Tag Archives: finding clients

You Already Have ALL You Need – Part 2 of 2

This is the second and concluding part of this issue of my Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter from last week. I narrate the story of a young man who learns the importance of never feeling inadequate in pursuing a valued goal.

My message is that you can pursue your speaking goals without waiting to have everything you “feel” you “need”. This is because many times, not having those other “things” may actually mean you do NOT need them to achieve the progress you seek!

“No enterprise would ever begin, if all obstacles were first to be overcome.” – Napoleon Hill

A Senior Colleague Warns Me To Stay Away From Her…!

As word about my relationship with Annugo gradually got out, a few colleagues began teasing me about it.

However, none came across as being resentful in anyway.

That is, until one day, when Udenihc (a senior colleague on a management grade above mine, who joined the company five years before me), took me up on the subject when he ran into me in the office shared by shift managers.

I’d gone there to reconcile manufacturing data I was collating for a report.

The following conversation ensued(in part):

Udenihc:  “Oyat, I notice you’re getting close to that new IT girl – Annogu.”

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Publication: Tayo Solagbade’s Weekly Public Speaking IDEAS Page (PSIP) Newsletter

Date: Monday 10th December 2012

No: 67

Title: You Already Have ALL You Need – Part 2 of 2

Author & Publisher: Tayo K. Solagbade [234-803-302-1263]

Blog URL: http://www.spontaneousdevelopment.com/blog

Archive (For E-mail only version started 14th May 2012): Click here to view

Archive (For Blog version started 24th September 2011): Click here

Hi,

Please find below the latest issue of my weekly Public Speaking Ideas page for 2012. 

SD Nuggets Blog

New posts from last week that may interest you!
Public Speaking

[Monday]:

Entrepreneurship [Tuesday]:A

Entrepreneurship [Tuesday]:B

Self Development [Wednesday]:

Career Development [Thursday]:

Parenting [Friday]:

Writing/Blogging [Saturday]:
Want me to write for you? Click here…

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No. 67: You Already Have ALL You Need – Part 2 of 2

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NB: If you ever find yourself wondering what else I’ve written, some days after you’ve read THIS Speaking Ideas newsletter I send out on a Monday, here’s what you can do to find out:

Point your browser to www.sdacademy.org to read at least ONE new post added to my SD Nuggets blog on a different category from Tuesday till Saturday (sometimes even Sundays) in line with this publishing schedule :-)

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This is the second and concluding part of this issue of my Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter from last week. I narrate the story of a young man who learns the importance of never feeling inadequate in pursuing a valued goal.

My message is that you can pursue your speaking goals without waiting to have everything you “feel” you “need”. This is because many times, not having those other “things” may actually mean you do NOT need them to achieve the progress you seek!

No enterprise would ever begin, if all obstacles were first to be overcome. – Napoleon Hill

A Senior Colleague Warns Me To Stay Away From Her…!

As word about my relationship with Annugo gradually got out, a few colleagues began teasing me about it.

However, none came across as being resentful in anyway.

That is, until one day, when Udenihc (a senior colleague on a management grade above mine, who joined the company five years before me), took me up on the subject when he ran into me in the office shared by shift managers.

I’d gone there to reconcile manufacturing data I was collating for a report.

The following conversation ensued(in part):

Udenihc: “Oyat, I notice you’re getting close to that new IT girl – Annogu.”

Me: “So, what if I am?”

Udenihc: “Do you know she’s actually from my home town?”

Me: “How does that have anything to do with me – or indeed my interaction with her?”

Udenihc: “Oh, so you don’t get it ehn? I mean you should know it’s better for her to go with someone from her own tribe!”

Me: “I can’t believe you just said that to me. Since when did it become compulsory for girls to choose who they go out with based on tribal affiliation?”

Udenihc: “I knew you would argue about this. You’ve always been a stubborn guy. Anyway, I just want you to know I’m interested in the girl, so you leave her alone!”

Me: “Well, I think you’re wasting your time talking to me about that. Just go to her, and let her know how you feel. I’m sure if she feels the same way she’ll come to you, and stop coming to me!”

Just as I said that, another manager walked in and Udenihc gave me one last look and walked out. I still recall looking after him and shaking my head in mock pity at how comical he had made himself look before me – “a mere trainee” – over a girl.

When Annogu came visiting some days later, I mentioned my encounter with Udenihc, and she instantly burst out laughing.

Before I could ask her why, she explained that he had called her that morning on the company’s internal phone line to her department, and told her the same thing.

She added that she had simply told him she had a right to choose who she spent her time with.

So, as it turned out, I did not even have to exert myself to have the matter resolved in my favour!

A Valuable Life Lesson

I think about things a lot. It’s an instinct that’s always served me well. I seem to be driven to extract useful and relevant meaning from everything that happens to me, or that I observe.

Doing so has often enabled me become a better and more competent person.

For that reason, I always encourage those I coach to cultivate and nurture a similar habit, if they wish to make faster and more rewarding progress.

After reflecting on what had happened, it occurred to me that by being myself, I had let Annogu see who I really was, and she apparently had decided she liked what she saw.

This was enough to make her decline invitations from others who, apart from ranking higher than I did at work, were also financially and materially more endowed than I was.

It was a great eye opening lesson for me at the time, and made me resolve to continue being true to myself at all times, no matter what.

How Can This Help YOU As A Speaker?

I suggest you use the above narrative, as a reminder that you will often already have the most important things you need, to win over your client or target audience.

Instead of running around trying to acquire other tiny extras you feel will help you make a better impression, why not focus on letting those you approach see the authentic you, and make up their minds?

This way, you increase your chances of getting chosen by a prospective client whose values actually resonate with yours.

And when that happens, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying emotionally rewarding, and profitable relationships with your clients – and audiences.

And it would have cost you much less in effort, time and money, compared to a situation in which you may have tried to win them over by trying to present yourself as having more to offer than you really do.

Too many times I have seen people obsess themselves with what, in my honest opinion, amounts to “over preparation”.

That ultimately keeps them from ever feeling ready to go out and do the necessary “pavement pounding” – literally, and figuratively speaking!

No One Wants To Buy The Box. They Want What’s INSIDE The Box!

My message in concluding this 2 part issue of my Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter, is therefore that it can be counter productive, to focus on the material possessions, or personal attributes you lack.

You can achieve more useful progress as a speaker (or one aspiring), by emphasising and building on what you already have, to get where you want to go.

Simply accept that you have to start where you are with what you have.

So many highly accomplished people became notable authentic successes by doing just that.

Many times all you really need to do is show up: make that call, send that email, visit that CEO or meeting planner. In other words, TAKE PERSONAL ACTION! (My favourite “War Cry“)

>> Who says you have to wear a designer suit to impress the board of directors as the guest speaker?

>> Do you really need to arrive driving a newer looking car, to command the attention and interest of the meeting planner?

>> Must your press kit and marketing materials be printed on painfully expensive stationary ,to convince a newspaper editor to do a feature on you?

The answer to ALL the questions listed above is ” NO”!

To Improve The Quality Of What You Have “INSIDE” Your Box: Get A Competent Coach!

Of course if you are fortunate to have the resources, then by all means go ahead and impress with your outer packaging!

However, except you operate in a market where merit and competence do not count for much, it would be naïve to expect that pretty packaging can in anyway cover for lack of tangible value in your offering.

Sometimes, even if the box is not so attractive, when people see that its contents offer useful value, they would still gladly pay a premium to get it.

I choose to see the stuff I lack as “missing” features of the box in which I offer myself to potential clients.

To enhance my chances of success, I explore creative ways to get my target audience to see what I’m really like inside. Where possible, I do what I can to “repair” the missing aspects, but I generally don’t sweat it if my efforts fall flat.

This attitude has repeatedly won me numerous opportunities to earn income and even get high profile marketing exposure in mass media (like TV and newspapers) at zero cost.

If I had let my mind dwell on what I lacked, that could qualify me to earn such rewards, I would never have plucked up the courage to go out and achieve those surprising wins like I did.

When next you’re in doubt, think about what I’ve said here!

[Psst: One of the ways I work to improve myself on the inside is by reaching out for competent support from a coach or mentor. I suggest you do the same.

To improve yourself from the inside, as a speaker, consider getting help from a tested and proven mentor of professional speakers.

As usual, I highly recommend Burt Dubin – and not just because I get rewarded for getting anyone to signup for his mentoring :-)

I recommend Burt because I KNOW from applying his ideas, and also studying others who do what he does, that he truly offers the best value for the money clients pay.

You can choose to purchase Burt’s mentoring at any of the three (3) levels listed below:

1. Top Shelf [Click here] | 2. Mid Range [Click here] | 3. Budget Delight [Click here]

Have a lovely week!

Tayo K. Solagbade*

Self-Development/Performance Improvement Specialist

*Sole Agent For Burt Dubin’s Speaker Mentoring Service In Africa

Mobile: 234-803-302-1263

 

http://www.spontaneousdevelopment.com

Tayo Solagbade is a Performance Improvement Specialist & multipreneur. He works with individuals/businesses who want to achieve highly profitable outcomes, and also with parents who want to raise real-world competent children.

Tayo earns multiple streams of income providing clients with performance improvement training/coaching, custom MS Excel-VB solutions, web marketing systems, freelance writing services, and best practice extension support services (for farm business owners).

When he’s not amazing clients with his superhuman skills (wink), Tayo works as the creative force behind his Self-Development Nuggets™ blog, and Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter (which he publishes to promote Burt Dubin’s Public Speaking Mentoring service to experts working across the African continent).

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Have you been undecided about whether or not to become a paid speaker? Or have you been trying to get your speaking career off the ground with little success?

Here’s a tip: Burt Dubin works with people who want to be speakers, and with speakers who want to be masters. Click here to visit his website NOW and submit a contact form message telling him what challenges you’re facing, and how you’d like him to help you. Tell him I sent you, and you’ll get a pleasant surprise offer from him.

Comments?

What do you think of the above message? Do you have any personal experience to share on this subject? Are there some other points you feel can be added, to help persons looking for answers? Please share your thoughts!

Share this issue!

Do you know anyone who might benefit from reading this newsletter issue? Why not hit the forward button now, and send it to him/her with a short recommendation. You can also use share it via your social media channels. Thanks in advance.

View Tayos video tutorials and demonstrations on Facebook Productivity Tips, Web Marketing, and for his Custom MS Excel-VB driven software applicationsConnect with Tayo on LinkedIn.comConnect with Tayo on Facebook.comConnect with Tayo on Twitter.comConnect with Tayo on Google Plus

What fears or doubts are keeping you from (a) taking up Burt Dubin’s monthly speaker mentoring, or (b) buying his products?

You can choose to purchase Burt’s mentoring at any of the three (3) levels listed below:

1. Top Shelf [Click here] | 2. Mid Range [Click here] | 3. Budget Delight [Click here]

Burt’s three mentoring packages can be likened to the seating options offered by airlines: Budget Delight (Economy); Mid Range (Business); and Top Shelf (First Class).

At least that’s how I like to think of them!

All three will get you to your desired destination of “speaking success-ville” – so long as you meet the requirements/play your part well (your fare, abide by the set guidelines etc). During the “flight”, the seat you have will determine how much personal service attention and preference the provider will accord you. It’s that simple :-)

So, make your choice:1. Top Shelf [Click here] | 2. Mid Range [Click here] | 3. Budget Delight [Click here]

Send me an e-mail with your questions via tayo at tksola dot com. In the meantime, why not get started by subscribing here to get his 7-Part Course (How To Succeed And Get Paid As A Professional Speaker) .  . . and receive his monthly newsletter (Speaking Biz Strategies Letter) at no cost.

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Should You Write With A Target Audience In Mind?

If you do any writing towards earning your living, this question is probably one that you’ve had to contend with. There is no one size fits all answer to it. Read this post for ideas to help you find YOUR answer.

For this discussion, I have chosen to view writers in two groups: (a). Those who sell their writing skills directly for a fee and (b). Those who write to promote their businesses i.e. they do not get hired to write for a fee. Instead they use their writing as a cost-effective strategy to promote products and services to people who need them.

Both groups write to earn a living (directly or indirectly) – and are therefore entrepreneurs.


A Writer’s Readers May Come from Widely Differing Fields

Take a quick tour of the comments section of a popular writer’s blog. Click on hyperlinked names of any number of those whose comments appear, to visit their websites.

You’ll discover these individuals come from widely differing backgrounds. And sometimes only a few would be involved in the same line of work as the blog owner.

In other words, your writing can attract readership from any conscious thinking adult, whose interests intersect with the subject or topic of your write-up.


Of What Use Is A Target Audience Profile Then?

The logical question to ask is this: In light of the above, does it make sense at all to write with a particular audience in mind as target?

I believe that to some extent it still does. Here’s why:

While developing and implementing web marketing systems, I have had to write website content and do article marketing for clients. Their different fields included real estate, interior design, hearing improvement, hospitality, training and development and others.

This experience is what makes me appreciate the difference between people who fall into group “b” (e.g. my clients), and conventional writers who mostly belong in group “a”.

It goes without saying that some writers fall into both groups (like me).

Writers in group “a” may not need target audience profiling to succeed. All they need do is show they can research and write useful material for use by those who hire them.

Conventional Business Owners Who Write, Should Use a Target Audience Profile

 

For writers who fall into group “b”, defining a target audience profile can improve their ability to attract those who need their business’ products and services. I would however suggest that the profile only be used to guide their writing – and not restrict it.

Like I mentioned earlier, I also help brick and mortar business owners learn to use writing as a marketing tool i.e. to work as group “b” type writers.

Looking back, I recall frequently having to “remind” clients that their potential clients will often be everyday people, with no interest in technical jargon.

Such people are likely to come looking for answers to questions they have, or solutions to problems they are faced with. (How often do you think an audiologist can get visited by another audiologist as a patient needing hearing rehabilitation? That would be the exception – not the norm!)

To me, this is what makes it important for this second group to write with a target audience in mind. If you belong here, there is a greater need to tailor the message in your write-ups to appeal to people who may be in need of solutions that you “sell”.

Summary

 

Regardless of what group you belong, you can write using a variety of techniques, weaving in personal stories and illustrations.

But if you belong in group “b”, add calls to action, and make “offers” at relevant points in the body of your writing, or in your byline, to generate pre-qualified sales leads. Your writing will rarely be for pure entertainment or just information.

Writers belonging to group “a” may not have to worry about doing that often – or at all. Many will get new writing jobs via referrals, through the quality of writing they display on their blogs etc. This is probably why some tend to be more laid back in their use of the byline.

And those who belong to both groups typically sell their writing skills, as well as information products created by them or by affiliates. That’s in addition to services like training, coaching, mentoring or consulting. To do this, they have to write sales copy on their blogs, mixed with calls to action and promotional offers.

So, now that you’re here, what’s YOUR answer? Do you think you need to write with a target audience in mind?