1. Use interactive activities: Incorporating interactive activities such as polls, quizzes, or breakout discussions can help to break up the monotony of a lecture and encourage learners to engage with the material.
2. Encourage participation: Encourage learners to participate actively by asking questions, contributing to discussions, or sharing their own experiences. This not only increases engagement but also helps to create a more collaborative and supportive learning environment. I highly encourage a “camera’s on” approach to create a community where people can actually get to know each other.
3. Keep it visual: Use visual aids such as images, videos, or infographics to help illustrate concepts and keep learners engaged. Visual aids can help to break up the text-heavy content and make the material more accessible and memorable.
4. Provide feedback: Providing feedback on learners’ progress can help to keep them engaged and motivated. This feedback can take the form of assessments, quizzes, or personal feedback from the instructor.
5. Create a comfortable environment: Finally, it’s important to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for learners. This means ensuring that the technology is working correctly, setting ground rules for participation, and creating a supportive learning community. By creating a comfortable and engaging environment, learners are more likely to stay focused and inspired throughout the virtual instructor-led training.

The post From Bored to Inspired: 5 Strategies for Increasing Engagement in Virtual Instructor-Led Training appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

Learn how these 7 types of event hosts utilize a virtual producer to improve their audience experience, reduce stress and elevate their brand.

Corporate Learning & Development Teams Hire Virtual Event Producers

Virtual training programs often have a lot of moving parts. Both trainers and participants benefit from an extra set of hands to assist with program execution and technology. It’s always better to have a second set of eyes and hands on deck. And a back-up system for the “please don’t let my internet go out” moments.

Professional speakers and trainers Hire Virtual Event Producers 

Many freelance trainers & speakers factor the price of a producer right into their proposals. They want to ensure they have quality assistance so their programs are effective and well received. They want to know things are taken care of backstage and they have one less thing to worry about.

Influencers/Thought Leaders Hire Virtual Event Producers

Having a professional to assist with designing & delivering webinars, courses and workshops provides peace of mind and makes you look good. No fumbling with tech, just high quality delivery and peace of mind.

Coaches Hire Virtual Event Producers

Most coaches host group coaching programs and membership events. Having a producer to guide that process, design the flow and manage details allows you to focus on helping your clients.

Community leaders Hire Virtual Event Producers

Bringing people together to create a meaningful experience should not be left to chance. Many community leaders have found having a professional producer manage the backend of their events makes the difference between a flat, uninspired event and one that leaves people returning for more.

Publishing companies Hire Virtual Event Producers

Hosting awards programs, book launches and author education events are all opportunities for publishers to connect with their audience. Hiring a producer to design, build and produce these events leaves their team free to focus on their work.

Corporate Leaders Hire Virtual Event Producers

More organizations spread out and working remotely. Leaders are finding that they need to be more intentional about how they bring teams together. They want help creating engaging and meaningful experiences for their employees and stake-holders.

The post Virtual Event Producers: Who They Work With And What They Do appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

In this conversation we discuss challenges entrepreneurs face planning, designing and hosting online programs like course, webinars and workshops. It’s not as easy as many people would like to believe.

You can grab a few tried and true tips for creating engagement with your audience. Tips that help them to be able to recall the your valuable content far beyond today.

With this knowledge in mind, you can arm yourself with creative and effective ways of delivering content so that you have a lasting place in the memory of attendees.

The post An Expert Guide to Hosting Virtual Events for Womenpreneurs: A conversation with Aldreama Harper appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

I know you are as tried as I am of hearing about the future of live events. Uncertainly can be compelling and exciting, it can also be draining and stagnating. It’s hard to make clear decisions in a state of uncertainly.

So, I invite you to make a decision – just for now.

Just for now – let’s focus on what we know we can do today. Let’s focus on virtual events and how you as a business owner, educator or entrepreneur can create the very best experience possible. An experience that rivals the live event experience. Imagine if you were known in your industry as the person who hosts the most amazing and impactful virtual events.

I’ve compiled some of my top tips and tricks for designing and delivering high-value, high-engagement virtual events and I’ve distilled them down into this slick little 17 Point Checklist. You’ll notice a few links in this list too. Those are there for you if you want more detail on a particular item.

17 Point Killer Virtual Event Checklist

1. Be fully prepared, as if you were about to step on a live stage.
2. Include high-quality branded materials like handouts and worksheets.
3. Do a dry run. Rehearse your timing and tech. All hosts and presenters should be present.
4. Have technical support/virtual event producer to help with the back end. Provide attendees with a number to text support before and during the program. Your job is to be present and teach, not help people with issues logging in or finding the chat box.
5. Be certain you don’t have too much content for the allotted time. Again, rehearse your timing.
6. Include engaging activities that enhance learner retention.
7. Design an intentional backdrop for your virtual stage. Preferably not a virtual background.
8. Make sure you have good lighting. Your face should be well lit, but not washed out.
9. Do you have a good webcam? The one on your computer may not cut it. Especially if it’s located at the bottom of your screen. Do you really want your audience looking up your nose?
10. Test your sound quality. You may need an external mic to provide a quality experience. A good webcam may have a mic on it too.
11. Vary your graphics and props. Use flipcharts, props, slides, etc.
12. Think – Before, During and After when designing your audience experience.
13. Do you have a great way to Open and Close your program? The most valuable real estate of your program is the beginning and end. That’s what people remember most.
14. If at all possible get your audience physically moving during the session.
15. Prior to your start time, have all event documents, slide decks, handouts, attendance rosters, etc. in one place that is easily accessible to you.
16. Make sure your tech assistant or virtual producer has a copy of all related documents and slide decks and has them open and accessible.
17. Be logged in early and have a welcoming environment ready to greet your guests.

Let’s not kid ourselves. This is not an exhaustive list. It’s a great start though. If you do these things and set an intention for delivering great value to your audience, the effort will show. And your audience will be much more likely to return for more.

Are you ready to make the decision and move? I’m hear to help. Email me at sheri@waybeyondordinary.com and we’ll talk.

The post [Inside] A Confession. A Decision. And a Killer Checklist appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

Weird Thing #1

Start before you’re ready.

You know what this looks like. If you haven’t done it, you’ve seen it. You go live and then make your audience wait while you figure out if everything is set up right. You ask them to tell you if your sound is working, if your camera is good, if you look alright. This is not your audience’s job. Test that stuff before you go live. Be ready. Be polished and professional. Act as if your attendees are the most import people in the world. To you, they are right now.

If you don’t appear ready for an event you’re hosting, how can your audience trust that you are ready to serve them?

Weird Thing #2

Ignore Your Surroundings/Background

Come on! We’ve been doing this virtual thing for well over a year now. If you expect people to show up and listen to what you have to say – and pay money for it – you owe them a professional appearance. You would never show up at a live event and present in a cluttered, dark, poorly lit space. So, why do you think it’s alright in a virtual environment? It’s not. Put the same effort into your virtual stage as you would a live stage. Your audience will respect the effort.

If you’re not putting the effort into making a good impression and clearing distractions, will you put the effort into caring for your clients the way they deserve? You could be planting this seed of doubt.

Weird Thing #3

Running Out of Time To Cover All Your Content

Truth, this is not only a virtual weird thing, it happens during live events too. Far too often. It sounds like this, “I’m going to just run through these last 20 slides really quick cuz we’re running out of time.” Or, “I want to be respectful of your time, so I’m going to run through this last part really quickly.”

I know it’s hard. You have so much amazing information to share, you just can’t possibly leave anything out. So, you pretend you’re going to fit it all into your agenda and allotted time. And you might be able to do it, if you don’t care about your audience retaining the information. Stop that!

If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this: Just because you say it, doesn’t mean they remember it.

Here’s a tip. After you’ve created your entire agenda, cut out 1/3 of it. Focus on the most important stuff and provide a resource for the rest.

Speeding through content or not getting through it all can leave your audience feeling like they didn’t get everything they came for. It might also leave them wondering where else you’re not delivering on everything you promise. And as for respecting their time, that begins when you’re planning your content.

That’s it, my top 3 weird things I see virtual (and live) event hosts do and how they hurt your credibility. There are more, but let’s start here for now. Will you promise me you’ll try? I thank you. Your audience thanks you.

If you need help figuring out how to cut that 1/3 of your content, or delivering in a way that attendees will actually remember what you taught them let’s talk. I’m also sharing this cool resource with you below. It will help you design activities that increase retention. (See how that resource thing works?)

Until next time, happy event hosting! Sheri

Grab your free Design Menu, packed with delicious exercises for engaging your audience and increasing learner retention.

The post 3 Weird Things Virtual Event Hosts Do: And how they hurt their credibility appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

So, as you probably know, I’ve hosted a lot of events in my life. Large and small. When I tell you about my all time favorite you might have a few visions in your mind. You might be thinking this was a huge event. Maybe it included celebs or industry leaders. It probably had a massive budget with amazing tech and swag and all that jazz. You might guess there was a detailed agenda and guests were provided highly polished materials. When you think of the presenters and speakers you might be thinking, big names and high profile thought leaders. You may envision great entertainment and beautiful meals created by accomplished chefs. And you would be wrong, on all accounts.

My all time favorite event hosted 11 attendees, including myself and my planning assistant. It took place in a rented 11 bedroom house on the beautiful beach of Isle of Palms, SC. All of our meals were prepared by the men and women attending the event. Entertainment included, StoryTime, Improv and great conversations. And a ghost. (More on that later.)

Each day’s events began over coffee in the kitchen while a couple of attendees prepared breakfast. Think Big Chill, minus the dead friend. After everyone returned from their morning run, walk, shower, etc. we gathered to begin our formal part of the day. Which included finding a place on the giant leather sectional.

The attendees were all professional trainers or training to become a professional trainer. They each came prepared with a 10 minute training presentation they would deliver to the group. One person would present at a time. Their presentation was video recorded for their own use. Those not presenting, feverishly took notes to critique the content and delivery. Following each 10 minute presentation came a 30-40 minute feedback session. The presenter was given detailed feedback from each of the other attendees. It was intense. It was powerful. And it was life-changing for some.

In addition to these presentations, some trainers delivered special sessions over the 3 days such as storytelling, keynoting or improvisation. The improv session took place on the wide expanse of the wrap-around porch overlooking the pool and beach.

In the evenings, one pair of attendees would prepare dinner. The others would gather on the porch with a glass of wine to share stories, test new material and continue the great dialogue of the day. After dinner we would gather again for a round of StoryTime, a fun and powerful way to review the days content, build your improve muscle and laugh until you cry.

The event I just described was Training Camp, an annual train-the-trainer gathering of the team of professional trainers that I coached and managed.

What Made This Event So Special

There are many elements that made this event special, not only to me but to everyone who attended. These are at the top of the list.

Isolation

Gathering in an isolated space forced us all to be together. It’s like the conversations that happen in the hallway of a conference – times 100. Imagine asking a colleague you respect for advice while you enjoy your morning coffee on the beach watching the sunrise. Those conversations don’t happen when everyone goes back to their hotel room each night and shows up in the classroom the next morning.

Trust

Everyone attending was in the same position of vulnerability, learning and trust. We arrived open to learn and improve. No one was exempt from participation, including me, and no one was positioned above another.

Laughter

This is the element that you cannot manufacture. But as a good facilitator you can create opportunity to allow people to fully let go and be themselves. That’s where laughter thrives, in the moments of complete release of ego. And trust me, in a room full of professional speakers – there is a lot of ego. But not during this event, the egos were checked at the door. Another bonus of all living in a house together, we see each other’s humanness.

Respect

Standing in front of a group of peers and receiving feedback is not easy. When that feedback is delivered sincerely, with great detail and from someone you respect, it’s gold.

Lasting Results and Impact

This event first took place 12 years ago. It changed some attendees lives forever. The lasting results came from immersion and practice and execution. And as professional trainers, these attendees took that knowledge and used it for good to impact the lives of thousands of others.

Why I Want To Recreate This Event

I don’t necessarily mean recreate this event specifically, although I would love that. REALLY!

I mean, recreate the feelings of camaraderie, trust, joy and lasting change that came as a result of that event. These are the intentions I set and outcomes I look for whenever I’m planning an event.

This is also how I start my work with any client getting ready to design and deliver an event. Above all, they will be clear about what they want their audience to take away at the end of the program. And of course, how they personally want to feel.

If attending an event like this is of interest to you, I’d love to hear from you. I’m thinking about hosting something like this for entrepreneurs who host learning events.

OH, the ghost!

On the last night of this first Training Camp we experienced a strange series of events including the ceiling falling in on the room we had been meeting in. It was the result of a AC leak. Then I was awoken in the night by a figure pulling the blankets off my bed. It was a young girl, she was not scary, just wanted me to know she was there I guess. I went ahead and booked the house for the next year anyway. A few months later, I got a call from the owners telling me they had to move my event. There had been a fire that started in the children’s room. The house would not be available for us.

Every great event has a great story to tell. This one had several. I hope your event stories leave your guests happy, fulfilled and ready to change the world.

The post My Favorite Event Of All Time appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

1. How to select a profitable course topic (even if you don’t know what to teach or feel like you’re not an expert).
2. How to create amazing course content in one day (and charge a premium).

Here’s another ad headline that appeared moments later: “When you launch a course in less than 72 hrs with zero experience and start getting sales.”

I guess if your only goal is to sell courses and make money these might be good for you.

If however, your goals include helping your people create lasting change and improve their life or business by applying the information you provide you’ll want to consider a different approach.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever contributed to one of those 6,7,8 figure launches by buying their “easy”, “proven”, “I did it, so can you” courses. I have. What I know to be true for me is, the content was thin, it didn’t work as promised or I got bored by the lack of engagement and never finished the course.

I’ve created a 30 year career designing and delivering high quality learning experiences and I know three things for sure. Doing it right is not easy, it requires skill, and it’s takes time.

Truth 1: Creating a Course is Not Easy

Understanding how humans learn, how they process information and how they apply that information is key to designing any learning experience. And people learn differently and different paces. A good instructional designer knows this and incorporates varied methods to the teaching to assure everyone has a good outcome.

Truth 2: Designing a Good Course Requires Expertise

Experience in your area of teaching gives you credibility and confidence. Both key ingredients in building trust with your audience.

Second, expertise in course creation and delivery gives your students a chance to absorb your knowledge, apply it and make lasting change . You can pay people to write marketing copy that sells. You can buys ads that drive traffic. But you need to understand effective design and delivery that assures your audience will remember what you teach them a month or year from now.

Truth 3: Good Courses Take Time to Create

I’m talking about everything from clarity of purpose, learning objectives – for you and your audience, content and delivery. Knowing what to leave out of the program is as important as knowing what to put in it. How you deliver content matters for retention of information. To design an effective course you need to understand learning styles and apply design techniques to each chunk of content. Then you need to know how to facilitate the delivery in a way that reaches your audience and has lasting impact. This doesn’t happen in a day.

I’ve been designing training programs, courses, retreats and conferences for 3 decades. I can tell you will absolute certainty, a course worthy of “premium pricing” can not be created in a day.

So, if what you’re looking for is the promise of a 6,7,8 figure course launch there are a lot of people out there willing to sell you their fast, easy, profitable course. Just do me a favor. Do a gut check before you buy into it. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The post 3 Truths About Launching an Online Course appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

In 1993 I began my career as a trainer. I trained 40 hours a week. One week in the classroom doing training, and the next week coaching skill development on-the-job. For the next 15 years I continued to hone my skills as a classroom trainer. The audience grew. The venues grew. And the content shifted.

Over time I learned how to create experiences that allowed my audience to internalize the content and effect lasting change.

Then technology began to make virtual learning possible. There was a lot of discussion and controversy in the early years of “e-learning” as to whether it could be effective or not. I was definitely in the “not” camp. I had witnessed the tremendous value that comes from live interaction and the community that forms during live events. I was not willing to lose that.

But technology was evolving and my audience was now spreading across the world. It was time to embrace the possibilities and figure out how to make virtual training work.

Flash forward to today. We have so many amazing ways to connect virtually, we can practically do anything that we can do in the classroom. And if we know how to leverage these tools, we can create experiences that equal the impact of a live learning event.

And yet, in order to create lasting impact, we must still apply the same rules of engagement. These myths are as much about you as a facilitator and host as the processes and design you use to deliver your content.

Myths:

Your audience will not tolerate more than 60 minutes on a virtual event.

This is probably the most common myth I hear from event hosts. When audiences are engaged and gaining valuable knowledge, they will stay. They will stay all day. And come back the next day. I’ve attended 3 and 4 day programs that left me feeling energized.

What your guests will not tolerate is a boring, uninspired and non-engaging program. Regardless of length.

Apply good instructional design techniques to keep your participants active and involved in the learning process.

As the Facilitator, you should be doing most of the talking

When I led a group of trainers and facilitators I would always joke with them and say, “If you’re sitting in the back of the room drinking coffee and the room is a buzz with talking and energy, you’re doing a great job.”

The job of a great educator is to help students discover the answers they need. Discovery happens when they talk to others, share ideas, test theories and teach each other.

We have the ability to make this interaction happen in the virtual classroom. It requires us to be willing to recognize that we are not the only experts in the room.

You can do it on your own

Last week I hosted an event with over 200 participants. It was not a learning event, but it was very interactive. I do professional event production, so I figured I should have this down. Right? I learned a valuable lesson that day. I will never again host a virtual event with more than 50 people without having additional support.

The same holds true for designing a learning event. If teaching or instructional design is not your business, get help making sure you’re creating a program that your participants will be willing to not only sit through, but gain the knowledge, skills and abilities you set out to teach them.

I used to hold a very strong bias toward in-person events. I think it’s inevitable given the years I spent there. But I will tell your with certainty that hosted virtual events can be every bit as effect at creating lasting change for your audience.

Designing a successful learning experience is about creating a space for your audience to become what you know they are capable of. That happens when you provide the means for them to engage and discover. And you’re there to support them.

You deserve to feel confident in knowing that the knowledge and skills you deliver have lasting impact on your participants. I want to help you make that happen.

Many instructional designers want to work with you in a very formal academic way. The whole experience feels corporate and unnatural. Because you’re a creative entrepreneur. You think differently. You have unique ideas that don’t fit in those boxes and you don’t have the patience to work through conventional processes. You want to design your program in a way that feels natural for you and honors the relationship that you’ve built with your audience. You want to design a program you feel natural facilitating.

Register now:  Sparkshop: Light Up Your Live Virtual Events Click to learn more or sign up.

The post 3 Myth’s Behind Hosting Impactful Online Events appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

You know your content and knowledge will make a difference for them. And, you’ve been helping people through your work for years. So, how hard can it be to turn all that knowledge and skill into a world-class course? Harder than you might think.

Designing a successful learning experience is about creating a space for your audience to become what you know they are capable of.

Here are a few mistakes and misconceptions that I see my clients facing when they come to me for help.

Mistakes & Misconceptions

If I can do the work, I can teach others how to do it.

Being an expert at something does not mean you are an expert at teaching it to others. Training is a skill. Corporations spend tens of thousands of dollars on train-the-trainer programs and hiring expert trainers and facilitators to deliver their proprietary content. You may need training yourself before you launch into creating courses for others.

Spending too much time outside of your unique ability or zone of genius.

This ties very closely to the above. When you’re spending your time and energy trying to figure out how to design and deliver your course or workshop, you’re taking time away from the areas of your business where you shine. Areas that need your attention, the attention only you can give. I am not saying you should not design or deliver your program yourself. I’m saying, recognize when you are out of your unique ability and get help. Your audience deserves your best.

Too much content.

When you’re designing training – less is more. The human brain has limited ability to store and recall information. Yes, there are techniques we can use as trainers to increase long-term memory and recall, but there are still limits. And they are much less than you might think.

In my train-the-trainer program, Sparkshop: Light Up Your Live Virtual Events, I teach a method to help course creators segment their content. This process allows them to ultimately focus on what is most important for delivery during the program and how and where they can provide other resources.

People remember what is said.

Have you ever heard this, “I’m going to move pretty quickly through these last few slides since we’re short on time.”? Maybe you’ve even said it yourself. I used to tell the trainers I coached, “Just because you say it, doesn’t mean they will remember it.” You’re wasting everyone’s time if you’re trying to pour too much content into your program.

Here’s a scary fact. According to brain science and learning expert David Sousa, just 24 hours after a learning episode, average participants will remember only 10% of what was delivered via lecture/spoken word. So, less is more! And…lecture is the least effective means of training. But that’s a whole other topic.

Not asking for help.

We all have unique skills and abilities. You would likely not attempt to fly the plane on your next trip (unless you happen to be a pilot). So, why would you risk your reputation and the trust of your audience if you don’t know what makes a learning experience successful. There are loads of resources available to help you design effective adult learning experiences. And there are also people like me who specialize in instructional design, just like you specialize in your area of expertise. Don’t wing it.

Thinking you have all the answers and you’re the only expert in the room.

One the greatest things about teaching adults is the experience that they bring to the room. It’s very different from teaching children who are basically a clean slate and look to you for all the answers. Adults have so much to share, and they want to.

In a recent article for Forbes, Mark Sparvell states, “Adults have years of real-life experience to draw on when learning something new. Include real-world examples and realistic scenarios in your training to connect with the past experiences of the learners.”

A good facilitator will draw on that experience and help participants self-discover new answers. And, people do not argue with their own data. So, you get to look like the hero, when they did all the work coming up with the answers. You just set the stage for the learning to happen.

Finding Help

Many instructional designers want to work with you in a very formal academic way. The whole experience feels corporate and unnatural. Because you’re a creative entrepreneur. You think differently. You have unique ideas that don’t fit in those boxes and you don’t have the patience to work through conventional processes. You want to design your program in a way that feels natural for you and honors the relationship that you’ve built with your audience. You want to design a program you feel natural facilitating. If that sounds like you, I can help.

Plus, it turns out, having a Virtual Producer on your event also increases your “Cool Factor”. So, there’s that!

The post 6 Most Common Mistakes Virtual Course Creators Make appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

Creating Memorable Experiences

Vacations are all about creating memorable experiences that we will talk about for years to come. We tell stories and share pictures and reminisce about what we saw and learned. We talk about who we met on the journey. A great vacation lasts a life-time in our memories. 

What if we as event hosts created experiences for our guests that, like a vacation would last a lifetime? We can. And we should. Let’s start by exploring the elements that create a great vacation. 

They must take you out of your “normal”

A vacation takes you away from your normal day-to-day routine and puts you in a new atmosphere. A great event should do the same. We can do this for our audience by being really intentional about using a good opener. The opener should require full attention and focus in a way that does not allow for outside distraction. It should pull them out of their routine and shift fully toward the task at hand. 

They must provide a story to tell

Vacations are filled with little moments and big adventures, all of which provide ample food for storytelling. A memorable event does the same. We as hosts must create memorable moments throughout the event. And just to make sure the audience doesn’t miss that memorable moment, feel free to tell them when they are in the middle of it. We are all so busy and distracted these days that attention is a difficult asset to capture. Be assertive about asking for it.

Use statements like; “You’ll want to remember this.” Or “Imagine sharing this with your colleagues.” Or “Look around you now, what do you most want to remember about this moment?” These types of statements are one way to help create stories, there are many others. 

They must provide something new to talk about

Vacations are full of firsts. We meet new people, try new foods, do new activities, see new places. These are the things we talk about and remember for years to come. Like that cheese fondue I had at a café in Paris. My mouth waters thinking about it, and I’ve talked about it often. What will you give your audience that is new? What’s the cheese fondue they will tell their friends about?

Create avenues for attendees to meet new people. Teach them new skills or tools. Show them new ways to accomplish things. Then help them tell the story. One way to tell it is with great photo ops.

They must include great photo ops

OK, maybe not actual photo ops – but maybe. A photo op is a memorable moment. A trigger to help your audience recall important information or details. Memorable moments might be a visual queue that you use repeatedly. It might be a phrase that you repeat often to drive home a critical point. It might be a prompt that requires recall of important information. Photo ops at your event, live or virtual could be actual photos with memorable people. A group shot, or a shot in front of a backdrop. 

In a virtual event, your photo op could be a certificate or social post template they can share. Or you sharing a great post and tagging your audience.

We take photos because we want to recall the feeling and the sensation of the moment. Giving your audience photo ops or memorable moments gives them something to hold on to in the future. Something that is connected to you and your event. 

So, maybe we can’t take our audience on a physical vacation, but we create an adventure that will be memorable and story worthy. Hey, Disney figured this out decades ago and reaped the benefits of word-of-mouth advertising. You can too.

I’ve created this menu of high-engagement activities to build into your next event so can begin creating memorable experiences today!

The post What I Learned on Vacation About Creating Memorable Events appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

If you’re an entrepreneur, or a business leader – which I’m assuming you are if you’re reading this, you probably have a vision in your mind when you hear the word Close. Am I right?

I want to be very clear. When I talk about effective closes, I am not talking about selling. I’m talking about the end of a story – the closing act. If we think about an event, whether a training session, a retreat, a workshop or course, all events should have an open, and middle and a close. Just like a good story. And in a good story the role of the close is to wrap up, bring the pieces together, make sense of it all and to conclude.

Similar to closing arguments in a trial. The close of your event will highlight all of the important content, review what took place earlier and connect the dots.

So, now that we’re clear that I’m not talking about closing a sale, let me add – a really good close could lead to further sales. Tricky right? Take the cliffhanger close for instance. The goal is to leave your audience wanting more, coming back for the next piece of the puzzle. Your next program offering. Sale made.

Other forms of closing an event may have different goals. For example, when you go to see your favorite band, do they play their most popular song right out of the gates? Probably not. They may play their current #1 hit, hugely popular and a crowd favorite. But that one song, the one everyone is dying to hear … it’s the encore.

The Encore Close

An Encore close is very effective when it’s set up properly. When your audience is primed and ready for it. The encore close can be teased from the start to build anticipation.

For instance you may have a piece of content that you are well known for, or a new tool that ties all elements of your program together. You elude to this tool throughout your program. You talk about it in the marketing for your program. Customers share stories about how great the tool is. And you wait until the very end to introduce this magnificent tool. It helps your audience bring all of their ideas and thoughts together. It’s what they’ve been waiting for. And it solidifies their learning and their decision to attend.

That’s a powerful close.

The Reflective Close

While far less dramatic than the Cliffhanger or the Encore, a reflective close is a great way for your audience to take inventory of everything they have learned and how they will apply the learning.

A reflective close generally happens in three parts:

1. Facilitated review
2. Individual recall and recording
3. Sharing and committing

A reflective close is especially effective when participants need to be able to recall information in the future. The act of reviewing course materials, writing down key points, reflecting on future use and intentions and putting voice to these intentions is incredibly beneficial.

The Story Close

Storytelling is very impactful in the learning process. The story close can be used in a couple of different ways. I like a combination.

Begin the story close with the facilitator or speaker sharing a story that ties together the key elements and learning points of the program. It should be personal and real. The story may be about the observed changes in the participants since the start of the program. Or it may be a story of your own journey to this point and how this content brought you here.

The second way the story close can be used is through the experience of the participant. Give them time to reflect and then share the story of their own transformation and how they will use the new knowledge moving forward. Provide framework for them to build from. Depending on your content you may use some version of this framework.

• The challenge that brought you here today.
• What you wanted to change.
• Three things that you learned that will help you overcome that challenge.
• Your next steps to moving past the challenge and creating the change you want.

I have just dedicated two articles to designing an effective close for your virtual event. And the sad truth is, most course, workshops, even retreats never employ an intentional close. Why? Well, partially because it was never part of the program design. But more often it’s because the facilitator runs out of time or more accurately doesn’t plan enough time for a proper close.

I want to challenge you today. The next time to host an event, prioritize the close with the same conviction you prioritize your most valuable content. Planning your close should never be an after thought. Because an effective close will help assure that your audience actually remembers that valuable content after they leave the room.

The post When A Good Close Is Not About A Sale appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

Like the Cold Open, a technique the entertainment industry uses to quickly get us hooked, they also use the Cliffhanger Close to keep us coming back for more. If we combine these techniques used to keep us all binge-watching our favorite show with the laws of Recency and Primacy, we create a powerful combination.

These laws say simply, people recall most effectively information presented at the beginning a session and the end.

So, for you as an event host this means, load up your most important content at the start of your program. And finish with equally powerful content. This also means, you have to be intentional about how you open and how you close.

We already talked about the open, today let’s look at what goes into a great close. One particular style of close, the cliffhanger.

Let’s come back to that first question, what has you binging one episode after another of your favorite show? Most likely, it’s the cliff hanger close.

In the case of your program, course or workshop, the main character is your ideal attendee. A cliffhanger close will leave your attendee questioning, excited, shocked and needing more.

Before you get too far ahead of me, I’m not suggesting you bait your audience and then leave them without the valuable content your promised. Not for a minute. That’s slimy and wrong.

Reactions To a Good Cliffhanger Close

• You create such excitement that she cannot wait to get home and test drive her new skills.
• She is so stunned by what she is able to do that she immediately signs up for the next phase of the program.
• She leaves you a rave review highlighting the key points she learned and how she’ll apply them.
• Immediately she incorporates the lessons while delivering her next event and changes her clients lives forever. (That’s you by the way!)

In Action

Sometimes a cliffhanger close can be deceptively simple. For example, allow your audience to discover how much they have already learned. By executing a closing activity that gives your attendee an opportunity to recall and record all of the information they have retained. They are shocked by the revelation that they now have the knowledge needed to move forward. They are also more confident, willing and inspired to move forward. And in doing so, they embed the learning into their practice and are more likely to return for more.

Examples of simple knowledge reveal cliffhangers:

• Journal reflection and share out
• Quiz show
• Demonstration
• Project showcase

Of course the goal of a cliffhanger is to get your audience to return for more. In a training environment like a workshop, course or retreat this means there is more to be learned. Your content builds and leads the audience to the next stage.

Apply To Your Program

Think about a program you currently host or one you are developing. Now, consider these questions to help you create a powerful cliffhanger close that will keep your audience returning for more.

What is the next stage of content you want to lead attendees to?

List three questions you could ask that would leave your audience wanting more?

What dilemma will your attendee be facing at the end of your program?

How can you position your next episode as an answer to that dilemma?

Come back next week when we talk about other powerful ways to close your events and leave them wanting more.

The post Leave Your Audience Wanting More appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

Before we even walked in the door I could tell we were in for a fun experience.

We walked up the steps to the entrance of the bright yellow former house. Giant sized ice cream cones and brightly colored flags guided the way. The front of the house, now an inviting sweet shop, was lit up with neon signs and brightly painted offset frames.

As we entered the store our senses lit up. The smell of chocolate filled the air. A cheerful greeting called out to us from behind a wall of candy. We were taking a walk down memory lane through all the nostalgic candies of our childhood. Zots, Pop Rocks, Good and Plenty and more.

I approached the cheerful voice behind the chocolate. I explained what we were looking for and how we wanted a local partner to manager our gift process. The happy voice behind the chocolate, now a smiling bright eyed girl continued to nod and smile. As I finished she simply replied – “I’m certain we can do whatever you need.”

Moments like this cross our path every day.

• A trip to the grocery store.
• Running through the car wash.
• Bringing the dog to the groomers.
• Calling your doctors office.
• Attending an online meeting.
• Etc.

How often do these moments become experiences you remember and tell your friends about?

As an event host you have an opportunity to create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Remember, the experience begins long before they walk through your doors, virtual or real.

Consider these touch points as you design the guest experience:

• Invitation – It should invoke a feeling of what is to come and what they have to look forward to.
• Registration Process – Make it easy. Is it congruent with your theme and your style?
• Arrival – How do you welcome guests? Do they see and feel your brand?
• During – Everything you do while present with your audience is creating an experience. Be intentional.
• Post Event – Follow up with your audience to deliver even greater value and extend the experience. This could include a feedback form, a thank-you note, program recording or additional materials.

I get it. We can’t all work in a fun factory and hand out gelato and chocolate covered cherries. But we can still create memorable experiences that help our clients lasting ways. Whether you choose to put forth the effort is up to you. I promise, if you do, you’ll have a lot more fun too.

P.S. If you ever find yourself in Rhinelander, WI be sure to stop in to the Fun Factory for a treat.

The post Creating A Sweet Experience appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

I recently learned while reading The Referral Of A Lifetime by Tim Templeton, that I approach new relationships from a Business/Relational style. Meaning, I tend toward business first, but place great value on relationships as well.

It also occurred to me that I approach my blog and most correspondence in the same way. So, today I’m switching it up. And I’m giving you a little insight into why I do what I do.

This is me, Sheri. I’m a travel lover, nomadic soul and a rolling stone. A vegetarian for over 30 years, I tend to have more compassion for animals than people – they have no voice. The beach is my happy place. Add a hammock and an ocean breeze, and I’m in pure bliss.

I am passionate about helping women of all ages grow in business, life, career and joy. This passion has manifested itself throughout my life in many ways. And always at the very core has been an underlying love of producing meaningful and transformational events that bring people together.

My first events:

I was about 8 years old when I hosted my first event. A backyard Muscular Dystrophy Carnival fundraiser. I ordered my kit and started gathering the neighborhood kids to help and to attend. I set up game stations around my backyard and canvased the neighborhood with flyers to let everyone know that THIS was the place to be. It was my first, and certainly not my last. 

By high school I was organizing girl’s outings, class parties (some of which I got in big trouble for) and other fundraising events. 

In my college sorority, I held the office of Social Chair – planning parties and philanthropic events. And of course, all of my friend’s bachelorette parties, showers and baby showers along the way. 

My college internship led me back to the Muscular Dystrophy Association where I co-created a community event to kick-off the annual Bike-A-Thon fundraiser. We brought together city leaders, local celebrities and local radio for tricycle races on a track running through a popular bar. The event brought attention to the Bike-A-Thon and the start of the fundraising drive.

During my junior year of high school one of my best friends said to me as we were preparing for a party at her house, “I think you should be a party planner, it’s your calling.” Little did I know 15 years later that’s exactly what I would be doing and getting paid for it.

It Becomes a Career

My career in training and development has led me to designing not only world class educational programs and events but also the celebrations and parties that come along with planning national conferences, awards programs and training sessions. 

I have organized and choreographed a flash mob. Facilitated experiential leadership programs with blindfolded CEOs. Trained service company dispatchers inside the body of a DC10 aircraft. Hosted improvisational storytelling on the beach. Conceived and launched a women’s expo. I’ve designed curriculum for dozens of training programs for industries as varied as a retail diamond company and plumbing.

And still, nearly 50 years after that first event my passion remains for creating experiences that change lives and businesses.

My personal brand promise: Never satisfied with ordinary.

Making It My Own

After nearly 2 decades of creating both live and virtual trainings and events for corporations and associations I made a difficult decision. I left a job I loved, working with people I loved to start my own business. I had accomplished so much and had done what I had come to do. It was time to get back to my true passion, working with women entrepreneurs in a way that is authentic to me. Truth, I no longer wanted to serve the agenda of others, but rather my own personal mission that had been carrying with me since my high school days.

Today

I’m a producer. I help business leaders, educators and entrepreneurs design and deliver high value virtual programs that have lasting impact. The leaders work with know how hard it is to deliver a high quality experience without help in the wings. They want a virtual event producer to manage the backend so they can relax focus on delivering content and taking care of attendees. They also recognize that having a professional producer by their side elevates their brand and business. Cool side-effect!

When I think back to that first Muscular Dystrophy carnival, I can see that girl. She was a little bossy. She knew what she wanted the kids to experience and how important the event was. It had to be perfect. She hasn’t changed all that much. She just has a few more tools and a lot more wisdom.

The post What Happens When You Live Out Your Passion? appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

Networks like Netflix, HBO Max and Amazon Prime have certainly figured out the formula for keeping us hooked and coming back for more.

Of course there is a lot that goes into how they do it, but I’m especially fascinated by two things, the Cold Open and the Cliff Hanger. The Open and the Close.

The cold open is widely used in television programming. The show opens straight into a highly engaging scene. The scene runs before the opening credits. It captures your attention, leaving you wanting more. The Office or SNL are great examples of shows that use a cold open.

So, how can we as virtual event hosts, course creators, workshop hosts, use this technique?

There are a couple of important laws I want you to remember as you consider this. The laws of Recency and Primacy. In simple terms, these laws state that the human brain most effectively retains information heard first and last in a learning session. So, as a trainer or speaker, you want to front load the most important take-aways. And you want to finish your program with highly important content. In between, is the “nice to know” but less critical information that supports your key messages.

So, getting back to the cold open. This is the time where we have the best opportunity to deliver powerful lasting impact. It’s the first few minutes of our presentation – Primacy. And what do we usually do? Introduce ourselves and talk about housekeeping. WHAT? I know! So, we have to ask the question, is our bio what we most want attendees to remember? I’m guessing not. So, let’s take a different approach.

Here are some examples of how you might use a Cold Open to deliver your gold right up front.

Case Study

Start with a story about one of your clients or yourself. Craft the story in a way that delivers key messages and keeps your audience wanting more.

Quiz

Opening with a quiz or survey gets your attendees questioning their knowledge and beliefs. It shifts their thinking patterns and captures attention. The questions you ask will prepare them for the content and inform their brain that the answers to these questions are important.

Story

A story is similar to a case study. But it does not always include related client examples. A story could be an analogy, or a parable. The key to using story well is making sure it links to your critical content and you can tie it back. You may tell of story of when you were a child and learned a specific lesson. Or a story of an incident that happened to you recently that demonstrates your key points. Bottom line: when your audience thinks of that story, they should think of the key messages you want them to take away.

By starting your program with a Cold Open rather than a pleasant welcome and brief history of you, your audience is engaged immediately. They receive value from you immediately and they begin learning immediately.

You will have ample time and opportunity to establish your credibility throughout your program. Keep your focus on what your audience wants and needs from you, give them that. And along the way, weave in stories that illustrate your expertise.

Next week, we’re going to dig into the Cliff Hanger. How can we use this incredibly effective technique to keep our audience coming back for more. You’ll be amazed…

The post The Cold Open and The Law Of Primacy appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

Getting the right people at your virtual workshop, course or training program starts with knowing who the right people are. I have a tool that I share with clients called the Ideal Attendee Avatar Worksheet. Much like identifying your ideal client, we use this tool to identify the perfect attendee for any event. This avatar usually describes a subset of your ideal client. I think it’s important to point out that not every ideal client is your ideal attendee. You will have clients at different stages with different needs. And you likely have different program offerings to fit those needs.

5 Key Areas To Explore

Demographics

Here is where you start to identify that sub-set. Get a clear picture of who she/he is. Where she lives, what she does, how much money she makes, her education, how she spends her time, etc.

Experience

What other programs, courses, workshops, conferences, etc. has she invested in before? How has she educated herself to this point. Who does she follow, read, listen to? What has been her experience up until now?

Current Pain or Challenge

She is struggling with a challenge or pain that your program can help with. What is that pain? How does she describe the pain? How does she express the challenge she’s facing? Have you heard her talk about it? What does she say?

Fears and Insecurities

She faces fears that have held her back so far. She has not taken action to move past the challenge, most likely due to a fear or insecurity. What are those insecurities that hold her back and keep her stuck in place. Or maybe she is pushing herself to the next level and ready to break through, what might she fear in doing so?

What Solutions Does Your Program Provide?

Can your match a solution provided in your program to her pain, challenge, fear, insecurity? Here is where we start to craft the language that speaks to her. You will only know how to speak directly to her if you have been listening and understand where her head is at.

The result we get by working through this process is clear and direct language that your ideal attendee will relate to. She will see herself in your statements and know that you understand her needs. She will trust that your program can help her solve her challenge.

Spending the time to do this work upfront will make the entire process of marketing your virtual event so much easier and far more effective.

Have you found this article helpful? If so, it would mean the world to me if you shared it with others who could benefit.

The post How To Attract Your Ideal Attendee To Your Virtual Event appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

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

The post Don’t Start Designing Your Virtual Live Event Until You Do These 3 Things appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

In this article I am NOT going to compare all the different virtual platforms and tools you can use. I am NOT going to provide a technology breakdown of all the options. What I AM going to talk about is what matters most. Your attendee experience.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you’re preparing to create your virtual program:

• What platform are you most familiar and comfortable with?
• What platform are your attendees most familiar and comfortable with?
• What tools do you need in order to deliver the course in the way you envision?
• How much are you willing to spend on the deliver platform?
• Can you manage the platform alone or will your need production help?

By asking yourself these questions you probably find that a platform like Zoom is the best option for you. Unless you are hosting large elaborate events there is no need to get caught up in all the bells and whistles that might be available to you. And, you’ll also discover that Zoom offers so much more than you may know.

Remember why you are hosting the event to begin with; to teach, to connect, to provide value to your audience. Often, a more complex platform will only distract you from your core purpose.

Keep it simple and create the WOW factor through the amazing transformational content you deliver, strong presentations skills and the meaningful connections you make. Those are the things that make for a memorable event.

Want more pro tips for making your live virtual events really shine? Grab a copy of my free Ebook now.

The post What’s The Best Platform For Hosting Live Virtual Events? appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

1. Educational Seminars

These are typically 30 – 60 minute sessions to teach clients and prospects from your area of expertise. You could use as a series of “lunch and learn” style or maybe evening sessions.

Examples:

• As a realtor you might run monthly sessions on the best ways to prepare your home for top offers.
• As an estate planning attorney you may host a 4 part series on how to prepare a trust.
• If you are a physical therapist you could host free Saturday morning stretch sessions for pain sufferers.

2. Client Appreciation Events

These are free events you can host to say thank you to your existing clients. Encourage them to invite a friend who would be an ideal referral.

Examples:

• If you are a leadership consultant you might host a workshop like 50 Fun Things to help them find ways to improve culture within virtual work teams.
• As a nutrition coach specializing in nutrition for diabetics, you could host a guest chef who demonstrates and shares fabulous sugar free recipes.
• If you’re life coach specializing in helping overwhelmed moms you might host a dual event. You could offer coffee chat for mom’s and story-time for kids. *This is a really fun way to collaborate with a children’s author.

3. Ask Me Anything / Office Hours Events

These virtual events are designed to make you more accessible to your existing clients. They also share your expertise with your community.

Examples:

• As a small business accountant you might host Tax Time Q & A sessions quarterly.
• A PR agency could offer an Pitchfest event where clients and prospects could submit media pitch ideas to be selected from to have the agency help them refine during the session.
• If you’re a business coach you might host weekly office hours where clients can show up to ask questions about business strategy.
• If you are a book publisher you could host “Ask Me Anything” happy hours for wanna be authors.

4. Virtual Workshops

Much like an Educational Seminar, a virtual workshop is a longer format with more hands-on engagement and solid outcomes by participants.

Examples:

• As an accountant you might put on a workshop for small business owners teaching them how to set up a chart of accounts. Attendees actually complete their chart during the session with guidance from the facilitator.
• If you’re a landscape designer you could host an virtual workshop educating casual gardeners about regional plants and design strategies. It could even be a series that allows time between sessions for attendees to do garden prep, planting, etc.
• As a social media manager you might facilitate a virtual workshop on how to optimize your social profiles. Then, attendees would do hands on work during the workshop and share their updated profiles for critique.

All of these examples can be easily hosted on a simple platform like Zoom. You can offer free of charge or as paid events.

This is certainly not an exhaustive list. It’s intended to inspire you to get creative and to no longer allow live event restrictions to stop you from cultivating meaningful relationships with clients and growing your business.

Hi, I’m Sheri Bennefeld, founder of Way Beyond Ordinary. I help business leaders, entrepreneurs and educators design & deliver virtual events with none of the overwhelm and all the impact. If you need help I’m here.

The post 4 Ways Entrepreneurial Woman Use Live Virtual Events To Grow Their Business appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.

1. Focus, both physical and mental is required to download and interact with the information.

Attention spans are short, especially on virtual events. When we require action we can capture and hold attention longer, thereby improving retention. 

2. Immediate perceived value. 

Getting something “extra” lets participants know that you are serious about providing a return on investment and giving more than expected. 

3. Your attendees retain more information when they engage with it physically. 

Handouts that require the attendee to read or fill in the blanks will help them create associations in their brain that aid in long term memory. 

4. Your information is now in their hands forever.

Well, maybe not forever. Certainly longer than the 90 minutes or 3 hours they are with you during the event. And if the information in the handout/downloads is truly valuable they will keep it longer and possibly even share it. Making the next how even more important.   

5. Leave a lasting impression with high quality branded materials.

If you want to portray an image of a high value company, your materials should reflect that. Your branding will also help create lasting connections in the learners mind. They are more likely to think of you next time they want a high value experience or are asked for a recommendation. Remember to always include your contact information/website on materials.

6. Become a lasting resource to attendees.

When you take the time to create a high quality download with lasting value, attendees will hang on to it and use it over and over. And each time they do, they think of you. 

7. You can deliver more content in a shorter period of time. 

Non-critical and reference content can be delivered through handouts or downloads. What might ordinarily not make it into the curriculum due to time constraints, is now available to attendees. 

8. Stay top of mind long after the event ends. 

Attention is the greatest asset you can gain from an audience. The longer you can hold their attention, the longer you have to create lasting value. 

9. Extend the experience both ahead of time and after the event.

Handouts or downloads don’t need to be delivered only during the event. You can begin the experience early by providing valuable information in preparation for the main event. And, you can extend the experience by delivering follow up materials after the program. Again, the longer you stay top of mind, the longer you have to make a lasting impact. 

Bonus: Downloads help you grow your audience.

I’ve used the terms downloads and handouts interchangeably here. The content can be the same but they are delivered differently. A handout might be shared in the chat window, or provided via email. A download lives on a secure site and requires an email opt-in to access. Like the amazing Ebook below that you can download to help your get started designing memorable online experiences.

The post Why Deliver Handouts During Your Virtual Event: 9 Ways They Elevate Your Program appeared first on Way Beyond Ordinary.