Tag Archives: visibility

3 Steps to Easy Networking

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photo courtesy of Wu Yi, Unsplash

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.

Networking is essential to one’s  success, so, here are 3 tips to make your next networking event a breeze.

Perfect your pitch

The key to making great connections is knowing how to talk about yourself and your work with a powerful introduction. Your introduction, sometimes called an elevator speech, is a brief description of the products or services you provide and the clients you serve.
Writing a great intro is the first step, but it’s important to rehearse it before an event. The way we write and the way we speak are very different. Saying your introduction out loud will help refine it so it’s more conversational. It will also build your confidence so when you’ll know exactly what to say when someone asks, ‘What do you do?’.

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.
Looking for a network to make great connections and find support? Join the Strong Women Support Network.

4 Steps to Planning a “Must Attend” Event

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photo provided by rawpixel-com, Unsplash

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 (online 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: Facebook or Zoom 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!

Host an event in 2018? Let us show you the way! Begin by scheduling a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

How to Get Visibility Like a Rock Star

As a lifelong music fan, I believe there are many lessons entrepreneurs can learn from rock stars. It’s easy to look at famous musicians like Justin Timberlake or Beyonce and think they became successful overnight.

The business world is no different. Scroll through social media and you’ll entrepreneurs posting about a successful product launch, high-profile media coverage or a record month in sales.

Meanwhile, you put in the hard work daily, but wonder what you’re doing wrong and why your don’t get the same visibility in your business.

Here’s the good news:  it takes time to “make it” to the big time – in business or in music.

Before he achieved worldwide success, Justin Timberlake lost on Star Search. So did Beyonce.

They didn’t let those small defeats keep them from their rock star dreams. Here are a few actions you can take to get rock star visibility:

1. Play small venues – When starting a business you have to play the tiny clubs before you can sell out Madison Square Garden. Many entrepreneurs have dreams of delivering a TED talk. Speaking at smaller events or at local networking meetings is a great training ground to hone your message and perfect your presentation.

2. Build the buzz – Can you remember a time when a friend said “you’ve got to hear this song” or introduced you to a new band? Word of mouth referrals are one of the best sources to build buzz for you business. Take a cue from rock stars by engaging your “fans” on social media or ask former clients to write testimonials about your work.

3. Push through the fear – Barbra Streisand’s stage fright kept her from performing in public for decades. Adele, Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan also shy away from the spotlight. However, these artists haven’t let fear prevent them from sharing their work with the world. Just imagine if Bob Dylan never released “Blowin’ in the Wind” or Adele kept “Someone Like You” in her journal?

Those songs are powerful and so is your message. There is a fan (or customer) who needs your services and is anxiously awaiting your next blog post, video, email or event.

So, put yourself out there.

GO FOR IT!

Share your words and message. You never know, you could be the next overnight success.

If you want to get more visibility for your business, schedule a 30-minute complimentary strategy session.

Red Carpet Secrets for Success

Did you catch the Golden Globes on Sunday? Awards season is my favorite season. The Oscars, Grammy’s, Golden Globes – I can’t get enough of the red carpet glamour, the talented hosts (Tina & Amy rocked it!) and of course, the heartfelt speeches.

There was one acceptance speech at the Golden Globes that stood out from the others  (No, I’m not talking about Jacqueline Bisset). While accepting her award at Sunday’s Golden Globe awards, actress Amy Adams mentioned it was the fifteenth anniversary of her moving to Los Angeles. She moved to L.A. with the hopes of “getting a commercial or something.”

While it’s easy to recognize her talent and performance, what is more remarkable is how willing she was to put everything on the line to achieve her dream. Moving to L.A., finding an agent, landing her first acting job. She not only took a chance, but she made herself visible.

Are You Holding Back?

With 2014 in full swing, I’m sure you’ve got big dreams you want to achieve. But as New Year’s inspiration dies down, perhaps you’re losing momentum or holding back?

You may not be a Hollywood actress, but you have to make yourself visible if you want to succeed. This isn’t about stepping on stage or a red carpet. Visibility translates to how you show up at work, in your business and in your life.

So, I want to ask you: Where are you holding back?

-Are you avoiding making that phone call?
-Have you resisted sharing your story because you believe it’s not “big enough”?
-Do you shy away from opportunities because you don’t want to be perceived as “bragging”?

Can you relate to any of these?

If you can, I assure you, you’re not alone.

To be your best, you have to be willing to show up, speak up and take action.

What can you do today to come out of hiding and show your strengths? What step can you take to reveal yourself and move closer to achieving a goal?

Take one step today and with a little Hustle you may just wind up achieving gold.

Are you hungry for more visibility?

Being visible. It’s not always easy.

I recently attended the San Gennaro festival here in New York City. When I walk through street fairs or food festivals like this one, I’m always amazed at how multiple vendors can sell the same product – gelato, cannoli, sausage & pepper heroes, – yet, each vendor has a line of customers.

“Chocolate cannoli, here”

“Homemade gelato”

“Best pizza in New York city”

Each vendor has his or her own unique selling point. You can say their success is due to marketing or a terrific food product.

I think visibility is what creates lines of hungry customers. Each vendor was on the street interacting with patrons telling them about his or her delicious product.

SanGennaro

Interestingly, I talk to entrepreneurs who don’t have the same visibility in their businesses.

I speak with entrepreneurs who want to build their business through social media, web sites, blogs, and other valuable content. Having an online presence is important, but at some point you have to get out from behind the computer and connect with prospects face-to-face.

If you’re not seeing traction or achieving your business goals, I have a suggestion:

Make yourself visible.

Attend a networking event and meet people one-on-one.

Or offer to speak at that same networking group and dazzle the crowd all at once.

Show them your secret sauce.

And you too could have a line of customers at your door.

Now it’s your turn. How do you make your business visible? Share your thoughts in the comments below.