You’re an Expert – Learn to Love to Present!

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There are plenty of us out there – we are experts in our fields, we do our jobs or run our own businesses with skill and we’re good at what we do. But we also need to promote our skills, achievements or the services we offer. Whether you’re in a job or running your own business, you still need to get your message across confidently. Sure, there are other ways to promote your business; however, presenting is an exceptionally good choice because you can reach a wide audience. Plus, the audience can see you and get to know you, and you can show them that you are an expert in your topic. So what can you do if you are not that comfortable with presenting, but you think it is a good way to get to your potential clients?
Learning to present

Presenting and public speaking are learnt skills.I believe we can all learn to present successfully in front of a group. However, if you want to develop your presenting skills, then you will need to commit time and energy to the task; and you must want to grow and develop, because developing your presentation skills also takes you on a wonderful personal development journey. What are the steps to follow on this ‘Learning to present’ journey?

Expand your comfort zone – as you learn to present, you will have to allow yourself to go out of your comfort zone and get uncomfortable in front of an audience. This takes courage and commitment. Your business is your livelihood – you’re willing to go and learn new skills for the sake of your business, aren’t you? Sure you are!Some presentations will go well and you will develop your confidence from these, but there are always those times when things don’t go smoothly. You have to keep going, keep trying, always stretching yourself to develop your confidence, no matter what!

Work at presentation skills training – there are many skills that go into presenting and it certainly will help you to work at these with a coach, someone who understands the process and has the skills to train you.The areas that you need to learn about are:
– speech structure and organisation
– how to keep an audience’s attention
– how to use technology e.g. PowerPoint, Keynote
– the importance of body language
– the use of the voice
– how to handle nervousness
– how to make a presentation captivating
– what not to do!There are plenty of coaches, classes and organisations to assist you in these areas.

Reduce negative self-chatter – Did you know that 40% of the population fear speaking in public? And it doesn’t matter what size the group. So if you don’t like public speaking and fear getting up in front of a group – you’re not alone. What is holding you back? What is stopping you from speaking to a group and giving them information that they need? Part of it is that negative self-chatter.Negative self-chatter dispels dreams, holds us back and reduces our effectiveness because we keep saying, ‘I can’t do that’, ‘They won’t want to listen to me’, ‘What if I mess up?’, ‘I don’t know where to start – it’s too hard to get my information together’, ‘The audience will be looking at me – I don’t like that!’, ‘People don’t listen to me’ – and the list goes on.If you are going to develop your presentation skills and confidently get your message across, you have to work (on a very personal level) to stop that negative chatter that goes on and on in your mind. You need to rewire the chatter so it becomes positive self-talk, which builds your confidence, builds self esteem, and will help you to achieve your goals and dreams.Again, this takes commitment and courage – remember the presentation is not about you, it’s about what the audience wants to know. You are giving them the information they have invested time to hear.

Overcome your nervousness – it’s natural to get nervous when speaking in front of a group, especially when you are not used to presenting. Remember, this involves at least 40% of the population so you are not alone.It helps to understand what happens to your body when you get nervous about presenting. Feeling nervous can trigger a ‘fight or flight’ response in the body. Adrenalin goes around the body, it’s difficult to think straight and breathing becomes shallow. To overcome the nerves, you have to find the approach that works for you. This could be exercise, any form of relaxation (yoga is fabulous), meditation, making sure you are prepared and rehearsed, or just having a positive mindset.The final suggestion is to keep giving presentations, because once you get used to giving presentations regularly, you’ll no longer feel that presenting is outside your comfort zone: it will be inside your comfort zone. This is very important – the more you give presentations, the better and more confident you will become.

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse – this means running through your presentation so you are prepared and know what you want to say, making sure your slides are appropriate and look good, and checking that your timing is spot on. Mishaps happen, this is normal, but the more you rehearse and prepare, the more confident you will be when it’s your time to present. Actors and performers rehearse and rehearse; business people delivering presentations need to do this, too.

Presenting to promote

At the start of your presenting experiences, it all takes a lot of effort but, as you get more comfortable with giving presentations, the easier it becomes. When you are delivering content that you are passionate about, this passion will shine through and inspire your audience. Promoting your business by speaking is a great way to display that you are the expert. Build a presentation on a topic/subject in your industry. Don’t talk about products! Then go and find places to deliver your presentation – search out Rotary or Lions clubs, business associations, networking groups and so on. Choose your target market and look for presenting opportunities there.You can prepare video for your website and YouTube – this is another way to display your expertise. Presenting to camera will need some training; however, video marketing is becoming a popular strategy and is wonderful for use on social media.If you are an expert in your field and you develop your presentation skills, this will give you a marvellous opportunity to meet potential clients, build connections, even build a tribe. By developing your presentation skills, your confidence will grow and this will ultimately help you to grow your business. So, since you are an expert in your field, learn to love to present!

If you are wanting to develop your presentation skills or help your staff to present with impact, contact Adrienne McLean at adrienne@thespeakerspractice.com.au or ring on 0414 367 960.

Communicating with Impact with Cosimina Nesci

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Cosimina is a highly regarded personal, coach, specialist stylist, dynamic speaker, emcee, author and trainer. She has a realistic understanding of the fundamentals elements needed to build a professional image – primarily: visual presence, communication and rapport and inner strength. In today’s multi-generational workplace your professional image must be, credible, authentic and likeable across generations. Cosimina’s commitment to her clients through customised programmes enables professionals to develop an image that is accepted and respected by all generations.

The questions for Cosimina are about “Communicating with Impact”

What are the areas that impact on Communication??
Where does communication and branding connect for a business?
How can we develop our communication skills?
What can we do to communicate with impact and make a great impression?

To summarise, Cosimina advised business professionals need to be credible, likeable and authentic. To develop this professionalism, the three important factors are 1. Visual presence – dress and body language, 2. Communication and Rapport in all forms – speaking, writing, in social media and 3. Believe in Yourself. Always be working on these !

There’s some wonderful advice for business professionals in this podcast – enjoy!

Networking to Your Success with David Baumgarten

Today it is our pleasure to have David Baumgarten – David CEO of three large Business Enterprise Centres (Sydney – Clearly Business, Eastern Suburbs and Greater Western Sydney) is to provide opportunities to support small businesses and to help them succeed.

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To help businesses in Sydney and in Australia, networking is an essential part – David shares his incredible advice and insights into Networking to Your Success.

David answers the following questions –

What is so powerful about Networking?
Is there a way to “Break-the-Ice”?
Attending Networking meetings – does this build business?
What are the best ways to successfully Network?

David shares some really valuable approaches – stating that there is preparation before the networking event required and then keeping in touch after the event. Thanks David for this enlightening discussion!

Friday Forum – The Journey of Start-Ups with Matt Barnett

At this Friday Forum, we speak with Matt Barnett of Verbate about the journey of building a start-up business.

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Matthew is an innovator, an entrepreneur, a creative adrenaline junkie. Matt spends his days away from the office placing ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

The statistics say that 90% of communication is visual, so why rely so much on written feedback? Its here that Matt got an idea! Why not use smartphone video surveys to replace focus groups & written feedback. Receive 1000’s of meaningful, visual insights at the click of a button, and a fraction of the cost.

Matthew’s lastest startup – Verbate.co lets you simply text / email video interviews to anyone in the world. The simple link opens their smartphone camera, on which they respond instantly, filming themselves, their workplace, home or whatever you desire.

Verbate is working with some of the worlds leading brands and agencies, see www.verbate.co – Hear about the journey that an entrepreneur goes through to start up a business and then make it profitable. The questions Matt answers are :

So , we’re had a great idea – is it possible to turn it into a business?
How are Startups different from other types of Businesses?
What are the stages that Startups go through?
What can help make a Startup a Success?

The journey of startups is fast and risky ,at times, you will hear the enthusiasm and energy that Matt puts in – it is a journey – this is what makes it so interesting – enjoy!

Friday Forum – Implement the Law of Attraction with Nikki Cooper

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Nikki Cooper is a public speaker, author and online marketing consultant specialising in video creation and law of client attraction and runs regular business networking events in Sydney. Nikki’s passion is helping business owners learn, connect and engage and Nikki is going to share with you today, the information usually reserved for those who attend the networking events.

Here are the questions – there’s some brilliant concepts and ideas discussed!

Nikki you once told me, “97% of people live life filled with regret, wishing they could be something more. Only 3% actually do what they love, earn what they want, and be who they want to be. “ Why is this so?
We have all heard many definitions of the Law Of Attraction and I know you have studied it in great detail and written a book called “Your Successful Life” after interviewing 24 Succesful people, but can you explain in simple terms?
What 3 Steps do you recommend people use to achieve the Law Of Attraction in their business?
You have been quoted as saying “Think it dream it believe it and you will achieve it” Can you expand on this?
5. I ask all our guests this – As a Trainer, Mentor and a Professional Keynote speaker , what is your advice about promoting your business by speaking?

Thanks to Nikki Cooper for a wonderful discussion – Enjoy!

How to Create a Raving Fan Culture

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Building a raving fan culture is what every business wants – having clients coming back again and again. Our guest speakers is Di du Preez – a Marketing Strategist and Business Advisor who serves as a strategic thinking partner to growing businesses.

Di has had years of experience building strong foundations for businesses and seeing the benefits to the clients of these welcoming businesses. Getting this culture right of building a business tribe is crucial and can make or break a business. Hear Di du Preez’s advice.

The questions answered are:

1.What are the steps to create a Raving Fan culture??

2 How do clients or potential clients currently perceive your organisation? Is this important or are clients only interested in the end result?

3. The Customer Experience – This is cruciall?

4. What are the benefits of a Raving Fan culture?

Here is the podcast

The Art of Converting Leads into Sales

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Phil Lee is the founder of Sandler Training in Australia. He and his team are committed to assisting business leaders, sales teams and sales people achieve their personal and professional goals…and beyond!.

Phil has been described by many of his clients as a “master” sales trainer, professional and personal development coach, and professional speaker.

He works with selected business leaders, owners and salespeople in technology and other industries. Sandler’s non-traditional selling system plus innovative reinforcement training has made us the global leader in sales training.

Our topic is “The Art of converting Leads into Sales”. If business owners are diligent with their marketing then this will bring an awareness to the market place. Its fine we can see some interest and its going to be great to hear how to convert those leads into sales.

The questions being discussed today are:

1.We’re generating leads but what do we do next?

2. If we pick up the phone, and they’re not expecting a call – what the best approach?

3. What are the best ways of approaching potential clients – without being too pushy?

4. What are the best approaches to converting leads into sales?

7 Things about Your Presentation Topic Your Boss Wants to Know

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Business presentations are essential to communicate projects,management issues,business restructuring,system implementations,marketing strategies,sales successes and so on. The Business Presentation is a pivotal method of communication to clients, staff and executives. How can a Business Presentation be structured to best get the message across?

1.Strong Opening Grip your business audience with a strong comment to open – a question – a story – a quotation or the one big success of why you are there.

2. Background – why they need to listen – you need to detail why your audience needs to listen to your presentations. What is in this presentation for them Detailing briefly why they should listen and what is going to be addressed by listening will keep their attention.

3. Execution – the audience doesn’t want to know excruciating detail but they do want to be included in the journey – so detail some of the important steps so they can understand how far the project has come.

4. Challenges and How you overcame them – Show your best work – what challenges have been faced and how have you used your skills to address these challenges. Don’t blow your own trumpet but be proud of the work and details the achievements and developments.

5. Results – the Bottom Line – Results are what the Boss wants to know – focus on these and the impact these results are having on the business.

6. Benefits to clients – External or Internal How do these results benefit the clients, staff, shareholders? Business projects and simply work are at the end for this – so explain the benefits.

7. Summary of success A brief summary to finish will keep your hard work at the front of the Bosses mind – the huge steps forward , whatever you want the Boss to remember , this goes at the end.

A Business Presentation is an important tool – it can win or loose business, staff can be kept engaged or can be discouraged. It is dependent on the topic, on where you put your focus but the results and the impact are crucial then by looking and sharing some of the important details, this can show you are working towards the same goal and you will really shine!

How to Create a LinkedIn Group to Generate Qualified Sales Leads and Revenue

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Today, at the Friday Forum, we are thrilled to have Tom Skotidas , Founder of Skotidas, Asia Pacific’s leader in B2B Social Media Lead Generation speaking on “How to Create a LinkedIn Group to Generate Qualified Sales Leads and Revenue”.

Prior to Skotidas, Tom served as head of marketing and business development at First Rate. In just under four years, he grew the agency from an office of two staff, into one of Australia’s largest search marketing agencies with 25 staff generating $7 million in annual billings.

Half of those billings, or $3,500,000, came from clients that Tom met, nurtured, and signed, using social networks.

Today, Tom and his team work with global B2B organisations across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, using social networks to generate B2B leads for their sales forces.

The questions discussed are:

1.What are the benefits of creating and maintaining a LinkedIn group as opposed to using other social media?

2. What are the steps in creating a LinkedIn group?

3. How can we promote our LinkedIn group and get our target market to join?

4. By having a LinkedIn Group and regularly posting, how does this generate Sales Leads and Revenue?

5. As a Trainer, Mentor and a Professional speaker , what is your advice about promoting your business by speaking?

Thank you to Tom Skotidas for his time and expertise in discussing how to use LinkedIn groups to generate Sales Leads and ultimately Revenue.

Powerful Sales and Telesales Approaches that Work!

At the Friday Forum, Jenny Cartwrightwas our guest speaker on the 2nd May. 2014. –

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Jenny , as well as being a Sales Strategist, Sales Trainer, Speaker and Coach and Jenny is regarded as Australia’s leading Telesales Trainer is author of the bestselling book “Don’t Get Hung Up! (How to sell Products and Services by Phone)”, the E-books “TopTelesales Techniques That Work!” Volumes 1 and 2 and she co-wrote “Secrets of Top Sales Professionals”.

Jenny achieved record breaking results in telemarketing by promoting some of the world’s biggest speakers including Anthony Robbins, Tom Hopkins, Zig Ziglar and Jim Rohn. Jenny has coached and trained over 50,000 people through public workshops and in-house training both nationally and internationally. She has spoken at numerous business conferences with known greats such as Richard Branson and Alan Weiss (the Million Dollar Consultant). She has also appeared on Channel 9’s “A Current Affair” as a leading Australian sales expert.

You can register for her free telesales tips to be emailed monthly. Now let’s get to meet Jenny –we’re discussing the topic “ Powerful Sales and Telesales approaches that work!”

Here are the questions that Jenny discusses’

1.Is there preparation to be done before getting started on talking to the clients or can we just go in there and talk products?

2. What are the tools needed to really be successful in sales ?

3. Are the techniques used for face-to-face selling different to selling via the phone?

4. Are there other special areas that need to be handled for telesales?

5. I ask all our guests this – As a Trainer, Mentor and a Professional speaker , what is your advice about promoting your business by speaking?