Over the last week I have met some of the most inspirational and unassuming people who are doing great things online.
My role as event organizer for James Schramko’s Fast Web Formula 3 internet marketing and online business event has allowed me to connect with people who are working online, who often work ‘under the radar’. Many have become niche experts in businesses as diverse as video marketing, small business consulting, affiliate marketing and website design – not surprising. However, what truly amazed me was some of the laser-focused niches in which others are operation – upon which they are building extremely profitable businesses. Revealing those niches would be uncool – the internet marketing world can be cut-throat at times, and maintaining a competitive advantage is priceless!
“The Best Internet Marketing Event EVER!”
… not my words, but those of one of the participants. Similar testimonials now appear on facebook, Twitter (#fwf3) and on personal blogs and review sites. It was, there is not doubt, a great event.
The guest presenters that were invited by James Schramko to share his stage were without doubt the leaders in their fields – from Google Adwords (Mike Rhodes), Affiliate Marketing (Andy Grand) and facebook marketing (Jennifer Sheahan). Leanne King, the WP Queen, had the audience rethinking the business models that can be created and ‘Profiting From Portals’.
Each speaker went deeper into aspects of James’ new ‘Mafia Plan’ which he unveiled at Fast Web Formula, and which resulted in rapid fire note taking and participants examining ways to restructure and streamline their businesses to secure maximum profits.
Both speakers and participants were impressed at how the event flowed, with a balance of quality content and humor, but which allowed time for between-session networking and close of day socializing. While there are certainly more experienced ‘event managers’ than me, the internet marketing niche has specific requirements. Here are my top tips that help Fast Web Formula run smoothly:
Handpick your event crew
Your event helpers, always volunteers in our case, want to be there, just to be there. They are passionate about internet marketing and have skills in that field. I always give preference to those who have participated in James Schramko’s Silver Circle training. I am constantly approached by people who want to crew for me, but I have a great core of team players which I supplement with new faces as the need arises. If a team member does not perform to my expectations, they are not invited back, which brings me to…
Document Crew Expectations and Benefits
I have created a document that outlines what I expect of those who crew for these events. This includes their obligations to:
- me and to James
- our guests – both audience and speakers
- other team members
This is balanced with what James will offer them in return. Unlike many events, we provide our crew with lunch and invite them to a farewell dinner with our VIP guest speakers: a valuable reward for a job well done. We ask them not to take notes during the event, but to be ever-vigilant in looking after the needs of our guests. In return, they are gifted the digital recordings of the event.
Ensure Crew Members Are Easy To Identify
We provide Fast Web Formula crew with special clothing that distinguishes them from the audience, usually a t-shirt. We also identify them at the beginning of the event so that participants know who to seek out for assistance, and makes the crew feel special.
Treat Guest Speakers As Honored Guests
I dedicate at least one crew member (depending on the size of the event) to looking after speakers’ needs — who will receive them on arrival, note how they like their coffee, remind them of when their presentation time approaches, ensure their mics are functioning and comfortable. We know that they appreciate this special service tremendously.
Checklists
The use of checklists is something that James Schramko highlighted in his presentation, as a way to manage both small and large projects. For FWF3 my checklists include: crew briefing, crew registration, speaker registration, set up, pack down, dinner invitations.
Schmoozing
At internet marketing events, it often happens that both crew and guest presenters remove themselves from participants. We encourage ours to mingle in the breaks and at end of day drinks. There is no hierarchy or elitism at our events – everyone is approachable.
The digital recordings of Fast Web Formula 3 are now available, and can be ordered, at www.fastwebformulas.com
Great article, Kerry and well done on organising a great event; I loved every moment of it!
All of the helpers were helpful and easily identifiable with their T-shirts. Love the idea of documenting expectations; such a simple thing to do and clears up any misunderstandings before they occur.