Make Your Next "Spotlight Speaker" Presentation
Work Harder for You
The next time you're asked to be a "Spotlight Speaker"
at your local business networking group, turn your presentation
into an easy way to ask for referrals. Make extra copies of a
professional-looking handout that summarizes the important points
of your talk. Be sure that the information provided is interesting
and of practical use to the average business owner. At the end
of your presentation, distribute 5 copies of your handout to each
member of the group. Ask them to forward a copy to 5 of their
clients with a FYI note. This provides a way for each networking
member to keep in touch with at least 5 members of their client
base and can lead to more referrals for you.
Think "Alliance" for Your Next Seminar
A real estate agent in the Washington, D.C. area, seeking to attract
first-time buyers, called upon some interesting business acquaintances
to help him create a seminar that was a bit above the rest. Along
with a mortgage company representative, the agent also arranged
for a psychologist to present information on how nervous buyers
could relieve stress and anxiety while weathering the process
of buying their first home. A chiropractor presented details on
how to correctly life heavy boxes and other ways to prevent body
wear-and-tear during a move. A caterer prepared and served refreshments,
and a moving company rep provided tips on saving money when planning
a move. The seminar proved successful for all involved, with many
leads and sales generated for all the presenters.
Presentation Power
Next time you give a presentation, make sure your introduction
includes why your talk is relevant to your audience. This conveys
your understanding of what is important to them, which helps build
your credibility as a business professional. And remember to keep
to the time schedule you've been allowed. Recent studies have
shown that adult concentration peaks at 1 hour and 15 minutes.
This includes a time period of questions and answers.
New Product Seminars
Do the manufacturers you represent have new products? Partner
with them to present New Product Seminars on Sunday afternoons.
A top-notch framer we know does just that, providing educational
seminars that show off new framing techniques as well as his vendors'
new products. It brings people into his showroom so they can review
his other new framing materials and services.
Presentation Smarts
At your next networking/lead share presentation, mention a useful
product that you wiIl be happy to send each member of the audience
if they will pass you a business card. This will provide you
with the info you need to call each member personally, as well
as add new names to your prospect mailing list. Example: a computer
repair technician we know offers to send each networker a small
bottle of computer case/monitor cleaner. He mails the cleaner,
then follows up with each member to 1) find out how they liked
the product and 2) determine how he can help them make the most
of their computers.
Presentation Smarts II
Prepare an written introduction about yourself and give it to
the person who will be introducing you. It makes it easier on
him/her, as well as gives you the opportunity to select the most
important info you want the audience to know about your background
and business experience.
Presentation Smarts III
If you have a presentation already prepared that has worked well
with networking groups, make it work double-time. Offer to act
as a "guest speaker" for networking groups that you
haven't had a chance to "work". Many of these groups
periodically plan a "Visitor's Day" to attract new
members. Contact each group president and offer to be a "Visitor's
Day Guest Speaker".
Famous For 15 Minutes
During your next presentation, reveal your most important information
in the first 15 minutes. Studies have shown that people attention
span starts to wander after the first quarter of an hour.