Right - I screwed up. Anyone got any ideas?

[simonr]

We do a lot of in-house training in presentation skills and monthly (or so) we do public courses in a local restaurant. These often don't make much money in themselve but are great loss-leaders: they're also shed-loads of fun! Recently however, I've been so snowed under with immediate and short term stuff that I've taken my eye totally off the ball for next Friday's course. (19th Dec).

We've only got four people signed up. The money isn't the issue but it's going to be difficult to maintain the day's "energy" with that few people.

I'm quite happy to take bookings at cost-price just to make the day more fun.

The client base tends to be micro-businesses and an very dispersed group of people. Anyone got any ideas about how to get to people and get 'em to sign up for a course with only one week's notice? (Details here (http://www.tellingpeople.co.uk).)

Other than using a TARDIS to go back a couple of months and not take my eye off the ball?

Cheers all..... Simon

[Gavin-Design-Right]

Hi Simon

Not sure if it will help but I have sent you a Pm.

[Mark Nagurski]

A few random ideas of random value ...



Run through your previous attendees and see if anyone would like a 'refresher' course - or find an angle to make it slightly different
Quick press release to the local paper
If you're a member of a networking group / chamber of commerce etc... - see if you can twist arms and get an email blast out
If it's more about numbers than money - contact the 4 who have registered and offer to let them bring a friend for free
A bit of 'marketing by walking around' - spend a few hours walking around and calling in on local biz to introduce yourself, leave the 'offer' with them

[Gavin-Design-Right]

Some good points there Mark.

[simonr]

Cheers Mark - I'll run with a couple of those.

Any more, anyone?

S

[Cornish Steve]

With a small number of people registered, it would be quite OK to cancel or postpone the session. Focus on priorities.

Contact each of the people, explain that the minimum number of people didn't sign up, and that you'll refund their money. Alternatively, they can sign up for the January session with a 20% discount.

[simonr]

Cheers Steve - it's an option, sure. Unfortunately, Jan and Feb are fully booked so I couldn't take 'em again until March at the earliest. I don't feel it's morally right to do that under those circumstances.

Good idea though!

S

[robwoollen]

These days, if you mention NETWORKING - micro's and sole traders turn up in their droves. Try specifically allocating 20 mins at start and finish for networking and just blast it to everyone you know