Marketing Yourself for Success! webinar.

You can use these tips and techniques immediately and they will last a lifetime!!

If you want to provide engaging and memorable presentations, newsletters and blogs, here are key elements to greater success:

Is the title of your presentation interesting? If you saw your title for the first time, would it catch your attention? Your first goal is to capture their attention and make them want to listen further or read on. Does the title reflect the value and benefits they will ultimately receive? Spend time creating an interesting title. You might need to write your message first before determining what title will be most effective. That is okay and often gives you a better “feel” for how to initially grab their interest. Try it on friends or associates first if you are not sure.

Belief, Passion and Commitment—Does Yours Show? Passion, enthusiasm and your belief in your message can make a statement like nothing else. When you’re passionate, enthusiastic and committed to share an authentic, meaningful and life/career transforming message, your audience/readers are much more likely to become engaged in your message. Show that you truly believe your product, service, book (or whatever it is) will save them time or money, help guide them in a new direction, create a more engaged workforce, etc.

Pack a Powerful Punch: Use Stories and Facts to Educate and Influence. Influential presenters and writers use stories, hypothetical situations or relevant examples to help their audiences relate personally and professionally. Stories are interesting and a very “human” touch to our day-to-day world. Be sure your stories and examples strengthen your point.

Engaging Your Audience. Is there any way you can involve your listeners by asking, or taking, questions? Can you have them participate in a short activity? This really helps right after lunch when many of us tend to get a bit drowsy. The lectures of previous days have become more interactive and it helps listeners digest what you are saying.

How Much Information is Too Much? I am one who wants to share so much beneficial material that it can be difficult to cut it into the most important, bite-sized pieces. We have heard that the mind can only absorb what the seat can tolerate, whether sitting in a seminar or on the computer. What are the key points of useable, helpful information that your listeners/readers can take away and use most effectively? Always allow some time for Q&A when giving live presentations.

Pictures and Parallels. Whenever you can, use visual images and similarities to relevant situations and experiences that will help your audience see and understand more about your topic and why it is important. Some learn and retain better by visuals, some by statistics, and some by stories they can relate to. Use various ways to pack a powerful, lasting punch.

Show Me! Demonstrate, Validate, Educate. There is no better way to sell a product than to demonstrate the benefits and ease of use. They add life, credibility and verify what you say is what they get. For those who hate to sit and read directions, this is a very important addition…show them.

What Do I Do Next? Leave your audience/reader with a specific next step or build a short ladder of the next possible 2-3 steps. Give them simple, clear suggestions. Where can they go to learn/hear more? Your newsletter? Someone’s blog? A particular book?

Recommendations and Referrals: Ask others to give you an endorsement of your product or service. Seek testimonials, referrals and references to verify your talent, product quality or exceptional service. Create a portfolio of written and/or videotaped recommendations to share with prospects, build your reputation, and to gain new and happy clients, employees, participants or readers!

Now, check out my blog at www.transformationacademy.com for life and career-transforming tips and techniques you can use immediately and that will last for a lifetime!

Rita Rocker, Transformation Academy, LLC

 First and foremost, your goal is not to close a sale during your presentation but to open a relationship that lasts for years.

This viewpoint is effective and helps take the pressure off making a quick sale.

• Prospects can tell if you are just selling but they can also tell if you are excited about making their lives easier. At the end of a presentation would you like to hear, “This special is just for today so why don’t we write up your order so you can take advantage of it.” Or, while you are in front of your prospects, you say, “This new process should shave at least an hour off of your information-gathering process each day.” Now that can give a presenter confidence! Who wouldn’t want the extra time for other job duties!
• Demonstrations, audience participation, and true stories give credibility, can be fun and informative, and help your audience relate to why they should also buy from you.
• Look the part of the successful business person. It only takes seven seconds to make a good impression, one that can prompt the listener to “want to hear more” or move on to their smartphone emails.
• Apply a lubricant like Vaseline (just a dab) on your top teeth so your lips won’t get stuck in that rather amusing position.
• Roll on a thin layer of antiperspirant in your palms to help control the dreaded sweaty palm.
• With mouth closed, swallow hard while slightly extending your chin outward. This can be done in a way that is not noticeable and helps clear your throat for a stronger voice.
• Be warm, engaging, serious when necessary, maintain good eye contact, and exhibit the utmost in sincerity.

How do you combine that honest voice of yours with presentation effectiveness? It’s as simple as can be: you only need to remember to be conversational. Talk to your listeners instead of trying to give a Presentation, and you’ll come across as an honest and trustworthy presenter who’s worth hearing.

Spend some time, then, in learning how effectively you use your voice. Train your ear to listen to how you say things, not merely the information you’re imparting. Record yourself talking with friends (when you’re activated and not self-conscious, remember?), and listen to the results. Ask colleagues what they think of your vocal delivery. Once you have more knowledge from “outside your own head,” start working on improving your problem areas.

If you use evaluation instruments following your presentations, include questions dealing specifically with Presentation and voice issues. And if you really want to reach the next level, find yourself a first-class Presentation coach, preferably someone with a background in acting.

You’ll be discovering what your listeners already know about whether you’re an effective vocal communicator. It’s “must have” information for anyone who speaks in public.

Program on overcoming obstacles and moving forward as a successful entrepreneur. Interview with Paola Devescovi in Rome, Italy.

http://youtu.be/TO0rb6VW574.Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur…Follow Your Dreams!

Excerpts from Get Your Combat Boots on Ladies, and Don’t Forget Your Mascara!!

Transition periods offer opportunities for growth but they often accompany setbacks and disappointments that bruise our self-esteem.

When people leave us (even through death), we suffer a form of rejection. A job disappointment causes us to question our worth and discourages us from stepping out again. The empty nest can make us feel alone, useless, without a strong focus or goal. A broken marriage often makes us feel unwanted. Is any of this really true? Absolutely not! The American writer, Sally Kempton, once said, “It’s hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.” That is most certainly where our transformation must begin, in our strong, resilient mind!

During times of transformation, we are often too hard on ourselves and demand unreasonable expectations. When we don’t meet those expectations, we can become even more upset with ourselves and self-defeating attitudes and behaviors perpetuate more of the same.

Hear me out: This time, you are going to do it! If this is where you are currently:

• Back off and rest. It is okay (and necessary) to take a break and gain new perspective.

• Say no to unreasonable expectations, whether from yourself or others important to you.

• Assess what you need to change. Write out your list so you can track the sequence of steps needed, and your progress. Take your time and revisit your list nightly.

• Look in the mirror each day with positive affirmations that pertain to you personally. The only way to change your situation is to change the thought patterns and words that are steering you down an undesirable path. What if you vowed to lose 25 pounds, lost five, and then gained two back?

The beauty is that you can just start again.Pat yourself on the back for your persistence! Pick up where you left off.

Who can help you get to the next step? Teacher? Pastor? Friend? Community Leader? Mentor? Make a list of possibilities, and then ASK.

Do it this week! Stay tuned for more life transition tools from Transformation Academy.

See more blog posts at www.transformationacademy.com.

 

 

Interviews and consultations are conducted to learn about a person’s business–and personal–skills, specific behaviors, problem-solving capacity, organizational expertise and very importantly, attitude! First of all, what is your objective?  Is it to show you are the most skilled to best solve the company’s problems and meet their needs? This should be at the top of your list.  “This is what I can do and this is how I can achieve it for your organization.  Then be prepared to state the specific skills, experience and talents you have to offer them.

A great portfolio and/or resume may open the door but your first impression (verbal and non-verbal communications and outer image) will either let you take one step further or stop you cold. You do not have a second chance to make a good first impression.  So…prepare for your meeting in advance.  The face-to-face discussion is never the time or place to experiment. Avoid canned answers that don’t reflect your own personality and life experiences, rather, think carefully about how you would hit the ground running and give them what they’re looking for.

Attitude speaks louder than skill level and greatly impacts your success!  Get objective feedback from a friend or associate before you begin the discussion process.  This person should be someone who is supportive, not envious or critical, yet honest.  Personal frustrations and setbacks in your job or prospective client search can affect your voice and demeanor.  Avoid all signs of arrogance, abrasiveness or lack of interest.  Use positive phrases like “seeking more opportunity” rather than “no room for advancement.”  Boost your self-confidence and avoid excessive nervousness by being well prepared and by concentrating on all of your skills and abilities before you get there.  Avoid all negative remarks.  Be polite!  If this is your 20th interview, you still need to be positive (even if you have to fake it).  Take a deep breath and smile, which actually creates positive energy inside of you and is reflected in your eyes and demeanor.

Appearance:  The first impression is made in as little as seven seconds and includes your grooming, wardrobe and body language.  These non-verbal signals comprise 55% of your communication skills and prompt the company representative as to whether he/she would like to thoroughly discuss the position with you or quickly show you to the door.  Poor grooming suggests disorganization, low self-image, lack of attention to detail, and possibly, sloppiness in your work.  Positive, assertive body language and a firm handshake can make an immediate positive impression.  Hair, makeup and finger nails must be neat and well groomed as they also reflect on whether you take care of details and the quality (care) of your work.  Avoid chewing gum, smoking, drinking coffee, fidgeting or resting on your arm.  Sit back (your bottom touching back of chair) and lean slightly forward at the shoulders with engaging eye contact.  Purses belong on the floor.

Ability:  Before the meeting, answer key questions as they pertain to the specific position you are seeking or business opportunity you are offering them.  You must be prepared to present examples of relevant competencies and experiences you can provide them.  Include skills you used in organizations or volunteer work.  You must have at least 2-3 questions you can ask them about the company, position or opportunity.  Show your interest in them by knowing exactly what they do and how you could benefit them. Fill out any paperwork completely.  Yes, this can get “old” but it is necessary to treat each application like it is your number one priority.  Pick apart your qualifications and emphasize your strengths, skills and the level of responsibility you have held.  An administrative assistant could bring higher-end recognition to her/his skills by stating such experience as “managing the company’s database, supervising x number of staff, coordinating meetings with internal and external customers.”  Keep your conversations on track as it can become easy to get off point, possibly showing a lack of focus.

If asked about salary, state the amount you believe you deserve due to your experience and education. Always do your homework ahead of time by checking websites like salary.com to see what the range is for your area of the country. Let them know that with your experience and education, you are interested in their best possible offer. Send a handwritten “thank you” note immediately if you are interested in being hired. Try to include a pertinent article or something of interest and relevant to the company or the person you talked with. Restate your qualifications and your interest in joining their team! 

After you have finished your meeting, you may ask, “When may I expect to hear from you?” or be as bold as saying, “I would really like to work with you/provide you with innovative cost reduction techniques/etc., When would I  be able to start?”  If you begin to feel this may not be your cup of tea, state that you would like to think about it overnight.  Bottom line: 

Act enthusiastic and you’ll be enthusiastic!!

Rita Rocker, National Speaker, International Author, Consultant – Transformation Academy, 402-968-3250

rita@transformationacademy.com, www.transformationacademy.com

Every day we present our thoughts and ideas to business prospects, teachers, parents and organizations.  Our first interaction can leave a lasting impression! Since 55% of our message is non-verbal, make sure your body is relaying the same message your mouth is. Whether you are giving a sales presentation to a large number of individuals or sitting across from two people at a table, use the following tips to ensure your non-verbal signals bring the success you are looking for.  The more positive and confident your interactions, the greater your success in building a relationship that will last for many years.  Following are signals that can either enhance, or destroy, future business.

Your energy. Be aware of the energy you are transmitting! Is it motivating, positive, exciting, confident, worrisome, pre-occupied? Set a positive tone with your facial expressions, sincere eye contact and friendly, yet controlled body language. Signs of defiance, angst, fear or frustration will send the listener packing, even if your words are saying something entirely different!

• Hands. It is said that eyes and hands are open and closed with the person’s mind. They tell so much about your current state of mind. Hands should face palms up with fingers open (welcoming them to come in to your “space”) or at your side. If you are new at speaking and feeling uncomfortable, hold a pen in one hand. Having one hand in your pocket briefly is acceptable but both hands in your pockets gives the impression of either being arrogant, lacking confidence or hiding something.
• Pointing. Pointing a finger or a pen in someone’s general direction immediately puts them on the defense. When asking an individual a question or to sign a paper, hold your pointer or pen like you would if you were writing, at an angle. It seems like a very small matter but can give a strong message subconsciously.
• Touching. A friendly touch on the shoulder is often meant as a welcoming gesture, however, note their response. If they recoil, smile and back away. Touching sometimes reminds individuals of an unpleasant experience and is not anything personal against you. We just always want to be respectful of their reactions.
• Eye contact. In the U.S., eye contact is a necessary for honest, productive conversations. In some other countries, looking someone in the eye could be considered disrespectful. Good eye contact gives the impression that you are trustworthy, confident, credible, and serious about your conversation or presentation.
• Your eyes. Avoid darting eyes, scanning people’s shoes, or any eye messages that give the impression you are not completely engaged in a conversation with them.
• Statements or questions. When people raise their voices at the end of a statement, it sounds like they are questioning themselves rather than making a statement. The listener may think, “If you are not sure of what you are talking about, why should I take your seriously?” Result? You can be overlooked in business meetings and presentations. Approximately 80% of voiceovers on television are done by men because of their lower pitch which lends to their credibility.
• Letting others finish your sentences. If individuals in your audience interrupt, your first mode of defense is to raise your volume slightly. If that does not work, hold up your index finger while slightly raising your volume. If they didn’t get the message, raise your hand in the “stop” position. As a last resort, hold your hand up in the “stop” position and say, “Excuse me, I wasn’t finished yet.” This act should keep you in control and maintaining your composure.
• Adjust your mode of speaking. According to the type of group you are talking to. Be more energetic if talking to someone of like manner and do not overwhelm someone with a strong voice if they are quiet and reserved.

Non-verbal messages can diffuse hostility by maintaining a composed demeanor.  Restraining your own body language when someone is angry with you can actually have a calming effect on them.  Keep your voice low and limit gestures while preserving a relaxed posture to discourage others from a potential rant.

Bottom line: always check to ensure your body is saying the same thing your mouth is. You goal is to have the most clear, concise, confident message possible.

Rita Rocker, Transformation Academy, LLC

We all have times where we want to convince an individual or organization that our idea, product or service is the best. To deliver your best you need the right tools, time and information. The following tips will increase your self confidence and credibility, allowing you to offer an excellent presentation that the audience deserves.

1. Start early.

Start developing your talk as soon as you know you will be needing it. The more time you have to prepare, the more confident you will be. Customize your presentation as much as possible to the listener or audience.  No one likes a canned message or to hear about a problem without offering a solution. Will it be industry-specific or to a general audience.

2. Research your audience.

Find out everything you can about WHO you will be speaking to. What do your audience members have in common? What are the challenges they face? What is their education level? The more answers you have to questions like these, the more you will be able create a presentation that they will want to hear.

3. Don’t worry about being original.

When you speak passionately, from your heart, and believe what you say, it doesn’t matter if you’re the first person or 15th to speak about your particular subject. The originality you provide is with your voice and your passion.

4. Keep it simple.

Smaller, shorter chunks of information are easier for audiences to absorb. Keep them as short and to the point as possible. Example: 1) your customer service expertise, 2) quick turnaround time, 3) most competitive cost/value, 4) service after the sale.

 5. Make them an offer.

Offer your audience a solution to a problem, a challenge to how they think or act, or an opportunity to learn something new. Create your presentation around that offer (“Today I’m going to give you 3 tools to eliminate procrastination from your life forever…”).

6. Create a conversation.

Instead of creating a “Presentation,” develop your talk as a conversation between you and the audience.

 7. Involve the audience.

To create that sense of conversation, interact with your audience. Ask them questions (“How many of you would agree with that?”). Give them things to do (“I want you to write down this next fact/question/concern …”).

8. Listen to yourself.

How your presentation sounds is much more important than how it reads. Create your Presentation for the ear, not the eye. Be animated, expressive. Remember, voice and body can exhibit frustration, excitement, relief, or a myriad of other “messages.”

9. Rehearse. Revise. Repeat.

Practice your presentation and revise it continuously.

10. Have fun!

Keep the process of creating your presentation simple and light. If you make the process fun, your presentation will reflect that and you will deliver an idea or message that people will give serious thought to and hopefully, jump on the bandwagon with you!

You are entitled to:

• Adequate lead-time to prepare for your talk

• Clearly defined expectations – What is it they want  from your talk and why were you asked to speak?

• The parameters of your talk – e.g. time allotted, size  of audience

• A clear description of audience member’s backgrounds and needs related to the topic

• A place to speak that is quiet without distractions