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Show Notes:
Lots of my clients are afraid to do webinars. Like I can’t think about anything else, I just want to cancel it kind of afraid. Like I’m convinced I will make a total fool of myself kind of afraid. Like can I just get under the covers instead kind of afraid. Like sweaty-as-hell-armpits kind of afraid.
I used to be afraid to do webinars too. In this episode I talk about why it might be worth it to move through that fear, and I share 23 ways to make webinars go better for you and your attendees.
The short answer to the question “Do I have to do a webinar?” is, of course, no. You are the boss of you.
Here’s why I think you should try it even if you’re as uncomfortable with the idea as I used to be:
There’s pretty much nothing like a webinar to allow you to interact and connect with the people you’re here to serve.
You get to see people’s questions and their reactions to what you’re sharing, which is valuable market research.
You’re able to provide value to your attendees in real time.
Your future participants get a sense of you that they can’t get just by reading your emails, and that helps them decide whether you’re a good fit for each other.
You grow your email list every time you do a webinar, and that’s key to making money. (Listen to my recent episode on growing your email list to hear all about this.)
Here's some of what I talked about in the episode:
The difference between doing a webinar and going live on social media
The awkward pain that was my first webinar
Why it’s gotten so much easier and more pleasant for me
Why you won’t be as bad at webinars as you think you will
23 ways to make webinars go better for you and your attendees
And here are those 23 ways to make webinars a better experience for you (only take the ones you like):
Know that things can go wrong and that you are valuable and worthy no matter what happens.
In my last webinar:
the webinar platform didn’t record
my mic didn’t work
I forgot how to use my slides properly
And it still went really well. I had fun and over 60% of the people who signed up for my program had attended one of the 2 webinars.
Solve the issue of “what if no one shows up?” ahead of time.
invite friends
Imagine loving that no one came or that one person came.
Talk to the people who are watching the recording.
invent questions you’ll answer
Practice the tech.
Practice the material
Tell people what to expect.
Give the participants a bulleted outline before they sign up, again when they sign up, and finally right at the beginning of the workshop. That way they’re giving full consent to be a part of what you’re up to. If you’re going to pitch your services (which you should), include that in the outline.
Ask people to do what you want them to do.
If you want people to answer a question in chat, let them know it will help you out.
Pause.
Tell people you need to gather your thoughts and pause from time to time. Allow yourself a drink of water. Breathe. Let your nervous system slow down for a moment. Do this as often as you need to.
Invite people to connect with each other.
Sometimes you’ll do that by inviting them to connect in chat.
Leave time for people to reflect.
This is beyond pausing. We learn the most when we’ve got a chance to interact with the material. Give people questions to ponder and let them take at least a full minute to write and reflect.
Use your slides as your notes.
I used to keep notes separate from my slides. Now I have ALL my notes on my slides so that I can just focus on one thing and not have to look elsewhere. This also means that if someone wants my notes, I can simply share my slides with them.
Talk about the reasons and assumptions behind what you’re teaching.
I’ve learned this from listening to Paula Pant of the Afford Anything podcast. Rather than just teaching tactics, I now try to spell out the larger ideas and assumptions behind those tactics. This puts people in a better position to apply what I’m talking about to their own situation rather than just following my particular advice.
Give examples and stories of what you’re teaching.
Find the right webinar platform for you.
Experiment and find what you like.
Wear what you enjoy wearing, including on your face.
Don’t feel like you’ve got to dress up or wear makeup if you don’t usually wear makeup. Show up as the person your future participants will see when they work with you.
Have good lighting.
If you’re in the shadows, it’s hard to connect with you. Invest in a softbox lighting kit or a ring light if you need it.
Get into a comfortable and powerful position.
Try standing. This isn’t right for everyone. If standing doesn’t feel good to your body, sit down. I immediately feel more access to energy when I’m standing and I find it easier to project my voice.
Have great sound.
Sound is perhaps more important than video. Folks want to hear every word without effort. Invest in a good USB mic for about $100 right away.
Say “I don’t know.”
I often say: “I am not a legal expert.” or “I am not an SEO expert.” or “I am not a designer.” Whenever you don’t know the answer, say it. This builds trust.
Cite your sources and name your inspirations.
You don’t have to be perfect about it, but whenever you’re sharing something you learned from a particular person, give them credit. Tara McMullin is one person I’ve heard say that several times.
Pitch your program joyfully and for longer than you think you should.
You told people that this pitch was going to be part of the presentation. Is your program wonderful for the right person? Yes. So don’t apologize for sharing it. Sell it with honesty and joy.
Don’t worry about conversion rates.
During the webinar , don’t worry about how many people sign up for your program. Focus on being with them and helping them make the right decision.
Leave time for Q&A.
It’s OK if no one has a question, but do give them a clear way to ask and bring a couple of questions you know folks are likely to have in order to get the ball rolling. You can say “Here’s something people often ask me…”
Clear your schedule right after the webinar.
You may want to lie down and feel weird for a little while. That’s OK. You may want to set up a call to debrief with someone.
