TheSpeakerspractice

What I’ve learnt from Podcasting.

Published on September 25, 2020 by Adrienne McLean

Early 2019, I started asking around my clients and colleagues about what would be a suitable theme for our conference, the Professional Services Marketing Conference. After many discussions, the theme was agreed on “Think Bigger, Grow and Succeed”.

From Small Businesses to Business Coaches to large city based firms, the theme was supported and of interest. Business owners, marketing managers, coaches, micro businesses wanted the same thing – they were looking at widening their understanding, learning approaches that had been tested and worked then taking on the thinking & mindset of successful people.

Now, I’m closely approaching having completed 40 of these podcasts and I’ve learnt so much:

1. It is a great way to have a conversation and get to know an influencer or someone who you may be able to connect with afterwards

2. Each and everyone of my podcasts has some inspiration and motivation in the discussion. It’s by doing these interviews that professionals can share their experience and inspire other to have the courage to move forward.

3. As a content creator it is brilliant! I’ve , of course, recorded then transcribed then collated and in the process of putting the transcriptions into a book.

4. Each guest has their own wisdoms and experiences to share. This is the part I enjoy the most. Of course, there are times when points of view are supported. It is each individuals approach that is so inspiring.

5. For me, series of 20 is a manageable size. There are many steps in the process – organising the guest, the preparation of script and promotion for the interview, holding the interview, editing and uploading the recording and script onto one or more podcasting platforms to maximise social media impact. To finish, the interviews can be transcribed for use for other content.

If you’re looking for some inspiration and motivation, go to our podcast Think Bigger, Grow and Succeed and hear our experts – see https://thespeakerspractice.com.au/think-bigger-grow-and-succeed/

Adrienne McLean, The Speakers Practice runs weekly interviews on Think Bigger, Grow and Succeed. Adrienne is a Certified BookYourselfSolid Business Building coach and can be contacted on adrienne@thespeakerspractice.com.au and on mobile 0414 367 960.

Networking to build your reputation

Published on March 5, 2020 by Adrienne McLean

Networking functions help Service Professionals to build their audience, grow their skills and connect with other businesses to build opportunities to refer.

Networking helps to raise your profile, make connections and have you talk about what you do. All the important parts that go together to build a reputation.

Networking is:

meeting with people one-on-one,
sending personalised emails
attending networking functions
building an online community

Things to think about:

🔆 Your brand and your reputation are very closely aligned. Nurture your reputation and build your brand.

🔆 Networking is one of the parts that go along the business development process and how important it is to keep in contact with your audience.

🔆 It takes anywhere from 5 to 15 touch points to make a sale so Service Professionals need to be keeping in touch with their audience. When you network face to face with someone or pick up the phone and have a constructive conversation, these are useful touch points in the process of building trust.

The focus of The Speakers Practice is to help Service Professionals with navigating the business development journey and building confidence with strong presentations and going out to promote themselves.

This is not always as easy as it seems.

Adrienne McLean is a BookYourselfSolid® Certified Coach, SpeakersTrainingCamp® Internationally Accredited Instructor and the Principle of The Speakers Practice. Offering marketing discovery audits, online training programs, Public Speaking for Professionals, Effective On-Camera Presenting workshop and much more.

Email on adrienne@thespeakerspractice.com.au or ring on 0414 367 960

Professional Services Marketing Conference

Published on July 22, 2019 by Adrienne McLean

What makes the Professional Services Marketing Conference unique from the other marketing & sales events in Sydney?

The Professional Services Marketing Conference is different from large events because this conference is focussed on taking the delegates through the business development process starting at marketing and digital marketing going through to sales in the afternoon and including mindset as this is so important to the process.

Each presenter is asked to deliver 3 conference takeaway strategies that the delegates can go back to their business and utilise. That’s 36 different strategies – that’s huge value!

PLUS the Presenters are each offering some conference gift – a book, some consultation time something that the delegates attending can connect with the speakers.

This conference is:

✔︎ highly personalised.

✔︎ our speakers are local, Australian specialists who have been through the same business building process that Service Professionals in the B2B space experience.

✔︎ The content is specialised and relevant to Service Professionals.

✔︎ Delegates are much closer to the speakers and can ask questions they have either during or after the presentation.

✔︎ The Speakers are offering huge value to the delegates who attend the conference.

✔︎ The NSW Minister for Finance and Small Business is attending – you will be able to ask the minister questions about how the government is helping SME to do business.

✔︎ Each speaker has experience in business development, marketing and sales.

✔︎ Everyone understands the importance of mindset in growing a busienss.

✔︎ Networking and business was done from attending the conference in 2018.

✔︎ This year, there are many opportunities to connect with like minded professionals, who understand the challenges being faced.

✔︎ The Sydney Boulevard Hotel look after our delegates beautifully with a delicious morning and afternoon tea. There’s a fabulous lunch where the delegates get to know each other just that bit more!

✔︎ The presentations are fast paced with breaks, thee’s a huge amount of variety and all focused in on helping you as a Service Professional to grow your business.

✔︎ This is a one day conference to sit back and think about the business development of your business. Listen to experts who have been there and done exactly what you are wanting to achieve.

The Professional Services Marketing Conference is an information conference and is NOT selling from the stage. The delegates will have opportunities to connect with our experts which is networking and building trust and then perhaps business will follow but its all up to the delegates.

To book in – see Professional Services Marketing Conference

Technology to make Marketing Easier with guest Ana Melikian

Published on April 22, 2019 by Adrienne McLean

Ana Melikian, the Founder of Tech Tips For Coaches and loves to help business owners achieve their BIG goals! Ana has a Phd in Psychology and is passionate about helping purpose driven, creative entrepreneurs with online marketing and understands the importance of working on mindsets in order to succeed.

Ana is an Elite Level BookYourselfSolid certified coach and co-founded the More Clients More Fun, where they developed leading-edge LinkedIn strategies for business development to land high-value clients. In 2018, Ana launched Tech Tips For Coaches, a very affordable members

hip site designed to help coaches, consultants, trainers, and speakers to navigate the online world and market their services online with ease and joy!

The topic of our interview today is “Technology to make Marketing Easier ! ”.

The questions Ana discusses are:

There are so many online marketing tools – where do businesses start?
Which is your favourite CRM and Email Management system and why?
What are some of the things to watch out for when choosing online platforms?
What are some other business tools that are essential for a business today?
What is a Business strategy that you recommend?

Adrienne McLean DTM , The Speakers Practice – helping clients with business development. Adrienne empowers Business owners to implement a powerful business building system to get more clients & communication skills to connect with impact.

You can contact Adrienne on adrienne@thespeakerspractice.com.au or ring on 0414 367 960.

How to build a community on LinkedIn globally -Business Success Strategies interview with Anna McAfee

Published on December 12, 2018 by Adrienne McLean

Building on-line communities is important now. Connecting with people is vital for building trust and connections. Anna McAfee, Co-Founder of LinkedIn Local really discusses the importance of this and how the LinkedIn Local community has grown internationally.

There are some gems of information in this interview. The special part is Anna’s advice on her most recommended business success strategy. Anna has some really valuable advice.

Here’s the full interview – takes just on 30 mins. Enjoy!

Adrienne McLean helps professionals to get more clients, move forward and build confidence to get the sales flowing in with developing presentation skills, building confidence to speak to camera and work on business development ie marketing & sales. Ring Adrienne McLean on 0414 367 960 or email on adrienne@thespeakerspractice.com.au for more details.

The Speakers Practice & Adrienne McLean.com October newsletter, 2018

Published on October 13, 2018 by Adrienne McLean

In our work, we are serving Service Professionals who are looking for:  ✔︎ More clients,  ✔︎ Improved marketing and sales,  ✔︎ Improved communication skills, as well as,  ✔︎ Techniques to raise awareness of their business.    We also help the business development, marketing and sales managers who are also looking to build their skills.      What are important skills needed in the workplace for growth - both personally and in business?    Marketing Skills and Business Development system   Public Speaking, Presentation Skills and Communication Skills   Effective Speaking to Camera and creating Video   Professional Services Marketing Conference     Here are our programs that are coming up -    The Professional Services Marketing Conference 2018 was a day of learning, connecting and being motivated to get to the next level. Check out this Professional Services Marketing Conference overview video (https://youtu.be/voFTnJy1m4E)        If you missed attending and would like to see the presentations online or attended and want to see the presentations again - enjoy the  Online -  Professional Services Marketing Conference 2018 (http://professional-services-marketing-conference.thinkific.com/courses/professional-services-marketing-conference-2018) - there are 6 hours of presentations full of really valuable information to help you with marketing, digital marketing, sales and mindset.            The BookYourselfSolid Masterclass Intensive - 8 sessions live, online - going step by step through the business development system BookYourselfSolid - check here more details                Marketing Discovery Audit  By doing an annual marketing audit, you will find out:  ✔︎ Are your marketing systems working for you  ✔︎ Are there processes that need implementing for growth  ✔︎ Are your strategies & tactics being followed  By doing the Marketing Discovery Audit , this will give you insights for marketing activities to help you get off to a great start for the new year.            Check out the Effective On-Camera Presenting program   Video is a powerful marketing tool and that marketing using video is becoming an important way of connecting with your prospects & clients.  To use video, are you looking to understand  ✔︎ How to effectively present to camera  ✔︎ What you need to be aware of when using video  ✔︎ What are the best approaches to create successful video?  ✔︎ Get nervous in front of a video camera  ✔︎ Wanting to create successful video?  ✔︎ What tools you need to do this    The Speakers Practice is taking bookings for the next upcoming Effective On-Camera Presenting for Professionals"         Hornsby Business Information Forum - a networking event to meet, ask those niggling marketing & business development questions, share & be inspired - 4th Thursday, Thyme Square cate - 8.30am to 10am, Free to attend. Business Professionals meet and discuss the topic of the day - - topic is the 6 steps to grow a business - book in Next Forum -  25th October, 2018     For more details or to ask any questions, ring 0414 367 960.  See: www.thespeakerspractice.com.au and www.adriennemclean.com

21 Step Marketing System Checklist

Published on January 11, 2018 by Adrienne McLean

By scheduling in regular marketing, this will help with keeping your business front of mind with your prospects. If your business is front of mind, when the time is right, the prospect will discuss with you their needs & business can be done.

Have you got a regular process to follow to implement your marketing regularly?

Here’s a checklist to do to consider your current marketing efforts. It’s a bit like doing an audit – checking what is currently done and what needs work on. Perhaps if you want some help – schedule in a time with me for a free 30 minute phone call to discuss. Here to help – Adrienne McLean – The Speakers Practice.
BooK here – 30 min Consultation – Free!

21 Step Marketing System Checklist

1	Do you know who your “Ideal Clients” are?	Yes/ No
2	Have you a clearly defined target market?	Yes/ No
3	Have you developed your personal brand ?	Yes/ No
4	Are the problems your target market face clearly understood for your topic?	Yes/ No
5	Do you have a clearly defined #1 big result?	Yes/ No
6	Are you clear about the benefits your product brings?	Yes/ No
7	Can you confidently “Talk About What You Do”	Yes/ No
8	Do you clearly display your creditials?	Yes/ No
9	Have you clearly defined your products?	Yes/ No
10	Do you have a clearly defined Keeping in Touch Strategy?	Yes/ No
11	Have you any blogs, eBooks, Books, CDs, DVDs, online training?	Yes/ No
12	Are you confident with your Pricing?	Yes/ No
13	Do you have successful sales conversations?	Yes/ No
14	Have you a clearly defined Networking Strategy?	Yes/ No
15	Have you a clearly defined Direct Outreach Strategy?	Yes/ No
16	Have you a clearly defined Referral Strategy ?	Yes/ No
17	Have you a clearly defined Speaking Strategy ?	Yes/ No
18	Have you a clearly defined Writing Strategy?	Yes/ No
19	Have you a clearly defined Web Strategy?	Yes/ No
20	Are you implementing Strategies Networking, Direct Outreach & Referrals?	Yes/ No
21	Are you implementing atleast one of Strategies Speaking, Writing & Digital Marketing (Social Media/ Pay for Click Advertising)?	Yes/ No

Perhaps if you want some help – schedule in a time with me for a free 30 minute phone call to discuss. Here to help – Adrienne McLean – The Speakers Practice.
BooK here – 30 min Consultation – Free!

The Speakers Practice – Presentation Skills workshop for Professionals

Published on December 11, 2017 by Adrienne McLean

What would you get out of The Speakers Practice – Presentation Skills Workshop for Professionals ?

A fabulous day was spent with Professionals who were keen to work on their presentation skills. The SpeakersTrainingCamp formula is followed – taking rather nervous attendees through a process of developing their presentation skills and building confidence to speak in front of a group.

What did they like most about the workshop?

Helped me to speak naturally and from the heart
very relaxed , comfortable atmosphere bringing out people’s openness
Good to get feedback from everyone in the group
Having a solid structure for a presentation
Gaining confidence via constructive feedback
Practical tips
Safe and supportive people and feedback to get better
Opportunity to practise
Indepth knowledge
Good facility

What were the most important things they learnt?

How to structure a presentation
being natural when delivering a presentation – speaking from the heart
being in control of the situation
Good valuable tips
The GRABM concept
Importance of body language
Controlling nerves and the exercises to help with nervousness
Importance of posture and breathing
Feeling more confident to deliver a message

A testimonial to summarise the day –

“Adrienne opened doors for me that have been closed for a long time. Her course has initiated a process that I can confidently build on helping me personally and with my work in architecture.”

Rob Geoghegar, Architect

The Speakers Practice – Presentation Skills workshop for Professionals will be available quarterly – check in with The Speakers Practice for the next workshop.

Video Can Help Real Estate Agents Clinch Deals!

Published on October 27, 2017 by Adrienne McLean

A deal in real estate is not like a deal in toothpaste. deals with toothpaste make you two dollars richer. A deal in real estate makes up hundreds or thousands, and even, a million dollars. So if using video as a marketing medium help clinch a single deal, you will make a lot of money!

There are no two ways about it, video is the way of the present and the future! If you want to generate online traffic anywhere, using videos will increase conversion and retention rates and improve sales leads.

However using video on websites is not the only thing a real estate business needs to do to generate sales. You also have to be a little bit creative and understand the aspects of making a professionally made video to maximise your chances of success. But first, I will look at what the power of video purely a medium has done for businesses.

Video as a medium

Here are some facts about online videos in business

1. StacksandStack.com reported that visitors were 144% more likely to purchase after they saw a video on their website.

2. Visitors who watch videos are said to stay on the website for twice as long and visit twice as many pages.

3. Unbounce reports that sales conversion rates increase by 80% if a company uses an online video to market a product on their website

4. According to Kismetrics, leads are 64 to 85% more likely to purchase from a small business after seeing a video online.

There are more than 300 hours of video that is uploaded to YouTube a minute. In the near future, video will comprise of more than 70% web traffic. Companies are using video today, knowing just how well it increases online traffic, conversion of sales and retention of customers.

Professional Tips

You may need the help of a professional company to help you with generating a top notch quality video. If you decide to market in real estate using a handheld smartphone then you need to get back to the drawing board. A professional filming company will think of techniques that enhance the quality of your video. Aspects of filmmaking such as:

Lighting
Camera positioning and angles
Close-ups
Filters and aspect ratios
They are just some filmmaking concepts that professional filmmakers consider, including many more aspects and variables. This may seem minute and seems like perfectionism, but the more you consider these aspects in an online video, the greater your competitive advantage becomes.

Another thing real estate agents can do is the overall direction of how a video will be made. Make some strategic decisions in the video that matches up with the brand image that you like to present. Since Real Estate companies are formal, you may want to use real estate agents themselves wearing their formal attire. As opposed to getting an average-looking person with casual attire talking about real estate. That said, if the real estate company’s brand image is casual and creative, the average-looking bloke talking about real estate may be a great idea!

Also, try to get good shots of the houses, It may be best to take several shots from the houses at several different angles and cut out all the bad and mediocre looking ones.

Finally, make sure that you include your company logo either at the beginning or end of the video so viewers can contact you and remember who you are. It is always a good thing if you get customers to associate your brand with something of high quality or any other positive attributes.

The Creative Side

This is what may really get you a ton of competitive advantage. Think of making a video as a way to generate a unique selling proposition. Being tactically creative allows people to:

1. Have a unique selling proposition

2. Have a competitive advantage

3. Have a vision

The best way to achieve a unique selling proposition is to come up with creative ideas. Ask yourself “How are real estate agents marketing their products and how can I be different from them while still keeping consistent with my brand image?”

If you find that Real Estate agents are marketing in a similar way then this is liquid gold. Find out about what motivates consumers to purchase a house (like newlywed couples wanting to start a family, or buyers wanting independence) or what demotivates consumers (such as the rising prices in metropolitan areas) and address these attitudes in a way that speaks to them.

When you want to make a video, using that knowledge, brainstorm some ideas. This is the opportunity to be a creative as you like! You may never know what good or bad ideas come out! This is the time when you can come up with bad ideas because this is the time, creatively, that you can discard these ideas and suffer no consequences. At the end of brainstorming, it gives you a clear direction with a creative idea and you have obtained a vision, ready to be turned into a reality.

Conclusion

So there you have it! By understanding how video positively impacts upon sales and knowing how to professionally create a video with a creative idea will dramatically increase your chances at clenching that all-important deal.

Nelson Cumming is an enthusiastic business blogger with AdrienneMcLean.com with a keen interest in Marketing and PR.

Adrienne McLean DTM – SpeakersTrainingCamp International Instructor and the Founder of The Speakers Practice – Adrienne specialises at

The Speakers Practice helping clients to confidently deliver presentations for maximum impact for sales presentations, pitching to Investors, promotional presentations etc.

Adrienne has been training presenting to camera programs since 2012 and has been coached by Lou Bortone – US Video Marketing Expert.

You can contact Adrienne on adrienne@thespeakerspractice.com.au or ring on 0414 367 960.

Branding strategies – Gunnar Habitz – Business Success Strategies.

Published on October 25, 2017 by Adrienne McLean

Branding is the way the prospects and clients see your business. Your branding is the face of the business. In this video & podcast, Gunnar Habitz details the important parts that go together to make a brand successful.

Gunnar Habitz has twenty years ICT experience in sales, marketing and consulting roles with a technical flavour covering various computing solutions sold to commercial and consumer segments. Originally from Switzerland with solid experience in the European market, Gunnar moved to Sydney in 2016 and completed a leadership program at the Australian Institute of Management and now offers his skills in the areas software, services and solutions.

Some of the questions Gunnar answers here on the topic of Branding strategies for growth are :

When looking at branding a business or a product, what are the essential steps?
Why does changing a brand help with sales growth?
What are your recommendations to a business who are looking for massive change?
What are the signs of a successful brand?
What is a strategy that has really helped you grow your business?

Here are some links that Gunnar recommends for checking out –

1) www.habitz.ch (my own website)
2) www.cloudrecover.com.au (my employee who changed the branding strategy totally in 2015)
3) www.livinglines.com.au (brand development expert Susan Jones)
4) www.intrix.com.au (reseller Intrix who transitioned to a managed service provider)
5) www.cowanprospecting.com (Matt Cowan Prospecting, I mentioned that I found him only due to his LinkedIn article)

The Business Success Strategies is a 30 minute interview with successful business people who have been able to achieve amazing results with growing a business.

Business Success Strategies is an always have something to offer event sponsored by The Speakers Practice and ADrienneMcLean.com. The Speakers Practice offers programs to help SME professionals to market their business by speaking. AdrienneMcLean.com helps SME professionals to market themselves using the international marketing system BookYourselfSolid – a marketing system designed for service professionals to get you more clients.

Adrienne McLean helps business professionals with marketing and business development along with promoting their business. You can contact Adrienne McLean on adrienne@thespeakerspractice.com.au or ring on 0414 367 960.

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