NSA Professional Speaker

And the Winners Are...!

2009-07-09T11:22:00.006-04:00

In case you missed the Virgina Speakers Idol Contest held after our program in June, you missed a great time!

The speakers graduating from the Pro Track class had the opportunity to showcase what they learned throughout the year. Not only that, but they got great feedback from a panel of Idol judges, including Paula, Dog and Simon, a la Doris Young, Tom Davidson & special NSA guest Darren LaCroix!

Enjoy a slideshow of the event at:
http://tinyurl.com/Va-Idolcontest

We loved you all - it was so hard to choose the final winners!

And the winners are...
#4 - Yvonne Ortega
#3 - Winston Bersch
#2 - Coleen Kenny

#1 - Debbie Bowie

Congratulations to all who participated. You are all winners in completing the Pro Track course and enhancing your speaking & business skills.

If you haven't signed up to join the upcoming Pro Track class that's starting in September, be sure to visit: http://www.nsavirginia.org/protrack.php for details and an application. There may still be one or two spots available.

P.S. - For the latest list of UPCOMING EVENTS for 2009-10, click here: http://www.nsavirginia.org/events_Results.php

Speaking of Resources

2009-06-02T18:08:00.007-04:00

Be sure to check out the latest Speaker Resources to help you grow your business and improve your speaking.

Upcoming June speaker Darren LaCroix has a great list on his site with anything from shrink wrap machines and CD duplication to fulfillment and speaker boot camps.

I've just posted resources from John Kremer (huge!), especially if you're interested in publishing. He also has great info on podcasting and promoting your business online. After all, he's the author of "1001 Ways to Market Your Book!"

I also "stumbled upon" some great free NSA-sponsored webinars on Social Networking and Social Media. The first one that is archived is from none other than David Nour, a speaker earlier this year. The rest planned for 2009-10 will be archived as well, but you can register to attend each one live if you like.

Visit the link at: http://www.freshbizideas.com/SpeakingResources.html

Catapult Your Career!

2009-05-18T14:24:00.005-04:00

Would you like to advance your speaking career at lightning speed? Then sign up today for the Pro Track Speaking Academy. You will advance and polish your speaking skills under the tutelage and guidance of seasoned pros. You will also learn other essential skills that will help your speaking business grow. Pro Track is limited to 12 people, and there are only a few spots left, so hurry.

Pro Track grads are eligible to compete in June 2010 for the “NSA Idol Contest” and the top prize is valued at over $1,000. Other prizes are worth hundreds of dollars. All 12 contestants will receive prizes, so get your application in today!

Visit http://FreshBizIdeas.com/SpeakingResources.html for details and program overview.

April's "Big Shtick"

2009-04-14T20:31:00.007-04:00

Need a mix of humor and good business sense to ramp up your speaking biz?

Mikki Williams is a professional speaker with her own speakers school. She will focus on great presentation techniques, including using humor and being different to stand out when you speak.

As a Vistage chair coaching CEOs, you can be sure her time with us will be content-rich as well as fun!

Here's what a couple of our members have said about her presentations:

Whether your audience is 2 or 2,000, international speaker and trainer to companies worldwide, Mikki Williams, will show how to dazzle your audience and get over your fear of speaking. You’ll walk away empowered!
- Sandy Dumont, www.theimagearchitect.com

I’m not sure how many NSA-VA programs I’ve attended in the past ten years, but I’ve only missed a few. Every program gives me something I can use to steadily grow my business.

There are some programs that are CAN’T MISS opportunities to see a phenomenal talent! I would NEVER want to miss an opportunity to laugh and learn with Mikki Williams!

I had an opportunity to see Mikki speak at a Winter Workshop in 2006 and I’ve never forgotten it. She is a FORCE of NATURE! As a speaker, she brings a rare combination of laugh-out-loud humor and SOLID, practical content.

Be there this Friday and bring your friends, family and staff. Mikki does it all – she keeps her audiences roaring with laughter AND she coaches CEOs and entrepreneurs through Vistage – The World’s Leading Chief Executive Organization. If you want to build your business in a down economy, Mikki will show you how to use your authentic, unique qualities to build the highest level of speaking skills and a solid business structure.
- Gloria Thomas, www.wizardinc.com

For more info about her, visit: http://www.mikkiwilliams.com/

You can also see a short video clip of Mikki on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgtNGQuZico&feature=related

If you haven't yet signed up for the program in Chesapeake this Friday, April 17th, you'll want to do so as soon as you can! Click here to see program details and register: http://www.nsavirginia.org/events_Detail.php?EventID=13

Tough Talk for Tough Times?

2009-04-01T17:37:00.004-04:00

Thinking the speaking business is in for tough times along with this challenging economy? The Northern California NSA sponsored a panel of four Past Presidents, including the founding president (Patricia Fripp, who recently spoke at our NSA meeting), who addressed that topic.

Here are the links to the 4-part panel discussion, which I'm sure you'll find enlightening and encouraging - with suggestions about what you can do to improve your bottom line this year. I've condensed the links here for you:
http://tinyurl.com/spkrspanel-1 http://tinyurl.com/spkrspanel-2 http://tinyurl.com/spkrspanel-3 http://tinyurl.com/spkrspanel-4

For more insights, you can visit NCNSA member Ian Griffin's blog (he recorded the above) at: http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/

IMPROV Training Opportunity 4/27

2009-03-09T12:53:00.006-04:00

Want to become more spontaneous or physical in your speaking?
Just want to have fun?

Improv for Speakers and Trainers

Join PLAYBACK Hampton Roads on Monday, April 27, 2009

You Tell a STORY, we ACT it out.

The public is invited to attend this hilarious, educational, and thoroughly entertaining performance by this talented ensemble. Be introduced to improvisational theatre – in a unique and eye-opening manner.

A short Toastmasters meeting will open the evening events at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 27th at Unity Renaissance Church, 1120 Eden Way, Chesapeake. (2 blocks behind Greenbrier Mall). Playback Theater will “Raise The Curtain” promptly at 7:30 and will extend to 8:15 p.m.

Contact Dick Biondo at 460-2829 for further information and directions to the church, or visit our website at http://comunity.freetoasthost.com/.

For full information and to view this as a pdf file you can print out, go to: www.freshbizideas.com/SpeakingResources.html

FRIPP Teleseminar this Thursday

2009-02-23T11:31:00.005-05:00

Join Patricia Fripp for this no charge teleseminar Thursday of this week – a great lead-in to our NSA Virginia March program (Friday the 20th) when she will be here in Richmond !

“Taking Your Presentation to the Next Level: How to UP Your Value in a DOWN Economy,” with Patricia Fripp

It is no secret…corporate travel budgets are down, associations are predicting less attendees, and convention committees are asking speakers to cut their fees. What can ambitious speakers do? They can UP their value in a DOWN economy!

Patricia Fripp says, “We need to increase the effectiveness of our marketing and revisit the quality of our presentations.” Being perceived as a dynamic, inspiring, and persuasive presenter is no longer a nice skill to have; it is a matter of business life and death!

This starts with your marketing and is magnified in your presentation. If you are a novice, intermediate, or even advanced business or professional presenter, you will benefit from this TeleSeminar. Patricia has a unique ability to demystify the process of what it takes to transform a good presentation into a GREAT one! With Patricia, you will learn some often over-looked marketing philosophies and hear Fripp’s Good to Great: 10 Little-Known Techniques to Transform Your Speech…and a bonus!

Your registration link is: http://www.speakermatch.com/teleseminars/022609/register.asp

During this call, you'll discover how to:

Revisit your marketing with fresh eyes
Identify do's and don’ts that ensure a successful presentation
Adapt two comedy techniques that add retention
Open and close with more impact
Avoid the unconscious goof that will hurt your credibility
Improve listener buy-in for your point of view
Be remembered and repeated
Be persuasive, clear, and concise
Make your stories memorable

BOTTOM LINE....Receive high caliber advice for a low investment

WHEN
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2009
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time
Cost: Complimentary

We will not be using a toll-free number. You will be responsible for the small long-distance charge if dialing out of your area code. This will appear on your phone bill.

Your registration link is: http://www.speakermatch.com/teleseminars/022609/register.asp

IN CASE YOU ARE CURIOUS
SpeakerMatch is the only service of its kind when it comes to matching speakers and speaking opportunities. SpeakerMatch reaches emerging professional speakers, business leaders, technical gurus, educators, and other subject-matter experts who want to communicate what they know. There is no better service available for event organizers who need to reach this very diverse group of experts who speak.
http://www.speakermatch.com/cmd.asp?af=934702

Need A Marketing Coach?!

2009-02-16T16:20:00.005-05:00

Three great opportunities to plug into the mastermind of an innovative marketing speaker (and internet marketing guru) are coming your way this week. Of course, I'm referring to Ford Saeks of http://www.primeconcepts.com/ who is our February 20th program speaker.

Here are the perfect combination of opportunities to move your business ahead of the curve:

Bonus dinner with Ford for NSA-VA members Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. Contact Ron Chapman at ron@5starperformancesolutions.com for details and to reserve your place.

Three-hour program Friday morning: Innovative Marketing Mastery to Grow Your Business. Reserve here: http://www.nsavirginia.org/events_Detail.php?EventID=8

Special one-on-one coaching opportunity Friday afternoon or evening at half off the normal $500 hourly fee. (Email derlanger@erlanger-inc.com to reserve your coaching session asap!)

Take advantage of one or all of these opportunities to get your questions answered or develop some strategies that will kick your business to a higher level!

Getting the Spin on PR!

2009-02-02T13:48:00.005-05:00

Our PR Chairperson, Susie Galvez, had been doing an outstanding job of getting more visibility for our chapter and programs this year.

Check out the most recent article, written as a result of the January program: http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/metrobusiness/article/IRIS02_20090130-233915/193881

Prior to that she ws able to get us some spin in the V Magazine in Richmond. View here: http://tinyurl.com/NSA-Vmag

We were also mentioned as a "Hot Pick" in the Richmond Times-Dispatch for the event on Social networking, which helped drive our program registrations through the roof!

It's great to have such a go-getter on the board doing an outstanding job in PR! Let's be sure to give her kudos, as well as any suggestions or contacts on what else we could do to get the word out about our great programs and chapter benefits.

Brains, Bodies and Advice Needed NOW for Next Year

2009-02-02T13:31:00.003-05:00

by Tom Davidson, President-Elect

If you were at the January 16 chapter meeting on Social Networking with David Nour, then you saw the energy and spiraling growth of NSA-Virginia, including 45 visitors to one of the most exciting chapters in the Nation. As your president-elect and with the help of many, I have started to make initial plans to keep this spirit alive and thriving in the new NSA year, which begins July 2009 and continues through June 2010.

For example, your new national president will make Virginia one of his first stops after the National Convention (July 18-21) when he presents a special program to us on August 7th. Many more big programs are being arranged to partner with other professionals across the state and to keep up the momentum we have inherited. Your Board of Directors continues to do a uniquely outstanding job of planning and executing under the leadership of our current president, Dorothy Erlanger. But now is not the time to rest.

Please consider the following requests and respond to me directly with your comments:
1. Volunteering. Your help is badly needed for a growing list of volunteer jobs and potentially open positions on the Board of Directors. If you have an interest in any of the following areas, of if you are unsure where you might fit but just want to take a more active role in the chapter, please let me know right away. There is more than enough to do so that anyone with an interest can be accommodated in some way, and it is one of my goals to help leverage your membership through networking and volunteering of this type.

a. Membership services
b. Meeting logistics
c. Financial management
d. Leveraging technology
e. Internal and external communications
f. Library resources
g. Special projects

2. Programs. While some groundwork as been laid for programs in the new year, I am still working to identify top speakers on relevant topics that you will find inspiring for yourself and practical for your businesses. If you have any suggestion for a topic or a speaker who has made a difference in your NSA experience or elsewhere in your lives, then please let me know. Also, if you belong to another professional organization with a goal that intersects with those of NSA Virginia, let me know who they are so we can potentially build bridges with them in the year ahead.
3. General Advice. Finally, if you have any advice for providing leadership and managing the organization’s resources in the new year, please let me know that as well. I will value every word and appreciate every minute you spend sharing your wisdom.

Please email me with your thoughts at Tom@DavidsonLeadership.com or call me at (O) 804-217-8365 or (H) 804-769-1754. I look forward to hearing from you on any or all of the topics posted above and seeing you over and over again throughout 2009 and beyond. Thank you!

Take Your Speaking Business to New Heights!

2009-01-22T11:05:00.007-05:00

The February meeting in Chesapeake, Va. features marketing guru Ford Saeks. This should be an incredible meeting that you won't want to miss!

For total details on this marketing maven and the resources he's bringing us, view the one page pdf file at the link below. Then click on the link to register for this awesome program!

http://www.FreshBizIdeas.com/SpeakingResources.html

See you in Chesapeake!

Some Like It Loud!

2009-01-17T17:52:00.007-05:00

I was recently listening to a speaker who was very emotional about his material. He thought it was very important for us to know and understand his message and so his voice became quite loud. The more important his points were, the louder he became eventually yelling his main points. I was shocked by his style in spite of being a former rock and roll drummer in the 70’s and serving in the artillery in the Army.

Listening to this gentleman, however, led me to wonder if I’ve overlooked yelling as a technique in my professional speaking toolkit. As I considered it further, I realized I’ve been missing out on a number of advantages to yelling in my presentations.

1. It would keep people awake during the presentation. I’ve often wondered how to motivate audiences who were not very interested in my topic. My yelling and the involuntary flinching responses by the audience would certainly discourage nodding off.

2. My message would reach those in the rest rooms. Invariably, someone steps out of the room just as I’m getting to the most important part of my message. I did the same that morning (the coffee will only stay with you so long) but it didn’t matter. I was able to hear most every word the speaker shared while addressing my biological needs. Not every speaker is that considerate.

3. It would reduce the number of annoying questions that come up after the presentation. No one will say “Sorry, but I missed that point, would you yell it again?”

4. It is a multi-generational approach to sharing my message.
a. As our population becomes older, my message would easily reach those who refuse to get a hearing aid.
b. Middle-aged audience members will be happy not having to repeat the points in the message whenever an older person utters “What did he say?”
c. The younger members of the audience will appreciate the intensely emotional volume of the message since it is similar to the screamer music they listen to.

5. I could save my clients significant cost. All clients are interested in saving money. Instead of cutting my fee, I can save them money on equipment costs by eliminating microphones and sound equipment.

6. It’s green to yell. Everyone is worried about the environment. By skipping electrical usage for the sound equipment I can help save on green house gases.

7. It could become a real competitive advantage. I could differentiate myself in the market. It is a wide open niche at this point. I could advertise my skills by listing how many decibels I can reach in a presentation.

8. I believe it will increase the application of the teaching points in my message. Many audience members would be afraid not to apply what they heard. Who knows how I will respond if I find out they were not applying the techniques.

9. There is the potential for personal health benefits to yelling. If done correctly – using the diaphragm, not the throat – it could increase deep breathing, lower blood pressure and release tension.

10. Marketing consultants stress how important it is to be heard in this crowded marketplace of ideas. Being louder is a technique that has been shown to work. After all, it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

Be on the lookout for my new line of products and services: Keynote Presentations (Yell Your Way to Success) , CD’s (Best of Yelling – audio tracks), DVD’s (Best of Yelling Live), e-Book series (Yelling Isn’t Training, But It Works Anyway), training seminars (Yell All the Way To The Bank), webinars (Yelling Over the Web – It’s More Than ALL CAPS!) and personal coaching program (Anyone Can Yell, But Only I Can Show You How To Make Money By Doing It).

I also plan on developing affiliate relationships with manufacturers of microphones (Screamers Choice for Distortion Free Yelling) and sound amplification equipment (Maxed Out Amps – Our Knobs Go to 11!)

With all these benefits, I’m amazed that not more presenters and speakers use this technique. It appears I’m on the cutting edge of a new trend and I’m excited.

Here’s yelling at you!

Written by NSA-Virginia Chapter Member Ron Chapman, 5 Star Performance Solutions

http://www.5starperformancesolutions.com

January Program Features Afternoon BONUS Session!

2009-01-05T13:26:00.004-05:00

We're not only planning to have a super program with Social Networking guru David Nour during our regular morning program. He's agreed to put on a special afternoon Bonus Session as well! It's all happening at the January 16th program in Richmond.

Details about the main program and registration are at: http://www.nsavirginia.org/events_Detail.php?EventID=10

If you’re REALLY ready to rock and roll, we’ll have a hands-on, mini-workshop format in the afternoon from 1-4 pm where we’ll critique your online presence, review templates of best practices, and discuss how to leverage article marketing via applications such as Twitter, Digg, Slideshare and multiple article distribution engines.

We’ll also discuss and review tools for you to build your own private social network via Ning and IntroNetworks (and this is just to name a few!). Blogs and forums build interest in our topics, while those smart speakers who leverage social networking applications are developing their businesses by networking from the desk chairs! This optional session at the same location will be worth far more than the $20 investment for the three hours of practical information!

You can opt in at the morning meeting or as part of your online registration at: http://www.nsavirginia.org/events_Detail.php?EventID=10 . Seeyou there!

December Program Changes!

2008-12-01T17:23:00.001-05:00

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...?

2008-11-12T15:41:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-11-10T16:28:00.000-05:00

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”

2008-10-31T13:59:00.000-04:00

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.
___________________________
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!

2008-10-30T13:47:00.000-04:00

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

2008-10-30T12:55:00.000-04:00

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