| Training seminars are a marketing strategy that | | | | To reduce the no-show factor, send a written |
| every Solutions Provider should seriously consider. | | | | confirmation of the training seminar registration by |
| The opportunity to increase your trust and | | | | fax or email. You can even call the day before |
| credibility factors with training seminars is one not | | | | with a reminder. |
| to be ignored. The following are some tips and | | | | Have a check-in process so you know who |
| tricks to help you sponsor the most successful | | | | actually attended. Always follow up with people |
| training seminars possible. | | | | who registered for the training seminar but didn't |
| Remember that your training seminar is a | | | | show up. This lets them know you missed them |
| marketing tool not simply a goodwill gesture. This | | | | and gives you an opportunity to make contact |
| means balancing providing value to the attendees | | | | again. |
| while still getting your sales message out. | | | | Prepare a survey for people to fill out at the end |
| Pick a training seminar topic that you know your | | | | of the training seminar. To get as many |
| target is very interested in. Survey 10 or 20 | | | | completed as possible, offer a free report or CD |
| people within your existing network for ideas. If it | | | | in addition to any seminar handouts. The feedback |
| appeals to them, chances are it will appeal to | | | | is important for additional marketing ideas, leads, |
| other members of your target audience. | | | | and referrals for future business. |
| When you conduct your informal survey, keep | | | | Provide a special offer to anyone who signs up |
| track of common threads. Incorporate them into | | | | for your featured service. Make the offer |
| your current training seminar or make note of | | | | time-lined so that you force them to make a |
| them for future ones. | | | | decision quickly while they still have your abilities |
| Make sure that whatever topic you pick, you | | | | fresh in their mind. |
| know the information VERY well. Your training | | | | The Bottom Line on Training Seminars |
| seminar is supposed to prove your competence | | | | Training seminars are an excellent way to market |
| not highlight your weaknesses. | | | | your services. For the best success, make sure |
| Set an RSVP deadline and limit the space. Make | | | | everything you do regarding your training seminar |
| both of these items prominent in your training | | | | markets you and your abilities. Use the time to |
| seminar announcements. This forces people to | | | | give subtle sales messages but don't lose sight of |
| register in a timely manner and suggests high | | | | the fact that the training seminar must provide |
| demand. | | | | value to the people in attendance. |