How Small Businesses are Winning Clients with Free Workshops

May 14, 2010 - PRLog -- In the current economy, small business are looking for ways to cut expenses, while customers are growing more skeptical and want to learn about companies before doing business with them.

Due to these growing concerns, Home Business Center, Inc. has developed a section on their website dedicated to conducting simple, low cost workshops.

By conducting free workshops, business owners can effectively introduce their companies without incurring much cost.  At the same time, customers can meet business owners face-to-face before making a purchase.

Compared to other marketing events, workshops can be fairly easy to promote.  Associations are regularly looking for speakers for their meetings, and they can supply a group qualified prospects.

For businesses who work one-on-one with clients ( like consultants, hair stylists, etc ), live events are a way to let prospects meet them on a more personal level. Attendees tend to me more at-ease, since workshops offer a educational environment, rather than a “sales pitch”. Activity-oriented or smaller workshops are a solution for business owners who prefer not to stand up in front of a large group of people.

There are three main steps to conducting a workshop:

Workshop Topic
The workshop needs to focus on a topic that is of interest to it’s audience. Good subjects offer solutions to issues, help people save time or money, or include "how-to" or "DIY " tips.

2. Workshop Location
Will the event be hosted in the company’s office building or retail shop? Will an organization or group supply the location? Is it necessary to reserve space at a local community center, library or neighborhood park? Selecting a location that's convenient and comfortable will attract more visitors to a workshop and give them a positive experience.

3. Getting Workshop Attendees
Publicizing a workshop can be as simple as sending a press release to the local newspaper or city’s website. Neighborhood interest groups or organizations can also provide a qualified audience.

Workshop hosts should be prepared with business cards, brochures and website information for all guests who are interested. Some companies suggest providing coupons or free product samples for workshop attendees.

For details on conducting simple, low-cost workshops, visit http://homebusinesscenter.com/marketing/workshop_how_to.html

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HomeBusinessCenter.com is an online "do-it-yourself" information resource for home-based entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to start or grow their own businesses.