Do YOU have a "Back Pocket Topic"?

Let's say you are given time to speak at some event, unexpectedly and with no prep time!!

This doesn't happen a LOT but CAN happen. Everyone should have a "Back Pocket Topic" or maybe even 2 or 3. This should be something:

1. You are passionate about 
2. That you have something of value or unique to share 
3. That you know backwards and forwards so you can expand or compress the presentation into the allocated time

Understand and utilize the M.A.G.I.C. Marketing formula:

1. Think about who will be at the event (the A.udience) so that you can finetune the M.essage. 
2. Asking a question at the beginning is a great and quick way to G.rab their Attention. Asking for that show of hands will also engage them.
3. Know the emotional "hot button" of your A.udience means you can know what question to ask that might I.nvolve their Emotions
4. What's your C.all to Action? Give them something to do or think about after you are done talking...
5. "Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them."(Best advice I got from Toastmasters). Nothing is more frustrating than listening to someone without an hints on the purpose of the presentation. Hard to do in 30 seconds but this is where the M.A.G.I.C. formula and the tips below REALLY comes in handy!

Practice, practice, practice... 

1. The more you do, the easier it becomes! (No one EVER gets worse with practice!)
2. Master communicator Jim Rohn says it well:
   "Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people."

Other tips:

1. Memorize some good, relevant quotes. It demonstrate you are well-versed in your topic AND connects with people in ways your own words cannot... (Quoting yourself doesn't work as well..)
2. Use analogies. You don't have to explain much for people to "get it" because we already understand the story behind the analogy you use. I'll post some videos of examples.
3. Have a printed introduction with you or have it on your phone. No more than 3 sentences or so. Comes in handy if you are to be introduced.

In summary, having that "Back Pocket Topic" will take Planning, Preparation, and Practice but boy, howdy will you be glad you did when you are put on the spot!

Blogging can Change your LIFE!

What's more, it can change the lives of others... Will it? No telling for sure BUT it's always a POSSIBILITY! There are many benefits to your business (and your prospective clients)*.

However there are many personal benefits as well. Let's examine how:

1. It can be a part of our journaling process. Documenting our thoughts, opinions and perspectives is one way we can leave a "paper trail" of our journey through life to understand where we were back "when" and gauge where we are going.
2. It can be part of your personal brand. We all have a totally unique perspective and therefore our "voice" is unique, valuable, and rare. Keeping that voice hidden is like keeping our light under that bushel basket. Plus that voice (and light) will surely outlast us as long as the Internet lasts.
3. It helps keep us accountable. The more people that know about our goals and ambitions, the more likely we are to do what it takes to achieve it. 

Did you see the 2009 movie "Julie & Julie"? According to Wikipedia: "The film contrasts the life of chef Julia Child in the early years of her culinary career with the life of young New Yorker Julie Powell, who aspires to cook all 524 recipes in Child's cookbook in 365 days, a challenge she described on her blog that made her a published author" and was the source of the screenplay for the movie. It was nominated for and won dozens of awards. I enjoyed it because it describes the journey we are capable of if we make a decision. 

Here are some decisions for you to consider:

1. Watch (or re-watch) "Julie & Julie"
2. Write something that you think might be of value or interest to yourself and/or others
3. Post it
4. Share it to your family & friends in Facebook or other social platforms
5. Schedule a time and repeat 
6. See what happens (you might want to write about THAT sometime!)
7. Enjoy the experience... it is as UNIQUE as you are!

*Check out blogging benefits for your business:

• To Blog or NOT To BLOG (that is the question...)
• I Blog, Therefore I Am
• CLICK to access my webinar "To Blog or Not to Blog" recorded Aug. 17, 2018. $5 fee.