with thanks to Charlotte Wibberley for tongue in cheek suggested title.
“Do I really have to stand up and give a 1 minute talk?” Let’s come back to that question, and answer.
Over the years, I’ve written many articles/blogs about the benefits of networking – not bad for someone who was dragged screaming and shouting to her first business women’s networking event, eh?!
One great opportunity at networking events is that most offer you the chance to stand up and speak to a supportive – please notice that word “supportive” – audience. None better is a female audience. Women are natural networkers and connectors. I enjoy nothing better than attending the various 1230 TWC group meetings and being able to learn and connect across them all.
Don’t only attend those events that don’t provide this opportunity just because they don’t provide the opportunity to stand up and speak!
1230 TWC wasn’t started with great intent. It started as a need for me to make contacts to grow my IT Training company. I was a virgin networker, observing others making those so vital connections. Build trusting business relationships – please note that word too – “relationships”. Awesome to see. But sooo awful to see was the SELLING!
The other thing we do well but sometimes ignore is to collaborate. Don’t look for milestones of hindrance, especially, don’t be concerned with “competitors” in “your” market place. There’s always something to learn and scope to explore opportunities to work together.
I digress!
Some time ago I asked on Facebook what the word “pitch” implied/meant to the (business) readers. An emphatic “SALES/SELLING” came back, which they hated with a vengeance! So not only do we have – “I can’t possibly stand up and talk” but we also have SELLING!!! in our faces.Are they part and parcel of the same issue?
According to Wikipedia:
An elevator pitch, elevator speech or elevator statement is a short sales pitch – there it is, “sales”.
Sales, selling – these are big turn-offs for many who might consider attending networking events. They don’t want to be sold to, neither do they want to sell.
Let’s be realistic. We’re in business to sell our products, our services. Networking allows us the opportunity to do this in a less “in yer face” way and much more.
So to answer the question “Do I really have to stand up and give a 1 minute talk?” No, you don’t. But why waste this chance to let everyone there know why they should come to you as opposed to your next-door neighbour. Again realistically, you’re unlikely to be able to talk to everyone individually, but they can then come to you and your expertise!
11 points to remember about your 1 minute talk:
1) Planning is key – you’ll soon be thinking on your feet!
2) That includes practicing in the bathroom – yes, say it out LOUD.
a. Get used to the sound of your voice, and time yourself accordingly.
b. Remember 1 minute for example, is the maximum amount of time. If you can get your message over in less – congratulations! A definite no, no is to take liberties and overrun your maximum time.
3) You are in a supportive environment – everyone willing you to succeed
4) Demonstrate your expertise in your subject
5) Use humour, props – something that makes you memorable
6) It’s NOT ABOUT YOU – it’s about how you can help your listeners
7) You are in a supportive environment – everyone willing you to succeed No, this isn’t a typo, just a reminder of a very important fact.
8) The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
9) One size doesn’t fit all. That is, vary each talk.
10) It’s not about what you DO, it’s about what you OFFER.
11) Be yourself! People buy people – and breathe!
Everyone who attends 1230 TWC meetings is given a copy of this card as an aide memoire. Inside is the 1230 TWC 1 Minute Guide, the text in grey is suggestions for varying detail as appropriate, with space to make notes from the meeting.
Networking is NOT about selling, it’s about building RELATIONSHIPS.
So please…. No more “elevator pitches”. Stop it, NOW!Just be yourself and speak!
This 1TB (terabyte) SSD that you bought, yes… well, the machine only recognises 250GB. Given that a terabyte is 1,000 Gigabytes (GB) 1024GB to be precise, that means that the HDD (hard disk drive) is only using a quarter/25% of its full capacity.
Hmmmm. Still with me?
What is the difference between a Solid State Drive (SSD) and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?
A traditional HDD is a device made up of moving parts that uses spinning platters to store data. An SSD on the other hand uses flash memory and has no moving parts.
Okayyyyy….
What am I talking about? Data storage space, computers, PCs. Those of you who know me will know that I’m not technical although I have been known to fit a few GB of RAM over the years. OK, either way this SDD is dangerously full up, so said machine needs a new hard drive. Seems that a 4TB hard drive would be a good move.
Stop!
The machine sees that it has 4TB hard drive, but only reads it as 2TB. Eeeeek!
This time last week I was really out of my comfort zone! I’d anticipated that this would happen, but what I hadn’t anticipated was the invaluable critique from The Red Carpet Academy super star – Leah Charles King! I knew it would be a worthwhile day, but how worthwhile was yet to be seen.
So, where was I? At The Red Carpet Academy 1 Day Intensive Training with Leah Charles King and her team in London, and some super other women – all being put through our paces to “face the camera!” Although I’ve spoken in public on many occasions, both as a speaker and as a trainer and sat in front of my PC/laptop talking to the world – this was something different.
Each stage of our packed training day was critiqued by Leah, gently (but accurately) pointing our little foibles and making constructive, invaluable – yes I know I keep using that word – but it truly was – invaluable – constructive criticism.
So here I am with the delightful Leah, my certificate and “the bag” (that’s another story).
Would I recommend The Red Carpet Academy? You bet!!! So if you’re looking to improve your public speaking and improve in front of camera, check out The Red Carpet Academy web site and book your session.
Lights, Camera, Action!
