What Happens When Nobody Shows Up to Your Event?
Recently, I was hosting an event titled "5 Social Media Mistakes Realtors Make". I went the whole nine yards - real life screenshots of each mistake, little flyers, an acronym formed from each of the cleverly titled mistakes. But nobody showed up. Embarrassing, right? Well, yes. Definitely embarrassing. Here are the steps I took to make it less soul-crushing:
1. Don't freak out.
I know how easy it is to go into panic-mode, but try to just stay calm. Have a glass of water. Or a shot. Don't keep glancing at the door where you've laid out your handouts and business cards. Don't start calling everyone on who RSVP'd. Just take a deep breath, and accept it. It's not the end of the world.
2. Packing up is the hardest.
Starting to put all your event props away is the most awkward part of the experience, but it has to be done. Leaving everything out will just lead to questions from your coworkers come Monday, so best to just get it done. Plus, the sooner it gets done, the sooner you can get a drink! So unplug that HDMI cord connecting your brilliant and hilarious presentation to the tv and get the mini water bottles off the conference room table. Make it look like you were never even there.
3. Vent a little to get it out of your system.
At this point, the anger is likely to set in. You'll be slamming drawers and wanting to shred your handouts (which look incredible on that glossy cardstock you picked out). At this point, the cringe factor should be melting away, so go ahead and call your friend or your mom and be pissed for a second! You deserve it after all the hard work you've put in!
4. Have some time to plan.
After getting the anger out, there will be a feeling of acceptance washing over you followed by a burst of motivation. So walk across the street to that little empty wine bar or the Italian restaurant, order a glass of Sangiovese, and figure out how to make this freaking event happen. It will happen! So sit down, grab your branded notebook, and think logistics.
-Who RSVP'd?
-Were they people you knew?
-Were there any other events at the same time?
-What day/time was the event? Was it the general nap time for everyone?
-How can you make this event happen? What contacts are there for YPN or associations or other businesses that would be interested in partnering?
5. Give yourself a pep talk.
Once the adrenaline burst is gone, there could be another round of pity-partying. If this is the case, try to give yourself a pep talk as well as you can. You know you have good content and good props and an interesting presentation. Someone will care and listen, you just have to find the right group. This will be a great anecdote in ten years when you're giving a TED Talk. Finish your glass of wine and blast some rap in the car on the way home. It's impossible to be mopey when there's hella bass. Take a shower, put on some jammies, let yourself be upset, and you'll be fine.
Sharing is Caring
If you have any thoughts or feedback or extra knowledge, share it in the comments. The whole point of this blog is to help each other figure it all out!
