Holding a free workshop can be a low-cost and effective way to introduce your company or promote your products and services. This marketing technique works especially well if you have a likable personality and offer a service where you work one-on-one with clients (like consulting, hair styling, etc). You do not have to be a salesperson, since you are simply presenting information on a topic rather than directly selling a product.
If you deliver valuable information, and people enjoy your workshop, you will likely be remembered as a knowledgeable expert in your field that people want to do business with. When in need for your product or service, those workshop attendees are likely to contact you or refer your business to others.
Many times it can cost you virtually nothing to put on a workshop. In addition, lots of organizations are looking for speakers or activities that they can include in their group meetings, and they are happy to find a room full of interested prospects for you.
If you are intimidated by presenting to a large room full of people, choose a small group or an activity-oriented workshop which can be more casual and fun. Your event does not need to be long. If you can convey the needed information in less than an hour, that may even work better for people with busy lifestyles.
1. Figure out a topic for your workshop. You want your topic, of course, to be of interest to your market. Good topics tend to be ones that provide solutions to problems, help people save time or money, or include “how to” or “do-it-yourself” tips.
Plan your workshop agenda. Will you be speaking the entire time or will you have activities scheduled for the attendees? Will any materials be required – either by you or the attendees?
2. Decide on a location for your workshop. Will you host the event in your own office building or retail shop? Are you speaking to an organization or group that will provide the venue for you? Will you need to reserve space at a local community center, library or can you hold your workshop outdoors in a park?
» Read more: Promote Your Business With Workshops 1-2-3
