Virtual summits are EVERYWHERE this year. They are the new webinars: the cool thing that so many people are doing to grow their list and sell products. But summits are usually free, right? How are they money makers? Why are people doing summits? Grab a cup of coffee and let me pull the curtain back to show you how to host a virtual summit. 

You can read along or listen to the podcast episode on itunes or Stitcher or RIGHT HER. 

How to Host a Virtual Summit Step One: Go Crazy

You have to be a little crazy to take on this huge task. Your life will be crazy. Just realize from the get-go that you will be saying no to a lot because you are saying yes to something HUGE. Summit is a big word because a summit is a big thing. You need bravery, time, expertise, help, and a big dose of knowing your life will be nuts. Are you there? Okay, let's move on. 

Step Two: Plan Your Why

I'm all about whys (see: The Foundation Series) because without them, you are going to lack clarity and purpose. You need to think about why you are hosting one in terms of YOU and YOUR AUDIENCE. Why will it benefit you? What is driving you to host a summit? Why would people want to attend? Why will the benefit? 

Step Three: Plan Your Speakers

Speakers are a key component of a summit. If you don't already have relationships with influencers or people who could add value to a summit, don't think you can pull this off. Take a few steps back and form some authentic connections LONG before you ask for something. 

Long before I even launched a podcast, I had connected with influencers on Twitter, following them, retweeting their tweets or tagging them when I shared their content, and even striking up conversations. NOT because I wanted something. And not in a creepy/stalker way. I simply made connections with people whose content I admired. So when I thought about starting a podcast, I realized I had connections with a lot of people who at least knew who I was. This makes an ask SO much more palpable. You aren't just following them on social and tweeting that week before you ask for a favor or their time. 

Create authentic relationships with people before you ask them to do anything for you. This may mean not doing a summit right away if you aren't connected. I think even if you DON'T want to do a summit, you should be connecting in this way with people whose work you admire. And don't contact them yet if you already know them! Go on to the next step first. 

Step Four: Plan Your Structure

Before you begin asking speakers to get on board, you need to consider what this summit will look like and how it will work. Is it paid? Is it free? Will you have affiliates? What are the requirements for the speakers? 

This is important especially when approaching speakers. I've had speakers say yes to the podcast or to different things ONLY if there were no affiliate program and no promotion required. That doesn't mean they won't share, but they don't want the requirement to share.