Congratulations!

Appearing on television can be a dream or it can be a nightmare.  The type of experience you have is primarily up to you.  Knowing what to expect in advance, succinctly articulating your message and following up will make the experience a “dream come true.”  Remember that most broadcast stories have one thing in common, brevity.  New stories generally run 60 to 90 seconds in length, a feature anywhere from two to four minutes and a full guest appearance on say, a talk show, can be 20 to 50 minutes long.  Whatever time you have before the audience, make the most of it.  Whether you are a “spokesperson” for an organization or speaking on your own behalf, there are do’s and don’ts that will make it a success.

Success means preparation, when Making your appearance, the experience you display during the Interview will ultimately Leave a lasting impression. It will give you that Extra professional edge next time expertise in your area is needed.  So RELAX, READ, and remember to SMILE.

Here are 12 Tips to keep you focused and better prepared for your on camera debut:

• When answering questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer.  
 
• Seat yourself comfortably, leaning into the conversation to show interest.

• Modulate your voice to emphasize key points.

• Have water close by, and a handkerchief for your face.

• If there is more than one person interviewing you, sit strategically so you can avoid swiveling your head back and forth.

• Body language is important. Sit up straight and at a slight angle to the camera.

• Put the microphone to the side of you that is closest to the interviewer, tucking away any excess wire.

• When doing a “mike check,” state your name and perhaps a 15 second sound byte of your message. Only say “off camera” what you would say “on camera.” 

• Make your expression match your words, telling good news with a smile and the appropriate expression when the subject is more serious.

• Be yourself.  Be natural.  Have a conversation with your host/hostess. Direct your remarks to the audience. Be enthusiastic.

• Answer each question completely in the order you were asked.

• Keep your responses short, direct and to the point.

For more great tips on How to be a ACE that media interview, check out  SMILE! You’re on Candid Camera – a Special 8-page report you can get for FREE  when you go to: http://speakingwithspirit.com/free-report-smile-youre-on-candid-camera/

Twitter promotions you can do easily:

1. Via Sign-up forms ~ Post a link on Twitter inviting people to simply sign up for a prize drawing.

2. Create a Follower Collector contest and award a prize for the ____ follower (for instance Whole Foods had a one-millionth follower contest and a awarded a gift card and a million grains of qiuinoa.  Friends are encouraged to tell their friends to follow the target account.

3. Retweets are a fast, simple and easy way to spread your news virally to your followers followers. Everyone who retweets a promotional tweet is entered to win a prize.

4. Hashtags are another way to encourage Twitter users to promote your contest. Hashtags are intstant advertising because when the hashtag appears in someone’s twitter stream, anyone who reads it (their followers) can click on it and see all the communication that accompanies the topic.  Moonfruit used this strategy to promote a contest giving away a MacBook every day for 10 days to random users who added the hashtag “#moonfruit” to their tweets. Moonfruit reported a gain of 2,000 new customers in 24 hours.

   Some Tips to an effective contest:

Be open about the contest – transparency is key on Twitter and ANY social networking site.  If people feel duped, the long-term negative results can be significant.

Make it relevant. Does the contest relate to your product or service and more importantly to the end-user?

What are the goals for your contest?  Do you want to increase your database? Get more traffic to your website? Sell more product? Knowing the answers to these questions can help in creating a relevant and successful contest.

Have a daily update about how your promotion is going. The number of contestants, visitors, any daily winners, etc. This is a great way to draw additional attention to the contest and encourage more participation.

Also, be sure you know the laws and regulations in your area or the area in which you are promoting the contest regarding online contests and promotions.Have the proper disclaimers, privacy policies, etc in place so you can host a “contest” without breaking any rules.

You can read the complete article at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/verticalweb/200910_InternetRetailer/ (page 56)

I got the above Twitter graphics from the following sites:

 Twitter Follow me badge from Vincent Abry 

Twitter icon: via Problogger (Thanks Darran!) Be sure to check the site out as he has a list of 181 FREE Twitter buttons, badges, icons and graphics.

With the end of the year close at hand, now is a perfect time to begin planning your cause-related marketing campaign for 2010. A well-planned CRM campaign can reap many benefits.  In addition to raising awareness and funds for both partners, finding the right partner can build a company’s image in the community. CRM partnerships can get lots of press, providing the company has a distinct marketing edge.  Employees feel proud to work for a company that supports a cause, which can give the company an edge in hiring and retention of qualified individuals. 

Cause-Related Marketing can boost sales.  A CRM partnership with a good cause can distinguish a company’s products and services from the competition. Several studies over the past few years have shown that consumers are attracted to companies that associate themselves with a social cause or issue. One survey discovered that when quality and price are equal: two-thirds of consumers would be likely to switch retailers or brands to one who associated with a good cause.  For many companies it has helped them create an alternative approach to brand advertising and has helped companies distinguish themselves from their market by giving consumers the opportunity to contribute to something greater than just the company’s bottom line. CRM can give your marketing campaign a personality making it difficult for the competition to duplicate.

“The company that gives, over time can achieve high esteem and success in the community, within their company and in the hearts of the Cause they adopt or partner with.” – Heidi Richards Mooney

Cause-Related marketing can reinforce the company’s mission and commitment to social responsibility. It can also help the company connect with specific geographic or demographic markets. Targeting specific populations through CRM is an effective way to reach and engage specific markets in using their products and services.  It is becoming increasingly accepted as an effective marketing strategy in the global marketplace. 

Ø       Did you know that Wally’s “Famous Amos” built his chain of cookie stores without paid advertising?  Instead he got media coverage by donating a percentage of his revenues to literacy programs.

Ø       Nabisco partnered with the World Wildlife Fund by changing the shapes of their cookies to portray endangered species.  They then donated 5 cents of every sale to WWF for a total of $100,000.

Ø       Companies such as Starbucks and Earvin Magic Johnson have formed alliances to increase economic prosperity in underserved neighborhoods through a joint venture known as Urban Coffee Opportunities. 

Ø       Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food ice crème was created to honor the band and it’s Vermont Roots and proceeds go towards the restoration of Lake Champlain. 

Ø       Estee Lauder Company donates a portion of their profits from sales of special products to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  And on and on…

So what type of self-marketing campaign could a small business participate in to support a good cause?
Ø       Ask Victoria Villalba of Victoria and Associates in Miramar, Florida.  She and her staff are the founders of the Preparing Youth for Industry Program in partnership with Miramar High School and Turner Vocational Technical Arts High School Annual Connections Program. These programs give students the opportunity to learn about business and industry with the help of local businesspersons and the staff of Victoria & Associates. 

Ø       And then there’s Thomas Whatley, CEO of American Ophthalmic in Winter Park, Florida, who partners with a local chapter of Meals on Wheels to serve the elderly.  During visits to Meals on Wheels centers, his company’s certified technicians check vision and the doctors make presentations about the aging eye.  He says that his efforts in the community have accounted for at least 25% of his income each year for several years.

Ø       Or how about Dr. Dora Vilk-Shapiro who manages a very successful dental practice in Coral Springs, Florida, while serving the needs of several community organizations. She has been involved in the Race for Education, collected food for Thanksgiving Drives and Toys for Christmas to help the needy and less fortunate. With the help of her able staff, has visited several schools to promote dental health including Jack & Jill Children’s Center in Fort Lauderdale, a program for low-income, underserved youth in her community.

How do you get started?

Choose the Charity or Non-profit Association you would like to work with. Find out what is needed in your community.  Identifying the right issue or cause is key to local success. It is important that both the nonprofit and the company understand each other’s mission, goals and objectives.  What causes is your company currently involved with? Do your employees volunteer their time and give money to a particular cause?

Determine your company’s goals in supporting the cause. Is it to increase sales, community awareness, image, employee involvement, morale or a combination of these?

Have a written agreement between the company and the organization which outlines the goals of both parties, what services/products are to be offered, the geographic area to be covered, starting and ending dates of campaign, use of trademarked logos, images and names. Collection and distribution of funds should also be outlined in the agreement including dates, tracking, amount to be raised, % given to organization, etc.

It is also important to consider the following:

1.      The organization’s reputation and public perception

2.      The organization operates in a professional manner

3.      The organization’s potential to become involved in controversial social or political issues, which may adversely affect the company

4.      The organization’s financial management and leadership

5.      The organization’s ability to reach the intended audience

6.      The organization’s legal standing (with watchdog groups, taxing authorities)

7.      Any legal issue that may arise from the partnership.  Do you need a formal document to use the organization’s name?  Is your company in any danger legally in the event of any wrongdoing by the organization?  Does the promotion meet all local and national regulations and laws?

Once you have done your due diligence in forming the partnership, you must monitor the effectiveness of your strategies.  How will you know if you are reaching your goals?  Is it by the number of units sold, the amount of monies raised, the amount of media exposure you receive?  The criteria you use to track your results will help you determine if and when you have achieved your marketing goals for the CRM Campaign.  The company that supports a cause can stand apart from the competition creating brand loyalty and support, build value and open the minds of the consumer. The results should create a win-win-win for the company, the organization and the consumer. 

One final thought: Remember to celebrate your success with the charity, with your customers, your staff and other key stakeholders. Thank everyone involved in the campaign for their contributions and commitment.  Thank the organization for the opportunity to help them fulfill their mission.

If the first most important outcome to hosting an event is that it is a SUCCESS., what is the second most important outcome? Like any endeavor, one success becomes the model for future successes. To get to that end result (which in my mind is really the beginning) there is another critical component to staging a world-class event. And that is the front and back-end promotion. By that I mean, cultivating referrals from your clients/vendors/attendees. Promoting your services for other events to this base of referral business requires careful, strategic, ongoing planning. You could turn one event into many with the right marketing mix. It’s the personal attention, the details and the relationships you build that will create this flood of referrals.

Gather Information

Create information cards that will be your resource for referrals. The cards should be completed for both clients and vendors. Vendors can be a great source for referrals and should be treated with the same care and personal attention as the clients. Information on the cards should include:

Names and birth dates of family members

Wedding anniversary, and other special dates such as # of years in business or with the same company

Interests of each family member to include hobbies, talents and accomplishments

Place of employment of client and spouse

Special designations, offices or memberships of client

Corporate client cards to include information of your contact within the corporation and the CEO

Birth dates of key personnel within the company

Any annual celebrations the company hosts

If you are a meeting planner or planning a meeting for your company, ask your client/colleagues for an evaluation immediately following the event. If you are hosting an event for a nonprofit or other type organization, ask all stakeholders (volunteers, staff, interns) for the same.

Handle any complaints professionally and proficiently. Do not allow time to lapse before addressing Make it brief and concise. Send the evaluation with a thank you note. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Ask one or two open-ended questions to elicit candor. Ask the client to be open and honest about all aspects of the event you were involved in.  Handling and correcting complaints quickly will solidify the relationship, and increase your chances of working with the client in the future. Remember the statistics which imply that when a complaint is handled quickly and favorably, 87% of those who complain will do business with the “offending” party again. You’ve worked so hard to get the client; in most cases, it’s much easier to keep a client than find a new one.

When appropriate, it is also a good idea to send an evaluation form to your vendors eliciting their opinions of the event and be sure to include a “ways to improve” comment section.

Send thank you notes to your vendors, catering and sales professionals, volunteers, staff and any and all of those may have had a hand in ensuring the success of the project. Thank you notes go a long way especially when you find yourself in a jam at one time or another. If you have been doing this for any length of time, you have probably needed to find a last minute replacement for the entertainment or photographer or a speaker. You know the importance of appreciation.

Once the event is over, while it is still fresh in the minds of your client, ask for a testimonial or letter of referral. Happy clients are happy to oblige. However, they may be very busy and when too much time passes, they may forget. If you do not receive the letter within a week or two after the event, follow up. Graciously ask them if they would not mind you writing the letter for them, and fax or e-mail it to them. Tell them you use these letters in your promotional kits and their testimonial would be greatly appreciated. Busy people are happy to accommodate your requests when you make it easier to do business with you.

When you implement these strategies, you will receive the accolades, rewards and referrals that will lead to future successes!

Be sure and read my other two articles on this topc: How to Increase Attendance at Your Events and The Best Time to Evaluate Your Event

When I began my networking journey, I attended any and all networking events as time permitted.  Every event was fair game!  Today I am much more strategic in my networking endeavors.  I discovered which events and organizations gave me the best return on my investment of time as well as how to be an effective, caring networker.

In order to know where to begin you must first understand what networking is and why it is important to grow your business.  Networking in its purest form is simply talking to people, making connections and developing rapport to grow our circle of influence. Business networking is essentially the same except that our primary objective in business networking is to help us grow our businesses. For most of us, building a network means meeting people we can do business with or who will do business with us, or refer people who will do business with us; our ultimate goals.

There are many different types of networks.  They can include learning networks, education and research organizations, trade associations, local, regional and national organizations, chambers of commerce, community organizations, business groups, focus groups, religious affiliations, hobby groups, collectors societies and many more. In fact, some of the best networks are those created by people who own and run their own businesses. When you create valuable networking relationships, you build them on a foundation of mutual trust, sharing knowledge, experiences and resources to help one another grow your businesses by either referring one another or doing business directly with one another.

It works like this:  If you do a good job, one customer might tell three to five of her colleagues, family and friends about you. Whereas, when you build a network of say 10 to 20 strong advocates, they may each tell only one person about your, whereby your “exposure”  is now more than doubled. Growing the right network, the ultimate in “word of mouth” marketing takes place. You promote your network, and your network promotes you.  

Have you ever attended a BNI or Le Tip or other form of structured networking groups?  Perhaps you are already a member of a similar group.  If not, you might consider becoming involved in one to these tried and true business networking groups. These groups invite business professionals to join on an exclusive basis.  That means, that if you are a chiropractor and become a member no other chiropractor will be invited or allowed to join.

These groups have regularly scheduled meetings (anywhere from monthly to weekly) with a list of rules and objectives to which you must abide.  In some cases, a minimum number of referrals is required to participate.  In others, simply doing business with one or more in the network is all that is asked of he members.  However, keep in mind that for this type of networking to be worthwhile for all parties, each must make every effort to do business with other members of the group.

If this form of structured networking isn’t for you, there are other options for finding potential networking venues and partners.

Here are TEN ideas to help you on your way to networking success.

1.    Develop a joiners mentality. By that I mean, don’t just sign up to get our name on a roster.  REALLY JOIN.  Get involved. Participate in discussions, events and BE VISIBLE.  The saying “out of sight, is out of mind,”  holds true when it comes to networking.  I have been involved in groups and decided to take a hiatus from attending for 2 to 3 months (and sometimes more) only to have people come up to me and tell me they forgot the name of my business so they had to find someone else either through a friend or through the local phone book.  BUMMER!

2.    Attend networking functions.  These can include Chambers of Commerce meetings, after hours socials, ad hoc committees and special events task forces. 

3.     Get involved in a community service group such as Kiwanis, Lions, Jaycees, etc.

4.     Volunteer with a non-profit organization, whose mission you are passionate about and believe in.  People who have similar passions will want to do business with you.

5.     Host events – I started an event called Goddess Gatherings more than 2 years ago in my home.  It is an intimate gathering of women (8 max.) who share a common interest and/or wish to expand their own circles. I invite women who do not yet know one another although they may be familiar with their names.  These women are women in my circle of influence either directly or indirectly (they are either members of the 22 groups I belong to and attend regularly or they are part of a circle within these groups).  I might invite a “surprise” guest who can entertain the women  – such as a masseuse or tarot card reader-  or feature a business such as a jeweler or make-up artist. This helps make for a memorable evening and the women either start their own Gathering or look forward to being invited to another gathering hosted by either myself of one of the women in attendance. 

6.      Look for ways to cross-promote with businesses that complement yours.  For instance, a spa might join with a health food store or restaurant and promote their products and services for staying healthy. A salon might join a florist to promote weddings or proms and a realtor might join with a mortgage broker to promote a “one-stop” experience for home buyers.

7.     Interview others.  A great way for me to network is to interview women for projects I am working on.  Since most people are flattered when you ask their opinion about something or experiences in life, this has been a great means of increasing my own circle for various reasons. I might interview a woman (or even a man) about an article or book I am writing, or a seminar I am developing.  People love to share their stories. I tape the interview (with their permission, of course) and give them a copy afterwards.  It helps to have a list of questions ready prior to the interview, however, unless they insist, I don’t give them the questions ahead of time. I have done these interviews via phone, email as well as in person. Many of the women have since. You can read and print out my Checklist for Planning a Worry-free Interview here.

8.    Be a resource – let people know you are a person who “gets things done.”  Share your knowledge, your resources and your own network. Doing so will ensure that your network will increase in both quality and quantity.

9.    Join online business or social networking communities like Facebook, LinkedIn , Xing, Twitter , RYZE , ecademy , MySpace  to name a few. Many of these groups have niche or topic specific subgroups made up of people with a special focus and similar interests.  Or you can join a non-specific group to gain more knowledge, exposure and contacts. For more information on virtual networking, read my article: Virtual Networking – 7 Ideas for Making Connections Online and Building a Loyal Following.

10. Make a point of attending one new networking event a month just to “check it out.” Make a list of the people you know, the organizations you have heard and read about and the companies who currently do business with you.  These are all great resources to tap into to find new venues to network.  Get the local newspaper and look at the organizations and businesses hosting events to which the public is invited.  Attend them.

The best networking begins with planning and taking action. Being strategic in your planning is important to your ultimate success as an effective, caring networker. 

©Heidi Richards Mooney – is a Professional Speaker, Business Coach and the Author of 8 books including: “Quirky Marketing ~ 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany and Non-traditional Holidays” at www.QuirkyOffer.com.  She is also the Publisher of WE Magazine for Women a Business and Lifestyle Magazine for Women on the Go. WE Magazine regularly showcases women in business, women on a mission and women on the move working and doing good for their communities, their business and the world.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What do Nametags, Old Rocks and FM Radio Have in Common?

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Monday, February 23, 2009). They are all actual recognized holidays and events around the globe. In honor of Quirky Marketing Month (March), Heidi Richards Mooney has announced the launch of her latest ebook, Quirky Marketing: 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany and Non-Traditional Holidays. Quirky Marketing is not about your run-of-the-mill everyday marketing tactic.  It is more than that.  It is a combination of the creative, zany and off-the-wall.  It’s the ordinary marketing tactics taken to a new level – to create a more inspired, fun and interesting process for marketing products and services.  In the 2009 edition of Quirky Marketing you will read about 12 months of quirky, zany and creative marketing ideas from around the globe.

Here’s an excerpt from Quirky Marketing: Did you know that March 5^th is Nametag Day? Want some media attention? Do what Joe Porcelli from Neighbors for Neighbors  did.  Joe wore a nametag every day for the entire year of 2007 and got coverage which sparked other companies to jump on the Nametag bandwagon.  Wyndham Price Agency and the Norwich Bulletin of Massachusetts provided free nametags during the week leading up to Nametag Day. People dropped by Wyndham to collect their name tags and the Norwich Bulletin put a nametag ready to use right on their front page! There was a complimentary edition of the Norwich Bulletin delivered to all non-subscribers in Colchester. And the local Parks & Recreation hosted a wrap up Nametag Day event on Tuesday, January 23rd. at the Colchester Youth and invited people to share their unique experiences of wearing the nametag for a day and meet new people too.

Other “Events” in March that marketers could capitalize on and promote their business include: March 3^rd is Unique Names Day - Have customers call in about their names (their origin, why they were named that name, etc.) or have them post them online and have a contest for the most unusual name. March 4th is OLD ROCKS Day So what can you do on Old Rock Day? In this day of WEB 2.0 and new media and social marketing, we often loose site of some of the classic, time-tested marketing techniques we used effectively in the past. March 25^th is Kick-Butts Day – on this day you can join the “non-smoking revolution” and March 26^th is Make up Your Own Holiday Day!

In addition to 365 Ideas to promote your business, inside the 2009 Edition of Quirky Marketing is an outline of how to use the calendar, how to work with the media, monthly action plan templates, a blank monthly calendar and more. At the end of each chapter is a comprehensive listing of additional holidays the reader can explore and use to promote his or her business. And more than 100 media and marketing resources are included in the Resource Section.

Quirky Marketing is published by WUN Publications, a company that publishes books, by, for and/or about women. To contact the author/publisher, write Heidi Richards Mooney at P.O. Box 550856, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33355-0856 or call her at 1-877-WISDOM7 (947-3667) or visit: www.QuirkyOffer.com.

# # #

“Cross promoting with other businesses can give you a significant advantage over the competition, with many benefits and cost savings.”  ~ Heidi Richards Mooney

More and more competition in the marketplace is making it necessary for companies to find creative ways to connect with customers and prospects, to enhance brand identity and attract top-notch employees.  In order to enhance competitiveness in today’s marketplace, more and more companies are forming strategic alliances. Strategic alliances can maximize your position in the marketplace.  When you learn how to leverage partnerships you increase your market share.  It is also a very smart way to grow a small business.  Cross promoting with other businesses can give you a significant advantage over the competition with many benefits and cost savings.
 
A strategic alliance is based on an arrangement between two companies to combine resource that will help both gain a greater share of the market.  They are often formed when one business alone is unable to fill the gap in serving the needs of the marketplace.  Forming strategic alliances can save time and boost productivity.  It enables companies to be more efficient and concentrate on the core strengths in developing their products and services.  These alliances can be formal (partnership agreement is put in writing) or informal (a handshake is all that is necessary to “seal the deal”). 

There are several ways you can collaborate with another business or individual to increase revenue, traffic, and even expertise to your business which ultimately will increase the value to the end-user (customer). 

Find the Right Partners

Collaborate with a well-known company – Most small businesses benefit from partnerships that add value, prestige and greater credibility to their own endeavors.  Associating with a well-known business can give your company instant credibility and exposure.  It’s not always about the bottom line.

Collaborate with Your Best Customers – Look at the company or companies who do the most business with yours.  Work with them to solidify the relationship by offering them more than just good products and service.  Make it nearly impossible for them to consider going anywhere else.  Continually asking them why they do business with you and why they stay are the best ways to keep them. 

Collaborate with the Nonprofit Community – Joining forces with nonprofits can increase your circle of influence and your visibility in the community.  For more ideas on cause-related marketing, send a message to Heidi@self-marketingnews.com with “cause-related marketing in the subject line.

Collaborate with a Former Employer – You offer a product or service the former employer needs and provide it to them.  You become a subcontractor or vendor to them.  One of my dear friends worked for a fast-food company as their corporate trainer.  When she decided to go into business for herself, they hired her to continue to provide training to their employees for several years.  As her first major contract, the collaboration they created started her company on the road to success, and she still travels and does work for them.

Collaborate with a Competitor – Believe it or not, competitors can be very good partners.  For instance, they may offer a service or product you don’t or don’t wish to and vice-versa.  They may also have the ability to handle a larger “job” than your company.  Joining forces with another business on a project makes you look good to the customer.  You become the hero.  In 1999, I had the opportunity to provide all the decorations for a HUGE Floral Fair in Miami, Florida.  I knew my small company alone could not handle all the business.  So I called several other florists in the community whom I admired and who did similar work.  I subcontracted them to do portions of the project and get a piece of the action.  Because these were floral importers we were serving, the other florists had the opportunity to network with and find new suppliers of product.  It was easy to convince them to participate.  It was such a success, that it has been an ongoing project for several of the shops over the years. 

Think about the many businesses that are natural partners.  In the real estate field, realtors partner with one another when selling a house.  Florists partner with caterers, photographers and others in the event industry. Automobile insurance companies often partner with auto repair companies to insure their customers get the best service at a fair price.

In an issue of Entrepreneur Magazine, I read about a coffee company in New Jersey who became the ultimate collaborator.  The coffeehouse carries works from a local art gallery, has a reciprocal agreement with a local community theatre to offer significant discounts to their patrons, cross promotes with a local music store, book store, cigar shop, as well as many local nonprofits.

My flower shop has partnered with masseuses, welcome-to-the-neighborhood companies, travel agents, professional organizers, beauty salons, and realtors, and several nonprofits, to name a few.  We have collaborated on networking events such as business after hours and open houses.  We have promoted one another through door hanger campaigns.  We have given each other our coupons to distribute to other companies.  We have carried one another’s business cards and brochures to distribute to our respective clients and customers.  We have given away one another’s products to our customers.  We offer hyperlinks on one another’s websites to further promote each other.  The possibilities are endless.  Look for opportunities in your community that would be mutually beneficial to your partnership.

The real key to success in cross-promotion, is to collaborate with non-competing businesses that are going after the same client or customer base.  Choose businesses and people you trust.  The promotion should make sense to both partners.  It should be a true win-win for everyone involved. Plan the promotion and evaluate the Alliance on a regular basis.  Look for ways to expand your reach without increasing your overhead or debt.

©Heidi Richards Mooney – is a Professional Speaker, Business Coach and the Author of 7 books including: “Rose Marketing on a Daisy Budget ~ How to Grow Your Business Without Spending a Fortune.”  She is also the Publisher of WE Magazine for Women. Stop by http://www.speakingwithspirit.com to get a FREE copy of YOUR Marketing Calendar today!

Do you want to become a better communicator? Did you know that public speaking can be good for business? In fact, a few local groups have asked you to do a presentation. .. and you’re scarred to death! Your not alone. You have what is referred to as presentation anxiety. Larina Kase, PsyD, MBA, psychologist and business coach specializing in anxiety, says “I’ve learned (and research has shown) that people tend to overcompensate for anxiety which leads to more problems.” And we don’t need more problems, we need more business and our customers and clients need solutions. So how can you overcome presentation anxiety?

The number one thing you can do for yourself and for your audience is to be prepared! If you are prepared, you will have confidence knowing that you have done all you can to be successful in your presentation.

Here are some suggestions for being prepared:

#1 Join Toastmasters! In 1992 I was elected to become president of our local chamber of commerce. I have to tell you, I was terrified. Not of being president, of residing over the general monthly meetings. Up to that point I had chaired several committees and was quite comfortable leading small groups of 10 or less people, but 200! No way… my dear friend and mentor suggested I check out Toastmasters. So I decided to start a TM Club … and it was life altering. If there is a club in your area, run don’t walk to it and check it out. Nothing will help you gain more confidence than learning all the skills required to give a good speech, one you can be proud of.

Have something important to say. Something that will interest the audience and you are passionate about. When you speak you leave a piece of yourself within the hearts and minds of others – make it a piece worth keeping.

Practice, practice practice. I suggest you start practicing in front of a mirror. Watch yourself, the way you move, how you carry yourself. If you can video tape yourself, that is even better. Once you see the little habits you have, you can work to correct them.

After the mirror, I started with my dogs – dogs are great as they are not critical and they love everything we do. They make us realize it really is only a speech.

Give your speech in front of 1 or 2 friends or a family member. Set criteria. Tell them you only want them to listen and not critique. If you can take critique then ask them each for one suggestion for improvement and then work on that.

A speech coach can help you discover your style and then offer some specific advice on how to address the crowd, what your particular problems might be, and more.

Now comes “The BIG DAY.” Here are some suggestions for making your speech:

Don’t talk too fast. I find that newer speakers tend to talk fast … to get it over with. Practice speaking at a moderate pace.

Make eye contact with a few friendly faces in the crowd and talk directly to them.

Remember to pause. The pause is one of the most powerful parts of a speech. It makes people think you are thinking. Whenever I begin a speech, I look around at the entire crowd before I begin talking. This helps to find the friendly faces and it helps the audience connect with me.

Other tips to help you prepare.

Drink lots of water – dehydration will make you week at the knees, lightheaded and other physical challenges could result. Be careful not to drink too much not right before the program. You don’t want to have to deal with . another type of anxiety during your presentation
Get a good night’s sleep.
If you are speaking at a conference, or where other speakers are present, hang out with them and ask their advice and questions.

Some people find it helpful to eat a good meal at least one hour before your speech. For others an empty stomach works best.

Remember to breathe. I once gave a speech before a group of Trainers at the National Leadership Conference in Washington DC. I was so worried about doing well (after all these were people who always spoke in public) I forgot to breathe. After that speech I almost fainted from lack of oxygen. I had to lay down on a couch with a cold compress for more than an hour.

Visualize yourself doing well – and getting applause. The power of visualization is incredible. When asked, most athletes will tell you that when they achieve their goals, win the game, reach a milestone it is because they visualize themselves doing so.

Best of luck with your speech. You will be FANTASTIC!

Stay tuned for part two about Preparing your Presentation.