I volunteer my time with Wardrobe for Opportunity and speak at a graduation ceremony for a women’s program they have called Pathways in Oakland CA. The first time I spoke there, I was invited because of my “motivational ability” to tell my story as a speaker. These are women down on their luck, laid off, no supplemental income, often single parents or who have a husband that’s not working either, and honestly they are just trying to make life work.
I love when I get to tell my story. I love weaving the important lessons I learned along the way that they can hear and apply sooner. My story is not uncommon, that’s why it’s important to tell. Many women asked many great questions, but two in particular I want to share with you. I think these questions, and not just my answers but my strongly held beliefs about them, are critical for success!
One Question: Do you ever say to yourself, “If I had only done that sooner?” Of course that answer was no! Regrets get in the way of success! Instead, I think it is more important to ask yourself: what lesson did I learn so I can improve over time? What can I do differently to get a different outcome if a similar situation arises?
Second Question: “Now that you are doing what you love, what’s next?” That is always such an interesting question! What’s amazing is the possibilities are endless when you do what you love because you are:
A Lifelong Learner, so you stay cutting edge
Flexible and adaptable, so you can move your interests with current trends and interests of others
These two questions are key to success. Do what you love and the possibilities are endless and never regret what happens along the way. How do you make sure you live by these beliefs?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Let’s face it. Dynamic, entertaining speakers that know their stuff are not always easy to find, but they are always in demand. Packaging what you do into a presentation is a competitive business strategy. Why?
It establishes you as an expert in your field
It gives you exposure to larger groups of potential customers
You become a name that is remembered in the industry.
Spend some time thinking about who your target audience is and research where they meet. Many associations have presentations at those regular meetings- it’s a great opportunity.
Deciding to speak is one thing. Being prepared, dynamic and interesting is another! It’s important that when you decide to present to a group that you’re able to do so in a way that helps your business not hurt it!
Therefore, keep these important keys in mind:
Build three presentations for 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Make sure it is content rich without giving away everything you offer. Ensure it is entertaining. Build logic as well as emotional connections. And make sure it engages the audience!
Be practiced but not scripted. Extemporaneous speakers are the best!
Video record and watch your dry runs. Remember, its one thing to say “I’m comfortable talking in front of a group” and actually demonstrate dynamic speaking ability.
Lastly, make sure you get access to who saw you present so you can follow up!
If you feel you need more practice join Toastmasters! It is a great way to improve your skills and get quality feedback. Presenting is another
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Recently, Dick, a person I have loved and respected, died. I knew this man on a personal level, as a father, friend, husband, and grandfather. He was a great man! At his memorial, many that worked with him also shared how great he was there. Here is what I realized. Dick chose to lead not just at work but in life. He chose to possess characteristics and traits of leadership. He was:
Visionary
Mentored and was a role model
Didn’t take himself too seriously
Chose to see the best in every person
Saw the potential in others
Practiced giving without ever expecting
Had high standards
Challenged you to be your best
Came from a place of adventure
Always came from love
Knew solutions were possible
Made family first.
So what’s the point? As small business owners these characteristics are critical for your success. People in his life wanted to follow him. And you need others to want to follow you: your family, your community, your customers. So:
Make a choice
Understand leadership is key
Pick one of these amazing characteristics above and incorporate it in your life 100% of the time and I guarantee you will:
I highly recommend Leadership 101 by John Maxwell to explore leadership and how important it is to you as an entrepreneur. What will you do to choose to lead?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I recently read an article that told entrepreneurs that they “must” have a pitch. A pitch to:
* Promote your business
* Market your blog
* Sell your product or service
I had such a negative reaction to the post because it’s just not true! Where did you FIRST learn the concept of pitching? If you’re like me it was baseball. The pitchers goal is to throw the ball in a way that “tricks” the batter to swing or to get it by the batter so fast they go for it and miss. Take that into your business. Do you really want to “get” a customer with that approach? I hope not!
An alternative approach? Try attraction techniques! What does that mean?
1. Share something interesting about yourself. Dale Carnegie says this is key to influencing people.
2. Ask for help with something. People love to help and will be engaged by you asking.
3. Share who your strategic partners are. Remember to be specific as to industry.
4. Tell them someone you’d really like to meet. A HR. Manager at a company, a certain business owner?
All of these techniques create an initial contact point and instant connection. By sharing these types of things people will ask “what do you do?” Now that’s powerful when they want to know!
One of my favorite quotes sums up how I feel about the traditional Elevator Speech: “Will the real you please stand up? Submit to pressure from peers and you stoop down to their level. When 40 million people believe in a dumb idea it’s still a dumb idea. If you believe in something that’s good, honest and right stand up for it! Maybe others will get smart and follow your lead.”
So be creative! Ignite people to WANT to know what you do, and see what happens!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
