Here's an understatement: the uncertainty of our current economy is making people tense. As an entrepreneur, you might be a little more anxious than those who are getting a regular paycheck. You're independent, self-reliant and self-motivated, but the feeling of not having control in times like these can lead to worry and stress about keeping your business strong and profitable.
Although some of your clients and prospects might be cutting back on expenses, others are spending as usual. How do you promote yourself affordably to those who aren't panicking about the economy? If you're one of those people who is nervous because you're not sure how to market yourself without spending a fortune, and you're looking for a new and affordable way to approach current clients and new prospects, I'd like you to think about adding public speaking to your marketing efforts.
You probably already have a website, and you might have a blog or a newsletter. You submit press releases when you have news. You might donate products or services to charity, use free directories, have a page on Facebook, or offer free consultations. There are myriad free and low-cost ways to promote your business, and offering talks on your area of expertise to local organizations is just one more avenue to get the word out about your product or service.
And public speaking includes not just giving speeches and presentations, but also attending mixers and networking events where you can meet local prospective clients and partners face to face.
Here's why you should add speaking and in-person networking to your marketing mix.
1. Expand your visibility as an expert
You're an expert in your field, right? To promote this expertise, you write articles and blog posts, collect testimonials for your website from satisfied customers, comment on other blogs and participate on forums in your industry. Sharing your expertise as a speaker adds to your recognition as an expert outside of your field, in the community at large.
Although some of your clients and prospects might be cutting back on expenses, others are spending as usual. How do you promote yourself affordably to those who aren't panicking about the economy? If you're one of those people who is nervous because you're not sure how to market yourself without spending a fortune, and you're looking for a new and affordable way to approach current clients and new prospects, I'd like you to think about adding public speaking to your marketing efforts.
You probably already have a website, and you might have a blog or a newsletter. You submit press releases when you have news. You might donate products or services to charity, use free directories, have a page on Facebook, or offer free consultations. There are myriad free and low-cost ways to promote your business, and offering talks on your area of expertise to local organizations is just one more avenue to get the word out about your product or service.
And public speaking includes not just giving speeches and presentations, but also attending mixers and networking events where you can meet local prospective clients and partners face to face.
Here's why you should add speaking and in-person networking to your marketing mix.
1. Expand your visibility as an expert
You're an expert in your field, right? To promote this expertise, you write articles and blog posts, collect testimonials for your website from satisfied customers, comment on other blogs and participate on forums in your industry. Sharing your expertise as a speaker adds to your recognition as an expert outside of your field, in the community at large.
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