Virtual Event Success

I’m getting set to launch details about the Virtual Event Manager Certification & Business Training Program. One of my friends, Debra Gould, the Staging Diva, has been very vocal against certification programs that state that you can’t be a home stager until you get certified.

Debra posted 15 questions that you should ask before handing over your money for a home staging certification program on her blog. I loved her questions so much, I copied them below and answered them to share with you how my virtual event training programs are unique.

1. If a program offers hands on training, how is it done?

I limit my live trainnig and coaching programs to no more than 12 people. My alumni (those who took the course before) are free to interact in these training and coaching programs, however, I limit my live programs to no more than 12 people so you get my individual attention.

When I’m not running the training and coaching live, I offer the program as a home study kit. You’re free to purchase the workbook and CDs from my website, however, you’ll miss out on the live coaching option. Despite this, once I do run the training & coaching live again (which is usually once a year), you’ll receive an invitation to join us.

2. Is the trainer a recognized expert in the field of virtual events?

Google “leesa barnes” and judge for yourself.

3. Will the training prepare you for the realities of being an entrepreneur?

Yes, because one of the training modules in the certification process is called Virtual Event Business Mastery. I teach you how to create a business producing virtual events based on my experience and knowledge. While merit is admirable, marketing makes money, so I teach you step-by-step how to create a business out of this.

4. Does the trainer have real world experience starting and growing a profitable virtual event business? If they haven’t done it, how do they know what they’re talking about?

I’ve been producing virtual events since 2003 and finally cracked the code on how to make money with them in 2006. I still produce 3 of my own virtual events annually and I also help produce up to 10 for others. While I do teach others the mechanics on how to produce a virtual event, I’m still in the trenches doing them myself.

5. Has the trainer proved they know how to get media attention for their expertise as a virtual event expert? If not, how will they teach you to do it?

Again, Google “leesa barnes” to see all the media coverage I’ve received to date.

6. Does the company give you an opportunity to learn and ask questions about their program before signing up?

You can submit your questions about any of my learning programs through my helpdesk. Often, I hold a special Q&A call so you can call-in with your questions.

7. Is free information available to aspiring virtual event managers and others or is it all about the money? Is the free information quality content or just fluff?

Here are some free resources to get you started with virtual events:

• Virtual Event Mistakes Revealed
• 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Virtual Event Managers (see sign up box on right)
• Virtual Event Manifesto

8. What do past students say about the program? What business success have they experienced?

Check out the testimonials here.

9. Can you talk to the trainer personally before deciding?

Only by appointment. Please request this by opening a ticket on my help desk.

10. Can you attend a free preview to experience something about what the program will be like?

I create preview videos, preview calls and articles so you can get a taste of what you’ll get in the program. These are included on the information pages of the programs that I sell.

11. Does the program offer a Satisfaction Guarantee? In other words, will you get your money back if it’s not what you expected?

You can read our Terms & Conditions for information on our guarantee.

12. Is the format of the program or the way it is delivered practical for you? Will you have to travel or be away from family for a few days?

All my training programs are delivered virtually. Some people need to be in a room with others in order to learn. While I can appreciate that, I love doing all my training virtually as it frees up my time to work on my pet projects.

Although 100% of my training is virtually, I do employ various techniques to appeal to various learning styles.

• I use videos and transcripts for visual learners
• I use audio for auditory learners
• And for those who learn by doing, you work on an actual virtual event during the training program. It can be your own or one that I assign to you.

13. Are you being promised anything that sounds too good to be true or unrealistic?

I’m very clear on what you’ll achieve after taking my program. Please consult that program information page for more details.

Of course, there’s a disclaimer that states that I can’t guarantee your success. What I mean is that your learning style, ability to take action and drive are unknown to me. Thus, I can’t guarantee your success because you are part of the equation. If you have a history of buying programs and leave them sitting on your shelf, or you NEVER actively participate in the forums or coaching calls, you can never be successful.

However, if you have a history of applying what you learn to your business right away and you actively participate in the forums and coaching calls, then you’ll have different results.

14. Are you being promised official credentials for completing the program so that you will be a “real” virtual event manager; or does the training company admit that virtual event management is a completely unregulated field that does not require any credentials at all?

To become a Virtual Event Manager, you do not need credentials. However, if you want leads from my business, Marketing Fit Inc., becoming certified as a Virtual Event Manager means you’ll get new business from me without having to pound the pavement looking for leads.

Of course, you can do virtual event management on your own, however, I find that people still have no clue how to produce a virtual event and make TONS of mistakes.

Also, my process is proven to help people add an extra 5, 6 even 7 figures to their income. So, you can choose to do it on your own or you can take my training and certification program so you can do it the right way from the start.

Again, you don’t need certification to produce a virtual event, but learning from a proven expert can only enhance your business and cut the learning curve.

15. What type of ongoing support does the company provide for its graduates?

Graduates from my programs get complimentary membership in the Association of Virtual Event Managers (new members only). After this complimentary period, I encourage my VEMs to stay on board so that others can learn from them.

The Bottom Line

My goal with the Virtual Event Manager Certification & Business Training program is to teach you how to build a successful business producing virtual events.

I’m saddened when I hear how people totally mucked up a virtual event due to inexperience or unethical tactics (or both). If I can help just one person learn how to produce a virtual event ethically and with confidence, then I can pack up my things and go home completely satisfied.

Here are the 7 guiding principles that make up the Virtual Event Manifesto. Click on each link below to review each manifesto in detail.

Virtual Event Manifesto #1 – Ease of Access Trumps Flashy Technology

Virtual Event Manifesto #2 – Quality of Your Relationships Matter More Than Quantity of Your Database

Virtual Event Manifesto #3 – Passion, Not Permission, is Enough to Get You Started

Virtual Event Manifesto #4 – Community First, Commerce Later

Virtual Event Manifesto #5 – Diversity of Needs Calls for a Diversity of Options

Virtual Event Manifesto #6 – A Celebrated Topic is Better than a Celebrity Name

Virtual Event Manifesto #7 – Every Star Needs a Supporting Team

Do you believe in the Virtual Event Manifesto? If so, why not become a member of the Association of Virtual Event Managers, Organizers & Hosts (AOVEM)? Click here to read all the benefits and to become a member today.

A one size fits all approach will not work with your virtual event.

People’s needs are diverse and your virtual event must provide a variety of plans and packages to meet those needs. Develop a cheap, middle ground and VIP packages for all those who want to participate in your virtual event, for example:

• Attendees want to attend your virtual event when they want to. If an attendee takes vacation, he wants to know that he’ll get additional features at an additional cost to allow him to listen to the content on his time.
• Speakers want to present their session when it’s convenient for them. If a speaker cannot present her session live, she wants the option to pre-record her session so she can go on maternity leave. While she takes care of her newborn, you can play her pre-recorded session to a live audience as if she’s sitting right there.
• Exhibitors and sponsors want to access to your attendees, but you have to be mindful not to overwhelm attendees with a slew of advertising messages. Providing various packages to exhibitors and sponsors shows what type of access they can get for the money they’re willing to pay.

People thrive on options. They want choices. So, give them a reason to say yes no matter their budget, timezone, language, lifestyle or learning style.

Recommended Resource: Curious to know how to price your virtual event so you provide options to attendees? Click here to join the Association of Virtual Event Managers, Organizers & Host (AOVEM) and listen to an audio recording on how to craft different price points for your virtual event so you attract the maximum number of attendees.

Those who sign up to attend your virtual event aren’t attendees, they are people.

Those who choose to speak at your event aren’t speakers, they are people.

Those who want to sponsor or exhibit at your virtual event aren’t exhibitors are sponsors, they are people.

At the end of day, all those who participate in your virtual event want to be a part of a growing community. For this reason, you need to develop ways in which all these individuals can connect with each other before, during, and after your virtual event.

If you put money and profits first and start counting the potential dollars that come rolling through the door, you’re focusing on an intense craving that takes you away from being of service to the people who can make or break your event.

If attendees, exhibitors and sponsors get the sense that you’re driven by money, they won’t participate in any virtual event you produce in the future. And people talk. They’ll share with others why they would NEVER work with you again.

Focus your energy on being of service. Provide an environment where people can interact with each other without too many rules or meddling. Be thankful that you attracted a talented group of people around a topic that you’re passionate about.

Stop trying to control this interaction. Stop trying to put barriers up that prevents those who participate in your virtual event from connecting with one another. Your virtual event is a means to allow people to build their own tribe. Be seen as the individual that allows this to happen. Be seen as this community’s Messiah. Let go of the desire to make money first and instead build the community. You’ll be financially rewarded if you focus on people first.

Recommended Resource: If you’re using WordPress to deliver your virtual events, add a wonderful plugin called SimplePress Forum. It’s a free plugin, so I recommend that if you like it, donate some money to their effort.

Charging for admission is the most obvious way to make money from your virtual event. However, they are many unique ways to profit from your virtual event that go beyond charging at the virtual door.

Here are a few ideas on how to make money from your virtual event:

Offer Various Packages to Attendees – This helps you to meet every budget. You can offer a cheap package that offers the basics, a middle-of-the-road package that offers more and an expensive VIP package that offers the bells and whistles. Check out the payments plans offered by the Social Media Telesummit.

Seek Exhibitors & Sponsors – There are companies who desperately want to reach a niche, targeted audience and will pay for that access. As a virtual event host, you can offer these companies exclusive access to your attendees for a specific fee.

Speaker Upsells – At the end of each session, speakers should have a quick opportunity to promote a product or service that relates to the content they just presented. As a virtual event host, you should use a system (like Cartville) that allows you to track the number of sales made so you can get a commission for each item sold.

Offer a Buddy Price – You can make alot of quick sales this way. After the attendee signs up, you can offer a discounted rate if they’d like a colleague, business partner or employee to attend your virtual event as well.

Affiliate Sales - To encourage more people to sign up and to provide an incentive for exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and other joint venture to promote your virtual event, have them sign up for your affiliate program. That way, they can use a unique affiliate link to promote your virtual event and get commissions for every referral. I suggest you use Cartville to help track affiliate clicks.

What other monetization strategies can you think of for virtual events that go beyond charging admission? Leave it in the comment section below.