Will Speak for Food
Ask yourself these questions: Do you enjoy speaking in public? Do you have knowledge that others would want you to share? Can you talk about your business without turning it into a sales pitch? If you answered 'yes' to all three, then this article is written just for you!
There are a variety of civic organizations ' Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Sertoma - that are continually seeking new, unique information to be presented at their meetings. Church groups, Chambers of Commerce, business associations and networking organizations also seek experts in their field. The list goes on and on. Though few pay for their speakers, you are usually warmly welcomed and appreciated for giving your time. And, of course, there is most often a breakfast, lunch or dinner provided.
So what do you talk about? The key here is that you provide entertainment or education. For example, my husband and I are the owners of a personal property inventory service. We talk about why business owners, homeowners and renters need to know what they own and relay some stories highlighting what has happened to those who didn't have an inventory when they filed a claim. Then, after educating why there is a need for this documentation, we provide a step-by-step process so they can complete a very thorough inventory of their own home or business.
A financial advisor who used to play in the NFL gives general financial information and weaves football stories into his talk, providing humor to lighten up the money part of the presentation. Football has nothing to do with their professions, but it is a topic people want to hear about. Being a former professional football player doesn't make him a good financial advisor (though he is). But what it does create is a friendly bond between his audience and him. And what better way to decide on a financial advisor when you're seeking one than going to someone you like?
Do you do a lot of networking? I have a presentation that I've given called 'How to work a room'. Most people don't have the proper skills and are very anxious to learn about networking. You could create a list of the do's and don'ts of networking and speak about each one. Give the list as a hand-out, with your business information and a bio on the bottom.
If your talk isn't about your profession, like speaking about networking, what does this do for you? It puts you in front of a group of people you might not have otherwise met. You'll have a bio that they will use to introduce you. And most of the time, the organization will encourage you to hand out promotional material at the conclusion of the meeting.
There are a number of topics from which to choose. Everyone has value and has a special area of expertise. What is yours?
Now that you've answered that question, how do you get the word out? If you network, let your business associates know and they will connect you with the organizations in which they are members. We are on the Kiwanis Speaker List for Indiana; many other organizations have found us on that list. Write about it on your blog. Look in the paper; most organizations list the name and phone number of the person to contact. Give them a call; they'll be thrilled to learn you're offering to speak at one of their meetings!
Bottom line is, you provide knowledge, become known as an expert to the membership, have received the opportunity to promote your business. Not bad for a couple hours of your time ' oh, and you get a warm meal and friendly conversation, too!
About the Author:
Cindy Hartman is President of Hartman Inventory, LLC, a business and home inventory service provider. She and her husband Mike are also owners of Hartman Inventory Systems, LLC, a company that provides assistance to entrepreneurs who want to establish their own home-based inventory business. http://www.HartmanInventory.com