As I was listening to BNI podcast number 89, “Become a Motivational Speaker for your Business,” I started wondering what really separated motivational speakers from the normal networker like myself. Does Tony Robbins eat something exotic and different? Does Jack Canfield wear a lucky t-shirt when he is making a presentation? What does Brian Tracy do that makes people want to buy so many of his books?
Then, the answer hit me. The professionals are not that much different than I am. They all still eat food, require shelter and prefer to wear clothing on a regular basis. The great motivational speakers of our day are humans too, and they have become very successful at doing three things differently than everyone else. In just three steps, I can become a motivational speaker for my business too!
Step One: Technique. You will notice their vocal pitch changes when they are making a point. The tempo of their speech changes too. When they get excited, their volume changes as well. It almost feels like they are looking right at you when they are speaking. Their hands are held perfectly so as not to distract their audience.
The good news is that technique can be learned! Every college and university holds some type of public speaking class. The National Speakers Association (http://www.nsaspeaker.org/) has introductory classes for people who want to become professional speakers. If that sounds intimidating, check out your local Toastmaster’s Chapter (http://www.toastmasters.org). Speakers of all levels of experience participate and you often get pretty good coaching in a small group setting too.
Step Two: Preparation. I sat in the second row a few years ago at a Jack Canfield presentation. Amazingly, he carried a full three hours WITHOUT referring to notes. He commented a few times that he had not given that presentation in several months, then proceeded to rattle off the correct slide numbers so his Power Point presentation would match his words. Preparation is key to making this performance happen!
Perhaps Dale Carnegie said it best, “Only the prepared speaker deserves to be confident.”
Step Three: Get passionate
"You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart,” said John Ford.
“A good orator is pointed and impassioned,” implores Marcus Cicero.
“When the message comes from your head, it’s intellectual and unemotional; it’s just facts, figures and features. But a message from the heart is filled with emotion and passion,” declare Dr. Ivan Misner and Michelle R. Donovan in their book The 29% Solution.
In my role as an Assistant Director for BNI of Michigan, I often run into business owners and sales professionals who lost their passion. Just like a set of car keys, they quite often set it down and forgot exactly where they put it! It is human nature to focus on the tasks at hand and forget our why. Just like retracing your steps often helps you find your car keys, reflecting on why you started your business or why you enjoy selling is often an easy way to recapture your passion.
For me, helping people figure out how connected we are charges me up! For a CPA, it could be the idea of keeping the IRS out of their clients back pockets. For a massage therapist, it could be the ideas of helping people have pain free mornings. The great thing about passion is that it is completely individual. Your passion is what makes you a motivational speaker for your business. Your passion is what separates you from the average networker!
Get Nspired!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
What Not To Twit! Tips for New Networkers Online
Lately, I have been helping a lot of people new to the world of social media navigate their way through the world of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. A few days ago, I was helping the Realtor in one of my BNI chapters update her LinkedIn profile. I began editorializing about what not to do when participating in social media online.
When Jamie asked me how to avoid irritating people on line, I realized I was beginning to sound a lot like Clinton Kelly and Stacy London from TLC’s What Not To Wear. Watching the show is one of those guilty pleasures in my life, especially when they step someone into the 360 mirror that was analyzing every stitch of some poor woman’s outfit.
So please, step into my virtual 360 mirror to learn a little more about What Not To Twit!
Step 1: Learn how to block people early and do not feel bad about doing it!
If you are like me and use social media as a part of your business networking strategy, toxic people can ruin your reputation. If you are online just for fun, they will ruin your experience.
I met a “business” person in New York by answering a question on LinkedIn. He invited me to join his network and he seemed legit, so I accepted. A few days later, the multi-level marketing solicitations began. I sent an email indicating that I was not interested but I hoped it was successful for him. His e-mails became more frequent and more belligerent. Then his Facebook solicitations began. I quickly learned how easy it is to block someone from following me or e-mailing me.
Again, it is perfectly okay to block people, even if you are a bleeding heart like me! It is usually anonymous and always easy. Best of all, you reduce the risk of that person alienating people on your network which can negatively impact your reputation.
Step 2: Listen (or read) first!
There is a great saying in that I have often heard in BNI. A good networker has two ears, one mouth and uses them both proportionally. This sage advise holds true online too. For example, if you are reading a blog, read the whole thing before you comment. Read what other commentators have posted. That way, you can make sure your comments will cut through the clutter and make the impact you have intended. If you are a Twitter user, you can easily read their 10 or so messages so you can respond appropriately.
Step 3: Have something to say!
Comments on blogs, answers to questions on LinkedIn, wall posts on Facebook and tweets on Twitter are valuable cyber Real Estate. It could very well be the one shot you have at impressing the perfect client, employer or friend for you. If you are struggling to create the perfect response, go back to step two.
From a blogger’s point of view, nothing is more annoying than the, “Great Post!” comments. Brevity is key too. Make sure your comments or answers are germane to the subject as well. If you are still struggling to find your voice, check out this great article from Pro Blogger 11 Tips for Getting Your Comments Noticed.
Step 4: Just say no!
Realize that there are a ton of social media choices. Whether for personal or business use, figure out which outlet will work for you and which one you will actively participate in. You will be bombarded with invitations for several others and you will be overwhelmed if you try to participate in them all.
Just like Stacy and Clinton, I just want to see you be successful in your online networking efforts. Get Nspired!
David Lingholm
When Jamie asked me how to avoid irritating people on line, I realized I was beginning to sound a lot like Clinton Kelly and Stacy London from TLC’s What Not To Wear. Watching the show is one of those guilty pleasures in my life, especially when they step someone into the 360 mirror that was analyzing every stitch of some poor woman’s outfit.
So please, step into my virtual 360 mirror to learn a little more about What Not To Twit!
Step 1: Learn how to block people early and do not feel bad about doing it!
If you are like me and use social media as a part of your business networking strategy, toxic people can ruin your reputation. If you are online just for fun, they will ruin your experience.
I met a “business” person in New York by answering a question on LinkedIn. He invited me to join his network and he seemed legit, so I accepted. A few days later, the multi-level marketing solicitations began. I sent an email indicating that I was not interested but I hoped it was successful for him. His e-mails became more frequent and more belligerent. Then his Facebook solicitations began. I quickly learned how easy it is to block someone from following me or e-mailing me.
Again, it is perfectly okay to block people, even if you are a bleeding heart like me! It is usually anonymous and always easy. Best of all, you reduce the risk of that person alienating people on your network which can negatively impact your reputation.
Step 2: Listen (or read) first!
There is a great saying in that I have often heard in BNI. A good networker has two ears, one mouth and uses them both proportionally. This sage advise holds true online too. For example, if you are reading a blog, read the whole thing before you comment. Read what other commentators have posted. That way, you can make sure your comments will cut through the clutter and make the impact you have intended. If you are a Twitter user, you can easily read their 10 or so messages so you can respond appropriately.
Step 3: Have something to say!
Comments on blogs, answers to questions on LinkedIn, wall posts on Facebook and tweets on Twitter are valuable cyber Real Estate. It could very well be the one shot you have at impressing the perfect client, employer or friend for you. If you are struggling to create the perfect response, go back to step two.
From a blogger’s point of view, nothing is more annoying than the, “Great Post!” comments. Brevity is key too. Make sure your comments or answers are germane to the subject as well. If you are still struggling to find your voice, check out this great article from Pro Blogger 11 Tips for Getting Your Comments Noticed.
Step 4: Just say no!
Realize that there are a ton of social media choices. Whether for personal or business use, figure out which outlet will work for you and which one you will actively participate in. You will be bombarded with invitations for several others and you will be overwhelmed if you try to participate in them all.
Just like Stacy and Clinton, I just want to see you be successful in your online networking efforts. Get Nspired!
David Lingholm
Saturday, February 7, 2009
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