Events are one of the most effective ways to build brand loyalty and trust – plus people love getting together and interacting on a face-to-face level. Since most business these days is conducted online, it makes sense to focus on growing your brand online (and crucial to targeting a wider, global audience). However, it is important to build your marketing strategy through offline channels to give your customers deeper interaction with your brand.

A Networking Event is a great place to start. Bring like-minded people together around your brand and services, and give them the opportunity to mingle and network amongst each other.

Hosting an event can often seem like a mammoth task, but it doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. A networking event can be great if you don’t have a massive budget to spend on an event, or a lot of time to put into organising it. We’ve laid out the essentials:

Venue: Go for a favourite pub or cafe in your local area. Reserve a few tables and hold the event there – it’s a relaxed environment where people can easily come and go.

Who to Invite: Invite your database of locals and advertise the event on Eventbrite or Meetup (you’ll be attracting new people to your business as well by listing your event on these platforms). Also consider running a quick Google search for “local event calendars” in your area where you place a listing for your event.

Sample Event Itinerary:

o   Meet and greet: 15 mins

o   Welcome/Introduction: 5 mins

o   Presentation (quick workshop, information about your services, showcasing new services, Q&A with a special guest, etc.): 20-30 mins

o   Freestyle Networking: 30-45 mins

o   Departures – make sure your guests have a branded item to take away to remember you by – even if it is just some printed flyers.

Total Time: 1 – 1.5 hrs

TIPS: Invite your attendees to bring a guest(s). During the event, collect everyone’s business cards/contact details by holding a raffle or giveaway, and grow your list in the process. 

Co-host a networking event with another related blogger or entrepreneur in your area – this way you can share the costs, expand your network, and promote your services to a whole new captive audience.

Remember: start small, keep it simple, and inject your brand’s unique personality into your events!

Ready to get started? Get our Event Essentials Toolkit that comes with LUXE LAUNCH with everything you need to keep organised when planning your event!