5 Ways Hosting Your Own Event Will Boost Your Business

One of the best ways to give your business a big boost is to host your own event. Sure, you can attend events hosted by

others and serve as a speaker, presenter, vendor, sponsor, volunteer, or simply as a networking savvy attendee. But hosting your own event puts you head and shoulders above the competition. You can host a big, extravagant event or something smaller, simpler, and more intimate. In both cases, if done well, you will receive a return on your investment of time and money.

Here are 5 ways hosting your own event will boost your business:

Garner Publicity

Often business owners struggle to figure out what sorts of things can attract publicity. You hear that you should be sending out press releases and that you should contact the media to try to get your business mentioned in the press. But you also hear that the press release should be something newsworthy. You think to yourself, "what do I do that's newsworthy?" Well, there's plenty, I'm sure. But if you're struggling to figure out what's newsworthy about your business, create some news. Your event is news because your event will be designed to help people in the community. Whether you host a party, workshop, mini conference, or some other sort of event, it's news. People want to know what's going on, so hosting an event ensures you've got something going on.

Establishes Your Credibility

At your event, you have center stage. You're the star of the show. This is your chance to step into the spotlight and show them what you've got. Let them think, "if she can pull off a successful event like this, what more is she capable of?" With your own event, you have the opportunity to show off your own expertise and talent. You also have the opportunity to introduce your vendors, your support team, and colleagues so that you can position yourself as a resource - a go-to hub for collaborating with smart, capable people. Another tip: inviting existing happy clients allows you to showcase your success stories - real flesh and blood proof that you're good at what you do.

Gives You Something to Promote

When you host an event, it gives you, your clients, and your network something to promote that's not your service. When your supporters let someone know about an event, it's like offering a gift, even if it's not free. It's more like saying, "hey, you might enjoy this," than "hey, you should hire this person." When you're out and about meeting people, it feels good to invite them to something. It doesn't feel "sale-sy". It gives them something, with a definite deadline, to check into. If your event is next week, they'll check their calendars and check out your website to see if it's a fit. This is different than just letting them know you provide a service, indefinitely, so they may eventually look at your website one day.

Creates a Buying Experience

The thing about events is they are a type of experiential branding. People feel closer to you and what you stand for when they are in your midst, experiencing an evening, day, or weekend that you've designed. During the event, provide opportunities for attendees to hire you, sign up for your programs, and purchase your products. Give them incentives to make a decision on site, such as limited quantities and limited time pricing. This will save them the burden of indefinite indecision, so you can get to business helping them with what they need.

Attract Collaborators

Hosting an event will allow you to strengthen relationships with existing vendors and joint venture partners, and it will also potentially attract new ones. When people hear about your event, they may contact you and express interest in working together. Speakers, sponsors, and partnership opportunities will come out of the woodwork. This can take your business to a whole new level.

When you host an event, it's important to remember that you may or may not break even with ticket sales. You'll have to fork over costs associated with hosting the event. If you host a free or low-cost event to attract more people, carefully plan the longer-term revenue potential. Higher cost events are more difficult to promote, but can have a higher initial and long-term pay off.

Have you hosted an event to boost your business? I'd love to read about it below.

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