Do you ever wonder why some businesses host so many webinars, seminars and online workshops? The reason may surprise you. The truth is that these group learning events can generate big profits. Let’s take a look at what live learning events are and how they can help you increase your bottom line.
Group Learning Events
Group learning events are just that – they’re events that are usually held online and they’re designed to teach a subject to a group of people. Webinars, organized social chats, and Yahoo group conferences are just a few examples of group learning events. People organize at a specific time to learn about and discuss a topic.
Why Are These Events so Profitable?
There are many reasons why group learning events are profitable. Let’s remember first that a group of people has signed up for or joined a learning event because they’re interested in the information. They’re pre-qualified prospects. It’s significantly easier to sell to a pre-qualified prospect than it is to a cold one.
Dynamic
When you’re teaching a large group, there’s a connection to your audience that is much different than what they’d receive by simply visiting your website. You’re talking to them. You may be interacting and answering questions as well. There’s a different dynamic. Assuming the prospect already likes you and you have established credibility, then they’re much more likely to take the next step – your call to action – at the end of the event.
Speaking of Credibility…
Group learning events put you in the position of teacher. In general, we give a certain degree of authority and credibility to our teachers. We believe what they tell us, for the most part, and we respect their knowledge. Credibility, authority, and liking are all buying triggers. We buy from people we like; people who we believe are credible sources of information, and people we believe to be experts or authorities on their subject.
The Next Step Is Easy
Most group learning events are set up so that they deliver only a portion of the information. To gain the full value, an attendee needs to take the next step. For example, if you attend an online seminar about how to use Twitter to market your romance novel, you’ll probably be willing or interested in buying a book or course on how to market your romance novel. Assuming the teacher delivered valuable information, you’ll be interested in gaining more of it.
Finally, there is some immediacy to a group learning event. The call to action is usually a special deal offered for only those who attended the event, and it’s only available for a limited time. So your prospects feel as if they belong to a special group and there is a time limit on the offer. These two triggers often motivate more sales. But remember this deal has to be exclusive and not one you offer all the time. It could be a deep discount or a product specifically put together for only this specific event.
If you’re seeking a nice boost in profits, consider planning and hosting a live event. This may turn into your most profitable marketing tactic.
Comments (0)
Mark Hunter
Very informative, Wanda. I am definitely planning on doing some webinars and I know you have provided recommended platforms in the past. What recommendation would you give prior to starting, in order to get some experience? It’s scary when live. Should I get a hangout buddy and practice for example?
Wanda Baader
Hi Mark thanks for your question.
I think that one way to gain experience is by being a guest on someone else’s podcast, webinar or hangout.
As you mentioned practicing is another way to gain a certain level of confidence. I think that no matter what platform you use making sure you’re comfortable with the platform before going LIVE is key. If you plan on using Google Hangouts for instance, I would say make sure you’re comfortable with sharing content (e.g. PowerPoint), knowing how to moderate the Q & A section and also how to get guests online with you the correct way are important to know.
Personally, I always do more than one practice before using a new platform and yes I recommend having a buddy help you out when trying them.
Mark Hunter
Very informative, Wanda. I am definitely planning on doing some webinars and I know you have provided recommended platforms in the past. What recommendation would you give prior to starting, in order to get some experience? It’s scary when live. Should I get a hangout buddy and practice for example?
Wanda Baader
Hi Mark thanks for your question.
I think that one way to gain experience is by being a guest on someone else’s podcast, webinar or hangout.
As you mentioned practicing is another way to gain a certain level of confidence. I think that no matter what platform you use making sure you’re comfortable with the platform before going LIVE is key. If you plan on using Google Hangouts for instance, I would say make sure you’re comfortable with sharing content (e.g. PowerPoint), knowing how to moderate the Q & A section and also how to get guests online with you the correct way are important to know.
Personally, I always do more than one practice before using a new platform and yes I recommend having a buddy help you out when trying them.
Chris Webb
Great Post Wanda!! We do some workshops here and it is great for business. I would suggest anyone who is serious about their business learn the basics of holding an event and your product is a great way to learn. Keep up the good work!
Chris
Wanda Baader
Thanks Chris. I know that your company is a great example of how group learning works well for business. You do a great job in educating the realtors in your area! 🙂
Chris Webb
Great Post Wanda!! We do some workshops here and it is great for business. I would suggest anyone who is serious about their business learn the basics of holding an event and your product is a great way to learn. Keep up the good work!
Chris
Wanda Baader
Thanks Chris. I know that your company is a great example of how group learning works well for business. You do a great job in educating the realtors in your area! 🙂