
Get Leads, Build Credibility
Y
ou 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.