Public speaking. It's something that sends chills down the spines of countless people. And yet it's something that can be so massively powerful to build your business.
I tell each and every one of our clients that you need to become a subject matter expert to effectively grow your brand. Whether you're a real estate agent, a mortgage broker, a banker, an attorney or something else entirely...if you want to effectively build a brand around yourself, you need to showcase your expertise.
So for those of you who are considering anything from launching a speaking circuit to running seminars for first time homebuyers - I want to leave you with a few tips.
1. Don't picture the audience in their underwear. It's a pretty common recommendation. But the reality of it is that whether you have massively unattractive or wildly attractive people in the audience...it will be a distraction for you. Instead, picture the audience members as people you're sitting and having a beer with. Be fun. Be conversational. Be real. Share stories. Share failures. Give them something to be excited about.
2. Push for engagement. The worst thing that could happen when you're speaking is that you lose the attention of the audience. Ask them to do things. Jot down a thought. Raise their hand. Disagree with you. Ask questions. Keep them engaged and you can deliver your most important points with ease.
3. Provide info-tainment. It's up to you - as the speaker - to provide your audience with a disproportionate amount of value. But do it in a way that's entertaining and that connects with them. You're not there to sell them something. You're there to give them nuggets that will positively impact their lives. Do it in an entertaining way and you win.
I've got about three dozen keynotes coming up - so hopefully some of us will cross paths. My staff put together a little clip in advance of my Times Square keynote - so I'd LOVE your thoughts on it!
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