A very successful guy asked us that question the other day.  It seemed that he is the speaker at a training session offered by an industry group in his state.  Good topic – time management for senior executives.  Poor sign-up – only six.  Event less than two weeks away.  What can I do to boost attendance, he asked, because the event sponsor doesn’t seem to be doing much?  So here’s what we suggested.

Build a networking component into the event.

Supplement the event sponsor’s promotions with your own (email blasts and social media), focusing on what you personally guarantee that participants will learn from the sessions.

Do a YouTube focusing on you in training mode and link it to your promos, particularly social media.

Do a “thought piece” on the seven things senior managers do wrong with their time management (and how it hurts their productivity, career, etc.).  Embed it in your event promos.  Also use it for other purposes (your own website, bylined articles, etc.).

Use this as a formula for promoting all of your other speaking engagements.

And bring coffee and bagels for all (the event sponsor neglected to mention breakfast, despite a hefty event charge).