Comments on Small Biz Survival: Promotion checklist for after your event

Thank you for this reminder... sometimes we get ba...

2009-09-03T14:52:22.879-05:00

Thank you for this reminder... sometimes we get back from events and jump into the next thing on the agenda... you make great points!

Yelena, great idea! Perfect for all those educatio...

2009-09-01T22:34:23.115-05:00

Yelena, great idea! Perfect for all those educational events where the speakers throw out more info than we can process at the time.

Becky, your post is terrific as usual. Here's ...

2009-09-01T22:29:27.815-05:00

Becky, your post is terrific as usual. Here's my 2-cent worth based on my experience as an event attendee:

The amount of information at these events can be overwhelming, especially if there's some kind of Q&A session or open comments from and discussion by attendees. So it's nice when an organizer includes resources, tips, answers to some of the questions, etc. in the event report.

Some organizers record the entire event on audio, but frankly I don't want to spend hours listening just to catch a URL or a book title. Having a dedicated Event Resources report (as a blog post, article or e-mail) would be really great!

Meilee, video is terrific! You get bonus points fo...

2009-09-01T20:19:25.633-05:00

Meilee, video is terrific! You get bonus points for bringing in several ways of promoting next year's event.

Darrin W., thanks for sharing. Be sure to tell them the good stuff is always in the comments.

Darren C., you're right. Brief is best. Now there are just a few exceptions, when you know the media you are submitting to wants and encourages extra length. Even then, don't over do it. More pictures would be better than more words!

"Get some press. In a small town, you can pro...

2009-09-01T14:26:41.728-05:00

"Get some press. In a small town, you can probably write up your own report and submit it."

Also, if you opt for a press release, keep it short and to the point. I am amazed at the length of some of the press releases that land in my inbox.

People do not have the time to spend reading a huge email or document nowadays.

Becky, thanks for the reminders. I forwarded your...

2009-09-01T13:23:31.813-05:00

Becky, thanks for the reminders. I forwarded your post to all Ohio Main Street directors.

How about editing and posting a video to You Tube?...

2009-09-01T11:27:35.508-05:00

How about editing and posting a video to You Tube? If the event is an annual one - and the date for the following year is established be sure to include that information. If possible encourage a call to action if early bird registration for the event or sponsorships are at stake.

Deb, you're right. There are many more opportu...

2009-09-01T09:09:08.265-05:00

Deb, you're right. There are many more opportunities than just your local paper. It's also a chance to practice your customization. Make note of which papers like an email, which ones want you to write the whole thing, when each one's deadline is, etc. Meet the press on their terms. (Hey, wait, don't forget radio stations who read local news, and local blogs, and...)

Becky, Don't forget to send the press release ...

2009-09-01T09:02:03.650-05:00

Becky,
Don't forget to send the press release about the outcome of the event to all the papers within a 100 mile radius (same list you sent the announcement of the event too). Be sure to use the proper press release format. Mention you'd be open to having a conversation with other communities and teach them how to host their own event.

We also follow up with a phone call to each contact to make sure they got the email press release - and to be available for questions. Reporters love sources that do this!

@debworks

Thanks, Laurie. Great idea to collect testimonials...

2009-09-01T08:26:12.048-05:00

Thanks, Laurie. Great idea to collect testimonials and quotes.

I was also thinking it would be smart to go through the list of attendees and look for the ones who are active online, the influencers and Trust Agents, if you will. They would be good folks to reach out to.

Great reminders, Becky. I would add that for one o...

2009-09-01T07:52:30.032-05:00

Great reminders, Becky. I would add that for one of the groups I work with (non-profit medical association) we do short announcements about our new officers (their university or practice newsletters frequently use these little blurbs). We also like to use quotes about the meeting from our attendees...testimonials, if you will, and put them on our Web site. I hadn't thought about a note to our legislators (we don't get state funding) but it would have been a good idea this year, as we reported on our legislative successes with changing the donor registry in Texas.