Why Don’t You Try? SPEAK OUT!
by Joyce Oladipo, "The Giftpreneur Queen"

Speaking in public increases your visibility, boosts your credibility, and establishes you as an expert in your field. It’s a powerful way of being in direct contact with potential clients. You might even find yourself closing a sale before you leave.

Find organisation to present to. There are so many business, and professional groups that are eagerly seeking free speakers for their meetings. Here are some suggestions:
• Chamber of Commerce networking events and workshops
• Trade and professional association meetings and conferences
• Lectures, workshops, conferences, and fairs hosted by educational institutions, community organizations, and affinity groups
• Live chats hosted by online services and web sites

Steps To Take Before Speaking Out

1. Create a few topics you would like to present to them. Your topics should be interesting, distinctive, and show off your specialized expertise.

2. Once you have a talk event scheduled, look for ways to get the most out of the opportunity. You can post the details on your web site, list the talk in your newsletter, or send a special bulletin to your contact list.

3. Ask the sponsoring group if you might also write an article for their newsletter. It can be distributed before the talk, an article will increase your attendance and if it was sent out after the afterwards, you may get inquiries from those who missed you and want to know where you will be speaking next.

4. Give them valuable educational information. Make sure the audience knows exactly what services you offer by giving the host a prepared introduction to read.

5. Collect contact information from the people who attend by holding a drawing for a book or tape, or offering them a free report or newsletter.

6. Finally, try circulating your own evaluation form, collecting feedback on your presentation, asking if your services might be of interest, and gathering names of other organizations where you might speak.

© 2006-2006 Joyce Oladipo

Online entrepreneur Joyce O. Oladipo, "The Giftpreneur Queen," publishes
the award-winning 'Gift Basket Success' ezine with 400 subscribers.
If you're ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have
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