Why Speaking is Important. If you want people to know about your business, you have to talk to them.  I don’t mean one-on-one, although that’s important too.  I’m talking about sharing your business story with a group of people in your community or with a larger group of business people.  Speaking is the most effective way to promote your business.  It’s also the cheapest, because you don’t have to spend money except for a lunch or travel. What a deal!

Speak to Get New Customers. Your ability to talk about your business will get you more first-time customers than just about any other promotional strategy I can think of.  Most community groups are looking for speakers (free, of course), and if you contact them they would be happy to put you on the agenda.  State groups connected with your business field can also be good places to speak.  For example, if you are selling home-made salsa, find a restaurant association meeting and give a presentation on Mexican foods.

Promote Your Expertise. The best type of speech is one that promotes you as an expert, rather than a specific pitch for your business.  For example, if you are a dentist, talk about the various ways people can whiten their teeth.  If you are the salsa-maker, talk about the health benefits of Mexican foods or how to make a great Mexican meal.  Indirect pitches are better than direct “buy my stuff” promotions.

How to Learn Public Speaking. If you are terrified of public speaking, the best way to learn is to join Toastmasters.  The Toastmasters meetings are designed to help you learn how to speak in a non-threatening environment.   Find a local Toastmasters group (almost every city everywhere in the world has least one) and see how the meetings work.

Toastmasters as Networking.  An added benefit of Toastmasters is its value as a networking vehicle.  When I moved last winter, I found a new Toastmasters group and gave a short speech about the benefits of starting your own business.  I got a phone call from someone who turned out to be a great client from that speech.  Other business people recognize the importance of Toastmasters and you can meet some interesting business contacts there.

As you start a business or want your business to grow, get out there and talk abouit it.  Tomorrow I will give you some tips on public speaking for business growth.

Image: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Grow Your Business with Public Speaking

Role models and mentors usually satisfy the need to have someone to be there to help a new business woman avoid making costly mistakes and doing unnecesary steps. They offer sound, practical advice and can even step in and physically do the work if the newbie needs them to. But just how crucial are they to the business itself?

I had the pleasure of interviewing one of our Channel Editors here at b5media, Kelly Phillips-Erb, and in one of my interview questions, she too stated that she has never had the pleasure of having a mentor. (Full Interview Coming Soon!) She just winged it. Is she successful? Why, yes, she has her own law practice! She also maintains a strong online presence through blogs and websites. Can you tell there is the absence of a mentor from her business? No, don’t think so. But, I really don’t know though if there is a way to gauge that. So just how important is mentoring to the aspiring woman in business?

Then there is a business woman who is in my local Toastmaster’s group who has had the benefit of having a mentor with her as she has built her business in Mary Kay Cosmetics. She has grown a phenomenal downline and her mentor has shown her how to get qualified referrals that lead to sales and consultants. She continuously raves at how her mentor has been a help for her in growing her business. Do I think she is successful? I know she is because she has placed her order for her pink car!

If you are in business for yourself or are seriously considering being in business, think about what it is that you want to accomplish and then seek ways to that end. In some industries, it is necessary to have a mentor while in others, mentors can really just get in your way. Also, consider what your reasons are for wanting a mentor. Do you have the confidence you need to meet your goals? Would or can a mentor help you do that?

Having (or not having) a mentor can mean many things to many people. If you do (or don’t) have one, why? or, why not? Can you see any significant benefit in having a mentor as you grow or start a new business?

Post from: EveryJoe

Do Women in Business Need Mentors?

Anyone who has ever done a business presentation can attest to how much work and time is involved in preparation. Outside of nervous jitters, you have to be sure that everything is done right. To make it (somewhat) effortless requires adequate and focused preparation.

(drum roll, please)

Ft. Walton Beach, FL!!! I am so-o-o excited about getting one more lazy beach day in that I hope I don’t forget to pack sunscreen! Oh, okay yes, I am also excited about the speaking conference… and the chance to do a presentation in front of my peers. As I prepare to travel to sunny Florida (along with a fellow Toastmaster friend of mine) there are certain business presentations to-do’s I need to double-check to ensure a successful speech. Here are a few helpful tips for you if you will be giving a presentation:

1. Is the presentation material ready? Has the proper research been done? Check for accuracy on research credits, spelling, grammar, etc. Transfer the presentation to index cards OR commit the speech to memory.

2. Ensure that the handouts (if they are being used) are also properly spell-checked and grammar checked. Always make a few extra copies or packets just in case extra participants show up.

3. Rehearse the presentation in front of the mirror or to someone whose judgment you trust.

4. Check, re-check and check again the laptop, software, cables and disks to be sure the PowerPoint presentation is working properly. The possibility of getting the “white screen of death” is always imminent and can always happen at the most inconvenient time…during the speech. Although sometimes this cannot be avoided, have a backup plan just in case. Like the handouts.

5. Prepare and distribute to the audience a feedback questionnaire to help gauge your presentation’s effectiveness. Ask the participants to leave them in their seat or have an assistant take them up.

Business presentations are becoming a standard in the corporate community and everyone from secretaries to CEO’s are speech-giving. Preparing yourself as much as possible will help you tremendously in your presentation. But the most important thing to remember when giving a business presentation is to relax and have fun. I certainly plan to…at the beach! I will be working hard at the conference and a little R & R will be good.

I’ll let you know how my conference goes and how the beach weather was. Everyone, have a great weekend!

Post from: EveryJoe

Business Presentations – Part I