Take Your Speaking Business to New Heights!

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!

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!

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!

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.