Tag: Zoom

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How to Host an Online Workshop

virtual workshop

Work from home pivoted how work is done. One benefit is that meetings can now be done virtually. And this applies to events and workshops too! Read on for details on how to host a virtual workshop.

Before the Workshop

So you have a topic in mind, the time blocked off, and the research completed. Now it’s time to create a registration page. Luckily you can customize the workshop page in Zoom to match your branding.

In the registration description you can include event details, instructions on what attendees need to prepare, or even prompt them with questions to think about and ask during the event.

Next you’ll want to configure Zoom to your preferences. This means including a waiting room, polls, breakout rooms, and more.

Last but not least, be sure to promote the event via your social media channels.

Holding the Workshop

Now it’s time to hold your workshop. To start, provide instructions to attendees about what to do in case their connection drops. It also helps if you have a co-host to allow attendees in who may be running late.

To drive engagement throughout your session, include interactive elements. The best way to do this is to include polls throughout your session. Of course, something as simple as a gif or providing a 5 minute break works as well.

At the end of the workshop, send a feedback form so each event can get better than the last. Of course you can do some of this too by asking yourself what did you do well, what can you do better, what questions you couldn’t answer, etc.

And to follow up, a simple thank you email is sufficient, including any material attendees requested.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you. And don’t forget, you can always purchase single issues if you prefer that instead.

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Livestreaming: Part Three

Livestreaming

In the final part of our livestreaming triology, we cover the housekeeping pieces: best practices, promoting, and all of your livestreaming options.

Best Practices and Promotion

For best practices we’ll keep it short and sweet:

  1. Prep your materials and setup before you go live.
  2. Include a promo code during your livestream to further entice viewers to shop your product.
  3. Include links to the products highlighted to the archived version of your livestream.

As for promotion, think about the build up prior to the event. Include “sneak peaks” in your story, and ask your followers to vote on options they want to see.

Livestreaming options

Many platforms offer livestreaming capabilities, so we included a list and description for each to help you determine which is the best for you.

  • Zoom: Two years into the pandemic people are very comfortable using Zoom. This could be a great option to start practicing livestreams.
  • Instagram: You’re likely pretty familiar with Instagram live videos. Know you can split screens with other accounts, simplifying the livestream work load.
  • Facebook: Livestreaming on Facebook shows up as videos in follower’s timelines. You can also archive the livestream to your page as a recorded video.
  • Twitch: Although this platform originally began for gamers, Twitch is a livestream-only service. As the platform grows so does the types of content so this might be a good place to grow your audience.
  • Amazon Live Creator: Only look into this option if Amazon is a major source of sales for your shop.

Inspiration for this post came from “Connect Through Livestreaming” by Sommer Leigh published in the December 2021 issue of American Quilt Retailer.

AQR Academy Live!

One last thing before we go—AQR Academy is going LIVE for three days! The event runs April 19 through the 22nd just outside Des Moines, Iowa. Registration is $250 and you can find all of the details including a full schedule, meals, and lodging at the event link here.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you. And don’t forget, you can always purchase single issues if you prefer that instead.

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Check in on those goals

Goals

Before we jump into today’s blog, we wanted to let you know about an event were throwing next Thursday, February 4th at noon CST.

The first AQR Academy will be a Zoom workshop dedicated to making social media work for you, including Creating Content to Sell and How to Get Your Social Media Moving.

Still not convinced to join? We forgot to mention the workshop will feature internationally sought out content strategist Kristy Honsvick and social media strategist, consultant, and trainer Hollie Clere.

Feel like you’re missing out? You can still purchase the recordings and digital recap from 2020 Academy events.

Now, on to those goals.

Goals, goals, goals

We’re already one month into 2021, which means it’s the perfect time to check in on how your goals are doing.

What was your focus for this year? Reducing expenses? Increasing efficiencies? Improving customer experiences? Whatever it is, know that if you don’t have a metric to measure progress, you’re going to want to find a way how.

As we know, data can be extremely helpful, but don’t get bogged down in having too much of it. Similarly, some employees can be extremely motivated by data. Find a way to publicly post metrics. Of course, you don’t want to make anyone feel bad about their performance, so encourage each employee to hit the same goal each week. If you have a weekly training, schedule time for questions so they can talk to each other about what works (or doesn’t).

Then, check in on the status. If you’re not on track to reach your goal, consider changing your performance (or even altering the goal itself).

Good luck from us friends at AQR! We know you can do it.

If you’re looking for more information to guide you in owning a retail business, subscribe to American Quilt Retailer today. Already a subscriber? No worries—join our Facebook group for insights and dialogue from industry specialists like you.