If you enjoy teaching, have a good topic that will interest people, and want to make extra money, hold a seminar. At first, the thought of public speaking may get you a little nervous. Many people occasionally feel this. But don't worry. Add just a touch of humor in your introduction, and the fear will quickly go away. When you see the smiling faces of people who drove miles to listen to you, and consider you an expert in your field, you'll find that you have more self-confidence than you thought. Here are some tips on planning your seminar.
Instructions
1. Call your local Chamber of Commerce to find out the names of places that would be appropriate for your type of seminar. Also, check with churches, schools or colleges. These places may be able to offer you the space for a minimal fee. Once you decide where you will hold the session, spend some time in the room. It will help you become more comfortable. If you decide to use equipment, it's best to become familiar with it in advance so you don't run into any problems the night of the event.
2. Consider weather conditions. Most people don't want to drive long distances in the winter when road conditions are bad. Another factor to think about is the time of year. You won't draw many people during the holiday season, and in summer, some people don't like to sit indoors on a beautiful day. The best time of year to hold a seminar is March through May or during the months of September and October.
3. Schedule your seminar for 3 hours. People tend to get bored if it goes on too long. Remember to grab your audience's attention right away in the introduction. Get everyone excited about the topic. If you are holding a morning or evening session, and decide to offer refreshments or some food, most people enjoy coffee and pastries. But limit your food choices to keep your costs down. Also, it's a good idea to set a maximum number of participants.
4. Make some money. If you wrote a book on the subject you are speaking on, or if you have any other products related to it, consider selling these items, but check with the facility first. Some places have very strict policies regarding the promotion of services or products. Another option: The cost of a book you've published can be included in your materials fee. Add your copyright symbol on any materials you create.
5. Encourage people to register in advance. Mention in your advertising that space is limited. Consider giving a discount for early registration. This always encourages people to sign up fast. Remember to always get the names, email addresses and phone numbers of all participants for future mailing lists. When setting the price of your seminar, keep in mind that if it's job-related, the cost is usually billed back to employers, so you can charge a little more.
