The lessons I share in this article are based mainly on a true-life experience I had, in 1997, at the age of 27. I was delivering a management research paper at the National Finals of the (now repackaged) Young Managers Competition, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Management(NIM). I provide graphic details of how my inexperience made me take certain important preparatory steps for granted.
You will learn how that eventually led to a botched presentation that earned me considerable embarrassment, and a 5th place position that I would have bettered on a good day.
Ironically, the “equivalent benefit” of that adverse experience came to my rescue about 5 years later (in 2002) – during my first year in self-employment as a Self-Development/Performance Enhancement Specialist.
Then I used the lessons from my failed presentation to deliver a successful presentation at the Center for Management Development(CMD). This, despite being told midway through my presentation to finish in one (1) instead of two(2) hours. And in spite of the fact that a power cut occurred that forced me to fall back on my printed speaker notes to finish my presentation.
Read this article. It provides a comprehensive summary of useful learning points, and also offers very practical ideas about what can go wrong. Plus, how you can improvise to STILL deliver a successful presentation.
Background: It all began in November 1997, while I was observing my annual leave from work(as a 27 year old brewer in Guinness Benin Brewery)
After coming across the call for entries in a national daily, I wrote and entered a paper titled “Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Target Setting” for the 1997 edition of the Nigerian Institute of Management’s Young Manager’s Competition.
Invitation letter – After coming across the call for entries in a national daily, I wrote and entered a paper titled “Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Target Setting” for the 1997 edition of the Nigerian Institute of Management’s Young Manager’s Competition.
The paper was based on work I had done(mostly in my free time) in setting up various process control/reports computerization systems in departments(Production/Brewing and Packaging/Bottling) where I worked.
The paper discussed the use of CUSUM(Cumulative Sum Deviation) charts, and other simple Statistical Process Control(SPC) tools that I had used in real-life projects I had carried out at various times during the course of the year(1997).
Entry form for the competition – insideEntry form for the competition – outer side
One of them was ” Total Waste Unaccounted For(TWUF)™” – a statistical process control index I developed by myself…
Regarding TWUF™, I had returned to the brewing department from another secondment as Packaging Shift Manager to the Packaging (bottling) department in February 1997, when I was recalled on the request of the Packaging Manager – Alex Okorodudu.
He asked me to carry out a beer waste investigation on one of the bottling lines.
In the course of that investigation, I developed the concept of TWUF™, which through mass balancing made it possible to quantify beer losses that could not be traced to a known waste point.
Eventually, I used TWUF™ to identify the startup and shutdown operations at the bottle filler machine as being responsible for creating an apparent(i.e. false) beer waste situation. Modification of the mentioned filler procedures led to an immediate normalization of waste values recorded.
I intend to publish a formal paper on TWUF in a few weeks from now. It’s a concept that can be used in ANY process.
Deciding To Enter For The Competition…& Getting Approval From Management…
My decision to enter for the NIM competition was influenced by a need I felt, to share the experiences I had gained in the practical application of statistical tools for useful purposes in a business.
Prior to entering that paper for the competition, I had given out copies of it to senior managers in the company’s Lagos office, like Alistair Reid(then Operations Manager, Lagos), and Abiola Popoola(Head of Human Resources).
Apart from seeking their input, I did this to get their consent and be sure it was okay to use the company information I had included.
Important Note. If you plan on using any data from your current workplace in an activity outside the company, it is imperative that you consult competent officers of the company to advise you on how to go about doing it. Play safe by getting the responsible person(s) to give you the go-ahead, before you send out any information or material regarding the company’s activities. That way, you are unlikely to make the mistake of giving out sensitive information that could get you into trouble.
You may not have plans to enter a paper for a competition like I did, but you might want to send out an article for publication in a newspaper or other media.
Check with those concerned to be sure that all you have put into your write-up is “safe for public consumption”.
Presenting The Paper At The Zonal Finals In Ibadan, Oyo State
On 15th November 1997, I presented my paper before a packed audience in Kakanfo Inn (Ibadan, Oyo State) at the Western Zonal finals. By the end of the day, I was announced as runner up, which meant that I had qualified for the Lagos national finals along with the winner of the zonal competition.
Looking back, I recall feeling very confident during the delivery of my paper on that day.
Not long after I resumed work from my annual leave, I informed my boss – Greg Udeh – of my outing at the NIM zonals, and the fact that I would have to travel to attend the National Finals in Lagos.
He was naturally pleased to learn of my initial achievement at the zonals and the next day, announced my achievement at the brewery meeting for departmental heads.
I soon found myself – midway through conversations – getting asked about the competition and being wished best of luck etc. Maybe all that attention got to me, and made me “forget” to at least mentally rehearse my presentation.
Traveling from Guinness Benin Brewery, in Benin City, Edo State to Lagos For The National Finals
Due to limited number of brewers available that day, I had to cover afternoon shift duty on Friday (2.00pm till 9.00pm) before I could take off on my journey to Lagos.
It was nobody’s fault really – just one of those unexpected developments that shift workers have to deal with.
The finals were scheduled to hold from 9.00am prompt on the morning of Saturday December 13th 1997. So I knew I had to get into Lagos before 7.00am, in order to pick up a cab in time to reach the Victoria Island “Management House” of the NIM – venue of the finals.
Within thirty minutes of arriving at the ever busy Benin city’s Iyaro motor park, the Peugeot station wagon I boarded took off with six passengers for Lagos.
This was at about 10.30pm(Yes – at night).
Some four hours later, we arrived at Ojota park in Lagos. All the cabs and buses had retired for the day by this time(this was approx 2.30am Saturday morning)
So there was nothing else to do but plead with a taxi driver to let me catch up on some sleep in the passenger front seat of his cab.
Suddenly I heard the loud chanting of a bus conductor calling passengers for Palmgrove.
The time was about 5.45 am.
I quickly thanked my “sleeping companion” and picked up a taxi heading towards Pedro/Shomolu. Arriving at my parent’s house in Gbagada Estate, I hurriedly took a shower, changed my clothes, and explaining to my surprised mother that I had little time left, jumped back into the taxi, which sped off towards Victoria Island.
At about 7.30 am, the taxi dropped me off in front of the NIM Management house on Idowu Taylor street.
Feeling relieved, I quickly went in and confirmed that start time was 9.00am. That was when it dawned on me that I had not eaten anything since the night before.
One of the security men at the gate kindly directed me to a “quick-snacks corner”, where I “quickly” downed some, with a bottle of soft drink.
Returning to the NIM premises, I found a place to sit that enabled me observe preparations being made for commencement, while I opened my folder and began studying the paper copies of my presentation (projector) transparencies.
Presenting At The Lagos Finals – The Unthinkable Happens!
My fellow contestants
Not long after, following some welcome speeches/opening remarks and introductions, the competition commenced.
When the 3rd (of eight) finalists – Mitchell O. Elegbe – finished presenting his paper (titled “Achieving Competitive Advantage Through Information Technology In Emerging Economies”), I heard my name being announced. Minutes later, I was standing in front of the packed auditorium introducing my self and paper.
Waiting for my turn to deliver my paper
Based on hindsight, I now realize that the unavailability of a projector at the zonal finals (which caused the organizers to ask us to dispense with our transparencies and speak freely referring to any speaker notes we had) probably blinded me to the need to rehearse for the National finals with a projector.
As “luck” would have it, the projectors had been made available at the National Finals and I found myself having to pause intermittently to slot in the appropriate slide for the next set of points I wanted to make.
This went well initially, but since I had not really taken time to rehearse since the zonals, especially following from the fact that I had found no need to use the slides back then, I struggled quite a bit.
I cannot be certain, but it is possible that THAT also contributed to my not thinking “clearly” when I later experienced a little setback during the presentation.
To cut the long story short, about ten (10) minutes through my presentation, I turned to pick a slide containing charted data depicting the use of the CUSUM concept, but found it was missing.
Feeling my heart skip a beat, I lifted the other slides up by the edges to see if the CUSUM chart was there but it was not.
Speaking into the microphone, I apologized to the puzzled audience, explaining that I was missing a slide. One of the judges, after some seconds had passed, said “Mr Solagbade, your time is fast running out”.
I nodded, but kept on looking – convinced I could still find it in enough time to use it and finish the presentation!
Unfortunately when it was about 1 minute left (out of the 15 minutes allowed) I still could not find it. I had wanted so badly to impress the judges and audience like I had done at the zonals, that I could not help feeling at this point, that the mishap would have killed any chance I had of getting anything better than last place!
I felt so bad about my blunder, that I declined to take up an offer from the judges to allow me three(3) extra minutes to do a decent round up of my presentation.
Instead, I told the audience – in a very serious tone – that I was convinced the paper had a lot of useful information for companies in the manufacturing industry.
Then I encouraged them to take time to visit the NIM library and read through it in future.
Dropping the microphone, I returned to my seat as muffled applause/murmuring from the audience continued.
Surprise! Despite My Blunder, I Still Get Placed 5th Overall
But I was in for a shocked when the judges announced the final results later in the day.
They pointed out that the verbal presentation(which I had flunked) only carried 20% of total marks, while paper’s “quality” carried 80%!
However, before they announced the results, they also read out other criteria for rating the contestants, one of which they defined as “the confidence demonstrated by a contestant in his/her paper”.
Looking back, I believe it was the confidence with which I had recommended my paper to the audience, that led the judges to award me enough points to place 5th, despite my bungled presentation.
So it happened, that despite an aborted presentation, my paper which was adjudged to be of high standard (with the concept of Total Waste Unaccounted For – TWUF™ – being singled out for mention) eventually placed me 5th out of eight(8) finalists.
Speech and announcement of winners by a management representatieve of the sponsoring company – makers of NESCAFE…I think NESTLE.Dignitaries present (and I think the judges too)
As the results were being announced, my mind went back to what one of the judges had said to me during lunch after the last contestant – Friday E. Eboh – had completed his presentation(titled “Public Relations In Management: Issues and Challenges”).
He had said “Solagbade, you should have simply continued with your presentation when you could not find the slide quickly enough. You were doing well up to that point, and to be honest, I don’t think anyone would have noticed if you did not show THAT particular slide.” I realized he was right. I alone knew the slide existed – they did not! So, if I had chosen to skip it during my presentation, they would not have known better!
Receiving my gifts
I learnt a painful but useful lesson that day, to always rehearse my presentation well ahead of time, no matter how well I think I know it.
The experience also impressed upon me, the importance of running through a checklist of all the items I need to take with me for a presentation so as to avoid missing out any important ones – like I did the CUSUM charts slide.
Final positions of the contestants at the National Finals
Finalists – we took a picture together at the request of the media photographers who were present, AFTER the event ended.
Back At Work – A Senior Manager Tells Me Where I Went Wrong
When I returned to work the following week, I sent a little note about the outcome of the finals to one of the senior executives in Lagos: Ian Hamilton – who had been particularly supportive.
In it, I told how bad I felt for not having done better etc. He sent back a post-it note attached to my note, on which he wrote:
“Tayo, 5th place overall in NIgeria! You should be proud of yourself “
Then regarding the mishap during my presentation, which betrayed inadequate “practice” on my part, he wrote: “Even the members of the (Guinness) board rehearse their presentations many times before they have to deliver them!”
I took his correction to heart and used it to drive myself to become proficient in delivering presentations subsequently.
I believe an indication of how proficient I had become was evident during a presentation I was invited to deliver at the Center for Management Development, in Lagos.
This event took place in September 2002, about 9 months after I had voluntarily resigned my appointment with Guinness to go into business for myself. (Read my article Should You Quit Your Job Or Start Your Business Part-Time? to learn why I decided to quit my job despite the promise of a bright career future in the company.)
On that day, less than 15 minutes after I was introduced/began delivering my paper, the following happened within about 5 minutes of each other:
a. The center’s Training Manager slipped me a note asking that I “Please finish in 1 hour” (instead of the two hours I had been originally told I would be making the presentation in).
b. An electric power cut suddenly occurred!
Both potentially disturbing/unexpected “changes” however did not bother me.
When the lights of the PC projector went out that afternoon in the CMD’s main auditorium, I was fully prepared in every way.
I simply picked up the printed power point speaker notes I had put on the table while preparing to start my talk, and flipped to the page containing the points I was making before the lights went out.
Then, after making a joke about the loss of power supply – continued, and eventually concluded, my presentation well within the revised one hour time slot.
At the end of the day, over 100 attendees who returned my speaker feedback form to me, scored me an average rating of approximately 4.0 (on a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 = Excellent).
Three of the many notable comments on speaker evaluation feedback forms returned to me by members of the audience read as follows:
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“Good insight for the much needed human revolution to drive creativity in this nation”
Oma Williams O.W. – Director, Center For Management Development, Lagos.
“A very worthwhile exercise. The package can however be improved by making it organization specific”
C. I. Okeke – AD/Research & Consulting, Center For Management Development, Lagos.
“The Speaker, Mr. Solagbade is an authority in his field. The Speaker is an achiever who is able to carry his audience along with him in his message/speech”
Confidential Secretary, Center For Management Development, Lagos.
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Letter of Appreciation from the Center for Management Development (in response to one that I sent them AFTER the event).
Useful Lessons You Can Take Away
Choosing to go for this competition enabled me connect with top managers in my workplace, on an informal level – and I got noticed/establish potentially useful relationships. If nothing else, my actions got them thinking of me positively, and probably played a role in many career advancement opportunities that later got sent my way.
Another benefit was that I got considerable attention across the brewery for getting that far in the competition. All of these would have made me get noticed by a larger number of decision makers – which would NOT have been the case if I had not gone for that competition.
I say the foregoing in light of the fact for instance, that a year later, in 1998, I would be nominated twice – first time for four weeks, and the next time ten weeks – to relieve the substantive Technical Training & Development Manager(TTDM) – on a management grade one-step above that which I belonged to.
The point I have tried to make above, is that you can intelligently create opportunities to showcase your unique abilities to decision makers, by engaging in activities that afford you the desired exposure.
However, it might be wise not to make impressing your superiors the main objective of venturing into such an activity as the one I took up for instance.
Towards improving your presentation skills, and taking needed actions/precautions, you may find the following lessons I learnt of some use:
1. Get Adequate Pre-Presentation Time:
I should have sought the support of my boss/brewery management to get away from work earlier so as to be able to travel for the event and arrive on time. This might have helped to get myself organized and I could have discovered the absence of the slide BEFORE the presentation.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!
I would have fared better if I had made conscious effort to rehearse my presentation well ahead of the finals. The achieved familiarity with my presentation might have made me more confident to carry on despite being unable to find the slide.
3. Coaching Tips From Experienced Others:
I could have sought tips about handling hitches or problems during presentations. Experienced speakers – like many of the company’s senior executives may have been able to share their personal ideas about how to prepare with me.
Some may have prompted me to be ready for when things go wrong – drawing on their personal experiences.
For instance, today, if I have to coach anyone on making presentations, one of the most important topics I would cover is “What Can Go Wrong, And What You Can Do – In spite Of Setback(s) – To Ensure You Still Deliver A Good Presentation“.
4. Quitters NEVER Win:
If I had remained calm, and carried on with my presentation without letting on that something was wrong, I could probably have earned enough additional points to eventually do much better than winning 5th place.
Instead I let myself get upset upon discovering that my slide was missing.
You will want to avoid making the same mistake if/when you find yourself in a similar situation.
Final Words: Adversity ALWAYS Comes With Benefits …Which We Can Harvest If We Pay Attention!
Overcoming temporary defeat(i.e. failure) or adversity; recovering from setbacks, or correcting and learning from mistakes we make, will ALWAYS make us improve in our abilities to do what we do.
It is for this reason that I end this article by saying:
Even if you DO have a bad presentation outing, know that the experience presents you with a potential learning opportunity to become BETTER at delivering presentations.
Simply make up your mind to identify where you went wrong, and learn what you need to do differently in future, to make your presentation successful.
Do this as/when necessary, and you will eventually achieve your desired goal of being able to deliver successful presentations repeatedly and consistently.
Preview: I want to tell you a story. A real-life experience that I had very, very recently. At the end, I simply ask YOU to be the judge as to what really happened.
It was a Friday morning. I had gone out with my 3 year old daughter to make a few purchases at the computer village. On my way back to the car, I ran into a gentleman who managed a financial institution I periodically visited(let’s call him "Triks").
We exchanged pleasantries for a while, then the following conversation ensued:
Publication: Tayo Solagbade’s Weekly Public Speaking IDEAS Page (PSIP)Newsletter Date: Monday 22nd October 2012 No: 60 Title: Should Your Market Something You Won’t Deliver? 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,
Following last week’s hacker attack, I’ve decided to (for now) host the web version of this newsletter on the SD Nuggets blog, and link to it from the non-WordPress based Speaking IDEAS blog via a preview.
Please find below the latest issue of my weekly Public Speaking Ideas page for 2012.
No. 60: Should Your Market Something You Won’t Deliver?
I want to tell you a story (names, location etc changed for privacy). A real-life experience that I had very, very recently. At the end, I simply ask YOU to be the judge as to what really happened.
It was a Friday morning. I had gone out with my 3 year old daughter to make a few purchases at the computer village. On my way back to the car, I ran into a gentleman who managed a financial institution I periodically visited (let’s call him "Triks").
We exchanged pleasantries, then the following conversation ensued:
Triks: You know I’ve been thinking of inviting you to an event for some time now, but it’s always skipped my mind. We have a business meeting male members of our church normally hold on Saturdays that I really want you to attend. You know we all need to network to take our businesses to the next level.
Me: You’re right about that. Where’s your meeting taking place?
Triks: Oh, it’s at the popular Ikeja guest house over on Allen Avenue. I’m sure you’ll know it.
Me: Yes, I do know it. (Then sensing the details were incomplete, I asked) Are you sure it’s just a business meeting? Or is it one of these Business Men’s Fellowship things that many church organisations out here often hold?
Triks: Well ( that was actually more like "weeellllll") yes it’s a Business Men’s Fellowship, but actually we meet for mostly business – very little religious stuff happens. It’s not a service or any kind.
Me: Are you sure about that?
Triks: Of course. You just come and you’ll see what I mean
Me: Okay. What time does it start?
Triks: It starts at 2pm prompt. We are very strict on time. And it ends 3 hours later, by 5pm
Me: Alright then, no problem. I’ll be there. (I switch my daughter who I’m carrying, to my left arm, so I can shake his hand with my right. Then I start to leave).
Triks: Just a moment. Let me give you an invitation card. He fills my name, email address and phone number on to a bottom section that he tears off for himself. Then he hands me the upper part which has the venue address, and date/time printed on it.
Business Men’s Meeting Becomes Business Men’s Religious Service
The event day arrives, and as is my usual habit, I pick on one of my sons to go out with me, just to see what my world is like. This time, it’s my second son, E. We arrive at the guest house venue at 2.05pm.
Right at the double doors, a well dressed young man is seated behind a desk. He smiles warmly at us and pushes a form across the table for me to fill. After that he hands my son a gift pen, and offers me one as well. I politely assure him the one for my son will do for us both.
We are ushered into the meeting room, which has seats that I quickly estimate would take about 30 to 40 persons. As we take our seats close to the front of the room, I note the time is 2.15 p.m.
A casual look around the room indicates that Triks, who invited me, is yet to arrive. But I soon realize there’s something to while away the time with, as a young pretty lady with an amazingly powerful voice begins singing song after song (church type), accompanied by a pianist/vocal support chap.
Time flies by quickly – thanks to the excellent singing by the duo mentioned above. When check again, it’s 3.05p.m!
I decide it may be time to leave, because no serious business meeting could be that delayed without any formal announcement. All I had seen from our arrival was some strange obsession by most of the few people present (including some officers) to take photos of us as we registered, and then as we sat down. Not just of us – but we got a decent share. And that had me wondering for a bit…
So, I whisper for E to follow me, as I get up and walk briskly towards the door. Out of the corner of my right eye, I see a figure quickly approach, and tap me on the shoulder. It’s Triks.
Me: Oh, so you’re here at last.
Triks: Yes, I’m sorry I came late. Something came up last minute. We’ve not started the meeting because we’re actually waiting for the pastor…
(As he spoke, I could not help wondering what the pastor’s absence had to do with starting a supposed "business meeting" organized for members of his church. And then again there was the issue of a total disregard for time keeping by either him or the meeting planners or both. We were over 1 hour behind schedule – judging from the start time printed on the card I was given and NOT ONE WORD had been said about it!).
Me: You told me the meeting would start at 2 pm, and now it’s after 3 pm and nothing.
Triks: Well actually, we start at 3 pm. We only print the 2pm on the card to provide time for the musical interlude etc, and allow people to get here.
(Even as he said this, the seats were far from half filled, and members were still trickling in. If anyone was concerned about keeping to time, they certainly were not showing it! "What manner of business men are these exactly?" I asked myself)
Me: Look, I came because I gave you my word, and did not want to break a promise. But I’ve actually had a long day, and really need to get back home for some rest. Your meeting looks like it’s running late, and I don’t think I can wait anymore.
Triks: No, no, no! Please wait. I’m sure we’ll start soon. Sorry about the delay.
Me: Okay, let’s wait another 30 minutes. (By this time it’s already 3.30pm – 1.5 hours lost!)
As I return to my seat with my son, I notice heads turned in our direction, with people nodding politely at us in greeting. I respond accordingly, and we finally get seated again.
Thankfully, a flurry of activities commences, ending with a plump looking middle aged man stepping up in front of the room. The first confirmation of my suspicion that the event may not be what I think it is comes when he raises a massive looking Bible in his hands and shouts "Men, praise the Lord!"
Ten minutes later, I’m wondering to myself "Where did the business meeting go?" – because I discover I’m in the middle of some kind of fellowship pre-Sunday sermon delivery. In fact the closest thing to business I noticed anyone had with them were Ipads – but even those featured electronic bibles and not business related stuff.
It’s Time To Leave
Turning to E, I ask "Does this look to you like a business meeting?"
He replies "No."
"Let’s go", I tell him, and we once again head for the door. Not surprisingly, Triks is seated right at the exit (or for my purposes, "the escape"…lol!).
Triks: Oh, you’re leaving. Well I know you’re tired as you’ve said. So you need to take a rest. Thanks for coming in all the same.
Me: Yes, I really do need to get that rest. But the main reason I have to leave is that you told me this was to be a business meeting, Triks. What I see happening is a sermon or fellowship of some sort!
Triks: Yes. Actually we always start with this kind of quick service and then towards the tail end there is a short session on business.
Me: Oh, really. Well I guess I’m going to have to miss that then. Maybe another time.
We smile, shake hands and separate.
Trickery Kills Trust!
Now, like I promised at the start of this piece, let me ask: what is YOUR impression of what happened? Do you think that Triks was sincere, candid, direct, open and honest in the way he got me to attend his event?
Did he give me an accurate picture of what the event was about? Or was he economical with some aspects of the truth, possibly to make me more willing to attend?
Whatever conclusions you draw, my main reason for sharing this story is to encourage the reader to act with honesty and integrity at all times.
This becomes even more important when you are a speaker marketing to prospective or potential clients.
Marketing and sales go together. You can have multiple products or services. But you need to focus on delivering the specific ones a potential buyer expresses interest in AFTER you’ve shown him ALL you have to offer for instance.
To me, that implies that if someone phones me for 2GB flash drives, and I only have 1 GB flash drives in my computer store available at that time, I should tell him THAT. And not tell him I have 2 GB flash drives that he needs, then when he arrives try to pressure him to buy them saying "It’s the same thing. You only need to use two instead of one to get 2GB capacity you need."
Why not let the intending buyer decide that? Why not tell him/her the truth so s/he can decide whether or not to buy what you have, or move on.
Why risk having someone resent you for using "trickery" or deception to waste his/her time???
As A Speaker, Deliver What You Promise
Which brings me to my message for this week. Let me ask you this question:When you market your products and services as a speaker, what do you PROMISE to deliver? And how does that compare to what you eventually deliver?
If you are profess to being a change management speaker, how much of your content/material delivers satisfactory change management education EXPECTED by your client’s audience. Do they leave your events wondering where all those promises went? Or do they emerge raving about how you exceeded their expectations?
I have attended an event where a speaker spent over 80% of the time quoting bible passages, instead of sharing quality experiences/insights about SPECIFIC steps he took to achieve success as an entrepreneur. And yet, the latter was what the event topic promised. Personally, I left that event feeling disappointed!
Here’s A Real Life Example Of How Not Meeting Expectations Can Cost You:
I will never forget how a former expatriate boss of mine told me to suspend a particular external training service provider. He had examined handouts the consultant gave out to the brewery engineering tradesmen on maintenance of pipes used for beer transfer, and he discovered the manual bore the name of the oil company it was originally prepared for!
Get this: Pipes used to transfer crude oil are COMPLETELY different from those used for beer (consumable beverages!) transfer.
For a consultant to promise to provide training for maintenance operatives in a food processing company, and then turn around to use training materials from a crude oil processing outfit was unpardonable. Ethically, and in any other sense. And it was a breach of trust that could not be over looked.
In an environment where merit and quality performance are valued, using trickery to market yourself will only hurt you in the long run. You will look bad, lose face, lose people’s trust – and ultimately lose relevance.
So, even when others seem to be getting away with it, don’t do it. You’ll build a rock-solid reputation of integrity that WILL eventually lead to multiple rewards later on, from those who appreciate it.
Final Words: The Need To Keep An Open Mind On Religion
Just in case anyone’s taken offence (though I doubt it), please sheath your swords. This is NOT an anti-religion piece. I simply use it to offer clarity of thought to those who may need it.
All who know me, and who read my writing, will likely know I am NOT religious. I do not attend church, mosque or any religious meetings in order to worship the creator. But despite that, I keep an open mind. I honour invitations when I can. But not to have myself "sold" on what to believe.
For decades since my third year in the university, when I stopped attending church (more on that in a future write-up), I have found keeping an open mind this way to be beneficial in many ways.
You learn so much more because you are not blinded by some baseless need to promote (or defend) your religion as being better or preferable to others. I mean, does God really need anyone to defend (or fight for) him. Really?? I doubt it.
A few years back, I attended an interesting anniversary programme organized by the Rosicrucian church (AMORC), at the Airport Hotel in Lagos. I was invited by a friend – AK – who had returned from the US with his Austrian wife. They had both told me about their interest in meditation, and other related spiritual stuff.
When AK discovered I was not a church-goer he began to refer to me as a "Seeker". And he would get books of all kinds on spirituality, astrology etc, for me to read and "discover truths". I did read them, but nothing I read swayed me enough to "join" their group in order to feel closer to the creator. I had established my own way of doing that many years ago, and only sought to improve on that method.
Proof of this is reflected in the confidence with which I readily entertain others who choose to engage me based on their beliefs. I never feel threatened or fear that they will "convince" me to go against my beliefs.
The only way that can happen to anyone is if you do NOT know or are not really convinced of what you believe. Once you have conviction, nothing that comes your way can shake you. You will handle ALL with ease.
Sometimes we’ll agree. Other times we won’t. In the latter case, we would simply agree to disagree
Leaders like the Dalai Lama understand the need to maintain this kind of mind set. It’s therefore no surprise that they enjoy the respect, and followership, of millions of people worldwide who individually nurture wide ranging religious beliefs and preferences.
I refuse to accept that the creator needs a particular religious sales and marketing campaign to sell him to others. God is NOT for sale. And God does not practice or advocate a religion. All human beings are equal and the same before the creator. Your actions or inactions are not measured based on the religion group you belong.
This is an entirely spiritual process – not subject to human biases. It all happens between each human spirit and the creator’s. More people need to understand that THAT is why they must find their own way to connect with their maker.
Going around trying to trick others to join your movement will only make those who are well grounded in their own beliefs stop trusting you.
Let me end by paraphrasing the late Gani Fawehinmi based on what he once said about a certain contemporary leader:
Certain people have such a bad reputation for being deceptive, that when they say ‘Good Morning’ to you, it’s wiser to look out the window and check FIRST that it is really morning, BEFORE you respond to their greeting!
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 – click here to post a comment on the blog!
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.
What fears or doubts are keeping you from (a)taking up Burt Dubin’s $177 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:
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
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.
Self-Development/Performance Enhancement Specialist – Tayo Solagbade– works as a Multipreneur, helping individuals/businesses develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals, faster and more profitably.
Visit Tayo’s Self-Development Nuggets™ blog to find out how you can get your FREE copy of his new Practical Guide to Important Feed Ingredients (with high resolution pictures, prices, nutrients, uses etc). When he’s not amazing clients with his superhuman skills (wink), Tayo works as the creative force behind his Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas website, and the Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter (which he publishes to promote Burt Dubin’s Public Speaking Mentoring service to experts working across the African continent).
Depending on his availability, Tayo accepts invitations to deliver customisable talks and keynote speeches on topics relating to his areas of experience based expertise and interest. Visit http://www.tksola.com to learn how you can invite Tayo, to speak at your next meeting/event.
For over 25 years, Burt Dubin has provided a variety of speaker mentoring products and services to clients worldwide. The following links lead to pages describing products and services that can help you attain professional mastery as an expert-who-speaks (from the comfort of your home):
Presentation Skills
Tools for Extraordinary
Speaking Business Success
Burt’s Flagship Album
This is the product to own if you can own only one. Why? Because in it you discover principles of platform mastership available to you nowhere else at any price.
You hear performance strategies you can emulate. You shorten your learning curve. You see ways to engage and delight audiences with both content and stories . . . plus you experience a bit of fun.
With its Money back if not delighted Guarantee hardly any are returned. Find out why
Presentation Magic
A live example, including a complete audio recording of a program Burt created from scratch–on a topic he knew nothing about and never, ever presented before! See how you, guided by your personal Learning Guide, (Presentation Magic), can do this too and thrill audiences as often as you want.
Presentation Magic Manual with new pages added plus 3 audio CDs. more information
How To Create a Great Program Manual
Discover how you can produce a precious memento of you and your program. Capture over 44 model pages you can easily adapt for your use. Engage proven principles that add value to the experience of sitting at your feet and learning from you.
This is a reprise of the historic presentation that launched the Speaking Success System.
No copy of this 2 CD program and 50 page Learning Guide has ever been returned.
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:
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
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.
If you need help purchasing ANY of Burt’s products and services, call me on 234-803-302-1263 or email tayo at tksola dot com with details of the assistance you require.
The wine making process is one that intrigues me a lot. It all began when I got my first job, 18 years ago, as a trainee sales coordinator in a wine manufacturing SME in Lagos.
This was five months after completing my compulsory one year of National Youth Service (NYSC)*: I served as a Math/Physics teacher in two secondary schools in a remote Niger state village that wasn’t connected to the national grid. In other words, I NEVER saw public power supply all through my stay there
**************************
By way of interest, I developed my passion for coaching kids (and parenting) during that period, when I found that many of the students struggled with certain basic principles. This made me employ multiple approaches to presenting information to them, to facilitate their understanding.
Recently, I was able to put that experience to use for the benefit of my own kids in tackling challenges I discovered they had with Math. If you’re a parent, read my new SD Nuggets post titled “Is Your Child Silently Screaming for Help?” It provides insights into my methods, which you may wish to adapt for your kids.
**************************
Back To Wine Making As It Relates To A Speaker’s Development Of Proficiency…
The wine making process is fairly similar to beer making – both involve brewing and fermenting at start. But in the later stages things get done differently to the processed raw materials (e.g. fermented wort) to produce beers, wines, spirits.
Now that I look back, it actually feels like I was destined to work in the brewing industry! I say this because only three months after joining the wine company, I scaled tests, and selection board interviews to win a place as one of twelve new Graduate Management Trainees in Guinness Nigeria (1994). And a few weeks later, I commenced my induction as a trainee brewer.
My exposure to world class brewing/manufacturing took what I’d learned in the wine maker to a whole new level. But one trend remained: similar preliminary processing eventually differed depending on final product type being aimed at.
For instance, the more refined the product had to be, the longer the processing tended to take: Stouts take relatively shorter time to brew, ferment, filter and mature, compared to Lagers.
And the handling requirements for the latter are more stringent because of it’s very delicate nature – clarity in glass is a cherished quality indicator for instance, which the slightest error can damage irreparably. Unlike stout which can tolerate “rougher treatment” with less severe consequences.
However, when it comes to wine making, age is one word that means a lot to the quality of the finished products.
You may have heard the saying that “wine tastes better with age”. Or that “old wine tastes better”.
Those are not unfounded assertions.
Once the initial processing has been done right, the best wine makers all over the world do not take their cold storage cellar management processes lightly.
The conditions under which young wine is left to mature, are crucial to it’s development of the taste that wine lovers appreciate. And that will determine the rating they accord it.
Your Audience Will Be Your Connoisseurs
And you can be sure some of them will be skilled at evaluating speaker performance. Such individuals will probably get asked by the meeting planner to rate you, in comparison with other speakers. That could determine whether or not you get called back, or considered for other events in future.
So, how proficient are you currently at speaking? You may know your stuff well.
But can you speak engagingly on your subject to audiences who want to hear you, without boring, alienating or intimidating them with your expertise? Or with awkward mannerisms, stiff deliver etc?
Let’s say an expert on surgery has to deliver a talk to young school athletes and their parents, on how to boost recovery following post-injury surgery. He’ll want to avoid technical medical jargon, and probably employ more stories and analogies to pass his message across effectively.
That’s not something everyone finds easy. People try. But nature can be stubborn. That’s when we get zoned out in our passion for our subject, and by the time we’re done, it’s too late: we would have lost the audience!
(This is why it sometimes helps to find a coach or mentor to provide guidance and support)
I can relate to the above in a way. Audience feedbacks on forms I give out indicate that I sometimes speak too fast for a few of my listeners to follow.
And it’s not just them: the first day I spoke with Burt Dubin on phone, he started by saying “Tayo, slow down, slow down, so I can hear you clearly…!”
I’ve therefore been practicing speaking slower without sounding stiff or unnatural. While reading, I also discovered from articles by Burt Dubin, and Communispond that PAUSES can be powerfully used to improve delivery and audience comprehension. So, I plan to incorporate that into my delivery as well.
Final Words: Baby Steps Can Be Better!
Note here that my wine analogy does not imply you need years (like some wines are aged) to “refine” your speaking proficiency!
What I’m saying instead, is that the changes you make may not produce results overnight.
However (and this is where the wine analogy is most relevant), you MUST maintain the right conditions (mental and action-wise) needed to bring about the results you want, for as long as it takes!
It was Abe Lincoln who said “I may be slow, but I never walk backwards”.
I often advocate taking baby steps as against trying to make quantum leaps – especially when reaching your goal requires sustained effort. That can usually not be hurried.
Taking baby steps can pay off better, because it slows you down enough to ensure you internalize essential lessons. Those lessons will help you manage successes that will come from becoming a better speaker, IF you do not quit.
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 – click here to post a comment on the blog!
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.
What fears or doubts are keeping you from (a) taking up Burt Dubin’s $177 monthly speaker mentoring here, or (b) buying his products here?
Send me an e-mail with your questions via tayo@tksola.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.
Self-Development/Performance Enhancement Specialist – Tayo Solagbade– works as a Multipreneur, helping individuals/businesses develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals, faster and more profitably.
Visit Tayo’s Self-Development Nuggets™ blog to find out how you can get your FREE copy of his new Practical Guide to Important Feed Ingredients (with high resolution pictures, prices, nutrients, uses etc). When he’s not amazing clients with his superhuman skills (wink), Tayo works as the creative force behind his Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas website, and the Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter (which he publishes to promote Burt Dubin’s Public Speaking Mentoring service to experts working across the African continent).
Depending on his availability, Tayo accepts invitations to deliver customisable talks and keynote speeches on topics relating to his areas of experience based expertise and interest. Visit http://www.tksola.com to learn how you can invite Tayo, to speak at your next meeting/event.
==================
For over 25 years, Burt Dubin has provided a variety of speaker mentoring products and services to clients worldwide. The following links lead to pages describing products and services that can help you attain professional mastery as an expert-who-speaks (from the comfort of your home):
Presentation Skills
Tools
for Extraordinary
Speaking
Business Success
Burt’s Flagship Album
This is the product to own if you can own only one. Why? Because in it you discover principles of platform mastership available to you nowhere else at any price.
You hear performance strategies you can emulate. You shorten your learning curve. You see ways to engage and delight audiences with both content and stories . . . plus you experience a bit of fun.
With its Money back if not delighted Guarantee hardly any are returned.
A live example, including a complete audio recording of a program Burt created from scratch–on a topic he knew nothing about and never, ever presented before! See how you, guided by your personal Learning Guide, (Presentation Magic), can do this too and thrill audiences as often as you want.
Presentation Magic Manual with new pages added plus 3 audio CDs.
Discover how you can produce a precious memento of you and your program. Capture over 44 model pages you can easily adapt for your use. Engage proven principles that add value to the experience of sitting at your feet and learning from you.
This is a reprise of the historic presentation that launched the Speaking Success System.
No copy of this 2 CD program and 50 page Learning Guide has ever been returned.
If you need helppurchasing ANY of Burt’s products and services, call me on 234-803-302-1263 or email tayo at tksola dot com with details of the assistance you require.
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.
=====
No. 58: Would You Speak The Truth?
When I came across a discussion with the above theme, started by Al Bagocius in our LinkedIn speaker’s group some weeks ago (at http://lnkd.in/Pi85iP), my interest was instantly roused.
He wrote: “Are you afraid of being criticized when posting your opinion on your LinkedIn profile or in group discussions? How much do you value free speech among your LinkedIn connections?“
Members of the LinkedIn group who responded to Al’s question were generally in agreement that it was important to speak one’s mind. They also felt that many people shy away from doing so, especially when it relates to networking interactions on a platform like linkedIn.com, to avoid losing business opportunities (e.g. by turning off potential clients).
My interest in this subject stemmed from observing the above mentioned trend, which bothered me a lot. I had seen it lead to innocent people being left to suffer injustice, because “good” but fearful people chose to look the other way, rather than speak out.
Therefore, in making my contribution to that LinkedIn discussion, I posted an excerpt from an article I wrote in 2006, to drive home my point (see screen below).
Drawing The Line: Political Correctness Vs. Freedom Of Speech
I could be wrong, but it appears there are more “fearful” people – including speakers – today, than there probably were a few decades back. And most of them let their fears keep them from voicing their honest opinions especially publicly.
That’s not a good thing. But one does not have to look too far to understand what is responsible for this trend.
Sociopolitical sensitivities in different societies across the world are at an all time high. In many countries today, you can get into big trouble as a public figure – and even as an ordinary citizen – for making what is considered a politically incorrect statement.
To risk doing that, you need great conviction, and also access to accurate information and facts to back up your claim. Also be prepared to weather “attacks” from critics and others who will take offense.
As a public speaker, the need to be alert to subtleties of societal interaction cannot be overemphasized. Take speaking to an audience comprising people from widely differing backgrounds for instance. You MUST tailor your message in a manner that ensures you do not offend any segment of your audience.
Your use of examples and even humour must be balanced to convey your recognition of the different groups represented e.g. in terms of their sociopolitical, religious, and even sexual leanings.
But having said the above, where do you draw the line between being politically correct and exercising your right to freedom of speech? Or your right to be true to yourself?
Would You Voice Your HONEST Opinion, If Doing So Could Cost You?
Sometimes your core values may require you to speak some truths that not everyone listening will like to hear. And it may not always be during a formal talk or presentation. Sometimes, it will be an informal gathering.
One Example: Let’s say you’ve just addressed a group of young people (and their parents) – in a non-religious setting – on the subject of sex and abstinence. Imagine if during the question and answer session, a parent asks for your opinion on abortion – citing a tragic case of a young girl who accidentally got impregnated by a rapist.
Her question: “Would you advise her to go ahead and have the baby whose father is a rapist? Or would you recommend that she have it removed as quickly as possible?”
How would you answer THAT question?
Would you speak based on your true feelings on the subject…which could be pro-abortion, if the victim was your kid or a loved one? Or would you choose to make what you consider a politically correct statement, based on how you think most of parents in the room feel about abortion?
The above scenario typifies a point where your obligation to act in accordance with your true values, can present a formidable challenge. And this is just one of many possibilities.
A Real-Life Example Of A Speaker Voicing His Opinion At The Risk Of Suffering A Serious Loss
A few years ago, Barack Obama was engaged in the presidential election debates towards winning his first term in office as US president. At the time, one subject I was keen to hear him take a stand on was abortion (given his pro-abortion antecedents as Senator).
My interest arose from learning that he was an active member of a Christian church. And the fact that I knew abortion was generally frowned on by Christians in particular, and religious persons in general.
So, I wanted to see how Obama would choose to stand on that sensitive subject – especially since he would be looking to garner voting support from the church community.
“Will he let the fear of losing votes that could cost him the presidential election make him change his stand on abortion”, I wondered?
My concern was not out of place. Even observers from my part of the world (where religious beliefs forbid abortion) who learnt of Obama’s stand on abortion readily faulted him on that count. The argued that if he claimed to believe in God, there was no way he could condone abortion under any guise.
But I (and others who were willing to be objective) saw where Obama was coming from. He believed that certain unique situations required giving a woman the right to choose whether or not to have a baby. By the end of the debates, it was obvious that Obama was a man who was clear about his values.
He knew he believed in God. But he also wanted to use his God-given ability to apply discretion, in evaluating the real life implications faced by those saddled with the burden of unwanted pregnancies in various ways. So, he made it clear he supported reproductive freedom under specific circumstances. This is now captured in the statement reproduced below from the abortion act(see below):
**********************
“Abortion will not be covered in the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan except in the cases of rape or incest, or where the life of the woman would be endangered.” – President Obama’s statement on the H.R. 3 No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act on 14 July 2010.
As you can imagine, Obama’s position on abortion was not popular countrywide. However, he made it firmly clear where he stood, and worked harder on his campaign. In the end, he won the elections without letting afear of possible defeat prevent him from being true to himself.
Notable Change Agents & Thought Leaders Are Known For ALWAYS Speaking Their Minds!
People who don’t like to rock the boat or stand out/be different, can never be notable change agents or influential thought leaders!
And speakers who make memorable impacts on audiences tend to be those who make profound declarations based on their deepest feelings and passions – even when it may offend some individuals or groups.
Yes, it is generally wise to speak in a manner that ensures you do not offend others. But how much should you let such considerations determine what you say as a speaker – when hard truths need to be told?
For instance, there are times when being a speaker makes others look to you for direction with respect to an issue. If you succumb to the fears you have, you may fail to voice essential truths – and lose the important benefit of impacting those who follow you.
For instance, if asked by a journalist, what would be YOUR opinion on your country’s handling of corrupt public officers or citizens? Would you sit on the fence, because powerful people would be offended, or would you speak with conviction about what you believe is the right way to handle people found guilty corruption?
Remember – some people look up to you (including your kids). They believe in your sense of judgment. When you fail to make a stand, you let them down. And you also make them prone to being manipulated by others they may turn to for guidance!
You have a God-given role to play as an expert-who-speaks in your society: On a formal level as a professional, and a non-formal level as a respected, upstanding member of society. Do not fail to play it well.
Summary: WALK YOUR TALK!
On a final note, remember that you must also speak with integrity. Let it be known – and obvious to all who care to check – that you walk your talk. That you practice what you preach. And that your hands are clean!
One speaker who continues to inspire me by the way he leads by example in the manner described above, is (Pastor) Tunde Bakare. I’ll mention two well known and verifiable instances:
1. During the January 2012 Anti-Fuel Subsidy Protests at Ojota (which I actively participated in), apart from leading the protests, he made sure his own family members were physically present at every rally. A journalist asked him why. He replied that he would have no moral right to ask thousands of other people’s children to risk coming out, if he kept his family safely tucked away. A message many “leaders” should learn!
2. Just yesterday, I listened to him on TV delivering an excellent message titled “The Hidden Cost Of The Easy Way“. And one of the highlights of that message was the need for parents to avoid playing favorites amongst their offspring. Apart from having a divided home, doing so could ignite deadly sibling rivalry. Bakare added that he never played favorites with his kids – and that ALL five had been taught to stand by one another, and never let outsiders turn them against themselves. A lesson many parents badly need to imbibe!
In both instances described above, Tunde Bakare boldly spoke his mind without letting the fear of ruffling people’s feathers bother him significantly. But he also backed up what he said by walking his talk.
Since I’ve used a pastor to illustrate my final points, I might as well end on a “religious” note, by saying:
Go thou and do likewise
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 – click here to post a comment on the blog!
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.
What fears or doubts are keeping you from (a) taking up Burt Dubin’s $177 monthly speaker mentoring here, or (b) buying his products here?
Send me an e-mail with your questions via tayo@tksola.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.
Self-Development/Performance Enhancement Specialist – Tayo Solagbade– works as a Multipreneur, helping individuals/businesses develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals, faster and more profitably.
Visit Tayo’s Self-Development Nuggets™ blog to find out how you can get your FREE copy of his new Practical Guide to Important Feed Ingredients (with high resolution pictures, prices, nutrients, uses etc). When he’s not amazing clients with his superhuman skills (wink), Tayo works as the creative force behind his Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas website, and the Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter (which he publishes to promote Burt Dubin’s Public Speaking Mentoring service to experts working across the African continent).
Depending on his availability, Tayo accepts invitations to deliver customisable talks and keynote speeches on topics relating to his areas of experience based expertise and interest. Visit http://www.tksola.com to learn how you can invite Tayo, to speak at your next meeting/event.
==================
For over 25 years, Burt Dubin has provided a variety of speaker mentoring products and services to clients worldwide. The following links lead to pages describing products and services that can help you attain professional mastery as an expert-who-speaks (from the comfort of your home):
Presentation Skills
Tools
for Extraordinary
Speaking
Business Success
Burt’s Flagship Album
This is the product to own if you can own only one. Why? Because in it you discover principles of platform mastership available to you nowhere else at any price.
You hear performance strategies you can emulate. You shorten your learning curve. You see ways to engage and delight audiences with both content and stories . . . plus you experience a bit of fun.
With its Money back if not delighted Guarantee hardly any are returned.
A live example, including a complete audio recording of a program Burt created from scratch–on a topic he knew nothing about and never, ever presented before! See how you, guided by your personal Learning Guide, (Presentation Magic), can do this too and thrill audiences as often as you want.
Presentation Magic Manual with new pages added plus 3 audio CDs.
Discover how you can produce a precious memento of you and your program. Capture over 44 model pages you can easily adapt for your use. Engage proven principles that add value to the experience of sitting at your feet and learning from you.
This is a reprise of the historic presentation that launched the Speaking Success System.
No copy of this 2 CD program and 50 page Learning Guide has ever been returned.
If you need helppurchasing ANY of Burt’s products and services, call me on 234-803-302-1263 or email tayo at tksola dot com with details of the assistance you require.
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.
=====
No. 57: This Marketing Mistake Will Cost You Very Badly!
Yep, I share the above “wise old goat’s” sentiment! If that sounds harsh, it’s nothing compared to the rejection such a speaker will suffer in a market where pure merit determines who gets gigs!
We now live in a fast paced, technology driven 21st century world. Today, even farmers in African villages use mobile phones to monitor prices so as to sell smarter. Read: F-a-r-m-e-r-s in Africa!
That’s why I consider it a serious crime for any business service provider to lack a website.
In today’s world, an expert-speaker lacking a website is more or less doomed to marketing irrelevance compared to his/her contemporaries. But, probably worse off than the one who has none, is the speaker who maintains a website that features obsolete content!
Why Does It Matter So Much?
“Many people make the mistake of thinking marketing is about selling. The truth is that it is NOT. Marketing is about getting noticed and building credibility in the minds of potential buyers, until they are convinced enough to take buying action – which then leads to the sale.” – Tayo K. Solagbade
Results focused prospects won’t be happy to discover they cannot independently evaluate what you offer via a website. Neither will they be ecstatic to find obsolete information on your website. Both are sure ways to “de-market” yourself…for want of a better word
One Example: I recently saw a professional speaker’s LATEST ARTICLES website page with publish date for its most recent article displayed as 21st January 2009! And the NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE page only had “Coming Soon” written on it…in 2012…three years after…Wow!
A results-focussed meeting planner who encounters such a website would probably think this to herself:
“What? You’ve had no new article to add to your website for 3 years? And YOU want ME to hire YOU? Huh, you’ve got to be the biggest joker (recall the wise old goat?) on Earth! How do I justify choosing you to prospective attendees who are bound to Google your name to check your website? And what do I tell other decision makers when they take me up? I’m looking to hire a speaker who will make ME look GOOD…not one who’ll get me into trouble!
Well I’m sorry Akpos, but so are many others out there And any fair minded meeting planner will likely check them out as well, to be sure of making the best possible choice. A non-existent or poorly updated online presence puts you at a serious disadvantage, my veteran friend…
Please note that this talk about a website is not about web design sophistication. It’s about having one that equips you to deliver content considered highly valuable by your target audience.
Incidentally, many veteran experts-who-speak, understand. That much is obvious from the way they actively use high profile websites to boost their marketing appeal. For instance, check out websites used by these 3 veterans (click each name):Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy and Burt Dubin.
Okay, So What Do I Need To Do?
What you want is for MORE potential clients to come to you by themselves.
For that you need what I call a Web Marketing System (WMS) i.e. a self-sustaining mix of time, effort and cost-saving web based marketing tools and resources.
It will give you timeless marketing exposure with minimal effort on your part. If you use it for long enough, it will generate valuable sales leads of pre-qualified prospects, even while you sleep!
1. First Get A CMS Based Website
Central to the successful operation of a WMS is your website. So, start by purchasing a domain name and hosting account. Choose your web host wisely. Trust me, you don’t want web hosting headaches. You have more important things like writing useful content to worry about
I suggest you adopt a Content Management System (CMS) like Word press (or Joomla!) to build your website. For most people, WordPress is a better fit (Joomla! has a fairly steep learning curve). Within seconds, you can install WordPress and in a few hours get up and running.
As an expert-who-speaks, you need to propagate your “content” as widely and frequently as possible, with minimal expense of time, effort or money.
A website based on a CMS gives you the instant convenience of a dynamic, database driven online presence that YOU can easily update by yourself ANYTIME.
2. Then Integrate Other WMS Elements
Other possible components of a WMS include (but are not limited to):
automated mailing list subscription system (to capture email addresses of visitors to your website)
social media integration (to link your website content automatically to your Facebook, Twitter etc accounts)
website contact form automation (to capture more information from visitors who send you messages)
content syndication via guest posting, article marketing (in that order).
It goes without saying that your content has to be compelling in its originality and relevance. Otherwise, this entire process could end up hurting your brand, if anything at all.
It does not matter how old (or young) you are. To effectively market yourself as an expert-who-speaks in today’s world, you need a website.
However, it’s not just any website. You need one built into a 24/7 sales leads generating WMS.
Define and differentiate yourself: Aim to use your inexpensive and high impact WMS to “sell” unique and exciting value adding programs to your market.
Prospects will come to see you as a preferred speaker in your niche, ahead of competitors.
This cannot happen overnight, but it WILL happen – if you diligently promote an actively updated online presence using your well conceived WMS. Sooner than later, they’ll get in touch.
You only need tenacity and patience. But most importantly, be prepared!
“Unless the person running your marketing is patient, it will be difficult to practice commitment. View marketing as an investment, be consistent, and make prospects confident. Patience is a guerrilla virtue.” – Jay Conrad Levinson in “The 15 Secrets of Guerrilla Marketing” – http://www.gmarketingcoach.com
“Success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” – Anon
Need help?
Are you thinking of setting up a website using Joomla! or WordPress? Or would like a WMS developed for you? Click here to send me a message stating what you need help with.
Have a lovely Independence Day holiday!
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 – click here to post a comment on the blog!
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.
What fears or doubts are keeping you from (a) taking up Burt Dubin’s $177 monthy speaker mentoring here, or (b) buying his products here?
Send me an e-mail with your questions via tayo@tksola.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.
Self-Development/Performance Enhancement Specialist – Tayo Solagbade– works as a Multipreneur, helping individuals/businesses develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals, faster and more profitably.
Visit Tayo’s Self-Development Nuggets™ blog to find out how you can get your FREE copy of his new Practical Guide to Important Feed Ingredients (with high resolution pictures, prices, nutrients, uses etc). When he’s not amazing clients with his superhuman skills (wink), Tayo works as the creative force behind his Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas website, and the Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter (which he publishes to promote Burt Dubin’s Public Speaking Mentoring service to experts working across the African continent).
Depending on his availability, Tayo accepts invitations to deliver customisable talks and keynote speeches on topics relating to his areas of experience based expertise and interest. Visit http://www.tksola.com to learn how you can invite Tayo, to speak at your next meeting/event.
==================
Take action to actualize your dreams of speaking success – click the links below:. . .
For over 25 years, Burt Dubin has provided a variety of speaker mentoring products and services to clients worldwide. The following links lead to pages describing products and services that can help you attain professional mastery as an expert-who-speaks (from the comfort of your home):
Presentation Skills
Toolsfor Extraordinary
SpeakingBusiness Success
Burt’s Flagship Album
This is the product to own if you can own only one. Why? Because in it you discover principles of platform mastership available to you nowhere else at any price.
You hear performance strategies you can emulate. You shorten your learning curve. You see ways to engage and delight audiences with both content and stories . . . plus you experience a bit of fun.
With its Money back if not delighted Guarantee hardly any are returned.
A live example, including a complete audio recording of a program Burt created from scratch–on a topic he knew nothing about and never, ever presented before! See how you, guided by your personal Learning Guide, (Presentation Magic), can do this too and thrill audiences as often as you want.
Presentation Magic Manual with new pages added plus 3 audio CDs.
Discover how you can produce a precious memento of you and your program. Capture over 44 model pages you can easily adapt for your use. Engage proven principles that add value to the experience of sitting at your feet and learning from you.
This is a reprise of the historic presentation that launched the Speaking Success System.
No copy of this 2 CD program and 50 page Learning Guide has ever been returned.
If you need helppurchasing ANY of Burt’s products and services, call me on 234-803-302-1263 or email tayo at tksola dot com with details of the assistance you require.
As a result, you may find that not everything published on it interests you.
This is why I would suggest you use the links provided below to subscribe to the category you want.
That way, when new content is published on the blog, only those belonging to your preferred category will be dispatched to you via RSS feed.
1. Entrepreneurship [Tuesdays]
Posts in this category will include all my write-ups on Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas, Web Marketing etc. Entrepreneurship is hard enough as it is. Whatever you can do to reduce the number of “hard knocks” you get while practicing it, will make your life easier. Experience based tips, and insights gained from years of heart breaking struggles and triumphs as an entrepreneur in a particularly harsh socioeconomic environment. They come in form of true stories and straight advice e.g. the thorny issue of getting paid for work you do, or product you sell. I tell it the way I see (and have seen) it!
Posts in this category are for persons (regardless of discipline or interest) looking for ideas to make themselves more productive than they already are. It’s as simple as that. Anything that can help you become better, more capable, more competent, more efficient. New, ready-to-use, and sometimes unconventional ideas about how to get more out of 24 hours; or how to handle yourself around others better; how to organise yourself to achieve smarter outcomes etc. Examples will include my new powerful series titled: MS Excel Quick Tips For Getting More Done At Work And In Life!
Posts in this category are for persons in paid employment – from junior staff to top executive and even CEO/MD. I weave hard won experience based wisdom gained from excelling in a variety of demanding roles within a fast paced multinational organisation. Insights I gained from working closely with, and observing top level decision making by high performing management executives are also used to provide guiding instruction that you can adapt to suit your unique needs.
Through posts in this category, I offer what you could call parenting best practice ideas. The objective being to help others give their kids the best possible start in life. My approach is to use true stories of my personal childhood experiences, in conjunction with insights gained from “parenting” my own kids over the past 10 years. For those who are interested, I offer special coaching programs for kids (and their parents). The approach to “parenting” that I advocate for use with kids is based on a coaching technique I developed 15 years ago, which I call “Multi-Dimensional Peer Pressure (MDPP)™“.
Posts in this category will feature my unique take on various aspects of writing as well as blogging. For instance, what is it about blog comments (or the absence or presence of blog comments) that seems to attract so much debate and controversy? I bring my capacity for objective analysis to bear on such issues, to offer clarity and give people a sense of what works, and what to do. You can look forward to some unconventional ideas based on my experience
Posts in this feed will link to my weekly Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter, published since September 2011 to promote Burt Dubin’s Public Speaking Mentoring to experts on the African continent. I began representing Burt as Sole Agent in Africa in May 2011. But I actually began following his work way back in 2000 while still in paid employment. Don’t be fooled by the fact that his website features mainly public speaking training offers. A closer look reveals it also houses an intimidating wealth of business marketing wisdom that can be profitably applied in ANY kind of business. I know because I’ve used them to successfully reap profitable returns in various business endeaours, that had NOTHING to do with public speaking. The “messages” in my posts will sometimes be woven into real life stories. Hopefully, you’ll learn enough from reading my stuff to understand why choosing Burt Dubin to mentor you would be a wise thing to do!
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.
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No. 56: When to Walk Away…
Not every prospect or client that comes along with an offer will be a good fit for you. Knowing when to walk away is therefore a valuable skill.
If you accept work from everyone who makes an offer, there’s a good chance you’ll hurt your business eventually.
Many business owners make this mistake at least once. And it can be quite hard to get over. Sometimes they make the mistake because they need the business. Or because they got carried away by a wave of success and let their defenses drop.
So, they fail to notice the obvious warning signs that appear during their discussions with a prospect or client.
This can lead to a humiliating experience for them. For instance, they could end up negotiating in a needy manner…allowing the client dictate what to pay, how to pay and when to pay (to paraphrase Jason Leister) – and even how the work is to be done.
I’ve made these mistakes many times in the past. I sometimes did so because I wanted to “help” the clients. Unfortunately, some clients interprete such willingness to imply you’re desperate for work. And they naturally seek to make the most of the opportunity.
If you give in, you only set yourself up for a figurative uppercut from greedy clients. Not a smart way to do business. Such clients ONLY care about themselves. They will say – and do – anything to get what they want. And that includes telling bare faced lies.
Here are three warning signals to watch out for:
1. Carrot Dangling: An elderly prospect once said to me…
“Look, the board hasn’t released the main funds yet. So, we’re not exactly buoyant right now. If you speak for a low price now, there’s a big conference we’re planning to do in a few weeks. We’ll simply award it to you. Let’s just get to know each other with this one by using it as a run up to the main job you’ll be doing for us.”
I’ve heard this line from CEOs of hotels, the training manager of a government agency and even church leaders. Not one came through with the promised follow up work!
With those lessons in my experience bag, I now give the following polite response to others who try using the same line on me:
“That’s okay. Let’s just do what you can afford to pay for now. When your funds are released, we can always continue from where we stopped. I personally prefer working on the bird in hand.”
And like I’ve written elsewhere, I always do it with a big smile on my face. Some still take offense though, telling me I’m too rigid. Hmm…I hear you!
2. Reluctance to Talk Money: Sometimes you’ll meet a prospect or client who talks all about the work s/he wants done, and asks a battery of questions to confirm you are competent.
But s/he never asks what your fees are, or how much it will cost to deliver your talk program. When this happens, watch out!
Such persons usually come unprepared to offer worthwhile remuneration. And when you do bring it up, they’re likely to favour haggling as opposed to negotiating. Most times, such exchanges will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.
If you notice the above warning signal, prepare to walk away. The client and his/her offer may not be a good fit for you.
3. Tag Teaming: Some prospects/clients may try to put you in direct competition with another provider, who more often than not WILL be in on the game they’re playing. They create the impression that someone else is ready to do the job for next to nothing. This is so as to force you to accept a much lower fee that you normally would.
Here’s a real-life example of how you can handle an attempt to treat you this way:
We were discussing details of the final aspect of a project he wanted to assign to me, which I was to give him a quote for.
“But Tayo, the other guy who does my programming can also do this, and I’m sure he’ll do it for next to nothing.” said the client.
Then he went out to the outer office, brought back the other guy, and went through the motions of explaining what the issue was, to him.
The “programmer” (not surprisingly) said “Of course I can do it. In fact, the method I’ll use will produce equally good, if not better reports”.
The client (now literally drooling at the thought that I’d cave in) said:
“That’s what I was just saying. The only difference is that Tayo’s method is a bit faster. Otherwise, your method can deliver the same output that his does. In fact I’m thinking maybe Tayo should hold on and let me try your way first.”
As I watched them, I knew it was time to walk away. I’d seen a “Tag team act” before. And I disliked the exploitative intention.
So, I said “I have a better idea. Why not simply use his solution? There’s no point killing a fly with a hammer. Once his solution already meets your needs, why pay to get mine?”
Both men looked up at me in surprise. I pretended not to notice. “No, no. You don’t understand. I think I’ll still need to come back to you” the client blurted out.
I countered by saying: “But why? From what your man here has said, he has a solution that will work just like you want. To be honest, I’m a bit relieved and also happy for you. At least you won’t have to spend too much to get what you want.”
I threw in a few jokes for effect, as we debated the matter. But I gently pressured them to accept my proposal. Their smiles were noticeably strained as I shook hands with them and departed. But I was done. I wasn’t going to let anyone keep me dangling on a string.
However, it did not end there.
Three weeks later, the client called. By some strange coincidence, I was right across the road from his office at the time. So, when he asked if I could pop in, I agreed.
I arrived to learn they had some issues manipulating Excel database records using the other guy’s method. He needed to query the database to isolate unique records. “What’s the problem?” I asked. He said “When I do it, I keep getting duplicates in my results.”
I replied “Well I initially had a similar challenge, and found a way around it. Just specify additional criteria from the database fields to enable you eliminate the duplicates. Unfortunately, I don’t know your method. But you understand what I mean, right?”
He nodded and smiled uncomfortably, mumbling something about the data provided by the client not being “clean”. I pointed out that I’d had to contend with that same challenge. “Do what I did – help him clean it where possible!” I said with a smile.
At this point I thought: “I don’t want to be pulled any further into this. The sooner I get out of here, the better.” So, I politely excused myself and left (with the client saying “Ah, you’re always in a hurry. Anyway, I’m still going to call you etc”).
Conclusion
Once again I had known when to walk away – with my dignity intact. I’d shown my willingness to clarify issues relating to the work I’d already done. But as soon as I’d established that the problem they were having had nothing to do with me, I knew it was time to leave. If the client wished to bring me in, we would have to discuss that.
Not knowing when to walk away can set you up to be exploited. You’ll come away feeling used and dumped. And you’d have no one to blame but yourself. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end. And I’ve learnt to protect myself. You should too.
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 – click here to post a comment on the blog!
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.
What fears or doubts are keeping you from (a) taking up Burt Dubin’s $177 monthy speaker mentoring here, or (b) buying his products here?
Send me an e-mail with your questions via tayo@tksola.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.
Self-Development/Performance Enhancement Specialist – Tayo Solagbade– works as a Multipreneur, helping individuals/businesses develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals, faster and more profitably.
Visit Tayo’s Self-Development Nuggets™ blog to find out how you can get your FREE copy of his new Practical Guide to Important Feed Ingredients (with high resolution pictures, prices, nutrients, uses etc). When he’s not amazing clients with his superhuman skills (wink), Tayo works as the creative force behind his Cost-Saving Farm Business Ideas website, and the Public Speaking IDEAS newsletter (which he publishes to promote Burt Dubin’s Public Speaking Mentoring service to experts working across the African continent).
Depending on his availability, Tayo accepts invitations to deliver customisable talks and keynote speeches on topics relating to his areas of experience based expertise and interest. Visit http://www.tksola.com to learn how you can invite Tayo, to speak at your next meeting/event.
==================
For over 25 years, Burt Dubin has provided a variety of speaker mentoring products and services to clients worldwide. The following links lead to pages describing products and services that can help you attain professional mastery as an expert-who-speaks (from the comfort of your home):
Presentation Skills
Tools
for Extraordinary
Speaking
Business Success
Burt’s Flagship Album
This is the product to own if you can own only one. Why? Because in it you discover principles of platform mastership available to you nowhere else at any price.
You hear performance strategies you can emulate. You shorten your learning curve. You see ways to engage and delight audiences with both content and stories . . . plus you experience a bit of fun.
With its Money back if not delighted Guarantee hardly any are returned.
A live example, including a complete audio recording of a program Burt created from scratch–on a topic he knew nothing about and never, ever presented before! See how you, guided by your personal Learning Guide, (Presentation Magic), can do this too and thrill audiences as often as you want.
Presentation Magic Manual with new pages added plus 3 audio CDs.
Discover how you can produce a precious memento of you and your program. Capture over 44 model pages you can easily adapt for your use. Engage proven principles that add value to the experience of sitting at your feet and learning from you.
This is a reprise of the historic presentation that launched the Speaking Success System.
No copy of this 2 CD program and 50 page Learning Guide has ever been returned.
If you need helppurchasing ANY of Burt’s products and services, call me on 234-803-302-1263 or email tayo at tksola dot com with details of the assistance you require.
This is the latest issue of my Weekly Public Speaking IDEAS Newsletter Click here to read.
…a multi-disciplinary blog for people passionate about reaching their goals!
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