The Power of Speaking

Here’s what I love to do: speak to groups – any size will do. Just show me the front of the room, hand me a microphone, and I’m ready to go. Here’s what else I like to do: teach business owners things they need to know to help their companies.  The last 18 months I have done a lot of speaking and teaching. Hundreds of people have heard me talk about how to market their businesses using Social Media. It’s a hot topic everywhere, and it’s been fun to share ideas. There are always new things popping up since Facebook changes about every week. (Which I can appreciate from a technology standpoint, but it makes it hard for the average bear to keep their arms around!)

Here’s what I love about speaking to groups: people are pretty much the same everywhere. They are hard working, they have families that they want to spend more time with, they wish the economy was better, and they know they should be doing more marketing but aren’t sure how to go about it. They want to laugh at a joke, talk about themselves, and enjoy the company of others. What keeps them up at night varies, but something always keeps them up at night. There is some pain in his or her business and it is up to each entrepreneur with a product or service to offer to find out what that problem(s) is and help them find a solution.

If you aren’t speaking to audiences now, you might consider adding this to your giant list of to-do’s. Here are a couple of reasons why.

• Instead of one-to-one marketing this is one-to-many. Time well spent!
• This is a great way to be seen as an expert
• The questions participants ask will keep you on your toes and make you dig in deeper on your subject matter
• While you aren’t always “allowed” to sell, you do have the opportunity to talk about how you have helped other clients in your various programs, which gets the point across.
• You can build your contact list with people who have attended your presentations. I have a sign up sheet or do a giveaway for those interested.
• You make wonderful new business contacts who know a lot of people who need what you have to offer. Can you say “referral marketing?”

Every town has weekly or monthly networking meetings with various groups. Ask your friends which ones they belong to and ask if they will bring you as a guest.  You will have a chance to introduce yourself and that in itself could spark the interest.   Check in with your local SBA or SBDC and get a list of groups. They all need speakers regularly. Some will be free and some could be paid. To get started you will likely do a lot of free talks, but then your name starts to get around and the phones will start ringing. Meet the people in charge of putting on conferences, or volunteer to teach continuing education courses through your local University.

I’d love to hear where you are speaking. Leave me a comment, okay?