Seminars can be one of the most daunting marketing activities an agent can do. They can also be the most successful.
Depending on the goal of your seminar or what topic you think will do the best in the setting and community you’ve chosen, Senior Marketing Specialists has pre-built, compliant seminars and tools you can use to hold your event. Click the topic below to download the presentation, notes, and collateral material for each seminar.
NOTE: Per CMS compliance guidelines, any seminar that talks about Medicare Part C or D must be registered. The caregiver presentation does not have to be registered if it is performed for caregivers and not Medicare beneficiaries. All Medicare Part C and/or Part D seminars must use CMS approved materials.
Considering the many items needed to hold a seminar, here are some prep ideas and notes for you to insure your presentation runs smoothly.
Visuals
If you are using a power point presentation, you will need a projector and a screen. Depending on the facility you are having your event, they may have this available. Otherwise, you may need to provide your own. Some places may offer to rent you one, but I have seen some places where it is cheaper to go to go out and just purchase your own. You can find used ones on Craigslist or look for deals on Ebay or Amazon.
Make sure you have all necessary cables, power supplies, etc. with you.
Power Strip and Extension Cord
If you are setting up in the middle of the room, you may need an extension cord to run from the table where you are setting up to a wall outlet. I would suggest a power strip as well so you only have to run one extension cord. Make sure all cords are well secured or taped down to prevent trips or falls. Tip: Some older facilities may have only 2 prong outlets, so stop at your local hardware store and pick up an adapter just in case.
Print Outs and Hand Outs
You may have handouts you are using during your presentation. Bring an ample supply of them and pass them out at the time you want to review them, not prior. This way you know your audience is not looking ahead and will have more focus on the materials once they receive them.
Pens & Notepads
Have pens and notepads at the event so people can have something to joy down questions, ideas, etc. If you are performing a carrier specific event, contact your local rep to see if they have any branded pens / pads you can have. Otherwise you can always order your own custom materials or simply use generic pens and pads from your local office supply store.
These are also great to place at the seats where you would like people to sit down. Possibly add a business card there as well so they have your name in front of them. TIP: If you are using generic note pads, you can always place a label on the top of the notepad with your contact info. Just print your info on a return mail label and placed it on the top of the pad.
Bring Water for Yourself
The facility may nor may not have water, so bring your own to make sure your throat does not dry out.
Bring Your Own Questions
If you are not having anyone participate, bring some of your own questions. You can preface this with “I get this question a lot from my clients…” This may spark some people to ask or comment.
Have Fun & Tell Stories
No one wants to sit in a boring lecture, so have fun with it. The more pleasurable the experience, the more likely they will be to work with you. People may not remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Dull and boring is not someone many people like doing business with.
According to authors Chip & Dan Heath, 63% of attendees remember stories, only 5% remember statistics. Tell a story when you want to emphasize a point and people will remember. The most memorable part of many presentation is the last 5 minutes. End with enthusiasm!
Ideas of Where to Present
- Libraries
- Low Income Housing | Trailer Park Communities
- 55+ Communities
- Senior Centers | Agencies on Aging
- College Campuses
- Religious Organizations | Churches
- Gyms | Community Centers
Who to Network With and Offer Seminar Services To
- Pharmacists | Doctors | Dentists | Specialists
- Lawyers | Elder law Attorneys
- Real estate agents | Tax professionals | CPAs
- P&C Agents | Financial Advisors
- Dietitians | Personal Trainers | Physical Therapists
In addition to seminars, where you are actually teaching consumers about a topic, many agents have great success holding Client Appreciation Events. Invite your clients and tell them to bring a friend.
Here are some of our favorite ways to have a fun and successful appreciation event.
Table Goodies and Free Stuff with Your Brand or Logo
- Travel Tissues or Hand Sanitizer
- Ink Pens
- Candy and Snacks
- Business Cards
- Brochure on You or Your Agency
- CMS/Medicare Informational Pieces (leave your brand off)
- Carrier Brochures (leave your brand off)
Holding a Raffles or Drawings
- Gift Cards to Local Restaurants
- Grocery Gift Card
- Oil Change Voucher
- Children’s Bicycle or Tricycle with Tassels
- Free Membership to Local Gym
Tip: Sometimes you can get local businesses to donate items to get their name out in the community as well. Don’t feel bad asking. The worst they can do is say no.
Other Fun Event Ideas to Gain Referrals
Send out an invite to your clients and ask them to bring a friend. Invite all your local networking connections as well..
- Picnics at the Local Park
- Open Houses with Refreshments
- Movie Nights
- Sponsoring Other Community Events
- Sponsor or Hold a Bingo or Bowling Tournament or Game
- Free Car Wash Day for Clients
Even if it’s just a fun event, make sure there is an information table with your info available. If you need help with personalized marketing materials please check out our Agent Marketing Portfolio (AMP) of pieces available free to SMS contracted agents.