Yellow Dog Consulting

Sales & Marketing Consulting for solo-preneurs.

Finding Good Speaking Opportunities

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dogs huddled to talk
Everyone likes a good public speaker! www.lickedlens.com

Many of my clients, and people in my network, ask me about speaking engagement opportunities. As you know, speaking is a great way to grow your business. But WHERE are you supposed to get that experience to fine tune your pitch, build your audience and get the BUZZ growing about you & your business?

Here’s a few ideas that I used when I was teaching workshops at the Puget Sound Business Journal and since then.

1. ASK

Seriously, do your friends, colleagues and network know that you have a variety of topics you speak on? I’m amazed how often I talk to someone and they don’t ask for something – even when I offer. Used your LinkedIn network to find out who has a connection to that perfect group you should be speaking to!

2. Make a list

What networking groups are you currently involved with? Do they have speaking opportunities for you there? Some of the larger organizations in town have smaller networking events where they are looking for good quality speakers on a variety of business related topics.

3. Target Market groups

Where is your target marketing hanging out and networking? If you aren’t already networking with them (which is a whole other lecture I’d be happy to give you), fix that. One thing I have learned from all my speaking with the Business Journal is that there is an association or group for EVERYTHING. Don’t believe me? Check out I Love Seattle http://www.iloveseattle.org/ for a great list to get started. Reach out to them – ask what they are looking for in speakers, attend an event to get an idea, if you are providing good quality content they will want you! Again, use your network for introductions.

4. Use your Network

Make it easy for your network to introduce you and get you connected. Here’s a sample email you could send to a colleague:

Hey Josh,

I saw that you are on the planning committee at XYZ Organization. I recently spoke at (similar organization) ABC Organization and would love to get connected with XYZ. I have a couple of topics I speak about in regards to Building a Successful Marketing Plan and How to start a company so you can hangout with your dog more. Would you be able to connect me with the right person on the luncheon/speaking committee? Let me know if you need any additional information from me.
Thank you!

(then include your full signature with email & phone, website, etc here).

5. Again, ASK

It’s worth repeating. I’m amazed how many people don’t ASK for help. Post it on your LinkedIn, tweet it, you can even add a speaking page to your website so organizations can easily find you. List topics you’ve spoken or written on, list organizations you’ve spoken to in the past, but you can’t grow your message if you don’t communicate it!

I know I missed a lot of ways to increase speaking opportunities, please feel free to share in the comments. And if you are involved in an organization looking for good speakers, please let me know – I would be happy to help make some connections to GREAT speakers – who HAVE asked!

Meet Yellow Dog Consulting at these January Events

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Many of you who know me or have met me, met me at a networking event. When I was at the Puget Sound Business Journal, I was actually paid to network. Sweet gig, until I realized I had a husband and a dog I wanted to hangout with, and I’m not a morning person. So, I’ve paired down how many events I go to now. But, I wanted to share with you a few events I’ll be attending this month, and a couple I can’t make but think you should check out if you can!

January 18th, 5:30

NWEN Pub Night

It should be no surprise to you that not only am I an active member of NWEN (Northwest Entrepreneur Network) but also chair of the pub night committee. A committee about drinking and entrepreneurs? It’s my two favorite things! Pub Night is a great chance to network with very cool entrepreneurs who have great ideas – come hear a few brave souls pitch their idea to a loving (and imbibed) audience.

January 19th, 11:15 AM

eWomen Network Luncheon

This is NOT the giant Mary Kay convention you’re imagining – this is smart female (and some smart e-males) entrepreneurs who know how to network effectively and give back to our peers. If you prefer a “speed dating” style to your networking, this is not the place for you. I hope to see you there!

 

And here are a few upcoming events I can’t make but think you should check out:

 January 13th – NWEN’s Breakfast Buzz

These breakfasts are great, and this one is at the ZOO, I’m ticked I can’t make it!

eWomen SBI’s

There are three in the next month (1/10, 1/25, 2/7). Strategic Business Introductions are a great way to get introduced to eWomen Network with just 10 people (ish) instead of 100. I understand it can be overwhelming for folks, so an SBI is a great way to check it out – let me know if you want to go to one and I’ll join you!

As I’ve always said, I’m always happy to give you my totally biased opinion on events in the region, don’t hesitate to ask!

A few treats from Hank

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The worlds greatest lab
Not everyone gets in the Christmas spirit I guess

This morning I was excited to see my favorite blog feature Hank as the photo of the day. If you know me, you know that I LOVE pop culture. When I worked at USA Today I discovered Pop Candy, a daily blog about all things pop culture. It is the one blog I read every day, and when I forget, I can tell my day is off.

In case you missed the newsletter with Hank’s Stocking ideas, I thought I’d re-post them here for you today. Have a great Christmas (or non Christmas winter holiday if that’s how you celebrate), we look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Hank’s Favorite Stocking Stuffers

When I talk about Hank, I always tell folks, we know he’s spoiled, we promise he’ll be our only child. Hank runs the Case household and he knows it! So it’s no surprise that during the holiday season he gets the biggest stocking! Here’s a few stocking stuffers Hank thinks your dog would also like:

  • Tennis Balls (and a chuck-it if you don’t have one…no use touching a slobbery ball when you don’t have to!)
  • Bully Sticks: This is Hank’s all time favorite treat – and the only treat that lasts him more than 2 minutes.
  • Cheese: ANYTHING with cheese, he especially enjoys Tillamook Sharp Cheddar. Snob.
  • Poop bags: You know you need them, might as well stock up while you’re thinking about it.