Business Ideas
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August 1-15, 1996
Communicating with Customers
Get Leads, Build Credibility

You already know that trade, business, and community associations are an important resource for companies of all sizes. They're a great place to network, and a source of valuable business information.

But did you know they're also a great place to market your business?

Experts wanted
Many groups, such as your local Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and industry associations, are looking for speakers to talk about business issues at meetings, luncheons, and other functions. By volunteering to speak, you and your business benefit from enhanced visibility in your local business community.

How to get speaking engagements
Target the associations and groups with memberships in keeping with your marketing goals, and groups to which you have something to offer as a speaker. Once you've targeted the appropriate groups, build a list (such as a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet or Microsoft Access database) to track contact names and numbers. It's also advisable to find out what kind of speakers your targeted associations are looking for, time frames (some book several months in advance), and "hot button" issues, so you'll know how to position yourself for success.

Now, start promoting yourself as a speaker. Put together a one-page fact sheet on your expertise (use Microsoft Word or Publisher to make it fast and easy), so you have something to send about yourself, and formulate an informative presentation that reaches your audience while positioning you as an expert.

For example, if you're a lawyer and you want to build your business in the high-tech sector, you might address the local software association with a presentation on "Intellectual Property Issues in the Year 2000" or "Combating Overseas Software Piracy."

The medium and your message
Slides can be an effective way to deliver your message and engage your audience, and Microsoft PowerPoint® makes it fast and easy to create compelling presentations. Below is a PowerPoint template that subtly introduces your business as you deliver your key messages to the audience.

  • If you have Microsoft PowerPoint, click here to view this PowerPoint template.
  • If you don’t have PowerPoint, download the free Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer to take a look.

If you're uncomfortable about speaking in public, read the article by presentations expert Marjorie Brody on how to get over your fear and deliver presentations with impact.