Hello Creative Entrepreneurs! 

Do you have a burning desire to share your artist knowledge with the universe either through a live or online workshop? Are you getting stuck on how to get started?

Well here’s what you’ll want to know before you dedicate your time and energy on this project:

1. Do Your Research

To get started, the first thing you will want to do is research your audience and topic. These are two different steps that are very important to the success of your workshop. Don’t skip any of these steps.

Your Audience 

For your audience research, think about the following questions:

1. What problem are you helping your audience solve?
2. What do they already know about the problem (ask your audience in a survey, email, or in person)?
3. What do your participants want to know (ask your audience in a survey, email, or in person)?

Note: Write everything down, you will need this data later for your summary. If you do a survey, there are many free options available such as Google Forms or Type Form.

Your Topic

For your topic research, use your education, background, and research skills here. Find evidence-based information from credible sources. Do your homework, this step is lengthy and will account for 65% of your workshop development.

Check out Google Scholar for some great articles. 

Think about the following questions:

1. What new information can you offer your participants? This is something they don’t already know. 
2. How will you present this information to your participants?

[list style=”style6″][li] Lectures [/li][li] Storytelling [/li][li] Individual and group exercises [/li] [li] Experiential learning and mock simulations [/li][li]A combination of all [/li] [/list] 

2. Create Clear Objectives

After completing Step 1, it’s time to craft the workshop objectives. This describes what the audience will learn from your workshop. Use Blooms Taxonomy Verbs to start your sentences.

Here are some examples of objectives:

During the workshop, participants will:

1. Identify the importance of XYZ (What the audience already knows).
2. Understand how to use XYZ (What the audience wants to know).
3. Apply the tips from XYZ in their life, business, etc. (What the audience doesn’t know). This is why the audience wants to attend your workshop.

3. Write a Compelling Workshop Summary

Now, combine your hard work from Steps 1 & 2 to create a workshop summary that will compel your audience to sign up now!

Using the data you collected during your audience research, describe your workshop. Add keywords that your audience will get excited about. Explain to them why this class will solve their problem. And why you are the best person to teach them.

 Here is an example:

Are you struggling with XYZ? Do you want to learn more about how to solve this problem? Did you know that XYZ has proven to be an effective way to XYZ? In this workshop, you will learn…

4. Keep an Updated Biography

Create a short and long biography with a recent photo. Make sure that the biography is current with your latest accomplishments and background. In a few paragraphs, introduce yourself by describing the following:

1. What company do you represent?
2. What are your credentials, educational background, and other achievements?
3. What is your experience with the topic?
4. How long have you been teaching this topic?
5. Why are you passionate about this topic?
6. How many times have you taught this topic and to whom?

5. Market Your Workshop

Congratulations on your hustle on Steps 1-4. Now it’s time to get your audience to your workshop. Here are a few tips for getting the right people to your event:

[list style=”style6″]
[li]Design your marketing materials: Include images and words relevant to your topic. Use bright colors and pretty fonts. Hire a graphic designer, if you aren’t experienced in this area. You can also use Canva to design your materials or Adobe Creative Cloud (this is my favorite). [/li]

[li]Create an event page using Eventbrite or Ticketbud: Include marketing images, workshop summary and objectives, location, and fee. Remember to read the fine print on the payout options on these event websites. I personally prefer the payout options on Ticketbud because you get paid immediately, versus in one big lump sum weeks after your event from Eventbrite.[/li]

[li]Create a Facebook Event: Include marketing images, workshop summary and objectives, event page link, location, and fee.[/li]

[li]Send a newsletter to announce your workshop, schedule one every week, starting 4-6 weeks before the workshop. I like to use Mailchimp, but there are so many free newsletter options available. [/li]

[li]Spread the word all over social media. It’s fast and easy. You can also do social media ads.[/li]

[li]Get off your computer chair and talk to people. Call and text your family and friends to spread the word.[/li]

[li]Keep constant communication with your potential audience via surveys, social media, networking events, etc.[/li][/list]

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Creating a workshop can be a wonderful way for you to expand your business and share your wonderful knowledge with the universe. These are just a few steps. 

There are so many more details to review when creating a workshop, such as finding a location, setting a fee, catering food, hiring help, etc. Stay tuned for more blog posts on these topics.

Please leave your questions and comments on the comments section below. Are you curious about a topic, please let me know so I can create a post about it?