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A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Preparing for a Themed Follow Me Friday Panel

 


By Itisidanimarie


Follow Me Friday has been a platform for insightful discussions and engaging conversations for the past eight weeks. Each episode brings together diverse panelists to share their unique experiences and stories. While our previous episodes have covered a wide range of topics, the recent addition of themed panels has added a new layer of depth and excitement to our show. In this blog, we'll take you behind the scenes of how we prepare for these themed panels, focusing on our upcoming "Creative Minds" theme.



Step 1: Defining the Theme

Last Friday, on September 8, we took a break from Follow Me Friday to address some personal childcare matters. However, on September 1, we hosted our very first themed panel, which was a game-changer. Our "All Authors" panel featured six authors, each with their own unique background and journey to becoming published writers.

 

Step 2: Choosing the Next Theme

The decision to host themed panels was well-received by our audience. To determine our next theme, I conducted a public poll on my Facebook page, engaging with my followers. The majority of voters, 44%, chose "Creative Minds" as the next theme. This theme encompasses a wide range of creative individuals, including artists, content creators, musicians, poets, and storytellers.

 

Step 3: Finding the Right Panelists

When searching for panelists for our themed episodes, I start by crystallizing my vision for the episode. I then craft a compelling message that encapsulates the essence of the theme and share it across my social media channels. Additionally, I explore relevant Facebook groups that cater to the specific audience I'm targeting.

 

Step 4: The Application Process

To streamline the selection process, interested individuals are encouraged to send me a direct email. In this email, they need to mention the specific theme in the subject line and elaborate on why they believe they'd be a valuable addition to the panel in the body of the email.

 

Step 5: Gathering Essential Information

Once I receive these initial emails, I respond with a thank you and a request for additional information. I ask panelists to complete a form that provides a deeper insight into their work. This includes a bio, a photo, and their social media handles. This thorough collection of information allows me to curate the perfect panel.

 

Step 6: Confirming the Panelists

Selected panelists receive a confirmation letter informing them of their selection. This letter also provides them with crucial information to help them prepare for the upcoming interview or panel.

 

Step 7: Keeping the Momentum

Maintaining communication and momentum is vital in this process. I send reminders one week before, one day before, and 15 minutes before the interview or panel. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and ready to contribute.

 

Step 8: Showtime and Post-Panel Engagement

After the segment concludes, I send a thank-you message to the panelists, along with a clip from their segment and instructions on how to access and share the full video. This immediate follow-up shows appreciation and keeps the conversation going.

 

Step 9: Continuous Engagement

Approximately 4 to 5 days before the next Follow Me Friday episode, I send additional clips to the panelists and create a dedicated blog post highlighting their insights and contributions. This blog post serves as a platform for promoting the panelists and their work.

 

Step 10: Building a Community

To foster lasting relationships among panelists, I've started a newsletter called "The Guest List." This newsletter shares analytics about their presence on our platform, the impact of their episode on social media, and provides a space for panelists to connect with one another.


Preparing for a themed Follow Me Friday panel involves careful planning, effective communication, and the nurturing of relationships. Through this process, we ensure that our themed episodes are not only informative but also engaging and insightful. We look forward to continuing to bring you thought-provoking discussions and diverse voices on our platform. Stay tuned for our upcoming "Creative Minds" panel – it promises to be an inspiring experience for all.


Dani Marie

Host

Follow Me Friday 


Watch full episodes of #FollowMeFriday


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