In the past week alone, I have been involved in public speaking – in one way or another – 3 different times. It is obvious to me – as it should be to you, too – that public speaking is absolutely THE best way to grow your business, attract ideal clients and make great money.
I still hear people saying that public speaking is the #1 fear of all people. As an entrepreneur, you’ve got to get over that. Get away from the crowd who hang out ‘in fear’ and rise to the top. It’s ok to be afraid but it’s not ok to STAY afraid.
Public speaking is a skill and, just like any other skill, can be mastered. And to master this skill, you want to position yourself to learn from the very best. That is what I have done for years – first, with Lou Tice, my mentor from The Pacific Institute. And, for the past number of years, from my speaking mentor, Larry Winget (who is in the Speaker Hall of Fame!).
There is no reason, and no way, that you should avoid developing your skills in this regard. In fact, I highly encourage my clients to become the very best that they can so they are in the top 10% of business owners in their industry! It’s critically important that you have a presence out in the business world and the best way to do that is to take the stage. It’s also a great way to make a lot of money, and quickly. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? I’ve generated a half million dollars at my 3-day events; you can do this, too – but you’ve got to learn the basics.
1) CREATE A SIGNATURE TALK.
Create one signature talk for which you become known – for which people recognize you as the ‘go-to expert’. Then deliver this talk everywhere – and I do mean everywhere. On stages, on radio, on TV, in your newsletters, on blog posts – get your message out there. Be consistent. Be clear. Be concise.
2) TELL YOUR STORY.
Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone! I often hear entrepreneurs saying ‘no one wants to hear MY story’. Oh yes they do! That’s what people remember most. Think back to the last few presentations you’ve heard – quite likely, it’s the stories you remember best and most. Your story needs to be told – but, again, you need to work with a master speaker to learn HOW to tell your story effectively.
3) GET STARTED.
One of the excuses I hear all the time is ‘I just don’t know where to speak’ – seriously? There are organizations meeting every day, several times a day, everywhere – all around the world. And there are opportunities both in person and via the media or on line. Just get started. Make phone calls. Go to networking events and ask for the opportunity. Reach out.
4) CREATE A PLAN FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS.
It’s great to get out there and speak but you want to have a plan. You want to identify whether you will be a keynote speaker and/or speak to sell. Both are effective. Both will get you in front of clients. Both will make you money. Both require skills, practice and mastery.
LOOK – public speaking is a skill just like any other ‘craft’. You want to find a great coach (someone who has actually HAD a lot of speaking experience and who has MADE MONEY doing it!) – work with the coach – do what they tell you – and keep doing it – keep showing up – practice – learn more – practice more – reach for mastery! That’s what I’ve been doing for years and it has paid off in more ways than one. AND it’s fun!
Separate yourself from the mediocre crowds of entrepreneurs. Develop your public speaking skills so you can get on stages in front of your ideal audience and share your story. You can do this today! People are waiting.
