EOA Recruitment Events ALL

The purpose of this guide

Welcome! The files shared here contain everything you need to run an
engaging and successful event that showcases the value of EO Accelerator to
prospective participants. It draws on best practices from thriving EOA
programs and EO recruitment events.
This is a proven formula; there’s no need to reinvent the wheel! Instead, focus
your efforts on finding and connecting with the best candidates for EOA.

What’s shared here?

• Event overview and options - Decide on what kind of event will work
  best for your chapter and your EOA program
• Sample agenda and roles - Who does what
• Email templates - What to send, how to say it
• Slide deck - What to present
• Flier on the value of EOA to share with members
• Other samples and graphic resources

What should I know?

The most successful EO Accelerator programs make sure that the entire
chapter understands the value of EOA. They regularly communicate with the
membership how the program attracts great members, provides impactful
learning events, and is attractive to strategic alliance partners. In turn, the
members are the greatest source of referrals to help grow the program.
In thriving programs, the entire chapter board is engaged in the success of
EO Accelerator. Every single board role can contribute to the health and

growth of EOA, and the program must be deeply integrated with the chapter
to succeed.

Let’s get to it!

Hosting a recruitment event is a great way to shine a spotlight on the EO
Accelerator program in your city and to your EO members. Just remember
that it takes focus and many hands to be successful. The materials provided
here are intended to make the event as simple as possible, so you can focus
on finding great attendees. Good luck, and contact
accelerator@eonetwork.org with any questions!

Overview - “EO Accelerator Experience”

The goals of an “EO Accelerator Experience” event is to help prospective
participants:

1. Understand the value of the program - the benefits (how it will help
   them grow their business, the “why”) and the features (the pieces of the
   program).
2. Connect with EO members and existing EOA participants, to
   experience the caliber of people involved and feel like they are among
   peers.
3. Experience the value of the EOA learning content or accountability
   group.
4. Learn a little about EO and its relationship with EOA, without going too
   deep into the many features of EO.

Both of these events can be conducted in about two hours, or extended to
four hours. They should take place in a room that allows for a speaker in the
front of the room with a projector / screen, and table discussions. The “idea”
set up is round tables with six-to-eight seats at each table.

Attendees:

These event formats can be adapted for anywhere from four to forty
prospective EOA participants. Regardless of size, attendees should include:

• A few board members, especially the chapter president and EOA chair,
  and members of the EOA board, (if one exists).
• A few EOA accountability group coaches, current or past
• As many current EOA participants and graduates as possible!
• EO members are warmly encouraged to attend, to help with welcomes
  and conversations (but not all are invited to speak)

Two Experience event formats:

1. Experience: Four Learning Pillars

     Purpose: To help prospective participants get a taste of the business learning
    of EOA, and how it will help grow their business.

     Format: “World Cafe” style, meaning most event attendees rotate between a
    series of tables. Each table is designated for learning around one of the four
    EOA pillars: Strategy, Cash, People, and Execution. A stationary table host
    leads the exercise.

    This works well if: You have enough experienced EO members who can lead
    short exercises of the four pillars. Also great for larger events, as you divide
    into four groups for more engaging conversations.

     This can be a challenge if: The room can’t handle multiple loud conversations,
    or you only have a few participants in attendance. You also need to ensure
    clear directions so attendees know where they are supposed to be rotating -
    the emcee needs to be proactive.

     2.   Experience: Accountability Group

     Purpose: To deliver the unique experience of being in an EOA Accountability
    Group, with peers who care about your entrepreneurial success.

     Format: Pop-up Accountability Groups, led by a coach, following a structure
    for a 20-minute sample meeting.

     This works well if: You need to lean on members who are less familiar with
     EOA but comfortable with Forum.

     This can be a challenge if: You have participants who are hesitant to jump in
    with details about themselves and their business.

     3.  Choosing Your Format

     Either of these formats can be successful. The important thing is to be clear
    on timing, content, and the logistics of moving people around a room.

    A few closing tips.

• EO Accelerators are primarily concerned about business ROI, versus the
  personal benefits of joining and EO benefits (which come later).
• For some, the investment of EOA fees is significant. Be clear about the
  exact cost and focus on the program value, versus the features.
• The focus of the event should be EOA, not EO. That content is designed
  to resonate with this demographic. For many, the idea of US$1M in
  revenue seems far away, so learning about EO is less relevant.    
• Keep the event highly interactive, NOT a long slide deck with lots of
  members speaking.
• Demonstrate interest in their businesses and challenges, and connect
  the dots on how EOA can help.
• Brand the event space with whatever EO or EOA banners your chapter
  has. Provide printouts of EOA fliers they can take with them.

    Hosting a recruitment event is a great way to shine a spotlight on the EO
    Accelerator program in your city and to your EO members. Just remember
    that it takes clear direction and many hands to be successful.
    The materials provided here are intended to make that job as simple as
    possible. Good luck, and contact accelerator@eonetwork.org with questions!

Sample Agenda - Accelerator Experience

This agenda assumes a start time of 4:00pm. Your event can be run as a
breakfast, lunch, or happy hour gathering. Use whatever starting time fits
your city and local culture best.

Duration: About two hours, with time after for informal connecting.

Priority: Allowing prospective EOA participants to experience an element of
EOA and talk about their businesses, versus sitting through lengthy speeches.
Avoid long discussions of EO benefits, and focus on EOA benefits.

Timing for Activities:

The Four Pillars Experience

15 minutes per Pillar (Strategy, Cash, Execution, People)

• This event format can be simplified by only showcasing one or two
  pillars (versus all four) and allocating more time to each.
• Having table hosts rotate instead of attendees may simplify the
  movement in the room, if you have a large group.

The Accountability Group Experience

• At the start, explain the importance of timekeeping, and assign a
  timekeeper
• The moderator should set the tone of vulnerability, but allow each
  participant to share as deeply or not as they are comfortable.

Roles:

1. Event emcee - ideally the EOA Chair, or another EO member
   comfortable leading the room.

2. Table hosts / Moderators - EO members who can discuss the four
   pillars of EOA learning, or who are comfortable leading a brief
   accountability group experience. EOA graduates are great for this!
   
3. Current EOA participants - there to share their experiences and
   participate

Email Templates for Event Attendance

Best practices:

• Keep emails short, with the most important information listed first

• For messages to prospects, have the member referring them send a
  personal follow-up
• Don’t be discouraged / annoyed if it takes multiple messages to get a
  response. These entrepreneurs may not yet be familiar with the value
  and culture of EO.
• Personalise these messages as much as possible to increase the
  response rate. Do not send generic bulk messages.
• Customise these messages as appropriate for your country and culture.