This past week I’ve been walking the talk. And it’s reminded me of how overwhelming designing and creating a virtual live event can be.
Later this Spring and Summer I’m launching two new programs for virtual event hosts. One is a 90-minute workshop on the basics of effective design and delivery. The second a four part series that’s a hands-on small group intensive where we’ll actually do the work and get your course, program or retreat built and ready to launch.
Both of these programs came about from the needs of entrepreneurial women who want help creating high value, high engagement virtual live events. So, as I’m designing these new programs she is always top of mind. And I see so clearly why she(maybe you) struggles to get started.
As I was adapting all the tools and templates that I use when designing, I got to put myself in your shoes. I asked myself the questions you would ask. I experienced the process with fresh eyes.
By looking at my design process with a beginners mind, I’ve been reminded of a few critical rules:
Clear Objectives Are Critical
You will save a lot of time and frustration if you do this work upfront. Get clear on what you want from the program. What you want your attendees to take from the program. And what you want sponsors or stakeholders to take away.
Define Success Before You Begin
When you start out on any journey you need to know where you’re heading, right? Creating a virtual live event is a journey you’re taking your audience on. If you don’t know where that journey is leading, you won’t know if you hit the mark and were successful.
So, before you start designing content and activities take time to write down what success looks like. For you, your audience and other stakeholders.
Determine Your Ideal Audience
Nothing is more frustration than pouring hours and hours of work into creating an amazing program only to have no one show up, or the wrong people.
When you get clear about exactly who you want in your virtual seats you are able to design a program especially to suit their needs. Skip this step and you’ll be shooting darts in the dark, hoping that what you think is important is also important to your audience.
Now here is the added bonus to doing these three things before you even start thinking about the design, content or resources you’ll be creating – all of this work provides you with the marketing messages you need to reach the right people and put their butts in your seats.
Once you do start designing, finding effective ways to engage your audience that promote long term memory can be a whole new challenge. I’ve created this Virtual Event Design Menu to help. You’ll find loads of creative ideas that you can adapt and apply to your program. It’s yours free! Click to Download
