead and fail forward...or cut your losses and go back to the drawing board now. Only you can decide which will work for you. Why not have your partner read this thread and then decide together what to do?

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yukon

Banned 6 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

we really can't afford to pay for adsense and Google or Facebook ads.

You got nothing!

More nonsense.

Adwords (Adsense) and Facebook advertising aren't necessary even If OP was planning months in advance. Matter of fact those are two types of advertising I'd avoid because they have their own learning curve and TOS that are touchy.

Claude literally pointed out the easiest free way to fill seats by tapping into other member events and cost nothing If done right.

You and Frank are so fixated on this one event like OP will vanish from the face of the earth If everything isn't perfect. Please... move on.

Guess what, NOBODY ever had a first event that was perfect.

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OptedIn 6 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

You and Frank are so fixated on this one event like OP will vanish from the face of the earth If everything isn't perfect.

Personally, I'm only going by what the OP said, not what you are fantasizing.

Please... move on.

Please work from the OP's comments, not what you think they should be thinking.

BTW, I realize you'll never change your tune and that's ok, lmao.
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- yukon Banned 6 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by OptedIn
  
  Personally, I'm only going by what the OP said, not what you are fantasizing.
  
  You know about the BBWs? How?
  
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Claude Whitacre

6 years ago

[DELETED]

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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre

I've known hundreds of speakers that put on their own events. Almost without fail, the first several events are a bust. It fascinates me that new event producers plan their event, create the material...but consider "filling the seats" as a detail they think about at the last minute. Filling the seats with qualified listeners is the whole game.

And trying to charge people for a seminar they have never heard of, with a presenter that is just starting out...and is not a celebrity...is a losing proposition. Tickets have to be sold, even free tickets.

Another way to get an audience is to be a guest speaker at small local gatherings. The Chamber Of Commerce is always looking for guest speakers. The Kiwanas and local referral swapping groups are great places to be a guest speaker. Have a fun and informative 20 minute talk ready and a 2 minute pitch at the end for your event. People who attend seminars are far more likely to also attend yours.

Other People's Audiences...that's who you want to talk to.

Please stop pretending that the OP and his partner have any level of business proficiency or sophistication. They are neophytes and are making the usual mistakes that neophytes make.

All this advanced level of suggestion is great for next time. The problem is, NOW!!!

Additionally, Chamber of Commerce? Kiwanis? I believe Kay asked the appropriate question. :....so different country - different continent - is not a factor?

C'mon, gang. This, "Quitting is for losers" bullshit has to stop. There are times in life where quitting is totally appropriate. Not quitting life, quitting your business or quitting your march forward. Simply quitting an untenable situation after realizing that there truly is no other choice or a timely method to turn it around. It's either that, or fall on the sword of your dogma. That's real smart.

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Claude Whitacre 6 years ago

Originally Posted by OptedIn

Additionally, Chamber of Commerce? Kiwanis? I believe Kay asked the appropriate question. :....so different country - different continent - is not a factor?
.

Actually, I had forgotten that the OP was in Malaysia.
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OptedIn 6 years ago

Originally Posted by yukon

Claude literally pointed out the easiest free way to fill seats by tapping into other member events and cost nothing If done right.

Ya' know - the other day I decided that I wanted to take a trip to the moon, so I went up on my roof and flapped my arms as hard as I could and damnit - it didn't work.

Obviously I need to work on my technique.

Claude, too - is making the same mistake, believing that this is something they could do. Maybe so, but it just doesn't seem to be in their current toolbox. And don't say that "anyone can pick-up a phone and offer free invites." While that may be true, theoretically, if it's not something THEY believe they can do or even want to do, then guess what? It's simply not possible.

Why do folks have such a hard time relating and responding to, 'what is,' as opposed to 'what they think it should be?'
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- yukon Banned 6 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by OptedIn
  
  Ya' know - the other day I decided that I wanted to take a trip to the moon,
  
  If I could get you on a rocket you'd already be on/in the moon.
  
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  OptedIn 6 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by yukon
  
  If I could get you on a rocket you'd already be on/in the moon.
  
  Two very important points to be made.
  
  First - I know what this type of reply really communicates and all I can say is this. I would hope and I would like to think, that if I were engaged in a discussion and in the end had come to realize that the other person did present more helpful and valid points and suggestions than my own, that I would be able to simply admit that, willingly, rather than trying to deflect.
  
  Now, I can't say for certain that I would actually be capable of being so magnanimous, as in reality, this is a situation that I have never personally had to face, so I'm flying blind, here. :-)
  
  Second - and let me get this straight. You believe that my 'arm-flapping' won't get the job done and that I should "quit" trying to utilize this technique and shift to a completely new way of doing things, like understanding that my way will never work and that to achieve my goal, a rocket will be required. DAMN!!!
  
  First rule of the road. Pick a lane and stay in it. If you are going to abruptly change lanes, please utilize your turn signal to provide advance warning to others.
  
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Kay King

6 years ago

it doesn't mean that others can't do it too.

....so different country - different continent - is not a factor?

You are suggesting 2-3 month advance plan for promotion which is logical - but not an answer as the OP is talking about 10 days to his 'event'.

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Internet Trillionaire 6 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

....so different country - different continent - is not a factor?

Are you saying that the OP shouldn't bother to try to promote the event with their local media outlets, because media outlets in their country won't be interested?

Originally Posted by Kay King

You are suggesting 2-3 month advance plan for promotion which is logical - but not an answer as the OP is talking about 10 days to his 'event'.

Originally Posted by Internet Trillionaire

Hi what you should have done a month or two months ago, was start a media campaign in conjunction with your social media campaign.

The OP can still try to get in contact with media outlets to get the word out about this upcoming event. Only 40 seats available and only 1 week left, might trigger some last minute response from the radio or television audience, or readers of print media.

Telling OP to quit 1 week before the event, is like telling the kids 1 week before their final examination, to stop studying for the exam, because they started studying too late.

If the is no response from interested participants two days before the event, then the OP can contact the 10 registered attendees, and let them know the event has been postponed to a later date.

OP should keep promoting the event via multiple media channels, until the OP is satisfied, that those channels aren't attracting the right audience, that will pay to attend the event.
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Kay King

6 years ago

so I went up on my roof and flapped my arms as hard as I could and damnit - it didn't work.

The mistake you made apparently (since you are still posting here) is quitting. To adequately test your theory of flight you needed to step OFF the roof.

Instead - you gave up. You can't possibly know it won't work if you don't totally follow through with your plan. In your case, of course, climbing back on the roof might be harder after each failure....just a thought.

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OptedIn

6 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

The mistake you made apparently (since you are still posting here) is quitting.

What? A space cadet can't take a break for refueling. Obviously part of the problem is that I was low on Wheaties.

To adequately test your theory of flight you needed to step OFF the roof.

No. I'm well trained in the concept of gravity. I fall down often. Plus, by going all the way up to the roof, I will achieve greater pull from the Sun's gravity and less resistance from Earth's gravity. Where did you go to school? Everyone knows this.

Instead - you gave up. You can't possibly know it won't work if you don't totally follow through with your plan. In your case, of course, climbing back on the roof might be harder after each failure....just a thought.

No. I'm smart enough to know when it's time to quit. I don't have the proper attire for a natural space flight and the nice, shiny new rocket sounds like a definite upgrade. I'm NOT as dumb as I look.

I'll write when I arrive. :-)

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ryanbiddulph

6 years ago

Give as much as possible. Promote big dawgs in your niche. Promote anybody in your niche on social. Help, make friends, and those friends may sign up or promote your event to their friend networks.

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Kay King

6 years ago

I'm NOT as dumb as I look.

ummm....well....hmm....never mind

j/k of course

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OptedIn 6 years ago

Originally Posted by Kay King

ummm....well....hmm....never mind

That hurts. :-(
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Jamel Hassell

6 years ago

I am sorry but if your not willing to see invest some money into your advertisement you will struggle in such a Short period if time.You need to get going like now.Fish out your audience ,maybe focus on 1 or 2 platforms to get your message out.Think outside of the box.Host a quizz or something of value to get more people interested.

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muhammad bin shahzad

6 years ago

Invest some monry bruh. It helps. You can literally boost an event on facebook and target a very specific set of audience. Investment always pay back.
The other option is to go door to door; all the big firms and talk to them about sending a representative which gives something back to them as well.

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buygenericviagrarx com

6 years ago

Marketing is the key if you want to collect the crowd. Use social media as it is the powerful tool.

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LWalsh

6 years ago

You can go with Social Media Marketing, Like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and also Linkedin.

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HelpingYouBeAnExpert

6 years ago

What you are trying to do is hard and most event organizers fail. Most people realize that if an even is free it's not free they have to pay with their time and endure traffic and other things and most importantly miss their TV

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How can I get people to fill seats for my event.

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