Running a workshop has its advantages: it generates much-needed income, gets your name out there, and helps you reach a massive audience. But to maximize your success, you’ll need to follow these seven guidelines. Don’t worry…they are (mostly) painless.
one) The first is the first. Before you do ANYTHING ELSE, outline your syllabus. In other words: the hotel, the marketing efforts, the purchases at that office supply store, all have to take a backseat. You ‘can’t get past Go!’ until you know for sure what you are featuring and what, if any, additional accessories/features will be needed to run your workshop. NOTE: Make sure your schedule includes time frames for how long each serving will last, including your breaks (toilet break(s), lunch, etc.). These will help you stay focused on your message throughout the course of the workshop.
2) Please advise an appropriate meeting place (hotel) BEFORE promoting your workshop. Nothing is more embarrassing than having to re-email, re-call, and reiterate to everyone you know why you have to postpone your much-hyped workshop. This frequently happens when the driver does not confirm the date with the place before announcing the event. “Finishing” includes carefully reading his contract before signing it, as well as setting up your meeting (see #3).
3) meeting setup. Make sure you have a proper setting for your particular theme. For example, if your workshop theme is “Beading,” you probably have a totally different setup than “Blogging for the Internet.” Meet with hotel sales team to confirm room configuration, needs (such as audiovisual equipment), refreshments, etc. You don’t want to wait until the morning of to realize something went wrong.
4) Announce! Whether you use flyers, brochures, word of mouth, TV, radio, internet, forums, social media, or whatever, if you don’t advertise your next workshop, you’re sabotaging the outcome. Any materials should include the date, time, location, and cost of the event, as well as what participants should expect. This is not the time to be humble. SELL YOURSELF AND YOUR SERVICES! And don’t forget to send a friendly reminder, including a link to your website, to friends, neighbors, colleagues, pals, enemies, and anyone else you can think of—just make sure it’s not in the form of “spam.” so that it does not leak and go directly to the trash. By the way, the publicity also includes periodic “teasers” until the day of the event. So be creative.
5) Practice makes perfect. You may not spend an entire day in the mirror working on every word of your next presentation, but it’s a good idea to at least give a general synopsis in private before you go public, if only for one reason: your audience is willing to sit down. a presentation of an hour (sometimes of days) to observe you. The least you can do is give them something of interest to watch. So go over your outline with a fine tooth comb. Consider where and when you will distribute the handouts during specific parts of your workshop, when to open the session for questions, and any other details that need to be considered. This will ensure the smooth flow of your presentation and the certainty of hitting all the main points of your material.
6) supplies. Traditional supplies include: pens, tablets, and easel/board (or Post-It cardstock). Always bring extra copies of all flyers (for those last-minute attendees who forgot to RSVP). For an added touch, prepare individual packets (or folders), with materials/handouts already included, for each attendee.
7) Assessments/surveys. For your own personal enrichment, include assessments or surveys in each participant’s packet. This will allow attendees to provide feedback that you will benefit from. Ask questions that will really allow you to grow as a presenter and help you improve the structure of your workshop.
Each of the seven points is a tried and true method for running an effective workshop. Why not put them to good use by running your own workshop? It’s a great way to generate income, introduce yourself to your peers, and it’s a wonderful way to teach others.