As entrepreneurs, our success rests heavily on creating a community. Without a thriving following, it’s much more difficult to get new clients, reach our sales goals, and positively impact the world.
There are many ways to strengthen your tribe online. But as an Event Strategist, I’m here to tell you that one of the most powerful things you can do is host in-person events.
If you’re a new entrepreneur, or new to the idea of hosting events, stay with me for a minute. Because the benefits are definitely worth considering. Here are 5 reasons why events are vital to building your online tribe.
1. Your personal brand can be experienced in-person.
This may seem like an obvious statement. But in the digital age, we sometimes forget the amazing power of experiencing someone in real life by bringing people together. Whether you’re hosting a large conference or a close-knit retreat for community members, your tribe is getting to see the authentic, unfiltered you.
They’re taking you in as a whole person – from your mannerisms to your voice, to your spur-of-the-moment interactions. Suddenly, you’re not just someone they’ve gotten a glimpse of through Facebook Live or Instagram Stories. Instead, you’re now a very real, fleshed-out, and relatable human being.
2. Your tribe can connect with each other.
Facebook groups are wonderful but, again, nothing can replace the in-person interaction of live events. When attendees are sharing the same meal, activity, or challenge, it builds a strong sense of camaraderie. When they’re having conversations with each other in real life, they’re deepening relationships in a way they can’t online.
And the best part? As they connect through all of this, your tribe is creating memories that center around you and your brand. And memories are an extremely potent vehicle when it comes to relationship-building.
3. There’s room for organic conversations.
Speaking of conversations, great events offer the perfect backdrop for organic conversations. While they can certainly happen online, social media is a very “pick up / put down” type of platform. It’s not the same as sitting in a room with someone for an interrupted stretch of time.
The conversation often just flows and, before you know it, you’ve discovered that you share a common struggle, personality quirk, or love for all things jewel-toned. (Oh, wait – that last one is just me!) So many discoveries – big or small, trivial or serious – can come from organic conversations. They’re a powerful vehicle for human connection and relationship building.
4. You can level-up on the value you offer.
As entrepreneurs and business owners, we strive to provide the most value possible for our clients. Holding an event means you can take that goal to an entirely new level. There are numerous ways you can add value including (but not limited to): building an in-person component to a popular course; offering exclusive material or one-on-one time with you; extending special offers or promotions; bringing your unique, personal brand experience ‘alive’ by making it an event theme; and even pampering your guests with thoughtful gifts!
5. You can gain a deeper understanding of your tribe’s needs.
You’re in business to serve your tribe which means you need to stay on top of the needs of your target audience. What better way to do that than by talking with them in-person? You don’t need to gather information formally. (Although you certainly go that route if you like.)
Chances are, though, that your attendees will raise questions or provide feedback naturally. You can also subtly ask specific questions of your own. It’s a golden opportunity to glean information that will help you better tailor your services, products, and/or marketing.
As you can see, events are an extremely powerful tool in your entrepreneurial belt. It doesn’t matter whether the event is a mastermind, client retreat, or workshop. (Or whether it’s large or small.) The big idea is to listen, serve, and – above all – connect in-person. It’s an investment every entrepreneur should make!
It doesn’t matter whether the event is a mastermind, client retreat, or workshop. (Or whether it’s large or small.) The big idea is to listen, serve, and - above all - connect in-person. #Youpreneur Click To Tweet
Jenn Murray is an Event Strategist based in Pittsburgh, PA. Through her company Relate Escape, she helps entrepreneurs plan events that cultivate authentic, long-lasting relationships with their clients and online tribe. Jenn believes events should be impactful, transformative, and customized for the unique needs of each business.
