We've heard that saying before, "scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours" or something to that effect, well how does it apply to you and Christian events? It's simple really! Do you plan events? Doesn't matter what kind, concerts, services, parties, social gatherings, fundraisers, etc...do you plan any? Cool, hi...so do I!

Now the greater question in this discussion is, do you attend events? I mean, do you intentionally go to an event that you are neither part of planning, providing a service/performing, or in any way benefitting from?

I've found it's a common practice to promote our own ventures, the ones we're invested in in some way or another, and go as far as hounding persons for support, but rarely returning that support. I know through my own personal experiences that there are situations beyond our control that may hinder us from making every event that crosses our computer/telephone screens, be it conflicting schedules with previous commitments, car issues, disposable income, babysitters, etc., but let's look beyond those quick excuses. How often do we have the time and money, but manage to not support an event taking place on a particular day/night? How many times has that person who you've seen at all the events you've hosted sent you a Facebook event invite that you deleted without looking at the details? How many times have you posted event links to someone's Facebook wall, or tweeted them about your event, but neglected to pop in to something that mention in a reply?

Let me drop the Good Bible in this discussion at this point to remind us that we ought not to think more highly of ourselves (or our ventures). Not everything I plan turns out great, I'll be honest. I've had some great ideas and event concepts that fell flat, and that made me sooooo grateful to the persons who still took the time to support. In the same vein, I've attended some events that were blah...and I'm sure the planner, and persons who participated, appreciated my presence. I've attended events where the majority of the audience are performers on the event's lineup, do you think the planner is the only one affected? Imagine when you're the last artist on the lineup and the other artists performed, exited the stage and building in one move?

"Hello?...Anybody out there?...Mic check, anybody?"

*crickets*

Fact is, especially in South Florida, the Christian Events market is not that large just yet (there's still tons of Christians and Non-Christians who simply attend Sunday morning services and nothing else). How about until it grows, we continue to support each others' ventures so that we have more success stories that'll attract greater audiences, and even sponsors?

Try it, let me know how it works out for you...I'll be looking for you as I hit the streets and grab my seat at the next event around town!

You can continually promote your event through your social media networking circle. Yes, you should send email invitations to target attendees, with a polite follow up as the event draws near, but with social media the rate can be a bit more frequent without irritating fans and followers. Plus, with all the noise and continuous stream of updates on sites like Facebook and Twitter, it's good to put out reminders once in awhile to catch those fans and followers who may have missed previous updates.

That doesn't mean every tweet, Facebook post, or LinkedIn network update should be promoting your event. We recommend at least an 80/20 ratio for all your social media efforts, with 80 percent of your updates focused on informational and non-sales posts, and 20 percent on straight sales and promotion.

http://www.constantcontact.com/learning-center/hints-tips/ht-2010-05a.jsp

Great Read, click the link above for more.