Just Be Nice Please

I am often asked to speak....for free.  Unlike my son, Greg Peters, The Reluctant Networker, I do agree to these requests.  Greg's speaking career is much more advanced than mine and he deserves to be paid.  But back to me!

Groups that ask me to donate money.....after all, my time is money when I'm giving my expertise.  I hope they'd realize that they need and should want to give something in return.  I know, I know, I get my meal paid for and sometimes I get a nice pen or plaque.  But beyond that, they need to make a big deal over this person.

A member of the group should be assigned as my go-to person.  That someone is my contact person both before the talk and then also actually at the event to welcome me!  This ambassador should take the time to find out something about me (either by calling in advance or Googling me) so that when making an introduction to another member, they can give a little synopsis. 


I can't tell how many times I have NOT received the above.  A couple times I've arrived at an event and the few people in attendance asked me who I was and why I  was there.Suspiciously!  

 

One time I was told to sit at the head table and no one sat with me at the long expanse.  Talk about feeling a little weird.  Funny thing, for that talk, I was asked to speak about how a group could be more welcoming! Obviously they needed to hear my message.

So I don't ask for much, just a friendly face and perhaps an introduction that could lead to business for me.

What's your take on this?

Marketing to your Audience

A couple months ago I attended a presentation given by a local business person in our community.  I wanted to learn about her topic and also to support her efforts.

When I arrived, she was at the front of the room and she did acknowledge my entrance with a "hello" but she went back to being seated at a table working on her computer, with her back to the audience.  And that is the way she stayed until the beginning of her formal presentation.  Since this was a free presentation, it was a marketing effort on her behalf.

Here's my take on the marketing that happened.

The presentation was very good, this woman knows her stuff.  But, I'm not sure she realized her networking goals.  You see, connection to the audience members is so important for the marketing to succeed.

For those giving these types of talks where you are trying to gain prospects, know that your presentation begins the moment the first member of your audience walks into the room.  Be ready to greet them and then to also to carry on a conversation.  It can be small talk, "How were your roads this morning?"  Or you could ask each person if there is one thing they want to get out of the presentation.  Research has also shown that if you touch people they are more likely to connect with you.  The touch can be very fleeting, just a brush as you hand then a sheet of paper (handouts) or pen.  Or course, you can shake hands.  They won't even know it happened.


Doing the above will probably push many people out of their comfort zone, but you'll find that as you do more of it that your zone borders will enlarge!

So, what have you seen speakers do that really helped them to connect with their audience?

What's in a Name?

OK, I get it.  The name of my company, Connext Nation, may not be the easiest to pronounce at a first glance.  But really if you take the time to look at it, it is very easy.

Think Connect and then put a "next" in as the last syllable.

Con-Next Nation.  Easy peasy, right?

Well I guess not!

Two times in the past couple weeks, the name has been murdered.  Not just mispronounced, but stabbed again and again.

Each time I wanted to correct the person, but  I also wanted that person to save face.

One time I was being introduced as the speaker.  Please, Please, PLEASE,
those who are introducing people, make sure you know how to pronounce both company name and their personal name.  Especially if that person is speaking gratis, they need your help with marketing.  If you give the mispronunciation then the marketing falls flat.

I have learned my lesson and now I am going to have a pronunciation guide immediately after Connext Nation in my written introduction.

Have you ever had your name or company name twisted and what did you do about it?