Create a Buzz and Get the Most Important People in Town to Come to Your Event

What would you do to start rubbing elbows with the most influential and affluent people in town?  Here’s what a law firm in Minneapolis did to attract an all-star list of attendees at their event.

They tapped into people’s ego.

• They picked out a fun venue that people would enjoy… think conservatory… zoo… historic building… etc.
• They arranged food (hors d’oeuvres) and music (local well-known band)
• They put together the list of people they would want to come to the party
  • It was diverse. People with money… People with influence… People from business, sports, the arts and politics.
  • Think “interesting” people that others would enjoy meeting
• You then invite them to an “Compelling People” dinner
  • Give the event an exclusive feel by creating a VERY upscale invite… you know… quality paper, graphics, a wax seal on the back
    • “You have been identified as a Compelling Person… you and a guest are invited to attend a special event planned for the Compelling People of [INSERT YOUR CITY NAME].
    • Talk about the time, place, food prepared by… and entertainment
  • If possible have them hand delivered by someone in a tux or formal dress
  • It’s better yet if you can give them the invites in front of people… at the place of work to make them feel special… at lunch… at a game… on the golf course… in their backyard with their family.
• Put a mysterious ad in the newspaper and radio… asking people if they had been identified as one of the Compelling People in [INSERT YOUR CITY]. This will build an exclusive feel for those invited and boost attendance.
• When guests arrive, they should get an envelope containing the guest list, a note about the purpose of the party and a suggestion of the first guest they should look to meet (with their short bio).

So, what were their results?  Two new HUGE clients within a month… and over 50 other movers and shakers who now knew who they were, and would pick up the phone, when they called.  Over the next year at least 4 other clients were tied back to this party.  The profit outweighed the cost by over 10-to-1.

And this little venture also paid off in branding and name recognition… and much more business was generated indirectly.