Tag Archives: public speaking

How to Land Speaking Engagements (in Just One Hour)

Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:
  • The two most overlooked opportunities for speakers
  • How to leverage your network and get booked to speak
  • A free resource to land speaking engagements fast

The question I hear most often from entrepreneurs is “how to I get more speaking engagements?”

Leverage your network

There are many ways to get speaking engagements, but the fastest way to find speaking opportunities is to start with your current network. Make a list of all of the groups you belong to: networking groups, associations, parenting groups, fitness classes, meet-up groups and more. Now, put a star next to the groups that attract your target market and offer to speak at the next meeting.

Then, reach out to your colleagues and find out where they network and where they speak. Ask for an introduction to the meeting organizer for those groups. In just a few hours (or perhaps minutes), you can land a speaking opportunity.

Ready to get booked to speak? Sign up for your 30-minute complimentary consultation.

3 Steps to Easy Networking

Have you ever walked into a networking event and wanted to walk right back out because you were nervous?

You are not alone.

Walking into a room full of strangers can be intimidating for most people, but particularly if you are an introvert. However, as an entrepreneur, networking is essential to one’s business success.

So, here are 3 tips to make your next networking event a breeze.

Perfect your pitch

Your pitch, sometimes call an elevator speech, is a brief description of the products or services you provide and the clients you serve. Be sure to write and rehearse your pitch before going to a networking event. Having a powerful message you can deliver with impact will help you make connections with business partners and potential clients in any networking environment.

Have a few ice breakers ready

In my work with clients, I often hear “I never know what to say” or “How do I start a conversation?” Here are a few ice breakers to start a conversation with anyone in the room.
“I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m (name).”
“What brings you to the event?”
“What do you do? / Tell me about your business”

Prepare your Mindset

Before you head into your next event, take a few minutes to get into the right frame of mind. Begin by take a few deep breathes to calm your nerves. Then, set your intention for what you’d like to get out of the event. Do you want to connect with a certain number of connections? Are you looking to meet someone in a specific industry – perhaps someone who can be a referral partner? Having a goal in mind will give make your networking more targeted, reducing an nerves that creep up.

Your mission is to use the 3-steps above to prepare for your next networking event.

Now it’s your turn, what helps you overcome your nerves before a networking event? Post your tips in the comments below.

The One Tool You Need for Networking, Client Meetings and Speaking Engagements

BlakeMykoskieMany entrepreneurs and small business owners don’t see the value of storytelling because they’ve been trained to focus on sales and marketing. However, storytelling is a vital piece of sales and marketing. In fact, it makes interacting with clients easier and takes away the “ick” factor so many entrepreneurs experience when trying to close a sale.

Here are a few reasons why sharing your story can boost your business:

Establish credibility –By having a powerful story to tell and speaking at events, you become a thought leader in your industry. You’ve received an endorsement from the organization you are speaking to, giving you a competitive edge.

Create connection – Sharing a powerful story gives your brand a human element. People know that you’ve been in their shoes, which creates authenticity and makes you relatable.

Stand out from the crowd – A powerful story makes you memorable. Which has a greater impact: A photographer? or Someone who captures life’s important memories?

Increase visibility – Speaking at events exposes you to new groups of people, thereby expanding your reach.

Are you ready to embrace the power of storytelling? Sign up for a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

4 Steps to Planning a “Must-Attend” Event

If you’re like many entrepreneurs, hosting an event is probably on your calendar this year. If not, it should be!

What better way to establish yourself as a thought leader while gathering a room (virtual or in-person) full of prospects and giving them a taste of your magic?

Events offer a number of opportunities to promote a new offering, get publicity for a book or simply make new connections.

Here’s a step by step guide to get you started:

Select the Topic

Got an idea for a program you’d like to host? Great. Before you start planning the logistics, your first step is to do some research with your target audience. Events require time and money, so it’s important to gauge the interest and need for the topic before booking a venue. Asking a few clients for their feedback on the idea or post a question to your community on Facebook or Twitter will help determine the interest and also give you insight into the questions or hot topics you should address during the event.

The Format

Now that you have the topic narrowed down, your next step is to determine the best format to deliver the content. Virtual webinar? Small group workshop? Large scale conference?

The content and subject matter often dictates the format. For an introduction or overview of a topic, a virtual webinar may be the best fit. If your topic is more in-depth and requires more training, an in-person workshop works best.

Choose a Date

Selecting the date seems simple, but is often the most difficult part of the process. There are a few things to consider when picking a date including the prime day and time for your target market. For example, hosting an event for corporate executives in the evening is ideal, since they may not be able to leave work during the day.

Also, beware of any holidays that may coincide with the dates as that will impact attendance.

Finally, remember to leave enough time to market the event. It takes anywhere from two weeks to six months to market an event properly. Make sure you have enough lead-time to promote the event so you can fill those seats!.

Select a Venue

If you’re hosting a virtual event, you still need to pick a “venue.” Think about where will you host the event online: Google+ Hangouts, Facebook, UStream or will use an teleconference service like Free Conference Call or Instant Teleseminar?

For in-person events, the size and format of your event will determine which venue you select. For smaller events, you can rent a space at locations ranging from the public library to a local cafe to a yoga studio. If you’re looking for a more professional setting, a co-working space or conference room could provide the perfect location.

Now that you’ve got the basics nailed down, it’s time to promote the event!

If you want to host an event in 2015, let us show you the way! Begin by scheduling a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

4 Ways to Communicate Your Brand

Speak Your Brand Panel

Speak Your Brand Panel; Photo Courtesy of Justin Gillen

Recently, I hosted a panel discussion Speak Your Brand: How to Communicate Your Message with Ease. The panel consisted for four branding experts: video gal Holly Gillen, style expert Tania Sterl, mojo coach Dibi Silber and photographer Alyssa Peek.

Thirty women entrepreneurs came together with a common goal: to clarify their brand messages so they can easily communicate and create connection with potential clients.

That’s the power of a clear brand:

When you have a powerful message you become magnetic to prospective clients.

Here are four ways you can speak your brand message:

Find your voice

Think about your favorite book, movie or TV show. What keeps you reading, watching and tuning in? Great storytelling and a clear point of view.

What is the message you are here to share? What separates you from others in your industry? By clearly defining your unique perspective you will stand out from others in your field and create connections with clients and customers.

Dress for Success

You have just 7 seconds to make an impression.

7 seconds.

What impression are you making when you walk in a room? Do you clothes represent your brand?

Selecting clothes that accent who you are and what you want to say is more important that being on trend. A statement necklace, a fabulous pair of shoes or a beautiful scarf will make you stand out in a crowded room. Wearing these items can also start a conversation and open opportunities.

Consistency is Key

Potential clients and business partners will Google your name before working with you, so it’s important to put your best photo forward. As an entrepreneur you’ve probably taken professional headshots for your website. So why does your LinkedIn profile have a picture of you at the beach? Professional photos used on your website should also be used on your social media profiles to create consistency and reinforce your brand.

Silence the Inner Critic & Embody Your Brand

You can have the right clothes and image, but if you don’t feel confident on the inside, you won’t make a positive impression. When networking, giving a presentation or meeting with clients, the inner critic may creep up and whisper ‘Who are you to do this?’ Don’t let this sabotage your success. When you hear that voice whisper, remember to let go of perfection, let your personality shine and be your unique self.

As Oscar Wilde once said, “Be You. Everyone Else is Already Taken”

Want to create a strong brand message? Sign up for a complimentary 30-minute session to get started.