Can I brag for a moment? Today I just gave my first ever paid speaking gig - where the client found me online based on some articles I had published on LinkedIn, called me up and then paid for all expenses plus bough copies of my book for the audience. I was terrified. I spent 2 days deep in my Im a poser place and had myself convinced that I was a complete fraud. I have delivered content to my potential clients before - but this time I was presenting at the American Marketing Association. I was teaching brand storytelling to professional marketers. And know what - I freaking rocked it. I started off using my notes, but quickly realized how the audience was becoming disengaged because I was behind the podium. I made a split decision to leave all my prep behind me and I just ... talked. For 90 minutes (with some group work in there too) I held the attention of a group of fellow marketers who learned from ME. I had several people come to me afterwards and tell me what a great job I did, and the president asked if Id be open to doing this same presentation to other chapters of the AMA. (yay). Based on the comments and feedback I received, want to know what I taught this room of pros? I taught them to step beyond the schooling they received and look past the tactics and at the people instead. I reminded them to get past the who, what and how we all have down - and into the why. People buy from you because of your why. They buy because they believe what you believe. Never underestimate the power of your story.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 23:41:31 +0000