How to Host Your Own CPE Workshops & Build Referrals

By Daryl Logullo | June 25, 2009 | Popularity: 29% | 2,039 views

Do you host your CPE workshops? You should. Here's why...

One question I’m asked a lot is…

“How do I host my own Continuing Ed Workshops–award CPE credits–and get CPAs, or others to attend?”

Very good question, and it’s easier than you might think with the right direction.

I talk about this in depth in my new CPE Workshop Guidebook.

Let me give you some suggestions from the context of building referrals from other centers-of-influence, such as CPAs, Insurance Agents, or Attorneys.

After all, these are the professionals most apt to be interested in attending a CPE workshops to earn continuing ed credits so they can maintain their licensing or accrediation.

Here’s are a few pointers, say… if you’re after CPAs (accountants) as potential referral sources, for example.

 

  1. Pick a relevant, timely topic for CPAs.  It might be:
    “Tax Considerations for 60+ Year Old Retirees.” Again, keep it timely and relevant
  2. Decide on your presentation format. Powerpoint? Roundtable? Classroom style? Group interaction? What? There’s a number of choices to make.
  3. Pick a comfortable venue. This could be your office, but I prefer more neutral territory such as  a country club meeting room, for example.
  4. Invite qualified CPAs to attend. CPAs specialize in certain areas: tax prep, financial planning, audit, etc. Invite those whose expertise fits with your topic.
  5. Create activities that allow for networking and group interaction. This is especially important for you, the host of the event. You want to encourage group-speak, rather than you’re own personal lecture.
  6. Decide who the teacher of you CPE Worshop will be. Will it be you? Someone else in your firm? Someone outside your company that you hire as a faciliator?

At a minimum, when you learn how to host your own CPE workshops, you instantly postition yourself, as:

  • A leading expert in your city/town, offering a Workshop format no one else is doing.
  • An authority who cares about CPAs and presenting professional advice to them.

This translates into relationships. And relationships translate into new business opportunities and referrals.

Use CPE workshops in your marketing aresenal. They are incredibly powerful.

 

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