What Makes a Good Workshop?

From the presenter's point of view, some workshops are better than others, and I often wonder what makes the difference.

I'm thinking about this because this weekend may have been my best yet. I did our half-day "Pricing and Marketing Secrets" presentation in Portland, Oregon for the Self Employed Creative Professionals, an 8-year old group that brings together what is clearly a growing population of creatives in this part of the country.

Thirty people got out of bed early on a Saturday morning, and they didn't even know in advance about the delicious Continental breakfast that was provided by our gracious and generous host, Linda Meyer, COO and Editor in Chief of a young publishing company, Ink & Paper Group.

The environment is important. This event was held in an old Victorian house where Ink and Paper does business, with a Zen garden in the back, sun streaming through the windows, in the "butler's kitchen" (I'd never heard it called that before) there were plates of strawberries, watermelon, tiny muffins and delicious coffee. I have never given a talk in a more intimate and beautiful setting. I think that contributed a lot.

But more than anything it's the group that makes the event. And this group was interested and open and generous. It was like having a conversation with 30 people with everyone engaged -- in this case, the conversation was about the basics of running a business, with questions being asked and everyone contributing to the answers. A lot like what happens online, but better because it's live! (Call me old fashioned.) One woman even told me afterward that she had anticipated her mind wandering as it often does at "this type of seminar," but that I "had her all the way through." That's a compliment, in this day and age.

Hopefully, some of Saturday's participants will chime in online with their thoughts. But what do you think makes a good workshop? And what makes a bad one?

Comments

[Jean Gogolin]

I think the most important ingredient of a good workshop (speaking as someone who both gives them and has attended many) is a presenter who has thoroughly prepared, gets the group excited, and then lets the attendees take over. Clearly you did that! Though I'll bet the zen garden and the muffins helped. (I've always heard that little Victorian house feature called a butler's pantry.)

[Barbara]

We loved having you, Ilise! There's a huge group of self-employed creatives here in Portland and we're actively looking for ways to grow our businesses and be more profitable. It was such an honor to host you and want you to come back - and bring your friends! This event was so fun because we brought in some new people - as well as old friends. There was sharing, helping and great communication. Ilise's energy amazes me! And going to lunch afterwards is a stroke of brilliance. SECP has always tried to be a supportive community and this was a great fit for us. Thanks again, Ilise.

[Jeff Fisher LogoMotives]

So sorry to have missed your Portland event - we had trip out of town on the calendar and were on the Oregon Coast with a group of friends. Sounds like it was a very successful workshop! Great to see you in Chicago at the CFC - I'm still getting great feedback from attendees!

[Judy]

I thought it was a great morning. You clarified a bunch of issues more me and made me think of ten things I could do right away to help my business. I've already done three of them. You're a great resource.