Kathleen Maxwell writes, “I want to get my name out. Do you think speaking to business groups has value these days or am I best off concentrating on building an electronic presence?”
The answer is, yes: Focus on speaking AND building an electronic presence.
Here’s why…
Speaking Builds Authority
You should know that speaking is one of the primary ways I grow my business.
When I speak, I’m getting exposure to dozens (if not hundreds) of people who’ve never heard of me before. I get to build my authority, create instant trust, and generate new customers.
And I can do all that in 60-90 minutes of my time.
If I sit down and write something, that has impact; but if I speak to a large group, that has much more impact.
Does that mean you should just focus on public speaking and neglect your online presence? No way!
A Web Site Is Like a Fishing Pole: It Reels People In
Here’s what I’ve found. A certain percentage of people who see me speak won’t buy anything from me at first. But they will look me up online, subscribe to my email list, and perhaps buy something a couple months down the road.
So my online presence supports my speaking activity.
What’s more, I can then use my online presence to drive people to live events… where I’m speaking!
You see, there is a synergy between what you’re doing off-line and what you’re doing on-line. The two work together to maximize your results.
So should you focus on speaking to business groups or building your online presence? The answer is… yes!
-Terri Levine
The Biz Growth GuruSM
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Terri,
makes perfect sense, yet it’s depending on the type of coaching services provided. can’t speak to business forum and not be somehow involved in business coaching or executive coaching, that’s my experience so fare here in europe. many of the things recommended to do most of the time work in US, seldom work here, or not yet. looking for a solution to this for long time already…
cheers, Bercedeh
Yep! The online presences supports your offline presence AND it also attracts new people to your network. I’ve received many, many opportunities because I’m highly visible online. And your blog is key to that. I wrote a post on Build A Better Blog about how it all starts with visibility. Whether on the stage or online. You’ve got to be visible if you want to grow your business.
Blog on!
Bercedeh,
Thanks for your comment. I work in 17 countries and have many clients in Europe and my experience is this works. Are you willing to play with this and take action on it?
Hi Terri,
You are bang on. I have experienced the same, i.e. standing up and speaking to a bunch of people gives you instant credibility, and people remember you. Especially, if they find you online, they instantly connect, and feel a bond. That’s absolutely a fabulous duo – face-to-face exposure presence (via speaking) and online presence.
Anil
Ottawa, Canada
What can I say except thank God you are there Terri. Every word you utter every thought you share helps a dozen other thoughts explode in my head – thoughts that present possibility and opportunity. Speaking to people is something we do every day and if we can simply funnel that information into a focal point ie. Business Devel0pment then we will be ready to share it with the masses and in doing so compound the level of attention we bring to ourselves. Thank you again for just being “YOU”
Visibilty is the key! Whether someone believes in a product or want a product is not always the determining factor as to whether they purchase the product or not. However, familiarity from visibilty alone can increase a person’s buying impulse. Speaking is definitely the tool to increase visibilty and add notariety , as well.
Yes speaking increases visibility and more so it creates relationships and allows people to get to know you and connect with you. They get to know the sincere person you are – either one to many or in large groups. I speak so I can embrace and nurture more people and am glad I have gotten to play with so many of you live… like Christopher and Lesley and Allie, Denise, etc.
My desire is to embrace those I speak with and reach so I can give them my gifts allowing them to have more free time, family time, vacation time, more money, a great home to live in and more peace. This is why I love to speak!
Good stuff! It makes theoretical and practical sense. Thanks – Rob
Terri,
You said it all in the title–Speaking for Business!
Great session tonight on Maestro Month!
I am looking forward to making mine a million dollar business with your tips.
Dear Terri,
I am beyond delighted – I can see using this information –especially the one that begins…”I am going to give back your money…”
I was on your call tonight – I would love more coaching from you.