“I have a message that needs to be heard and information that can really help people. Oh – and I want to be paid for it and I need to make it happen fast!”

Sound familiar? But how can you get on a stage, make a huge impact and bring in significant revenues without having to wait for someone to hire you? The answer is: produce your own event!

“But I don’t have enough material to produce my own event and besides, even if I could put together enough information, I don’t have a big enough list to promote and fill the event.”

The answer is: produce a collaborative live event – a public program where 2 or more speakers combine their hearts, expertise and network to create a synergistic impact (and income) that changes lives.

8 Steps to Create a Successful Collaborative Event

Step 1: Create a vision.

What is the topic? Who is the audience? Specifically what do you want your audience to become and achieve as a result of attending your event? Spell it out in detail!

Step 2: Define your contribution.

What can you personally bring to the platform to serve the vision? What’s missing from your offering that would bring a richer and more complete package to your audience?

Step 3: Find your missing pieces.

Research other experts who are speaking and/or writing on your topic (WSA is the perfect place to find heart-driven speakers). A collaborative event gives your audience a rainbow of impact, so don’t be afraid to choose people who share your topic. You’ll shine brightly because of the unique perspective, personality and lifelong experience you bring to the stage.

Step 4: Reach out to prospective partners.

Connect through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or email to invite a conversation to discuss a possible collaboration. Include a short summary of your vision (from Step 1) and suggest an exploratory call.

Step 5: Identify your fit.

How do you know if someone is a good fit? (1) Does her material add to yours to create a more powerful impact than you could make alone? (2) Does she have a network to promote and help fill the event? (3) Do you feel comfortable with her personally? We all have insecurities (she’s more accomplished, younger/older and oh-so-much-thinner!) so trust your instincts. Whatever your reason, if you’re not comfortable, it’s not a good fit. Period.

Step 6: Create your event.

People will support what they create. Invite your collaborative partners to participate in the planning process. Discuss venue and dates. Make a list of tasks and assign responsibilities. Provide one question you want them to answer at the event. Create an accountability document with deadlines for completion and facilitate that process.

Step 7: Include a non-profit beneficiary

To make your event really sizzle, choose a non-profit organization that is dear to your heart and offer to support them through your event. (1) Donate a portion of your profits to the charity, (2) spread the word of their mission through everything you do, (3) provide them with marketing copy to invite their donors and volunteers to attend your event and (4) invite a representative to speak at your event.

Step 8: Show time!

In addition to giving your collaborative partners huge visibility through your event, make it extra special by celebrating them throughout. Include their bios on the website and in your workbook. Have a speakers-only lunch. Hold a mastermind following the event. Keep the relationship going!

Example

To see the collaborative model in action, go to www.LifeChangingLegacy.com. See how I’ve set this up and look at all the experts who are collaborating to make this happen in support of our audience and the Unstoppable Foundation. FYI: I chose to donate 100% of my profits, but I’ve also done events where I donate 10% and share profits with my partners. Do what is right for your vision and remember – if you focus on impact, the money will come.

Bottom line

I’ve built a fulfilling and rewarding career through global speaking engagements and one-woman live events, but I’m here to tell you that nothing will spread your message faster and wider than a collaborative program.

I believe to the bottom of my soul the greatest impact we can ever have is the impact we will make together. So consider creating your own collaborative events – not just for the money or all the strategic benefits of increasing your reach through your partners – but for the tremendous difference you will make together. The impact you’ll make together will be far greater than any you’ll ever make alone. And life is far too short to settle for less than you truly want – in your business or your life.

*************

©2014 Professional Impact, Inc. Wendy Lipton-Dibner All rights reserved.

Twitter @ExpertsExpert w Facebook@TheActionMovement  w LinkedIn@ Wendy Lipton-Dibner

Pro-Impact.com  w MovePeopleToAction.com  w TheActionMovement.com