#1080 Build Your Business With a Retreat | Michele Parad

Everybody loves a getaway, and retreats offer the perfect opportunity to renew, refresh, and learn something new. But what if you're a coach or consultant looking to host a retreat? How do you package your knowledge and skills into a transformative experience that draws in your ideal clients?  Michelle Perad, an intuitive guide, consultant, and founder of Multi-Dimensional Leaders (MDL) shared her expert tips on planning a successful retreat that’s not only impactful but also a five-figure opportunity.

Collaborate to Share Costs and Expertise
Planning a retreat can feel overwhelming, especially when you think about all the logistics—location, content, and invitations. Michelle suggests considering a collaborative retreat model. By partnering with someone who complements your expertise, you can share costs and responsibilities while offering attendees a more holistic experience. This not only eases the financial burden but also allows both you and your partner to play to your strengths.

For example, if you're an educator at heart, you might focus on delivering classroom-style sessions, while a more adventurous partner handles the exploration and experiential activities. This approach can make your retreat more dynamic and engaging for participants.

Know Your Brilliance and Build Around It
Before you dive into logistics, it's crucial to understand your strengths—or, as Michelle calls them, your “brilliance archetypes.” Whether you’re an educator, explorer, or something else, knowing your archetype helps you design a retreat format that feels natural and fun for you, which in turn enhances the experience for your attendees.

If you're an educator, your retreat might lean towards workshops and learning sessions. If you’re an explorer, you might integrate activities like local tours and cultural immersions that tie into your teachings. Designing the retreat around your strengths ensures that you deliver an authentic and enjoyable experience.

Scout Your Location—It’s More Than Just a Venue
The location of your retreat is more than a backdrop—it can help shape the entire experience. Michelle emphasizes the importance of visiting the retreat site beforehand. Seeing the space in person can inspire new ideas for activities, help you plan the flow of events, and even give you creative ways to use the environment to enhance the retreat.

For example, maybe the venue has a perfect spot for a fireside chat or an ideal space for a morning yoga session. The location can often dictate how you structure your schedule, so it's essential to understand the logistics and feel of the space before you finalize your plans.

Attracting the Right Audience
Once you’ve nailed down the details of your retreat, the next challenge is filling the room with the right people. Your marketing message should align with your retreat’s purpose and the experience you’re offering. If you’ve clearly defined your "brilliance" and chosen a location that supports your retreat goals, the right people will naturally be drawn to it. As Michelle points out, understanding your own expertise and conveying that in your messaging is key to attracting attendees who will resonate with your retreat.

Start Small and Scale Up
If this is your first retreat, Michelle advises starting small to reduce pressure. An intimate group of 10-15 people allows for deeper connections and easier logistics. As you grow more comfortable with retreat planning, you can scale up and incorporate more elaborate programming. Remember, the goal isn’t necessarily to have a massive retreat but to create a memorable, transformative experience for your attendees.

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