Lessons Learned From Hosting My First Giveaway!

It takes BRAVERY to come outside your comfort zone to do something different. One of my favorite sayings is

 "If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done."

The "BRAVE-ly Back At It Giveaway" was such an experience for me. I had never hosted a giveaway before. I wasn't sure how it would turn out.

But as I always say, you can learn lessons in unexpected places...if you are looking.

Here are the lessons I learned hosting my first giveaway:

1. Make flexible plans!

Planning is essential in any endeavor. Without a road map, you don't know where to go. But the interesting thing about a map is that it has more than one route to get to your destination. I planned the daily questions for the giveaway but mid week I had to change course. I agonized over whether I should do it. But decided it was for the best and I went forth. Finding another route to your destination is OK.

2. Learn as you do!

Instead of waiting until everything is perfect, do what you know you can and learn what you need along the way. I had to learn more HTML code (ugh!) during this giveaway. But the learning stuck because I was doing it along the way. Learn as you go and keep going.

3. Take a break when you can't afford to!

Take time to clear your head. I know this sounds contradictory to lesson 2 but it not. Don't buy into the hype that you can't or shouldn't take a break...especially if you think you can't. After going to bed too late several nights in a row, one day I took a break in the middle of the day. I decided to put everything aside and had some fun. Did I feel guilty? Absolutely...for the first 10 minutes. Then my shoulders relaxed, my muscles tension eased, and I felt at peace. When I returned to my work, I was more efficient and saw better results.

4. Know from the beginning, what you want in the end!

Before you start doing anything, you need to know the why, the method, and how you'll measure success. I set a numeric goal for the giveaway. My goal was to increase my exposure. Not many people knew I had a business let alone a blog. I tracked and measured my stats. In some areas, I exceeded my goal. In others, I didn't even meet it. It is good data for future campaigns.

So now that it is over, who won?! Winner will be announced at 12:30p CST!