When most people think about "networking," they think of awkward small talk, feeling like they're being talked at instead of talked with, or walking away feeling like it wasn't worth the time. But it doesn't have to be that way!
In fact, when done right, "networking" can often be a great thing to incorporate in your summit experience. It can help attendees connect with each other, leading to more engagement in your summit overall.
Sara Alepin of District Bliss is back on the podcast, and she is bringing some serious gold to help you do this. We're getting into how she creates genuine connection and community inside her events, why live elements in your summit are worth the stress of doing them, and the specific strategy she uses to convert summit attendees into long-term members at impressively high rates.
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Episode at a glance:
[1:35] What "feel-good" networking actually looks like
Sara breaks down the difference between traditional networking - where everyone is waiting their turn to pitch you - and the approach she's built with District Bliss. Instead of focusing on transactions, she designs conversations around asking for support, offering support, and relating to each other as people first.
"When I went to networking events that were stodgy... I would throw all the business cards in the recycling bin, because I would be so overwhelmed when I got home, I didn't want to talk to anyone, even if I liked them. So the goal is to never feel like that when you leave a network event."
[6:02] Bringing networking socials into your summit
I bring Sara into my own summits to host networking socials, and the community built inside these sessions creates real momentum and connection throughout the event. Sara also pointed out that this kind of genuine community-building leads to higher conversion rates for the summit host, because attendees don't want to let go of the experience.
"At the end of a summit, we all kind of grieve the end of it. We're all disappointed. We miss that community. This takes it even further. So I would imagine as the summit host, you see higher ROI on your conversion rates too."
[8:57] The strategy behind Sara's summit-to-membership conversions
Sara doesn't just talk about her membership during her summit - she runs it during her summit. Every live event she hosts inside the Collaborations That Monetize Summit mirrors what her District Bliss members experience every month: a kickoff call, workshops, panels, networking socials, co-working, and office hours. Attendees don't just hear about the membership - they feel what it's like to be a member before they ever open their wallets. This is how she achieves conversion rates around 20-25%, and in some cases up to 50% of live attendees.
"How often do you get to experience a membership in short order, before you join it without doing a trial...? There's no risk, and it's short. So you know what you want, you know what you're going to get. And it makes it a really easy yes."
[13:48] How to apply this even if you're launching an offer that isn't live-event-based
Whether you do copy reviews, hot seats, Q&As, or resource-based content, there are always ways to give attendees a genuine taste of what it's like to work with you - and then naturally call attention to it. Every time you run one of these experiences during your summit, say out loud that this is something your members get. You're not selling - you're building awareness and desire in the most natural way possible. (Hear my top 8 reasons you need to host a summit if you have a membership!)
"I'm going to say on every summit live event, 'we host these events inside District Bliss membership. So keep calling it out no matter what it is...call it out and say this is part of what you get when you work with me."
[18:12] Where to start if live events feel overwhelming
Not ready to host full networking socials or multiple live sessions per day? Start by doing your teaching presentation live. That's it! You can add co-working next, then build from there. My first summits only included a single live kickoff call, and I'm now up to two live sessions per day because of how much I love the engagement it creates.
"You should do what's comfortable for you, because that's going to be the most authentic thing. And people want to get to know you. That's part of the magic of the summit, and that's part of the way people buy from you afterward."
[23:19] What to do when tech fails you mid-summit
Tech fails make you human, and humans buy from humans! Sara and I shared our own tech fail stories, including summit tech fails, because it happens to ALL of us... and it's okay.
"When something goes wrong with your tech at a live event, nobody really cares that much... I release you from worrying that people are staring at you and thinking like, oh my god, this is so unprofessional. It really is okay."
About Sara Alepin
Imagine stepping into a vibrant tapestry of ambition and camaraderie. That's the world Sara Alepin crafts every day through District Bliss. Forget shallow handshakes and vanishing business cards; here, connections blossom into long-term collaborations, fueled by an uncanny ability to see the spark between souls.
District Bliss isn't just a network – it's a launchpad. Entrepreneurs with fire in their bellies find fertile ground to share insights, resources, and unwavering support in the District Bliss community.
Free District Bliss Networking Social ticket! (code SUMMITHOSTHANGS)
Feel-Good Networking that Works Course | District Bliss Website
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