Home : Blogs : Sheldon Neal ~ That British Agent ~ Bergen County NJ : ThatBritishAgent's Blog

7 Reasons to Join a Business Network Group - PART 2 ~ "Public Speaking" !

OK so the First Part of this Series addressed the main benefit that Business Network Groups can indeed bring, which is to put more "Dollars in your Pocket !!" - but aside from that , there are some other valuable benefits to being a part of these groups.

Reason number 2:

"You become a better public speaker and salesperson for your product or service !"

... allow me to explain

Very few people are 'born public speakers' !

In fact, year after year, speaking in front of an audience ranks in the top 3 MOST FEARED THINGS TO DO for the population of the United States !

With that said, does it mean there is 'no hope' for anyone who gets serious 'butterflies' and redfaced whenever they are asked to stand up and talk with dozens of eyes all fixed on them ?

In most cases NO !!!

Because it has been proven that for many people, fear of public speaking, or 'Stage Fright', is simply a "fear of making a mistake or looking or saying something foolish in front of the masses" !! ... and Public Speaking Consultants say that the number 1 way to get over that feart is to PRACTISE !!

Enter the BUSINESS NETWORK GROUP !!!!!!!!

What better stage to PRACTISE being a better public speaker about your product, than amongst a group of peers who understand that you may not have spoken publicly very much and are typically in the same boat as you - and who can also give you helpful feedback each week to give you that SELF CONFIDENCE to be smoother and more comfortable with your delivery to an audience !

To give you some examples - as mentioned in Part 1 - I am the President of our local Business Network Group, and I see new members come in each month, and most are a little shaky with their first speeches about their product. But the beauty of this benefit of joining a Network Group is that as the weeks go on, I ALMOST ALWAYS see a MARKED IMPROVEMENT in that member's speaking delivery !

... and again, the other piece is that many of them reach out to me or one of the other board members for helpful tips to improve their public speaking. Now that's not to say that we are the ultimate source for perfect public speaking, but over the years, manyof us have developed a confidence in speaking in front of others, that we come acrtoss like expert public speakers ! ... and we are happy to help members become better speakers themselves :o)

And this improved confidence in talking about your product is not just for speaking in front of a large audience - this can help you with your 30 second 'elevator speech' when talking to ANYONE you run into about your service !

Dont forget, when someone asks you about your product, you often only have about 15 - 20 seconds of their attention - if that !!!

Could you convincingly promote YOUR CURRENT SERVICE in 15-20 seconds right now ???!!!!

If not, then you should practise ! - Seriously ! So that when you are asked, you leave a positive summary of your product with a potential client or referral source

And that brings me to my last example !

I myself had a TERRIBLE FEAR of public speaking well into my late 20s, even to the point where a few times when I was speaking, I felt that wave of fear come over me, and I actually PASSED OUT ON STAGE !!!!

BUT ! ... believing in myself that I could beat that fear - I practiced and practiced in smaller surroundings - like Business network Groups - and now, for well over a decade, I have become totally comfortable speaking in front of sometimes hundreds of people - including some pageants and seminars with 500 in the the audience !

... I know I may 'look' goofy up there, but at least I have no fear of talking in front of this group of 50 each week !

SO !! ... even if you are confident right now with your public speaking, you always need to flex that muscle, and like most things if you dont practise, you get rusty !

So reason #2 for joining a Business Network Group, is to
Become a Better Public Speaker, and Sales Person for Your Service !

...tune back in Monday for Reason #3 !!!

Series Posts To Date:

Part 1: Dollars In Your Pocket

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>> Dont miss other upcoming blog entries from "ThatBritishAgent" !

Sheldon Neal is a local Realtor® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes For Sale in the Bergen County, NJ area.

If you are looking for Bergen County Realtors, call local expert Sheldon Neal for all your Bergen County Buying & Selling needs !

Sheldon Neal ~ RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LIMITED.
cell: 201-481-2891
office: 201-599-1100 x344
email: SheldonNeal@remax.net
website: www.SheldonNeal.com

Follow Sheldon on these sites below !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Posted by Sheldon Neal ~ That British Agent ~ Bergen County NJ on 08/15/2009 04:27 PM

Comments (46)

7 Benefits of Real Life Business Network Groups in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

7 benefits of real life business network groups

Originally posted at: Sheldon's Blog: 7 Reasons to Join a Business Network Group - PART 2 ~ "Public Speaking" !

Generate short URL

This post has been included in New Jersey Real Estate News Bergen County, NJ Real Estate News
Post is included in group: Agents who want REFERRALS!
Post is included in group: AR Networking
Post is included in group: Bergen County, New Jersey
Post is included in group: Club Chaos
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You

46 Comments on 7 Reasons to Join a Business Network Group - PART 2 ~ "Public Speaking" !

AUG

2009

Hi Sheldon-Great business post. I thankfully don't have a fear of getting up in front of people. I used to sing in a band and if you can do that then business public speaking is a piece of cake. Have a great weekend. :-)

Hi, Sheldon,

It takes the same method on anything, if we keep doing it over and over again, it will become natural. We have to get out of our comfort zone sometimes to achieve something bigger and better. Thanks, great post.

Hi Pat ! Definitely one way to get used to addressing an audience is to master being a lead singer !!!!

Rita ! Very true, and the problem is many people overlook, and take for granted that they can do some things like public speaking, but when they are faced with it, many realize they are just not quite comfortable with it !!! Practise is good :o) Cheers !

Sheldon -

I suspect lots of us have some degree of trepidation, standing up on front of a group, although we can easily talk up a storm in front of clients. Practice makes perfect, and it's no longer an issue for me, most of the time.

I have also found that teaching, being on panels, and giving talks has helped in many ways. And just like writing, if you can explain it verbally, then you probably know the topic pretty well.

Jeff

Sheldon, I haven't actually passed out...there were just a few times I thought I might! But as I kept doing it, I got better and better. It does take practice and I actually had someone make a video of me so I could see what I was doing wrong...and right.

ToulaRosebrock,com

Hi Sheldon:

It's rare that I need to get in front of a large audience and speak...I really don't have a problem doing so...

But you're right, you can get rusty if you don't have the opportunity very often.

Hey Sheldon great article. So many agents don't understand the value of networking groups on so many levels. Personally I love speaking and teaching no matter what the size of the group. One of my degrees is in Speech so it's easier for me (but didn't used to be years ago).

BTW - you don't look goofy up there! You look like a professional!

Sheldon, Practice makes perfect! I got over my fear of public speaking selling Discovery Toys. Since that time I have been in a number of networking groups and I'm now Vice President of our Spring Klein Chamber. The more you get out there the easier it gets.

Jeff ! - Yep thats exactly it - you gained experience with all those groups you mentioned, and I'm sure it gave you confidence over time to be comfortable talking to an audience.

Carole ! I did that too ! It helped to see video of how I was coming across. Whatever it is that works for the individual is great - as long as it's addressed so you become better at it :o)

Toula ! Its good you are a natural ! Most Realtors tend to be - but not all ! And certainly other service providers often dont have the opportunity to even talk at length to customers like we do !

Anna ! I dont doubt for a moment that you would capture an audience - both verbally and visually !!! Cheers :o)

Marchel ! Bingo ! Thats exactly how many folks get over their hesitations ! Excellent ;o)

Sheldon..You are fearless in a group..you have that gift of gab that seems to make people comfortable..

HELPFULHANNAH twitter@helpfulhannah

Featured @ Club Chaos

Hannah ! Thank you ... it has come with time :o)

Hi C !!!!! :o)

That is probably the best benefit I've gotten so far from my business group. I was so uncomfortable at first I thought I might be sick. I've gotten so much better. I still get nervous, but I practice what I want to say and I have much more confidence. You have a large group, we only have 22 members right now.

Sheldon, great post. I still get nervous if I have to talk to a large crowd. Some people are just naturals...like yourself.

Sharon ! - Yup - I see it every week. People improving their confidence with public speaking. Reason #2 to be a part of these groups :o)

Rebecca :o) - I wasnt always as confident, but find myself being pretty comfortable talking in crowds these days :o)

Hi Sheldon! Great post, already looking forward to #3!! Many years ago, I thought I couldn't do it - you're right it is a terrible fear. But as I had to do it, each time it became easier, and pretty soon it didn't bother me. Practice is the key, and knowing the subject metter helps a whole heck of a lot! LOL!

Hi Sheldon, I have heard/read that public speaking is the number one phobia of people. I count myself among those. It just takes doing it a few times to get comfortable with it, I think.

Hey Sheldon - You are right. This is huge! Turns out that once you get "into" public speaking it becomes a huge confidence boost for your life in general. ...and, it is a phobia that is not that hard to kick once you begin exposing yourself to public speaking. Great post.

AUG

2009

Being the president of a group is certainly helpful for public speaking, as you have a ready audience :-) Your Business Network Group is lucky to have your leadership! I'm definitely a better writer than speaker. I admit, I collapse under public criticism...so tend to revert to my pen. Although the parent clubs & school groups that I was involved with for many years (and served on boards) was a total comfort zone...I think it's a trust of being among friends or something...If I sense people feeling that I'm in competition with them, I feel sad & quiet.... obviously I could use a ton of therapy! :-)

This is an excellent SERIES, Sheldon. Cheers!

Mary ! - Very true - we talk about that a lot - you MUST know your subject matter well, otherwise you can really freeze up !! Happy Sunday :o)

Shirley - Yep, for most, repetition conquers a lot of the fear :o)

Kent - Thanks and yes it is huge for many people to have this outlet to work on it !

Mara ! You are the same as many with this - but theres hope !!! Practise in different areas is a great way to improve that comfort level :o)

Sheldon - I must say you do a great job at this as evidenced when Lisa and I attended one of these meetings.... To be able to do this at 7:00 AM is one thing altogether.... and do it well.... Best of luck of luck with the network.. Seems to be working well for you. We'll have to meet up again soon maybe the diner again?

Improved public speaking is a good side benefit for joininng a networking group. BNI is a great group for networking. However, I would recommend joinging Toastmasters to REALLY improve your speaking ability. You will not only conquer your fear, if any, but you will improve as a COMMUNICATOR in all situations. You will be more effective in a group but also one on one.

By the way, Toastmasters also has you networking often with some of the more successful people in the community.

Hi Sheldon, Yes, this is something a lot of us are faced with. I don't have to give any speeches, but probably joining a network group as you suggested is a good idea. thanks for sharing!

Nice post and so important.

Public speaking = MOST feared activity per Toastmasters. More than death or disaster.

Here's my secret . . . shhh, do not tell . . . ;)

Imagine audience members all wearing little babydoll teddies like what you'd see in Victoria's Secret -- INCLUDING, ESPECIALLY really high stiletto heels with feather tops. Trying to walk in them . . . wobble, wobble, wobble . . .

Sheldon: Public speaking is such a great thing to master, or even improve! I was terrified of it in high school and college. One of the reasons I took acting and public speaking in high school, and later became a Communications Major in college.

I was a Catholic youth minister for ten years before begining real estate. I joined Toastmasters in Camas, WA in order to become a better speaker. I said in my prayers one morning, "God send me wherever you need me to speak." No kidding, that same morning I opened my youth office door and the phone was ringing. It was the Seattle Archdiocese asking me to be the keynote speaker for the annual youth conference for over 3,000 youth! Talk about scared!!! I continued going to Toastmasters to prepare for that convention, became a little more confident and did a good job (I think...well at least I didn't pass out!) at convention. I even stood up there onstage and had to ad lib for the next person because the wires and microphone broke for a few minutes. Seemed like an eternity.

I look forward to hearing you speak some day!!!

Many blessings!

Jill

BNI Has helped me GREATLY in this respect. You get many other business building aspects of joining a business networking group and I never thought of the public speaking angle. I get scared!

Hi Bob ! - You guys got to see how we run our meeting, and thats basically how it is each week :o) ... it can be fun too right !!!!

Bill ! I have heard good things about Toastmasters - I may have to check one out in addition to my current groups !

Hi Ginger ! It's worth checking out just to see if there's some value to you !

Candice ! !LOLOLOLOLOL ! Shhhhh I wont share your secret !!!!

Chris Ann ! Excellent ! Your road to conquering it is a great example !

Jill - Nice story too ! I hear very good things about Toastmasters :o)

Hi Renee :o) Yeparooo ! This is definitely one of the additional beniefits - in fact it's Reason #2 !!!!!! Cheers :o)

Toastmasters will ROCK Your World. The average person gets the basics in 6 months to two years, depending on the pace they choose. Most move on after that. I'm a Toastmaster for 19 years...just love what they have done for my career.

Before Toastmasters I couldn't walk into a room and say Hi My Name is Joy Carter without nearly fainting because my heart wanted to come out of my chest so bad it made my ears ring.

Because of Toastmasters I have led many meetings and groups and was even the Chair of the local Chamber of Commerce. I now run their high level CEO group. I could not have done any of this without Toastmasters.

It is the PERFECT place to practice public speaking and we all know that practice makes perfect. What sets them apart is you get feedback on how to be even better.

Check them out for a club near you. http://www.Toastmasters.org

Hey Sheldon - Great post! Public speaking will build one's confidence and make a better Realtor!

I just joined a Networking group here in Connecticut. For our first luncheon, we had to stand and introduce ourselves. Then, we played a game... we had to go through all the members and say what they did. It was a fantastic ice breaker and it helped us remember who does what - along with having us stand and speak again!

Do you have any suggestions that I can pass along to our group leader?

Thanks a bunch ~ Diana ~

Joy & Jeff ! Wow ! Now thats a testimonial for Toastmasters !!!!
The good thing is that it is another avenue, like network groups, that have value added benefits, dollars in your pocket, better public speaking ability, and much more ... stay tuned :o)

Diana ! Good for you for joining a group ! The group's success will largely depend on the leadership, and then the membership, in terms of their dedication and the vibe created by the group. Good Luck ! And you can ALWAYS contact me if you have any questions or want ideas for the group, I may be able to brainstorm a few good ideas with you ! Cheers !

Very informative and encouraging post, Sheldon. In one of my former lives (ok, a couple decades ago) I was a communication skills trainer and traveled around the country leading seminars on presentation skills. Your tips are right on the mark. The more you practice speaking in front of a group the more comfortable you become. And if you ever have a chance to videotape yourself giving a presentation, that can be an incredibly enlightening experience.

And even with all my experience and training in public speaking, I still get butterflies when I'm in front of a group. I just try to remember we need to have a little bit of those butterflies when we speak because they get our adrenaline flowing and help us be able to do our best.

Love your series topic and can't wait to hear more.

Hi Mary ! Thanks so much for adding your experiences too ! And yes, I sometimes still get butterflies, but only in front of a laaarge audience in the 100s ! Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you again soon :o)

Sheldon,

There is no great use of an hour of your week than to join a networking group. Becoming more comfortable speaking in public, generating leads, and so much more.

Jon

sounds like a good reason and it looks like you have a good series going.

AUG

2009

I couldn't agree more! Joining networking groups has increased my confidence and I am now able to give presentations to groups without "passing out" from fear that I'll forget my key points or just sound silly.

I learned the art and benefits of networking during my days in corporate housing. Especially, if you are new to the area, networking in weekly groups and attending chamber of commerce functions are great ways to meet people and make friends. The weekly closed networking groups like BNI provide a safe environment for polishing our public speaking and presentation skills. Some of the members of my weekly networking group have been together over 10 years! There are some powerful connections there!

Hi Sheldon

Greetings from the Pacific Northwest! You are absolutely "spot on" (that is the correct English,eh?) about Business Networking groups. I started in Real Estate in 2003 and started my first BNI group in 2004; it is a fantastic personal growth and business opportunity.

Keep on Net-Working....

Best Wishes

Pat McGuire

Fear of public speaking - gulp, gulp makes me speechless! ARG. I don't like it one bit but if I throw in some comedy here and there, it goes smoother for me. I too faint and it's very embarassing.

Jon ! I'm with you 100% ! I've been going for years, and have gained SOOO much in a number of ways ! Thanks for the comment :o)

Gene ! Thank you sir, Stay tuned there's more to come :o)

Kathy ! Lol ! Yup, repetition breeds that confidence, and then even if something silly slips out, you can bounce back and roll with it !

Linda ! Very well said indeed ! You are spot on ;o)

Well Hello Pat - in the Pacific NorthWest !!!! :o) Good for you for startiong a BNI chapter, it is so rewarding to run a successful group - I have helped doub my group to over 50 in just over a year ! Nice to hear from you - please stop by again ;o)

Lyn ! Hey look another connection we have !!! But practise has made me get passed the fainting these days !!!

AUG

2009

Hi Sheldon - am getting caught up here in the AR! Had to find your series on BNGs - this one is a good point. Public speaking is something that can be improved with practice. And speaking with your friends is a huge confidence builder for sure! I look forward to hearing you speak someday! Maybe at the REBCRDU??? <shameless plug>

Hi Pam !

I would love to present at one of these events, and feel free to plug away on any and all of my posts for your REBarCamp ! I cant wait hear all about it ;o) Cheers !

AUG

2009

Sheldon...If public speaking gets me referrals then I am all for it.

... it can certainly make you more confident to promote your service or product - which can defintiely give you more business !

SEP

2009

Hello Sheldon-This is one thing I am so not good at but I did join Toastmasters back in NY and got up and did several thru out the course they offered. I still have those encouraging.notes from the rest of the class that we all did for one another. I am a bit sentimental. Hey I am a woman I am allowed. You look like a natural. SO is your inbox full enough yet. I think you are a glutton for punishment. At least you haven't announced you won't be around when you are MIA now. Afraid of another HIJACKING HUH!!! <SMILE>

Hi There Sharonah ! These groups can really help - and Toastmaster are another great resource to help public speaking too ... and this one is a no-hijack zone !!! lololol !!

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?

Sheldon Neal ~ That British Agent ~ Bergen County NJ

Maywood, NJ

More about me…

Bergen County, NJ - RE/MAX Real Estate Limited

Office Phone: (201) 599-1100 x 344

Cell Phone: (201) 481-2891

Email Me

Listings

Links

Get to know me better :o)

Archives

Find NJ real estate agents and Maywood real estate on ActiveRain.

Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.

7 Reasons to Join a Business Network Group - PART 2 ~ "Public Speaking" !

"You become a better public speaker and salesperson for your product or service !"

... allow me to explain

With that said, does it mean there is 'no hope' for anyone who gets serious 'butterflies' and redfaced whenever they are asked to stand up and talk with dozens of eyes all fixed on them ?

In most cases NO !!!

Enter the BUSINESS NETWORK GROUP !!!!!!!!

And this improved confidence in talking about your product is not just for speaking in front of a large audience - this can help you with your 30 second 'elevator speech' when talking to ANYONE you run into about your service !

Could you convincingly promote YOUR CURRENT SERVICE in 15-20 seconds right now ???!!!!

And that brings me to my last example !

... I know I may 'look' goofy up there, but at least I have no fear of talking in front of this group of 50 each week !

SO !! ... even if you are confident right now with your public speaking, you always need to flex that muscle, and like most things if you dont practise, you get rusty !

So reason #2 for joining a Business Network Group, is to Become a Better Public Speaker, and Sales Person for Your Service !

Series Posts To Date:

Part 1: Dollars In Your Pocket

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>> Dont miss other upcoming blog entries from "ThatBritishAgent" !

Sheldon Neal is a local Realtor® with RE/MAX, specializing in Homes For Sale in the Bergen County, NJ area.

If you are looking for Bergen County Realtors, call local expert Sheldon Neal for all your Bergen County Buying & Selling needs !

Sheldon Neal ~ RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LIMITED. cell: 201-481-2891office: 201-599-1100 x344email: SheldonNeal@remax.net website: www.SheldonNeal.com

Leave a response…

So reason #2 for joining a Business Network Group, is to
Become a Better Public Speaker, and Sales Person for Your Service !

Sheldon Neal ~ RE/MAX REAL ESTATE LIMITED.
cell: 201-481-2891
office: 201-599-1100 x344
email: SheldonNeal@remax.net
website: www.SheldonNeal.com