December Program Changes!

Please note that the previously scheduled program from Friday, December 19th will be postponed till February. Ford Saeks will replace the Feburary speaker.

Make sure you have the February 20th program date on your calendar, as Ford has an awesome program to present! With too many conflicts around the December and holiday time date, it just made sense to move it. It's just that valuable and important to get as many of you as possible to his meeting! For more info on Ford, go to: www.FordSaeks.com

Also plan to attend the January 16th program in Richmond on Social Networking to find out what all the fuss is about Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and other sites that NSA-Virginia is now linked up with. David Nour is the presenter for that. You can check his website for more information at: www.relationshipeconomics.net

In the meantime, president Dorothy Erlanger has invited us all to a holiday get-together in her home. It will be held Friday, December 13th at 5 p.m. Here are the details:

Friends, Food, Fun
When:
Friday, December 13th, 5 pm, early start to make it easier for our ‘cross-regional’ crew to all get together.
What:
Potluck supper
Improv!!! A special event to highlight the evening – Comedy Sportz will engage us with improv theatre
Where:
The home of Dorothy Erlanger, NSA Virginia chapter president
Welcome to: all of our NSA participants, be they members, guests, program visitors who want to get to know us better, and of course partners/spouses

RSVP please to Jean Austin at http://us.mc563.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jean.austin@comcast.net or Dorothy Erlanger at http://us.mc563.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Dorothy@proactivepathway.com

For partiers who would prefer to drive in daylight not late evening, the ‘Erlanger B&B’ welcomes you to stay over - up to three people or couples, and there are others in the area who are also happy to provide an evening over place to stay.

DID YOU KNOW...?

After the morning program of the NSA-Virginia meeting this Friday, November 14th, a BONUS program is available.

Afternoon Program: Using Comedy in Your Presentations
Want more comfort when using humor? Looking to increase the laugh lines in your presentations?

This seminar can help you relax with humor, increase your confidence and learn how to handle mistakes that can occur on the platform. Through the art of improvisation you can learn just how to add that little bit of funny to increase your connection with your audience.

Christine Walters will lead a three-hour seminar on November 14 from 1:30 -4:30pm at the ComedySportz Improv Theatre, 7115 Staples Mill Road . The seminar will focus on movement and physicality, storytelling, performance skills, and improv techniques. The cost is only $15.00. Only 20 spaces available, so register early at the NSA website: http://www.nsavirginia.org.

A Mastermind Opportunity for You!

Have you ever dreamed of joining an NSA Mastermind Group where experienced members focus their expertise on YOUR challenges?

Wouldn’t you love for them to share the nitty gritty details you need to build YOUR successful business or practice?

Here’s your chance:
On Friday, November 14 at the Westwood Club in Richmond you can take advantage of a half-day ‘mastermind’ session with experts representing the fields of consulting, training and speaking. They can discuss whatever YOU want them to, including: running a solo practice or a larger business, success in niche marketing, writing and topic development and technology that works for today’s speaker. Between them, they have over 75 years in the business.

In the first part of the program, members of our panel will address your questions on any aspect of your business. We’ve already received some questions based on the program announcement on nsavirginia.org. Get your burning questions in today!

You might think you know our experts, but ask yourself whether you’ve really had a chance to pick their brains....
Harold Wood brings a wealth of knowledge in virtually every aspect of the business! He can show you how to identify the needs of your market, focus on a niche market (in his case, education), sustaining core values, through every aspect of your business, use a speaking coach and how to thrive with a solo business model.

Gloria Thomas brings her expertise in communication and writing. She will help you to uncover your unique ‘genius’, leverage your special area of expertise, and find the right words to give your voice maximum impact. Gloria is my personal ‘go to’ resource for better writing and expression!

Ron Chapman brings his vast business experience to our panel. In just the past 15 years he has started one non-profit and two for-profit businesses. As he puts it, he’s made every mistake along the way and can help you identify potential pitfalls as well as success factors, to build your business….hopefully with fewer mistakes!

Nhat Pham brings technology within reach of everyone. He knows which tech products and resources provide value for speakers –and which to RUN from. Not only will you save money by learning what will work, but his favorite word in the world of online apps is FREE. He knows the resources you can use that won’t cost you a dime, but will save you priceless TIME!

Here’s the best news!
You won’t just get a panel discussion! During the second half of the morning, our experts will visit individual tables for those who prefer a smaller group discussion.

It can be tough to pull together a group like this, so we don’t know when this will happen again. Don’t miss this opportunity!

If you have a question or challenge you would like to have addressed, send it via email to derlanger@erlanger-inc.com or to jean.austin@comcast.net or feel free to call any of us. We’ll pass it along.

Earning Top Dollar As an “Expert Who Speaks”

By Janet Switzer

How would you like to travel to the world's most exciting places, help others with business advice and personal development, earn thousands per day selling your info-products, and hear the applause of a crowd sitting on the edge of their seats?

If your answer is "Yes!" you should consider adding professional speaking to your info-product business.

How to Market Yourself as an International Expert Who Speaks

On any given day, thousands of conferences, workshops, meetings and other training events take place -- most of which need experts to deliver information the group can use. There are a number of different types of individuals and groups which hire speakers:

• Independent Meeting Planners are hired by companies to organize events including conventions, trade shows, workshops and conferences. They are also responsible for hiring the speakers for those events. Corporate meeting planners, on the other hand, are employees of a company who've been given the job of putting together the annual sales meeting, executive retreat or other event.
• Trade associations also hire speakers. They hold annual conferences and training events and want to bring good, solid information to their members in order to provide value for the association dues members pay every year. Trade associations look not only for high-profile motivational speakers, but also for experts who speak on their subject matter.
• Non-profit organizations, educator's organizations and charities also conduct a lot of training, hold conferences and have a need for speakers.
• One of the biggest buyers of speaker's services are network marketing and direct sales organizations -- not only the parent companies, but also individual "leaders" with large downlines of distributors or direct sellers.
• Other trainers, training companies and seminar promoters can also be customers for your speaking and training services, especially if you can deliver expertise they’re not able to provide.
  

Two Ways to Get Paid Speaking…

There are two ways to get paid when you speak -- either by being paid a fee to deliver a speech or by speaking for free in order to sell products at the back of the room. Typically, fee-based engagements require a lot of outbound telemarketing -- either by you or by your commissioned salesperson, which may include any speaker's bureaus that represent you. Speaking for free, on the other hand, makes "getting hired" much easier because you simply need to offer your services by phone -- or perhaps via a short written proposal letter -- to the person or organization holding the event.

If you're willing to speak for free or for low fees, a resource called http://www.speakermatch.com/ can help connect you with hundreds of companies and organizations who are holding meetings and looking for speakers. You get to communicate directly with the person doing the hiring, so it's a lot easier to provide the organization exactly what it wants or needs.
There's no dishonor in speaking for free, by the way. This is particularly true if you can speak at a trade association meeting where everyone sitting in the audience represents a company who could buy your information product or pay for your advice.
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Janet Switzer is the marketing strategist behind some of the best known celebrity authors in the world: Jack Canfield of The Secret and Chicken Soup for the Soul, One Minute Millionaire author Mark Victor Hansen, personal finance guru David Bach, motivational speaker Les Brown and others. Subscribe to her FREE series of info-marketing special reports at http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=2665877.

DOUBLE THE FUN – AND VALUE!

Join the Virginia Chapter of the National Speakers Association on November 14th for DOUBLE THE FUN – AND VALUE! - an exciting, information-packed double session. The program starts at 9:00 AM with breakfast available from 8:30 AM. Get there early to network with other NSA Virginia members. Many times the crucial information you need to get your career moving can be obtained during these special networking opportunities.

PART ONE of our double header is the Advisory Panel Discussion. We have four experts who will answer your business questions on “How to Make a Living in the Speaking Industry.” The panelists are:
Ron Chapman (building training business)
Harold Wood (the ultimate speaker/marketer)
Nhat Pham (exploiting today’s technology for real results)
Gloria Thomas (developing your signature story).
Moderating this esteemed group will be Dorothy Erlanger, who will keep it fast paced, fun and informative.

To make sure your questions get addressed, email them to jean.austin@comcast.net by Wednesday, November 12th. Only a few questions will be taken from the audience during the program.

PART TWO of our double-header is the popular Round Table Discussion. The room will be divided into four tables. The members of the panel and perhaps a surprise special guest will spend 20 minutes at each table, addressing your specific challenges and questions. During the time at your table you will have the opportunity to ask them questions about all aspects of your business that fit their area of expertise. From marketing your speaking business to the latest in leveraging technology, our experts have been there, done that and are ready to share. With all speakers rotating tables you will receive a plethora of information during this session.

Do you think you will still have unanswered questions? Stay for lunch! All of our speakers have agreed to stay during the special bonus lunch session. You can ask more specific questions of our speakers while enjoying a terrific lunch. So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Start compiling your questions and remember to stay for the bonus lunch session.

Register now for this fun, exciting and informative program!

http://www.nsavirginia.org/

THE IT CORNER: Linking Up to LinkedIn

By Nhat Pham
Technology Chairperson

Nhat answers the question about LinkedIn - a Social networking Platform - and one NSA-Virginia members can connect to. Why should I use it?

"This initial roll out features productivity applications that range from gathering information that professionals around you are generating to enhancing your abilities to collaborate and communicate more effectively," Reid Hoffman, chairman and president of products at LinkedIn wrote in a blog. "You'll be able to work much more closely with your contacts on LinkedIn with tools such as file sharing, project management, business trips and many more."

You will be able to set public and private controls as well as being notified when information is pulled or shared. These new applications will allow users to stay nimble, competitive and in-the-know for this ever-changing business climate.

Many of my clients use LinkedIn to stay in touch with former clients & colleagues; get referrals & introductions; and add value as experts.

Still wondering why Linkedin? Why should Social Media be part of my plan? Who is using it ?

SUCCESSWERKS is offering a Social Media Crash Course WERKShop on November 12 or 13th. NSA members get in for $35 instead of $48 (or $58 at the door) by using promo code NSA1108.

Learn how to leverage Linkedin & other social media to gain visibility, credibility and ultimately profitability.

http://www.successwerks.com/registration
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NSA Virginia has leveraged some of the Social Media tools in the marketplace to distribute information, add value and gain visibility for you and our organization.

Visit the following groups & join in, post your questions/comments, contribute content and help each other learn & grow.

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/nsavirginia
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ search: NSA Virginia
Plaxo: http://www.nsavirginia.plaxogroups.com/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/ Advance Search: Groups: NSA Virginia