Does just the thought of speaking in public scare you to death? Public speaking is the #1 way to grow your business, in my opinion.
For most entrepreneurs, they just don’t know what they don’t know to becoming a powerful public speaker. I decided to put all my knowledge from the past 20 years of being on stages into one simple formula – and that’s what I want to share with you here.
#1 – KNOW YOUR WHY! When you are clear on your purpose and on your ‘why’, it’s easy to get out there and share your message with the world. For most women entrepreneurs, they are driven by passion and purpose – so get really clear on that – include it in your messaging – and start talking. Don’t over complicate this step – listen to your heart.
“Until the thought is linked with purpose, there is no intelligent accomplishment.”
~ James Allen, As a Man Thinketh
#2 – NETWORK LIKE CRAZY! It all starts by getting out from behind your computer – once you have identified your ideal client – find out where they hang out – and get out there and meet them. Set 3 goals for each networking event and get out there. And schedule your networking activities – make it make sense.
#3 – BUILD RELATIONSHIPS BY FOLLOWING UP. This is where you leave the $$$ on the table! Success is in the follow-up. Ways that you can follow-up and develop the relationship include:
- Send-out-Cards
- Write an email
- Make a phone call
- Invite the person to a 1-1 chat
- Send a personal note and include an article of interest
- Send your Speaker One-Sheet
#4 –CREATE YOUR SIGNATURE TALK. Clarify your message – keep it simple – give great content. Signature talk titles need to be catchy – some of the more compelling ones include titles such as ‘6 Easy Steps to__________’; “Break the Myth of __________” or “How to Improve ____________”.
#5 –HAVE YOUR OFFER PREPARED. One of the biggest mistakes public speakers/entrepreneurs make when they are giving a presentation is to NOT have an ‘offer’ – a next step’ – available for the audience. What a disservice! They have come to hear your information – they have related and responded to everything you have shared – and then, poof, you disappear. You have a moral responsibility to provide them with information on how to get more from you.
#6 – HAVE A BONUS AVAILABLE TO CREATE URGENCY. One thing I like to do, constantly, is to teach women entrepreneurs how to make a decision! Get off the fence, people – when you learn about something, hear some great content, know there is opportunity for continued growth and development – why in the world would you put off making a decision to take action? I always include a ‘fast acting’ bonus with my ‘offers’ when I speak in public. It’s a great practice and, quite frankly, a win-win-win for everyone.
You can turn this around! Look at where you have made commitments this past month:
- identify those commitments where you backed out
- examine the reasons why (typically, it’s fear!!!! And if so, then click here to read last week’s blog post: A Self-Imposed Barrier to Success – F.E.A.R.!) – or it’s simply become a bad habit
- what are the consequences of those decisions/choices
- which ones will you stand by (and thus, increase the power of your word to yourself!).
CONCLUSION
The only way to succeed as a public speaker is to get out there and speak. There are some fundamental techniques you need to learn to master the art of public speaking – so go learn them. It IS the #1 way to grow your business – and it’s fun, too!
What has been holding you back from public speaking in order to grow your business? Please share your thoughts on my blog:
