Why didn’t anyone show up to my discussion event?  We had everything planned, we invited a lot of people – and only 6 people came!  No one cares.

I’ve heard this countless times, for all kinds of events.  An organization or person puts together and advertises an awareness event, a speaker, a video showing, or a discussion, and when the attendance is low, the blame is on “people” for not caring and being apathetic. Consider this: it’s not “people”, it’s poor and/or lazy planning and inviting.

I thought I’d blog about some common mistakes people make when inviting people, and then post some techniques I’ve seen be successful.

Mistake #1: The “Me Me Me” Invitation

Listen to me talk about me so you can support me!

Annoying, right?  Yeah.  Event organizers frequently design events to get out their own message, and advertise the event without one hint of what the opportunity is for the potential guest in attending.  The result is usually friends and colleagues are guilted into attending and few other people show.

Solution: Invite people by first recognizing their own work and interests.  Share what their opportunities are in attending – how will it help them with what they want to do?  What difference can be made by their attending?  If you’re not sure, ask!  ”What would make this event interesting to you and worth your time?”