How To Pull Off A Massively Successful Online Event

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Online events right now are hotter than (insert your favorite joke). Sure, nothing might beat face-to-face, but when it comes to convenience (and ability to learn in your underwear), nothing quite compares to an online event. And from an entrepreneurial perspective, events are absolutely kicking butt. In fact, in a recent interview Michael Stelzner, Founder of Social Media Examiner, shared how online events have been their primary revenue generator this past year (over $1,000,000 in revenue from events). Amazing.

But, events go way beyond making money. They are also an incredible way to build brand, buzz, and reputation. And those are three things today’s guests, Sam Rosen and Steve Haase from Thought Lead, have mastered. These guys, in just a few weeks, were able to pull off the “The Influencer Project: The Shortest Marketing Conference Ever”, which featured 60 speakers in 60 minutes (I was lucky enough to be one of them). I was able to nab Sam and Steve to sit down with me so I could pick their brains on how they pulled it off and advice for hustling entrepreneurs looking to perhaps do an event of their own or think differently.

In this interview, Sam and Steve share:

• Where the idea came from and how they got started on it.
• How they landed major guests.
• How they landed key partnerships with established companies, such as Marketing Profs and Read Write Web.
• Their experience dabbling in sponsorships.
• How they marketed and promoted the conference so quickly.
• How the event translated into business (especially since it was a free event).
• An overview of the technology used.
• Lessons learned, mistakes made, and insights.
• …much, much, more.

Which of course leads to the questions: What did you take away from this story? What is your take on online events as a business model and buzz generator? Have you attended any?

Connect With Sam and Steve (and tell them you saw them on RISE):

On their website
Check out The Influencer Project website (awesome design)
Steve On Twitter
Sam On Twitter

This Episode Is SOOOOOO Proudly Sponsored By YP.com

Next time you are searching locally, give the newly designed YP.com a shot.

 

 

 

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categories: Interesting Entrepreneur, Interviews & Guests