Got a 4N group? How to Promote it

4N meets are taking over the UK Google Map and there hasn't been a better time to get up and get to a group.
I totally understand that some group leaders and attendees haven't harnessed the power of the 4N forum so I thought I'd write a simple guide to promoting your group on the forum - remember though that offline is just as important.
These are just basic, but vital, steps and of course feel free to add any comments.

As soon as the group is confirmed place an overall topic in Promote Events
Give as much information as possible especially time/ date and venue
Don't forget to link to your group page
If possible include speaker details
Subscribe to your thread to be informed of any responses

Pre-event:
2 weeks before - revist the thread
Update details of how many places are left, (if any)
Have the speakers changed?

1 week before -
Same as above updating any information as possible but also add something info, thoughts, topic of conversation to get everyone excited about attending your event.

The day before -
Remind everyone that the event is tomorrow.
Ask anyone that has to cancel to contact you (as there is now a waiting list to book!)
Ask if there is anything specific that people would like to discuss/ announce or bring along

Day of event -
As soon as you get back to the office give a quick write up about the event.
Share your experiences, things that went well and even things that went bad!
Ask for feedback from visitors
Encourage people to book now for the next event (remember the link to the group page)

Remember - No-one likes over-hyping so don't use words like "THE BEST GROUP IN THE WORLD", "MISS THIS AND YOUR BUSINESS WILL DIE" etc

As a group leader it is your responsibility to gain exposure for your group.

These are just, what I think, are useful tips to help promote your event and make it a success.

Discuss.

Loving you Lee. All 4nd up..

Not worthy of being a sticky?

Lee rocks, not forgetting rolls

Lee just read this really spot on, well done! Now sending link to the other GL's I know

Great post Lee, as you imply it's all about creating a buzz. That's what successful brands do, and each 4N group is a brand in its own right.

I'd add...

1. When listing the 4SS on the meeting page don't just put our "4Sight Speaker will be Firstname Lastname". Say what the topic is as well and a brief benefit statement. I see too many listings where it just states the person's name. I've got 20+ groups I can go to in my region. I make decisions partly based on who the speaker is.

2. Use the power of email marketing
Don't spam. One message every two weeks is adequate. Unlike the forum repeat reminders are not a good move.
If you must use Outlook as opposed to an email service provider don't put all the recipients in the "To" box, that's a privacy breach. Put them in "bcc" box.
MailChimp do a free package where there are <100 subscribers. Try using that instead of Outlook. Not only will it look more professional, but you can personalise the email and the unbsubscribe process is fully automated.
Keep it succinct and create a buzz.
How many are booked in? How many visitors? 4SS speaker and topic?
Include some benefit statements. As you say above avoid phrases like "best group in the South West" or "great sausages".
Make it easy to book with prominent 'click here' links.
If known, promote following weeks' 4Sight speakers as well.
Include an unsubscribe link.
Co-ordinate with other team members and make one person responible for email marketing. For some groups I get an email one day from the GL and another one from the Mktg Asst the next day. That makes you look disorganised.

As mentioned by another member - Grab yourself a Twitter ID - 4NLondon (for example).
I would also recommend setting up a Facebbok business page.

I was asked the following question when someone was asked to confim attendance at a meeting

Question:

Re Attendance Confirmation: Is this a change of policy for 4N? I can confirm I am coming. But I don't understand why it should be neccessary to do so. By xxx this year, I will have been a member for nnn years, and in that time, I have always attended the meetings I booked.

My Reply:

Meeting organisers will always attempt to contact people booked in on a meeting to confirm their attendance. This is for a number of reasons -

1. In case they've forgotten they are booked on! (Some people book so far in advance they genuinely forget) and to make sure they know the way to the venue/format of meeting etc (especially for visitors of course)

2. In order that numbers can be confirmed to a venue ahead of time (some venues charge for numbers booked regardless of how many attend on the day - so some meetings can run at a loss!)

3. So that (when a meeting is fully booked) a place can be freed up for someone who wants to come along but wasn't able to book. A reserve list is maintained when this happens.

I always encourage people to respond to confirmation requests BUT under no circumstances would I cancel anyone's booking just because they could not be contacted to confirm.

Remember that whilst your attendance record might be exemplary the same cannot be said for everyone!!

I just thought I would share this on this thread.

Thanks Nick i will share this with all

Cheers J

Hi Lee,

I've just taken on the Group Leader role for Dorchester, Dorset.

You've got some really good points here that will be a great help to me, as we seriously need to build this group up.

Thanks to you and those with feedback.

John

Good luck with it John.

I have also just taken on the role of Group leader for the Swindon group so thanks Lee for the tips!

Very helpful :)

Miss this or your business will die is fantastic - can i yoink that please Lee?

Seriously though - good advice, taking it all on board!

I find that saying, "Word on the street is that people who are going to 4N Elstree are heading for the top. Straight up. They make so much money, when they walk down the street, people think their pockets have got the mumps". ...works really well if you say it in the style of Issac Hayes.