Written by: Anza Goodbar, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Writing a book is an impressive achievement, but its influence doesn't have to end on the printed page. By converting your book into a live event, you can create a unique platform that not only boosts brand visibility but also cultivates a thriving community and positions you as an industry expert. In this article, I will highlight the advantages of hosting a live event based on your book and expertise, offer practical steps for planning and executing it successfully, and share how well-known entrepreneurs have effectively utilized this strategy to enhance their brand presence. Get ready to take your book from page to stage.
The power of live events in the digital age
Since COVID-19, our world has been dominated by online interactions. Hosting a live event can break through that noise and deliver a tangible experience that fosters deeper connections with readers and potential customers. When done well, live events facilitate meaningful connections for attendees to engage with like-minded peers who share similar interests and passions, create a sense of community, and provide opportunities to expand networks. This not only benefits participants but also strengthens your brand identity and amplifies market reach. A live event takes your expertise beyond words on a page, offering a dynamic platform to present ideas and showcase your authority in a tangible format that participants can experience firsthand. The potential for word-of-mouth marketing is significant with live events, as memorable experiences compel attendees to share their positivity, resulting in increased brand visibility. Attendees become brand ambassadors, driving more followers and customers through their engagement with your event.
Selecting the right concept for your event
To host a successful event, start by identifying your target audience and their specific needs. Customizing the event to cater to their interests will maximize engagement and satisfaction. Focus on creating a seamless alignment between the event and your book's core message, to reinforce and amplify book concepts for a cohesive and immersive experience. Choose the right event format – whether it's retreats, workshops, panels, keynotes, or conferences – that best suits your content and goals. For best results, incorporate interactive elements and demonstrations to keep your audience engaged and help them easily apply concepts from your book.
Planning and execution
Begin by setting clear goals and objectives for your live event, then decide whether it's to educate, inspire, or generate leads. Your goals will serve as the foundation for planning and executing a memorable experience. Next, craft a well-structured event strategy with a timeline that outlines essential elements, activities, and milestones. Prioritize tasks, establish deadlines, and clarify responsibilities to maintain a smooth planning process and execution. Now you’re ready to select a suitable venue that considers location, capacity, amenities, and costs. Once secured, manage logistics such as catering, audiovisual equipment, signage, and registration to ensure a seamless attendee experience. Be sure to develop a targeted marketing campaign that encompasses social media, email, and partnerships to generate awareness and attract your desired audience to drive registrations and amplify your reach.
Creating a memorable and impactful event experience
Craft captivating content and presentations to deliver an unforgettable event experience. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Use concise, impactful messaging with active language that resonates, weaving in compelling stories, practical tips, and thought-provoking insights to leave a lasting mark.
Integrate book-related activities and hands-on workshops to keep your event closely linked to your book. Include interactive exercises, case studies, and group discussions that enable attendees to delve deeper into your book's concepts. By offering practical application and hands-on learning, you create a richer, more valuable experience.
Engage your audience actively by fostering participation throughout the event. Employ interactive elements like Q&A sessions and polls to stimulate discussion and inclusiveness.
Facilitate networking opportunities for attendees to forge connections and build relationships. Designate networking sessions and breaks for informal gatherings, fostering a sense of community and enriching the event experience.
Leverage technology to boost engagement and gather feedback. Employ event apps, live polling platforms, or interactive tools to encourage participation and collect real-time insights.
Leveraging the post-event momentum
After your live event, gather feedback from attendees and assess success metrics to measure its impact and effectiveness. This feedback guides improvements and insights for future events, collected through surveys, forms, or evaluations aligned with predetermined goals.
Keep attendee engagement alive post-event through personalized communication like follow-up emails, newsletters, or exclusive content. This sustains value delivery and reinforces event takeaways, nurturing established relationships.
Authors and entrepreneurs who transformed their books into live events
Dr. James Dobson: Dr. James Dobson, a renowned author and psychologist, has used live events to grow his influence and impact in the realm of family and parenting. I got my start in event planning through his organization, Focus on the Family. We turned his best-selling book “Life on the Edge” into a national tour hosting up to 15k attendees at area-style venues. These live events reinforced his brand, built a strong community, and established him as a trusted expert in the field of family psychology and Christian counseling.
John Maxwell: John C. Maxwell, a leadership expert and author of numerous books on personal and professional growth has leveraged live events to share his insights and inspire audiences worldwide. In fact, he hosts two live events annually for the Maxwell Certified team to instill his insights on leadership, build community, and provide education and skills training.
Brené Brown: Brené Brown, known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy, has utilized live events to connect with her audience. Through her engaging and insightful talks, workshops, and speaking engagements, she has built a strong community and expanded her influence as an author and thought leader. And in 2019, she took the next step and hosted her first Netflix program called “The Call to Courage.”
Simon Sinek: Simon Sinek, known for his book "Start with Why," has leveraged live events to communicate his message and inspire audiences around the world. His captivating TED Talks, speaking engagements, and workshops have allowed him to connect deeply with his audience and expand his influence as a leadership expert.
Marie Forleo: Marie Forleo, author of "Everything is Figureoutable," has established herself as a prominent figure in the personal development and entrepreneurship space. She has hosted live events, including her annual "B-School" program, where she provides valuable insights, coaching, and resources to help individuals build successful businesses and lead fulfilling lives.
You might be saying to yourself, “These are all well-known public figures, of course, they would be successful at hosting a live event.” Keep in mind, that they all started out right where you are today. They took consistent and intentional steps over time to build their brand and credibility.
Today, you have the opportunity to tap into creative ways to monetize your book by transforming it into a captivating live event. This one action step could unlock limitless opportunities for heightened brand visibility, community building, and showcasing your industry expertise. Through careful planning, the right strategies, and seamless execution, you have the potential to craft an unforgettable experience that not only magnifies your book's influence but also elevates your brand presence to unprecedented levels. If you’re ready to captivate, engage, and unleash your brand's limitless potential like never before, connect with us to discover how you can utilize the power of live events to scale your business: click here.
Anza Goodbar, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Anza Goodbar is a passionate business consultant and events strategist with over 20 years of small business ownership experience. She has a proven track record of planning and executing more than 4,000 successful events, generating over $100 million in revenue for her clients. Anza firmly believes in the power of strong leadership as an essential tool for business success and solving bigger problems. She helps small business owners harness the potential of live events to build their brand, establish long-lasting relationships, and increase revenue. Her commitment to creating personalized strategies has led to numerous businesses reaching new heights.
