I’ve been hosting virtual events since 2003. Over the years, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when hosting a virtual event.

When I tell people that I’m a virtual event planner, they immediately share with me the negative experiences they’ve had planning their own. As I listen to their tales of woe, I can’t help but feel a sense of compassion.

In my experience, there are some common mistakes people make when producing a virtual event. So, I asked some of my friends, mentors and colleagues to record their top virtual event mistakes. All have attended virtual events as a speaker or produced one of their own and they didn’t hold back.

Here are 3 virtual event mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

Mistake #1 – Not saying thank you

There is just one thing you can do after the virtual event is over that will guarantee that people say “Yes” to working with you again and again. Yet many virtual event organizers forget to say “Thank you”. Felicia Slattery, a professional speaker and business coach, shared with me recently that there are easy ways to show your gratitude. An email, a phone call, even a $10 gift certificate in a card will go a long way. Felicia said that it doesn’t need to be extravagant. Just remember to express your thanks after the virtual event is over.

Mistake #2 – Not having a clear theme

Just because you’re holding a virtual event doesn’t mean people will attend. Kendall Summerhawk, a millionaire business coach, recently shared with me that if the topics are too generic or if it’s old news, people won’t register for your virtual event. Kendall suggests that you should come up with 30 specific results that you want attendees to get after attending your virtual event. This exercise alone will help you really pinpoint the benefits.

Mistake #3 – Being a bully

So, what’s the best way to ruin people’s experience with your virtual event? Be a bully. Michele PW, a copywriting expert, explains how one virtual event manager pressured her into sending a solo email to her list to promote the virtual event. When Michele said she couldn’t, the virtual event manager became very rude. From that experience, Michele recommends that you should encourage speakers to promote a virtual event to their network using emails, Twitter, Facebook and other tools. Give speakers options in how to promote your virtual event and never make this a requirement for speaking.

To listen to additional mistakes shared by some of the top online coaches, speakers and experts, click here.