F O R U M WO R K S H O P

To learn more about how the pros do it, consider attending events sponsored by the National Speakers Association (NSA) or joining this group of over 3,000 members. Many cities offer local NSA chapters, and the association holds a number of national conventions each year.

TOP SELF-MARKETING SECRETS Pointers for the Platform

1. Practice makes perfect. Put yourself in front of a live audience of friends to get honest feedback about your information and speaking style.

2. Begin by giving talks to college classes and teaching for university extended studies programs.

3. Tie in to your local chamber of commerce.

4. Sponsor your own seminar.

5. Distribute a speakers’ bureau brochure to professional organizations and corporations.

6. Research the audience to ensure that your talk meets their needs.

7. Create an opening act that sizzles.

8. Use fill-in-the-blanks handouts and other visual aids such as slides, overhead transparencies, and videos to keep the audience awake.

9. Reward participation to involve the audience.

10. Stop talking when the buzzer sounds.

11. Get business cards or class rosters for follow-up marketing.

12. Distribute speaker evaluations.

13. Charge for your talent when appropriate.

It’s B Be tter To Give So You’ll Rece ive

Faith and Hope Are Nice, But Charity Gets Coverage

Hitching your wagon to a worthy cause lets you give back to the community that supports you. It will also earn you a reputation as a businessperson who cares about more than the bottom line. Although few go into a pro bono endeavor (pro bono publico – for the good of the public) for the sole purpose of building clientele, when pressed, many businesspeople agree that it is a way to expand contacts, to earn referrals, and to broaden your experience without the self-serving hype of blatant marketing approaches.

Kevin Alverson, national anesthesiology account manager for Northern Health Systems, Inc. joined with close friend Kyle Eldred to create Critical Mass, a nonprofit group of young professionals who get together on a regular basis to organize fundraisers for a local children’s charity “We had a group of friends who would attend. One day while walking down the beach, Kyle and I decided that if we could get half of that crowd to attend a $75-a-plate black-tie affair, we could donate a sizable sum to a community group and take our party to another level ”