Business Strategies That Work!

Public speaking, whether it be on a stage before 1000’s or at a conference table with three business associates, can cause many of us to feel a distinct desire to hide under our desk.  We overlook the fact that the main reason we’re the one offering the presentation is because we have the knowledge and talent to speak with insight and clarity on the subject.  Even that realization does little to comfort many presenters.  So how can you not only survive a presentation, but also accomplish the intended goal?

Be prepared. Preparation for a business presentation comes in many forms.  Are you presenting a proposal to a client?  Is your purpose to teach business associates a new technique or trend?  Define who your audience will be. Determine what their goal will be for your presentation. By this I mean, “What’s in it for me?  Why should I listen to this?”.  Once you’ve established your audience goal, you’re well on the way to creating an effective presentation.

Research. Start planning and organizing your presentation materials as soon as your presentation is confirmed.  Know your topic inside and out.  Do online and traditional document research. Dialogue with others in your business that have knowledge of your topic.  Make notations of key points. Presentations written as bullet points make the best presentations. Memorize your outline. Then expound spontaneously on the ideas you’re sharing.  Don’t be troubled if your research leaves you with stacks of notes and lists.  15 – 30 minutes is the standard length of a business presentation. Studies show that it takes one hour of research and preparation for every minute of an informative presentation.  All those notes will come in handy!

Practice. After you’ve prepared your presentation, read through it several times a day.  You may want to video a practice presentation, and then review the video from an audience member’s perspective.  After 2 or 3 days move to “speaking”  your presentation in front of a mirror.  Try to use your presentation document or notes only for a quick glance now and then.  An engaging speaker maintains eye contact with the audience, thus developing a relationship with the listeners.

Helpful Odds and Ends. Divide your presentation into three main segments:  Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.  Remember the main rule of public speaking that you’ve probably heard for most of your life, “Tell ‘em what you’re going to tell ‘em.  Tell them.  Then tell ‘em what you told ‘em.”  If time permits and the setting is appropriate, conclude with a 10-15 minute Question and Answer session (Allow more time if you’re presenting a client proposal or project.)

Be cautious with humor.  A joke or brief anecdote is an excellent way to begin your presentation, as it sets everyone at ease and works toward establishing rapport with your audience.  Your jokes or stories should steer clear of controversial or intimate topics. Rely on topics that are generalized and “G” rated.

Speak slowly and clearly.  Don’t forget to breath.  Have a glass of water nearby.  Sip discreetly and only as needed.  The water-glass shouldn’t be a substitute for other nervous behavior.

Relax and enjoy. Accept that you’ll be nervous as your presentation begins, that’s what makes you a great business professional. You’re concerned about doing well, and providing quality information to your audience.  That’s a good thing!    Take several deep breaths, stand tall… and go wow them with your presentation!  Enjoy the spotlight.

Tis the season…  Exotic locations, days packed with meetings and workshops, and nights filled with networking events.  Are you going to be participating in industry events this year?  Get your money’s worth!

Branding is one of the top business buzz words.  I think for some of us, even with the realization that our brand should encompass everything that impacts our client(s), a fair number of us simply don’t realize how many components are included in this realm.  Branding is a key part of your conference impact.  Susan Gunelius shares the best must read branding articles of 2009. Take a look at Susan’s list, and check out some of the suggested articles.

Share the tips and techniques that have worked for you in your conference experiences.  I’m looking forward to reading them!

It’s so important that you utilize the assets that you have on hand to take advantage of the opportunities and abilities that present themselves each and every day.  The holidays offer a variety of opportunities to do just that.   I think we all agree, holiday greetings and remembrances serve two purposes:

1. They let your clients know how much you appreciate them, and value your relationship with them.

2. It reminds them that your business is around, and how it can continue to be beneficial for them.

Listed here are options that require little or no financial outlay, and can be completed with minimal effort and prep time.

o    Sending greeting cards?  Include a coupon, timely hints and tips, or an easy holiday recipe, something that will bring personal value to your client.

Snack Recipe: Fast & Easy

1 (10 oz.) package dried fruit blend (blueberries, cherries, cranberries, raisins, etc.)

2 1/2 cups miniature pretzels

1 1/2 cup M&M’s Dark Chocolate candies

1 cup roasted, salted almonds

1/4 cup coarsely chopped crystallized ginger

Combine mixture.  Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.  Makes approximately 7 1/2 cups.  Hands on time:  5 minutes

o    If you haven’t sent out greeting cards, and there’s simply no time left in your December calendar, why not send out New Year’s greetings after the first of the year?

o    Host an open house.  Retail, service and professional businesses can easily host Holiday Meet & Greet events.   Tight on money this year?  Cookies and Apple Cider (warmed in the coffee machine) are inexpensive refreshments. Invite clients to stop by for FREE refreshments.  Place sale items or coupons in prominent positions at the entrance to the showroom, lobby or conference room.

o    Business is really slow?  Not a penny to spare?  Make phone calls!  Call your customers and thank them for their business.  Wish them Happy Holidays!  Offer to send them coupons or rebate certificates for purchases completed in the first quarter of 2010.

Holiday cards are a remarkable marketing tool.  They remind customers that you exist, solidify budding client relationships, and offer a marvelous opportunity to show your customers you appreciate them.  But with everything… there’s a right way to do it, and a wrong way.

It seems like it should go without saying, but you’d be surprised how many folks forget:

Don’t use cards that are Holiday (Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, etc.) or Gender specific.

Don’t use humorous or political cards.  What’s hilarious to you may be offensive to your recipient.

Don’t address the envelope informally.  Always use titles, as in Mr. Alan Zimmerer or Mrs. Lisa Cole.  I realize there are business owners that may disagree with this, but the bottom line is always, always, show courtesy and respect for your client.  The form of address you utilize is the first opportunity to assure your client that the relationship is important to you and your business.

Enough of “Don’t”.

Do buy quality cards.  Heavy card stock is always preferable.  It not only feels nice and communicates professionalism, but it also stands out amongst the other holiday cards in the daily mail delivery.

Do handwrite your cards, both the address on the envelope and the message inside the card.  5000 clients to send cards to, so this is impossible?  No, it’s not.  Hire someone to perform this task for you.  (Be sure to check and double-check their penmanship prior to giving them this assignment.)   Why is this important?  Isn’t one of your selling points Customer Service?  Don’t you make every effort to show your Client that they are important to you, they are special?  Don’t undermine that by slapping a mass-produced label on the envelope, with only an imprinted message inside your card.

Do get your cards in the mail during the first week of December.  You never want a client to think their card was an afterthought.

Do spell your client’s name correctly.  Mrs. Kathy Smyth may actually be Ms. Cathy Smith.

We’ve all been there… a glitch with a customer.  You or your employees made a mistake. Something fell through the cracks.  What’s the best course of action?  How do you save the relationship?  The TPE Blog has some solutions, as contributed by guest post-ers (one of which is yours truly) Check it out here…

Tips from The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur Blog

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