Prepackaged seminars

If you've never created a seminar, you might find it easier to adapt one that has been created for your industry and customize it to your products or services. Most turnkey seminars include everything you need to plan a seminar including Powerpoint presentations, marketing materials and a seminar outline.

I recommend: FMT Solutions provides a toolkit for general seminars and customized turnkey seminar packages for several financial planning genres.

Opt for Webinars (web seminars)

If your customers are spread across the country or around the world, consider providing a web seminar on your website. This allows the customer to view your seminar from anywhere at anytime.

I recommend: Webex allows you to provide web seminars without dealing with the complex logistics of planning a seminar. Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional software enables users to communicate and collaborate instantly with up to 2,500 participants.

Write and design your own seminar

If you have all of the information you want to convey, you can set up your own structure with the use of presentation software, props and a seminar outline.

I recommend: Learn the basics of marketing and promoting your own seminar from expert Fred Gleeck on his website. Find out the 10 mistakes to avoid when planning your seminar at www.howtomarketseminars.com.

Logistics

You need to plan the logistics of the seminar, including invitations, location, length, if there will be refreshments or meals, cost of the seminar if you intend to charge customers to attend, registration details, and what written materials you will provide.

I recommend: Download free templates for seminar flyers, stage setup and audio/visual needs from expert David Knox.  Study all the logistics of seminar planning in the online tutorial at www.financial-seminar.net. If you’ll regularly use seminars as a marketing tool, consider investing in event management software such as EventRegister or read our guide on choosing Event Planning Software.