I began writing this note a week ago before I took a fall and broke my foot.  I am okay and appreciate the avalanche of notes and calls I received.  How did the word get out so quickly and how did so many people I didn’t even know send me notes?  It’s all about social networking.  Did you know that you can post your status on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook?  It is like keeping a journal of your whereabouts and happenings so that your followers can quickly see what is going on with you.  For me it is also about relationship marketing. Want to follow me on twitter:? http://twitter.com/speakerservices

Yesterday I had the pleasure of talking with Julie H. Ferguson www.beaconlit.com who I met through LnkedIn.   She is a professional speaker, author, and owner of Beacon Literary Services and has written 11 books.   We found that we had clients in common and that  we might be great referrals for each other.  Also through LinkedIn I attracted a man who needed a 3 camera video demo s and he will be at our Video Demo Showcase on 11/2.  Tip: when you find someone who you want to connect with give them a call to begin the relationship.  I love it when someone calls me.

Today I included a blog post that received a lot of interest Like it or Not: Blogging is Public Speaking .  Included in the tips today is my my latest blog post Saying “I Do” To Blogging read more  http://tinyurl.com/49rbbr and Read more posts in my blog on blogging http://tinyurl.com/3sryo6

We will be delving into Social Networking, Blogging,  Structure, Storytelling, Secrets to Building an Online Empire, Designing & Presenting Irresistible Offers - For those who love what they do but hate selling and more at the annual Speakers’ Summit, October 19 and 20.  See the program and register http://www.speakerservices.com/speakerssummit1008/program.html. The 3 for 1 offer is still available. Will you be there?

Speakers’ Bootcamp http://www.speakerservices.com/services/thegame.html November 5-9 and November 2 is the Video Demo Showcase http://www.speakerservices.com/videoprod.html.  Need a 3 camera video demo shoot?

NEW AND RENEWING SPEAKERS/AUTHORS
October 2009

David BarMack - San Diego
Expert dubbed "The Voice of Credit Education" reveals how to improve your credit score, save thousands of dollars, and take back the power creditors hold over you.
Credit Education, Debt Reduction, Financial Freedom, Personal Finances
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/341
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Tarnie Fulloon is an Author, S. California
Body Therapist and Empowerment Specialist ignites the power of feminine energy to maximize body and mind well-being
Body-Mind, Empowerment, Health, Wellness, Women's Issues
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/344
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Eileen Joyce  Los Angeles,  S. California
Certified Coach and Grief Recovery Specialist shows how to get through times of loss and recovery and how to talk to co-workers, friends and loved ones who are going through difficult life changes.
Change, Grief & Loss, Parenting and Children, Productivity
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/310
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Kim Mitchell, Author, Video, Los Angeles
Creativity coach reveals how to activate and utilize both sides of your brain.
College Access, Creativity, Stress Management, Team Building
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/342
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Jean Shula, Author, Video  New Hamsphire, Nationwide
Life Coach/author trains “Third Agers” to tap into their passions and life experience to heal themselves and the world around them.
Boomers & Beyond, Healthy Aging, Strategic Planning, Third Agers
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/308
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Jacqueline Wales, Author, Video, NYC
Midlife transitions expert shows how to get beyond the anxieties that keep you from doing the things you want and being the person you're meant to be.
Baby Boomers, Success, Women's Issues
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/345

SEE ALL SPEAKER LISTINGS http://www.speakerservices.com/categories/allspeak.html

EVENTS, TIPS AND ADVICE

Presentation Tips

Timing of your Speech
T J Walker  www.speakingchannel.tv

- If you are running short on time, don't start speaking faster to “squeeze it all in.”
- If you talk too fast, you might as well start speaking gibberish because your audience will absorb nothing you say.
- Going over your time limit is an unforgivable sin.
- You must know your audience’s time expectations and then meet or beat those expectations.
- DON’T get caught peeking at your watch during the middle of your presentation. Remove your watch from your wrist and place it standing up on a table or lectern nearby. Then, you can glance at the watch without ever having to pick up your arm noticeably or drop your eyes or head in a detectable way
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Tools for Agent-Hunting:

Jim Duxbury  http://www.lulu.com/cdbooks recommends: http://www.agentquery.com

Dan Snow adds: http://www.everyonewhosanyone.com

Remember that you can self-publish while you are looking for an agent... or a conventional publisher.  Use early book reviews to demonstrate the book's appeal.  More importantly, use your sales records to prove public demand; NOTHING attracts agents (and the publishers they approach) like objective proof of commercial potential.  If you get a good offer, sell out.  If not, you're already in print with a growing readership.  Dan Snow u-publish.com
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Would you like to be a guest on up to 600+ radio shows and TUNE In to your audience in a BIG WAY?

Enabling your voice, your message and your wisdom to reach tens of thousands of listeners—many of whom may be your next customer, client, speaking engagement or website visitor?

Then let Conscious Media Relations offer you as a guest to the 600+ radio shows that are anxiously waiting for you to share your knowledge with their listeners. Learn more: http://tinyurl.com/5349w4

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Get your FREE eBook: "Parenting College Students: 27 Winning Strategies for Success." at  www.collegeworks101.com offered by Dr. Debi Yohn Counseling Psychologist President/Founder of CollegeWorks101.com

Get your Free “77 Point Internet Marketing Checklist” with Free Sign-up to “IncreaseOnlineProfits.com Insider”at http://www.increaseonlineprofits.com, Karl Kasca "The Instant Insider"

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Make Your Viral Dreams Come True  MarketingProfs

As it becomes easier than ever to produce and distribute online videos, you probably see how the medium can serve as a key marketing tool. And in a guest post at HubSpot's Inbound Internet Marketing Blog, Eric Guerin explains how to give your DIY efforts the competitive edge:

Start with a plan. Don't approach the project haphazardly—treat it like a traditional marketing campaign, and remember to track your video's effectiveness with tools like TubeMogul.

Hit 'em with your best shot. Says Guerin, "A sales video without a hook … will be watched once and forgotten but a video with a hook that captures the viewers' emotions can get passed on endlessly."

You only get three minutes. The longer your video lasts, the less viral it becomes. Guerin recommends a target length of between one and three minutes for maximum effectiveness. "If you have a ton of ideas," he says, "make a series of short videos instead of one long one."

Strut your stuff. A catchy title and description will encourage numerous views, as will accurate "tags"—the keywords viewers and search engines use to find content.

Toot your own horn. Plug your video in blog posts, online campaigns and even in your email signature. Also, establish a presence in online communities. "Blogs, social networking sites and video sharing sites are where consumers spend a majority of their time online," notes Guerin, "and where the greatest opportunity for online engagement exists."

The Po!nt: There's no such thing as a perfect formula for viral success—but following advice like this can greatly increase your chances.

Source: HubSpot's Inbound Internet Marketing Blog.
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Attention speakers! You now have the opportunity to contribute to an anthology titled, “The Power of the Platform,” which features such A-list speakers as Brian Tracy, Les Brown, Amanda Gore and Dr. Tony Alessandra. The premiere edition of “The  Power of the Platform” was just announced by the president of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, Robin Jay.
 
“This is a tremendous opportunity for anyone who not only wants to create a first-class product to sell in the back of the room or on their web site,” shared Jay, “but it’s also a book that will be used as a high-end, high-impact marketing tool, too. I have the unique position of being a speakers bureau president in the #1 convention and meeting capital of the world – Las Vegas!

I am going to capitalize on this project by putting this book in the hands of every meeting planner, convention sales and hotel sales executive in the city. Add to this my extensive database of MPI members (Meeting Professionals International), Convention Services Association members and Destination Management executives and this book is going to reach an unprecedented number of meeting and event planners.
 
There is no charge to be in the book; however co-authors will commit to purchase a minimum quantity of books (500) at a wholesale price of $6.72 per book, for a net total of $3360.00, due and payable upon signing. The books retail for $19.95, which delivers an inventory value of $10,000 for each author. Photos on the cover are preferred positioning, and are available for an additional fee.

If you are interested in contributing to this outstanding anthology, please contact Robin Jay at 702-460-1420 or e-mail at Robin@LVCSB.com.

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ARTICLE

Like it or Not: Blogging is Public Speaking, Mark Hayward

Do you get sweaty palms, an increased heart rate, or feel like you are going to faint when you have to make a presentation in front of an audience? Would you like to improve your public speaking skills and enhance your blogging at the same time?

Public speaking and blogging are similar in many ways and particularly because they both require you to make an immediate connection with your audience. Additionally, how you choose to present yourself, whether speaking publicly or blogging, will ultimately determine how people view your tone, your image, and your brand.Some other complimentary similarities between the two include:

    * You are putting yourself out there in front of the masses (sometimes this invites criticism)
    * Public speaking and blogging are both acquired skills (for most)
    * You must be able to effectively communicate a message

So it would stand to reason that if you improve your public speaking skills then your blogging talents would be enhanced too.

How do you feel about public speaking? Would you rather be doing anything else other than standing in front of a group of people and delivering a presentation?

Now that we are into the New Year many of us (including myself) would like to take our blog to the next level in terms of gaining more subscribers and possibly increasing our online income generation. If you would like to really improve the overall quality of your site there is one skill that you can work on that can have a direct correlation with improving your blogging talents.

Of course, I am talking about the ability to effectively communicate a message and make a presentation in front of a group of people, or speak publicly with authority and confidence.

When was the last time you had to stand up and speak to a group of your peers or colleagues?

Many people are apprehensive about standing in front of a crowd and delivering a message but if you can conquer the fear of public speaking you can absolutely improve your blog. As noted above the two are inherently related.

When I was younger and in high school, and even into college, I was a horrific public speaker. I had NO idea what I was doing and I lacked the relevant skills that were required to be successful. For most, public speaking is an acquired talent. My ability to present to a group of people was gained as a Peace Corps volunteer where I was continually asked to make speeches to large groups of people, and in a completely foreign language. Attending graduate school also helped to increase my skills.

If you are not the most dynamic public speaker do not fret because there is hope. However, there are also a few tips and tricks that are specifically related to blogging and presenting, which can have you creating improved posts by the end of today.

Like it or not, blogging is public speaking

That’s correct, every time you publish a post you are speaking to the global public via the internet. The number of people in the world with online access is certainly a much larger audience than any of us will ever have the pleasure of standing in front of, so it is pretty amazing.

Take Darren Rowse, of ProBlogger, for example. I don’t know what his daily visitor stats are, but he has almost 40,000 subscribers, so everyday he is delivering a presentation to thousands of people via his blog posts. Pretty impressive don’t you think? When you approach it that way, public speaking isn’t so bad after all.

What traits do all great public speakers have in common and how does it apply to blogging?

All of the most effective public speakers that I have ever witnessed have some common qualities, and the same is applicable to blogging. If you have the time some day I strongly recommend that you watch one of the many Seth Godin videos that are available on YouTube.

Dynamic public speakers and bloggers typically:

    * Know their topic and are well prepared
    * Display confidence when speaking or writing
    * Take command of the audience
    * Speak with an authoritative voice
    * Engage the audience
    * Add a touch of humor
    * Maintain a high level of energy

Additionally, along with the above, top bloggers (and public speakers) are able to communicate their message in a succinct and easy to digest manner. In the past I have had to present to many government officials and in a way they are a lot like bloggers because they don’t want to waste time and they typically have a short attention span. Rather, they are only interested in the valuable information that you have to tell them and they are not interested in fluff.

Successful blogging is no different. In fact, of all the blogs that I read daily; ProBlogger, Seth Godin, Doshdosh, AnyWired and Zen Habits, the writers are true masters of their craft. The authors consistently produce posts that are delivered with a commanding tone, an authoritative voice, a solid message, and they successfully engage the audience and make you think.

Practice makes perfect

If you are not too confident in your public speaking I would encourage you to practice as much as possible. There are Toast Masters’ meetings all over the world and if you are not familiar with them they are a group of likeminded people who gather together to work on their presentation and public speaking talents. In time, you can become comfortable in front of a crowd and even enjoy speaking to groups of people.

When I know that I have to make a presentation, or draft a blog post, there are some general guidelines that I always follow in my quest for success. Here are some tips to start you on your way toward improved presentation skills and blogging:

    * Start with your title and create the post from there
    * Use visuals as a support mechanism to enhance your post or presentation
    * Get someone to provide constructive criticism by watching you practice, or proofreading your post
    * Connect with your audience or readers immediately
    * Never apologize if you are bombing (only apologize if there is a technical issue)
    * Make your points and support them with examples
    * Provide information of value
    * Seek input from the audience or your readers

As a final tip I would like to add that there are always going to be negative people and naysayers who will try to criticize what you are doing, so whether you are blogging or presenting, don’t listen to them and focus on the positive every time!

Remember, presenting yourself in the public domain is nerve wracking but with a little attention to detail and the proper preparation you should be blogging and speaking in public like a professional orator in no time.