5 Things to Remember When Planning Connecting Events
There are certain things you must keep in mind as you're planning events or strategies to connect unconnected people.
1. Unconnected people care about what they care about.
In other words, what already connected people care about or are curious about doesn't matter. When you are choosing a topic or a small group study, the only people whose opinions count are the people you are trying to connect.
When you are choosing a topic or a small group study for a connecting event, the only people whose opinions count are the people you are trying to connect. Click To Tweet
See also, Does Your Topic Connect with Your True Customer?
2. Unconnected people are infrequent attenders.
They will not necessarily be there on the week you've chosen to announce or promote the connecting event. If you want to give infrequent attenders the very best opportunity to connect, you must promote the connecting event several weeks in a row.
If you want to give infrequent attenders the very best opportunity to connect, you must promote the connecting event several weeks in a row. Click To Tweet
See also, 5 Things You Need to Know about Unconnected People.
3. Unconnected people are more likely to respond to a short-term test-drive (4 to 6 weeks).
The longer the commitment the less likely they are to respond. It is far more effective to offer a short-term commitment with built-in next steps. The longer the required commitment the smaller the percentage who will sign up. The shorter the required commitment the greater the percentage who will sign up. See also, 5 Small Group Ministry Shortcuts You Need to Know.
4. Unconnected people are looking for convenience.
Be sure you are scheduling the event at the most convenient time or times. Plan to offer free childcare. Provide an all-inclusive experience. Every unnecessary step and everything that inconveniences them or forces them to go out of their way increases the chance that they will decline to take the test-drive.
5. Unconnected people are often quick to change their mind.
While they don't have to be, they are sometimes looking for a reason or excuse not to come (think about how often one spouse is interested and the other is not). The more you can do to reinforce their commitment the better. Confirmation and reminder emails are essential, a reminder phone call the day before, and an "even if you didn't sign up" announcement the day of the event are all helpful measures that make attendance more likely.
What do you think? Have a question? Want to argue? You can click here to jump into the conversation.
