Secrets to Throwing Successful Client Events in 2022
How can you plan to increase your client list this year by obtaining expired listings? Like other leads, expired listings are more likely to become your clients if they’ve heard of you in a memorable and trustworthy way, seen you in the community or have another positive association with you. One way to facilitate these positive associations is by planning and throwing client events throughout the year in your community. This allows potential clients and leads as well as expired listings in the area to put a face with your name, meet you on a personal level, and see that you are an invested part of their community. Then, when they feel ready to sell or buy again, you will be top of their mind to call.
So how do you go about planning these events? What all will that entail? While it depends on factors such as your time, budget and team, here are some helpful tips to get you started planning for 2022.
1. Plan in advance
One pro tip is to plan plenty of time in advance for any event you put on. Typically, invitations should go out about six weeks in advance if possible. And you’ll want an RSVP feature with the invitation so you can get a head count. But sending those out six weeks before hand allows you enough time to plan the details, follow up appropriately with invitees and create some buzz and excitement surrounding your event to help increase turnout.
Before you send invitations, you’ll need your venue locked in as well as other special vendors who will be part of the event (think photo booth, catering, a photographer or a DJ.) Include on the invitation all necessary details like time, location, dress code and of course any huge incentives or promotions such as a raffle, a giveaway or photos with the Easter Bunny.
2. Choose events with your clientele in mind
You want to keep in mind the overall age demographic of your targeted audience for these events. Have a large client pool and potential leads that’s mostly families with children? Try hosting an age-appropriate event like a backyard BBQ or a holiday party complete with face painting, Easter basket giveaways or pictures with Santa. However, if your clients are older or maybe do not have children, consider a gala type of atmosphere or an elegant wine pairing and dinner event.
3. Partner with other local community members
One important aspect of these client events is to bring in other partners from the local community. Some initial ways include the catering, the music and DJ, and the photographer. But see how else you can incorporate local businesses. This helps to build interest and excitement in the event. And it also helps increase foot traffic as people will come out who know those businesses as well as for you. For example, for the family-oriented backyard BBQ event, consider a local clown or a local balloon artist to be a part. For a gala inspired event, partner with a local winery or brewery. If you’re doing giveaways or a raffle, partner with local bakeries for a gift basket. Or giveaway a larger prize like an experience around the city. This also helps build that vendor’s presence in the community so it’s a win-win.
4. Keep events safe and small at first
Try to keep events small and intimate at first. This will help you get a sense for how many people show up and how to manage all the details of hosting an event. Also, due to the current pandemic, this will keep invitees safer and more comfortable than a huge event.
5. Make it memorable but comfortable
Make sure you welcome guests personally. Greet them when they arrive and usher them out as they leave with a quick “thank you for coming”. If you do say a few remarks in front of everyone as a welcome, keep it light and brief. Make sure the clients know this event is for them and in appreciation of their support. Let your clients truly relax and have a good time getting to know other members of the community and not be weighed down by lengthy pitches for their business.
6. Hire a photographer
Last but certainly not least, hire an awesome and professional local photographer. You will get your money’s worth on this investment! Of course, get guests consent before posting anything, but these photos can make for great future marketing material as well as follow up posts on social media. It makes people feel included, helps them remember you, and sparks interest for other leads to see on your website or social media.
If you’re stuck wondering how to reach out to new leads and grow your business this year, hosting client events might be a good tool for you to incorporate!
*ExpLiMO provides high quality leads on a daily basis and offers a unique opportunity for Manhattan and Brooklyn real estate agents to prospect for expired listing leads and grow their business exponentially.