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Live event concept - Here we go!

2008-10-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

What topics?

The topic that has now by far the greatest potential is Break ups for men - In terms of sales, interests and response from guys REALLY in a crisis situation and needing a boost.

I get the feeling that the audience is right there already waiting for such events to take place.

I would use directly the title of my program:

"How to get your power back after she breaks up"

This is a title that took me as well a long time to find - I tried all sorts of headlines in ads and as title for my program and this one did stick the best at the end.

It's essential that we use this experience and don't start from scratch. It will save us loads of time...

For the top headline, it's much better to use very specific terms so that the men who are in that situation recognize it.

This intro line would sound like...

"Guys! if your girlfriend or wife just broke up, you must absolutely listen to this..."

Again, I experimented a lot online with that and as soon as you make it VERY specific the response is 10x higher...

More on that when we chat, ok?

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What time?

In my experience, the best time for such event would be week evenings (including Friday - Avoid Monday evening... People are still recovering from week-end parties) 8-10 pm - That's when I feel this audience would have the greatest chances of showing up
Dates?

At this stage what could work would be Nov 24th to Dec 7th - that's the two weeks that seem the most suitable from here.

If we go for it, we need to start actively promoting 2 weeks before the events.

Things are open though...

A ticket from California to New York is probably in the same price range as a a ticket from Europe, so I could as well take a trip to New York just for that...

To limit costs and make the event affordable, I would need a place to stay though... I am happy to offer lots of free coaching in exchange of my stay...

I will check as well with my own network and gather ideas for that one ;)

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I feel it's easier to promote a one time event (where people don't have to commit to show up a few times) - in fact in a couple of hours, I can pretty much cover what I have to say. After that, the upgrade would be to sign up for one on one coaching.
If this format works, we can then set up something bigger like a week end workshop or a weekly class over a month period...

As promo, I could create a small 5 minutes video intro and use that as one of our main marketing tools.

Flyers to distribute and posters to stick on a campus are a good idea. We'll check what exactly to do to create some buzz...

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For the price, because it worked really well with e-books and I feel there is a natural psychological limit at $20, I would have gone for the $19 for the event...

But... I don't have too much experience with setting up prices for live events.

It's essential that people are not turned off by a price which is too high.

In my mind, I was thinking... something along the price range of a night out to the movies with a drink... That's what I would naturally go for but at the same time, I have no idea what events costs in New York.

The price and packaging is ESSENTIAL - it can really make the difference between success and failure with this one.

Maybe you could check what goes on in the city, see how events are priced then ask yourself these questions:

Is the price too hight or too low?
If the price is quite high, is it a turn off?
If you wanted to attend, would you go with such price?
You could as well, go on campus for instance if the room is at a University and ask guys for feed back...

"Guys... I am setting up an event and need your feed back...

Do you go to events on the campus?
what's usually the price?
what's the limit you can afford?
Have you even wanted to attend something and did not go because it was too expensive?
Etc

You could take the discussion further and ask them if the topic of break ups is something they struggle with... If not, what's their main challenge what could they take some help with...

I sometimes interviewed people that way and just having a sample of 5 persons or group of friends already gives you loads of ideas...

It is a super important to set it right... Understanding the audience's needs... Otherwise we can totally miss the target and format the event in a way the audience can't go with.

Give them what THEY want and they will come ;) that's my impression

Makes sense, right?

Is this something you would feel excited to do?

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Buzz + promotion?

Again, a short 5 min Youtube format vid + flyers + more... would work better I feel but I am really open on that one if you think otherwise and have other ideas, ok?

Again, when you market a product, you need to get it right. For a live event (because it's local), having something printed like flyers (5000 flyers range) and posters (200 A3 (2 pages size) posters range) is a must I think.

Local Radio interviews in local talk shows could work as well.

But of course, there are dozens of ways to create buzz online as well...

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How many people? Event size?

At this stage, no need to limit it - I would be comfortable with any audience size - We would really start creating synergy if we get more than 10 people, but really, any audience size works - I can easily shift the type and format of my presentation depending on who is there.
If by any chance, the room is full, we'll improvise and get extra chairs or simply say at the door that we are full... Sorry, another event tomorrow same location ;)
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More possible topics

Again, topic must be super specific and decided when we are setting up the event - as I said, the break up topic is super successfull online.
Other possible topics would be "jealousy for men" and "How to get your power back after she cheast on you".

At this stage, I would target the male audience which seems to be 2 to 4 times more likely to invest in buying a product on my side.

It seems to take longer for women to take the step and really go for it at this stage...

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Promotional materials

For ideas on headlines, promotion and success stories, check the page:

http://vitalcoaching.com/breakupformen.htm

It will save you lots of time to simply use what is there.

This page is REALLY the result of lots of experimenting.

I have been tracking convertion rates with different pages, headlines and formats and I am sure it can be immensely improved but that's as good as I got it so far.

So, you could simply pick up bits and pieces from that page when creating promotional material.

Defintely use the testimonials on that page and reframe them for a live event.

A few key sentences can be enough to get men excited about coming

I would create a page on the site as well which could look like:

http://vitalcoaching.com/cheatingformen.htm

With info about times and venue.

I believe this would work.

Private coaching available

Yes! I will expand on that one at the end of the event! Definitely!

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How many events?

I see 3 possible directions:

Just one event to test this and see how men respond to it

4 events (or 2 or 3... 4 sounds good somehow) in the same location for instance Tuesdays and Fridays spread over a 2 weeks period

That way, it gives more possibilities to attend. Again not sure what is easiest and what would work best...

4 events (or 2 or 3) in different locations/neighbohoods in the city

This last one takes more effort tp organize I think. Sometimes it can be a hassle to find the right room, so I don't know... Not really sure what would work best for you.

Let's think about that one

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Best location?

A word about rooms and best spaces...

Anything works for me...

I think Hotels are VERY expensive to book $1000-$2000 for an evening so we would probably take a big financial risk if we would go that way...

If we have to pay for the room, under $100 would be ideal...

But again, I am totally open to consider all options and targeting a richer and fancier audience is definietly an option as well...

What do you think?

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Handouts? set up?

For the event itself, we can go with no handouts at this stage so that we can put our "printed efforts" on promotional material and keep it as simple as possible for now. I would give them access to the member area on the site. Once we know what type of response we get, we can launch new events or reframe our strategy. They will get a boost LIVE for being there and can take notes.

We could as well record/video (I have a small camcorder we can use) the event and post it on the site later, but this is not a priority.

Right now, it is about getting those who attend get their energy kicked and their power boosted just by being present.

There are a few key ideas every guy should really hear about break ups that can radically shift the way they stand in life...

This is what I would focus on.

Sure, some drinks and snacks are an excellent idea to open a social moment towards the end ;) Raw vegies!!!! YES!!!! ;)

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Check this page as well for the general idea about the type of live events I want to set up:

http://vitalcoaching.com/events.htm

That's it for now ;) - get in touch and share your ideas - I am open

Thanks!

Francisco

US - 2008 - Tour! - pass the word ;)

2008-09-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

maybe this will inspire you to pass the word ;)

I like the idea of touring and helping people empower their lives wherever I go.

I have been doing that in the past and it works just great.

The idea? I go wherever needed as long as there is a demand.

If I know of a few people in your area or friends you know who could use my help, I am happy to visit them and stay with them for a few days.

It's live! It's fun and spontaneous.

What I need from my contacts is simply to pass the word.

This network needs to be active for this to work.

It can as well be as simple as going to the logical or simplest next step and from one place heading to meet my next contact.

I think this could be a massively transformative trip not just for me for all those I will meet.

This is the idea.

In general, when I stay somewhere, I am happy to offer some free coaching in exchange of that stay. If there is some deeper project to work on, then we can set up regular one on one sessions.

I would be as well happy to facilitate small group events 5-20 people.

So, what you can do is simple: in the next couple of weeks, think about people in your network who could take a power boost and solve some deep embeded issues about their lives.

If you meet new persons who tell you about their problems, tell them about me potentially coming to the area.

I know that this can start moving things for people. I think that the more you get involved the more you benefit from that stream.

I know what this is! It is a stream of refreshing energy that really can transform people's lives.

So, yes, that simple!

check your network or the people you meet and put us in touch.

You are one of the catalysts for something like that to take place

I'll super grateful for your help with that ;)

reach me directly at francisco@vitalcoaching.com or at 201 984 92 12 (that's my skype number in New York) - If you call from outside the US dial 001 201 984 92 12

Take care and talk to you soon

PS: the dates for now are Oct 16th 2008 to Jan 12th 2009 that's when I will be in the US - arriving to San Francisco - California first

Post videos from youtube, google or others on the site

2007-08-06T01:06:00.000-07:00

Post videos from youtube, googlevideos or others on the site

I just launched an experiment and if you want to participate, simply email me at support@vitalcoaching.com. I will send you an invitation so that you can start posting on the specific blog.

This means that if you come accross cool videos you want to share, you will be free to post them on this new channel.

Here is the page where these videos will be posted:

http://vitalcoaching.com/blogs/a4/vitalvideos.html

Simply follow the instructions in the email you will receive from blogger.

Do embed the video in the blog rather than simply offering a link to another site.

Our agenda is very simple: it is to offer high quality content to visitors.

Basically, we want to attract more people to come and stay on the site (rather than leave the site or simply advertise other people's products).

Let's try it out, ok?

Do you like the idea?

Feed back?

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What if a video is from an expert who offers their own products?

Here is how I look at it: if the content is solid and interesting for the visitor without having to buy anything or be directed to another site, I'll probably post it.

If it is just a commercial video promoting a product, I usually won't post it.

I check as well if it does not compete or conflict too much with what I already offer on the site.

Just try it out! Feel free to post what you are inspired to.

We can test that a bit.

I can always remove a video or post if I feel it does not match. Don't be offended if by any chance it happens, ok?

I do that frequently with some of my posts a few days after publishing them.

If you hesitate, you can post it and delete it later yourself as well if you feel it was a mistake.

If the posted video is really an essential one to watch, I might mention it on the main "Vital news" blog as well.

Take the risk and go ahead. I trust your instinct and right now the site will greatly benefit from your input and other people's videos, I am sure.

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Feel free as well to ad your own comments, ideas or advices after or before the video.

Sometimes, a video will trigger a set of realizations for you. Let it flow, ok!

Share! Everyone benefits from reading what you have to say.

Again, this content can always be edited or removed if you, me or the team feels it is inapropriate. It is risk free!

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Yes! Feel free to post as many videos as you want! Right now, there is no limit!

You can even post 100 videos a day if you want to. Cool aye?

I'll send you some feed back if by any chance you overdo it or need to shift something in your approach.

But right now, I see no limit!

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Take care

vitalcoach

PS: the ideas above are for videos but they apply to any content, articles, audios, e-books or anything else which you feel is relevant to vitalcoaching.com's visitors. Let me know what you want to post and I will invite you to the right channel or even create a new channel for you if necessary.

PPS: If what you post is of essential value, I will highlight it within the site and ad extra links to your posts. If you want extra traffic to your posts, you'll need to prove to me that you do have first the visitor in mind by offering very valuable content.

PPPS: This is an experiment! I can't guarantee at this stage that what you post will stay online. I want visitors to be thrilled and positively impacted by what they see. I simply won't let this new tool become just another channel for internet advertising. I will remove without hesitation any material which is just blatant promotion. Makes sense, right? :)

New Channels - Here is how you can share your insights,internet gems and more

2007-08-05T07:17:00.001-07:00

How often have you been surfing the net and discovered something you wanted to share with others but did not know how to?

You have this realization, or find this really uplifting video and all you have are a few friend's email addresses. That's it! It is not much.

I have been offering spaces on the site (like in links area or articles) for people to publish content but to tell you the truth it was too time consuming for me.

Can you imagine? I was actually doing it manually!!

Now, I found (at last!) a system which easily allows you to post your contributions, ideas and Internet gems on the site.

You either get your own channel or I send you an invitation to start posting in one of the existing channels.

Check this link to see the existing channels:

http://vitalcoaching.com/blogs/blogs.htm

Yes! These channels are in blog format. This means that you can post almost anything you want, especially the embedded videos you find on youtube or other video sites.

Of course, like you, I am very aware of spam. It simply won't happen!

The main aim for these channels is not to promote other people's products, it is to offer valuable content to those who come to the site. I guess that like millions of users online, you might get a bit tired of endless advertising hype.

Go and see these channels:

http://vitalcoaching.com/blogs/b2/publicspeaking.html

http://vitalcoaching.com/blogs/m1/mind.html

and more

http://vitalcoaching.com/blogs/blogs.htm

What do you notice? No ads! Content only!

Yes, I might ad the occasional link to a product on the site at the end of a post but most posts are simply ad free.

My present plan is to keep it that way.

Anyway, I know that the idea of posting directly on vitalcoaching.com triggers your interest. You have probably expertise or ideas on a specific topic you would enjoy to share.

I'll try to automatize the sign in process but for now, simply email me at francisco@vitalcoaching.com with a few words about you and the channel you would like to post on.

Check this page to see the existing channels

http://vitalcoaching.com/blogs/blogs.htm

If the channel does not exist yet, you can suggest a new one and I'll be happy to create it for you (if it matches with the spirit of the site of course).

Not every idea will be approved of course.

We do monitor the posted content as well to make sure that what you post is not blatant advertising for some other site or product.

More on this coming soon :)

vitalcoach

PS: How does it work for your technically? It is pretty simple, no worries. It takes 5 minutes to set it up on your side and be ready to start posting :) I'll tell you more when I get your mail.

PPS: Will you get your own channel or do others post on the same channel? It depends on how much content you have, and how deeply you dive into the topics you cover. If you post 100 messages/month, you'll probably get your own channel. If you simply want to share an occasional video you picked up from you tube, you'll probably post on one of the shared channels. It's all very organic and we'll go with the flow, ok?

R and D Team

2007-08-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

This takes the feed back idea one step further.

That's the moment when you recognize in this site something important and want to be part of it.

Now, you might not know this but I need you!

I am of course not going to give you the control seat of the site. You know that.

However, depending on your expertise and ideas there are so many areas on the site that will welcome not only your input but active participation as well.

What's in it for you?

At this stage, we are still growing and financial reward is not yet an option.

Most of the work I do on this site is because of an ideal.

If you recognize this ideal and can already feel the empowering benefits of getting involved as well, simply contact me at francisco@vitalcoaching.com .

To tell you the truth, If I had had the opportunity to get involved with a site like vitalcoaching.com when I started, I would have done it without hesitation.

Why? Because it would have speeded up my learning curve immensely.

It is totally thrilling to experience the workings of a site like this one from the inside:

Design choices
Marketing strategy
Strategic choices
Real numbers and stats experienced from the inside
Etc

Here is an example:

Right now I use 4 stats systems which track visitors sources, behaviors and more.

With one of the systems I use, I could literally spend days observing visitor's behaviors on specific pages.

I can see where these visitors click, how much and understand visitors behaviors by tracking these stats.

That's just one source of precious information you will connect with when you participate in the R and D team.

Now I know that this experience can catapult you into your future evolution.

You see... The key limiting factor when you start online or with anything actually, is experience.

You can gain training relatively easily by joining an existing coaching school for instance.

Now, when it comes to experience, it is whole different story.

Why? Because you need to test methods, tools and everything else what happens on a site.

For instance, it took me two years to realize something about the blogs on this site.

Now, that I know this fact, I can create and publish in ways which instantly multiply by 2 or 3 the impact I have with them.

Blogs is just one example and with blogs only, you already have dozens of strategic and design choices to make to get them to be successful.

What about forums, newsletters, advertising channels, PPC, stats and traffic, hosting, key strategic choices, possible product formats (Videos, audios, e-books, teleclasses, and more!).

All these areas require sometimes 1 or 2 years of testing and experimenting before you get it right.

Why does it take so long?

Because the Internet, search engines, online buzz can take a while to catch up.

Sometimes, it will take six months to see the results of a specific marketing step.

All this can be summarized in one word: experience!

This is what is in it for you.

The benefit of interacting with a targeted online portal and understand how this portal works from the inside.

Honestly, I can't guarantee that you will be accepted in the R and D Team if you email me. It will depend on your experience, background and passion for what you do.

Yes! I am selective with who I let in.

I am confident though that if you feel this inner call, it probably means something :)

francisco@vitalcoaching.com

vitalcoach

PS: By the way, I just realized that I find the term "R and D team" far too formal. I totally prefer "Vital Team" as there is much more than R and D to it of course

Feed back - It is your site!

2007-08-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Right now, I know you have ideas about vitalcoaching.com you want to share.

It only takes a couple of minutes on the site for you to come up with key feed back I want to hear.

Now, you probably know that but I'll say it again:

vitalcoaching.com is not about coaching or about me or any other coach.

It is about you!

the site was created to respond to a need and I know we succeed with our mission when your questions, concerns, desires and needs are met.

email me you thoughts directly at francisco@vitalcoaching.com

vitalcoach

Live events - Get involved

2007-06-09T00:37:00.000-07:00

I am launching a new idea and I would like to work on it with other like minded persons.

It is very simple and direct!

The goal is to get together and solve some key major challenges you and your friends might be facing.

This works as well if you are part of an organization and feel you and your colleagues need a boost or some new strategies.

The next step is to get together for one or more evenings (2 hours events) and discover new solutions and strategies to solve the specific challenges you and your friends face.

If this resonates with you, send me an email at francisco@vitalcoaching.com or call me.

I'll tell you more about my ideas and simple and direct ways to set this up.

I do have a concept now and I would love to work on this together with you.

Here are some examples that I think would get you and your friends impressive results:

You are a woman and you and your female friends struggle to make your love life work. It's either you have boyfriends but don't manage to make your relationships work or you simply feel isolated and don't know how to connect with men.

You work in a team and you feel lots of tensions and miscommunication. You would like to clear the channels and create a frictionless team for better results.

Your relationship is not giving you what you want and you know a few couples who struggle with the same type of issues. You are looking for solutions and new ideas.

As a man, you struggle to stay in good shape and your friends feel the same. You try to navigate through stressful professional and family demands while keeping your body in good shape.

You feel that the life targets you had 5 years ago no longer work. You and your friends are looking for new meaning and direction with your lives.

Etc.

These are only some of the potential topics we could cover!

There is much more of course.

At this stage, these events could be free or for fee depending on the topics and set up.

Again, the first step is to call me or email at francisco@vitalcoaching.com.

I know this is an exciting opportunity for all those involved and it is just a matter of time before it comes to life.

If this resonates with you and you like the idea of working together, get in touch, ok?

Take care

vitalcoach