Paradigm Norton recently ran our first virtual client event. Although stressful at times, it was fun and very rewarding. Having learned a lot, I thought I’d share my top ten tips for planning a successful virtual client event.
Start with the end in mind. Be clear, why do you want to do the event? What outcome do you want to achieve? Is the event in line with your business and brand? And are you the right person or firm to do this?
In the excitement of putting on an event it is easy to forget about compliance and leave it until the last moment. Big mistake. Instead, bake compliance into the event from outset. Get your compliance team onside and let them guide you on the regulations you will need to consider ranging from GDPR to risk warnings.
Being clear on your target audience is key. Is it clients? Prospects? The general public? Knowing your audience will guide the event’s content. What do you want your audience to think, feel and do having listened to your event? Enter the event knowing what you want your outcome to be.
In the virtual world you cannot rely on a snazzy venue or delicious dinner to sell your event. Therefore, your invitation needs to be that much more creative and compelling. What will your audience learn? Include an outline of the event, the bios of the speaker(s), clear dates and timings and a simple registration process. Make it easy for people to say yes. People may not respond to your first email, so have a plan in place to send a reminder or two. Make sure your audience gets an acknowledgement of their registration, with clear joining instructions. It is always good to send a reminder 24 hours in advance of the event and ideally another 1 hour before you go live.
Using reliable technology is crucial. There are several virtual platforms you can use. We strongly recommend that you designate someone to be your producer to help your event come to fruition. Your virtual event may not be BBC quality, but you do need to have someone who understands the technology and who can make sure that everything is going smoothly.
Once you have your speakers and technology sorted, write an event script and practice, practice, practice. If you are presenting as a panel or team practice your handovers. If you are using slides or videos know who is in charge and practice sharing your screen. Be sure your first speaker knows how to start the presentation.
Think the Internet going down. Try to limit the possibility of a dodgy WiFi connection by plugging all computers into a router with an ethernet cable. If the worst happens, have an email ready to send to your attendees to explain what is happening or a pre-recorded version of your event. A company internal WhatsApp group can be useful to keep your presenting and producing team connected and informed on the day.
Be sure you have devised a follow up method post event. This can be a survey, an email or a phone call. Use the follow up to find out what your audience valued, answer further questions, provide additional information or arrange a meeting.
After the event is over, be sure to reflect. What went well? What might have gone better? What will you do differently another time? This is all important information to give you the springboard for your next event!
Most importantly, this is your chance to shine, prepare well and enjoy the performance!
Ruth co-founded and led The Red House, a boutique financial planning firm, which she merged into Paradigm Norton in December 2017. She continues to help build the merged business whilst growing a team of talented individuals where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
A well-known and influential member of the financial planning profession, Ruth is regularly asked to comment and speak at industry and women’s events.
Ruth shares her life lessons and thoughts on planning for the future in regular blogs with clients. These inspirational stories are taken from life events and unite Ruth’s views of life with her expertise in financial planning, showcasing how the two are so heavily interwoven.