If you’re passionate about the work you do, you’ve probably considered
offering a getaway retreat so your clients can spend some intense high-
focus time with you and other like-minded souls.
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
It is!
For 9 years, I hosted my own retreats, several times each year, that
almost always sold out. Not only was it a gratifying experience each
and every time, but it also was a great income generator. (The
combination of passion and profits is a game-changer!)
My list has now grown so much that I no longer offer these more
intimate retreats. (My events now attract 200+ people.) Now, I meet
many coaches, consultants, trainers and healers who want to host their
own retreats.
If this sounds like you, here are some tips — straight from my personal
“been-there- done-that” files — for how to plan and host your own
retreats
1 – Build a List of Ideal Clients
It’s one thing to have a great idea for a retreat. But it’s a whole other
thing to find people to come!
The great news about retreats is that your list doesn’t have to be huge
in order to fill the spaces. Many retreat centers offer options for 10-
person retreats.
Still, you need to have a list – whether it’s your client database, or your
eZine list – in order to market your retreat.
2 – Name your Retreat
Give your retreat a name. This grounds your idea with a vision and
purpose.
At first, I just called my retreat: “Women’s Retreat.” (Not particularly
exciting, huh?)
When I finally created the name, “The Unstoppable Power of Intention
Retreat,” I was much more excited at the prospect of my retreats – and
many more women expressed interest!
3 – Decide How Many People You Want at Your Retreat
My retreats had anywhere from 22 – 35 people in them. Many of my
clients have offered retreats for as few as 6 people. The choice is yours.
What is ideal for you?
4 – Choose a Time-span for your Retreat
Retreats can range anywhere from 1 – 9 days. Or longer! If you’re just
getting started, I recommend a 3-day format. This makes it easy for
your participants to plan, to arrange travel, and doesn’t require too many
days off from work. Of course, this is also dependent upon the content
you want to deliver.
5 – Choose a Location for Your Retreat
Where do you want to host your retreat?
First, let’s start with region.
I recommend that, at first, you keep your retreat close to home. It’s
great to have familiar surroundings and not have to travel far. If you
want to consider a more exotic location, it will obviously take a lot more
planning on your part.
Next, let’s talk about choosing a retreat center.
If you do a Google search in your area, you may discover that there are
a few small retreat centers that provide amazing options. Many of these
places are not luxurious – but they do allow for an affordable retreat
experience for you as a host – and for your clients!
I recommend that you choose a space that offers lodging and meals.
Something special happens to a group of people when they dine and
sleep on site – without the distractions of the outer world.
Take time to shop around and explore your options, review your pricing
and weigh the pros and cons of each location.
6 – Price your Retreat
Putting a price tag on your retreat can bring up lots of stuff.
But you must challenge yourself NOT to play small. Low prices can
position your retreat as low-value.
Also, do not price your retreat just above the per-person price you’re
paying the retreat center. If you have cancellations or any unforeseen
costs arise, you’ll be screwed.
I encourage you to stretch yourself. Crunch the numbers and make
sure you are making a profit!
Note: If the money and pricing is a little tricky for you – then you need to
get my free DVD pronto! It’ll give you the strategies you need to get
over this hurdle. Click here immediately to grab your copy.
7 – Outline the Content of Your Retreat
Create a structure or framework that will guide the flow of each day.
There’s probably a natural beginning, middle and end you will follow. In
each element, map out the activities and teaching that will be included.
The key thing about content is this:
Don’t “over teach.”
Retreats (and events, too!) are meant to get participants to actually
experience the work they never get to do at home. This means you
have to give them the space to learn and take part in activities.
8 – Commit to a Date for Your Retreat.
Many people play the “Ready Aim” game. They never actually fire. In
other words, they never commit.
Yes, it can be scary to offer your first retreat – but commitment and
decision are half the battle. Choose a date. And start marketing. If you
don’t know how to market, then join me at my Uplevel Your Business
LIVE Retreat at the end of July!
Bonus Tip #1: Keep it simple
If you’re just getting started, don’t try to plan a retreat on that Greek
island you’ve always wanted to visit. Retreats are about learning and
experience. Though adventure can be a component, many times retreat
hosts make it harder on themselves by being too aggressive with their
early retreat goals.
(HINT: This is often because they fear that they themselves are not
“enough” – so they try to superficially make the retreat seem more
exciting. Don’t do this.)
Bonus Tip #2: Allow space
Many years ago, I went to a personal growth retreat that literally
exhausted me. The hosts were obviously so frightened of not giving
enough content that they dragged the participants around from one
activity to the next.
The best thing about this retreat? It taught me what NOT to do when I
was hosting my own retreats!
My retreats had lots of space built into them. Yes, it can be scary to
allow space because it feels like you’re not working! But the gift of
holding space for your participants IS working. And it provides a great
value. Be strong enough to allow for this.
——–
In the comments below, let me know: have you ever considered hosting
or leading a retreat? What stops you?
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