No one can deny that the internet has made it easier to connect with others all across the world. With minimal effort, we can communicate with potential leads in dozens of ways, from emails to video chats and more. While all of these methods have merit, they’re all missing a key element of human interaction. There’s simply no replacement for face to face, hand to hand communication. Getting people in a room together once a year can be more powerful than conducting multiple video conferences a week.
If you’re looking to generate more direct sales leads, hosting a collaborative networking event is a strong option. Let’s take a look at how you might want to structure such an event to yield the best results and generate the most leads.
Always Feature Food
Food has forever been a staple of human culture. Regardless of all our different culinary preferences, food is the connective tissue that brings every type of person together. After all, we all need nutrition to survive. Plus, good food entices people to participate and socialize. With full bellies, everyone in attendance will be happier and more open to conversation. The dish itself can also serve as the perfect ice breaker. A discussion on the dessert can lead to the makings of a new relationship. For all these reasons, brunch, lunch, dinner, and/or dessert should always be a key feature of a collaborative event.
Set the Right Tone
Part of what makes up a good atmosphere is the food itself. But there is more to setting the mood than what’s on the menu. If you want to generate leads and sales at your event, you want your guests to feel calm, comfortable, and connected throughout. Before setting up an event, pick a fitting venue for the number of people you wish to attend. If it’s too big, things will feel empty and awkward. Too small, and people may become irritable and uncomfortable. Also, think about the lighting. You probably don’t want things too bright or too dim. Daytime events may feature plenty of natural light, which tends to enhance people’s moods. Music is also an important part of an event’s atmosphere. Depending on the size and type of event, you may hire a live band or settle on recorded music. Whatever the case, make sure it doesn’t overpower people’s conversations or attention.
Own the Room; It’s Your Event
If you’re hosting a collaborative event, the floor is yours. This is the perfect opportunity to inform those in attendance of your products, services, and recent innovations. Set up a concise presentation before, during, or after everyone has eaten and mingled. Make the presentation engaging so people have to pay attention. The point of all this isn’t so much to make a sale directly but to open the door for new relationships to generate sales down the road.
Don’t Forget Drinks
Just like food, drinks serve a vital social function and will further encourage people to attend your event. Serving drinks helps lighten the mood and fuel conversation that may enhance your lead generation. Drinks may be served before, during and/or after the event, depending on the venue and time of day. It’s often wise to end an event with a happy hour or open house so attendees can unwind and freely socialize.
ProScout’s Collaborative Event Planning
If you own a business, you may not have the time or resources to plan such an event on your own. Not to worry! ProScout Lead Generation Services can do the hard part for you. Our team will set up your next value based event, which includes a Lunch and Learn, seminar time, happy hour, and open house. ProScout will even curate your invitation list and follow up before and after the event with a telephone marketing campaign. All you’ll have to worry about is making those leads and closing on deals after the fact.
Setting up a networking event is still one of the best lead generation strategies available. With the right atmosphere, food, and information, you can make new business connections and generate more sales. Let ProScout help you set up your next event. Contact us at our Chattanooga or Nashville offices to learn more about our services and mission!
