Top 10 Reasons You Should Use Public Speaking to Promote Your Business

1. It's fun (in that scary "Oh my gosh, what am I doing?" amusement-park-anticipation sort of way).nnJust like modern day roller-coasters can cause your heart to skip a beat when you think about getting on them, public speaking can appear scary. The reality though, is that it’s fun and exciting. It gives you an adrenaline rush that leaves you feeling on top of the world. nnn2. It’s easy to get started.nnPick a date. Pick a topic. Outline your ideas to include facts, figures, and examples. Contact your local adult education office, service organization (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.), or Chamber of Commerce to see if you can give your presentation. Show up and talk. It really is simple to get started.nnn3. It's a way to build stronger relationships with customers and potential customers.nnWhen you present an informational seminar or instructional workshop to customers and potential customers they’ll see you as the expert. They’ll laugh when you tell them about the mistakes you’ve made and nod their heads in approval when you share your success stories. They’ll see you as approachable when you talk with them one-on-one during a break or after the presentation. They’ll share their ideas, concerns and questions (which you’ll use to improve your services and/or product selections).nnn4. It will set you apart from your competition.nnPublic speaking is overwhelming and intimidating (okay, it’s terrifying) to many people. But it also makes you visible. It allows you to offer information and assistance in a way that many of your competitors don’t. At a workshop or seminar your customers know you are there to share information with them and answer their questions. nnn5. It’s a change of pace from your everyday activities.nnIf you’re like many small business owners or independent professionals you can easily get caught up in working in your business rather than on it. Developing and presenting workshops and seminars provides a change of pace. It allows you to focus your time and energy on meeting your customers’ current and future needs while also building name recognition, expert status, and additional income streams.nnn6. It can provide additional income.nnWhen you offer classes through your local adult education center you may get paid a small amount for each class. When you present your seminar at an association meeting you may earn a speaker’s fee. When your workshop attendees need supplies, they can purchase them from you. When you have developed your speaking skills and your content is solid, you may even charge people to attend your seminars.nnn7. It can be the basis for creating information products (books, booklets, CDs, etc.).nnAs you prepare for your seminars and workshops you’ll probably create handouts, worksheets, and resource lists that will help participants during the course. These items can be combined and retooled into booklets, books, and workbooks. You can record your presentation into audio or video format. These items will all help promote your business and produce additional income. nnn8. It will keep your knowledge current and your enthusiasm high.nnWhen you offer informational seminars or instructional workshops you'll always be on the lookout for the latest improvements or advances in your field. You’ll be aware of how current events impact your industry. You’ll be on the cutting edge; but you’ll also know when and why the old ways are the best ways. nnn9. It's a quick and easy way to create word-of-mouth buzz about your product or services.nnPeople who attend your information packed seminars and workshops will talk about their experience before and after the event. They may invite friends with an interest in the subject matter to join them. When the topic arises in future conversations they’ll talk about you and your workshop. nnn10. It’s an important skill to develop for your personal and business’ growth.nnPublic speaking is a skill that many people fail to develop just because it can be scary. But when you develop this skill your newfound confidence will spill over into other areas of your life. You’ll discover that you want to take risks that you might not have dared try in the past. You’ll become the leader you always wanted to be.