She Speaks (the meme)

 I am participating in Chatty Kelly's She Speaks meme. Click on the picture to read more from other She Speakers, or to participate yourself.

1. What was the best advice you got at She Speaks?

2. What was the best lesson you learned in a session?

3. What are you going to do with what you learned/what is your next goal?

4. Anything else you want to share? (Good, bad or ugly?)

1. The best advice I got was not directly related to the conference. It came from my friend, Alisa. She and I have been the best of friends for several years and she and her family now live in the Charlotte area. She drove over to pick me up Friday morning so we could have breakfast together. Alisa loves me and knows me and will not allow me to give up or give in. Our conversation is personal but I received the best advice and encouragement from her before I even stepped foot into the conference.

2. In the Marketing for More Bookings session led by Rob Eagar:

• Sending out media kits is a waste of time.

I was glad to have this reinforced because I do not send out promotional material through the mail. The irony of this is that some of my friends and family who are not in a speaking ministry usually suggest I do this.

• Invest in colorful print newsletters to be mailed every 90 days to leaders.

This sounds like opposite advice from the point on mailing media kits. However, the newsletter is much less about you and much more about adding value to the leader who receives it. 75% of the contents of a newsletter should be audience-focused and only 25% sales/booking focused. The bottom line for your readers or audience is always, “What’s in it for me?” When you provide value to your audience, you answer that question.

• Check the schedule of other speakers (on their “My Schedule” page), to get contact information. Send the print newsletter to the contact person.

I had a “duh” moment on this one. While I often check other speakers’ schedules, I have never thought to use the information to form a contact list for myself.

3. My next goal is to tighten up my focus so that my main message comes across in everything I speak and write. It’s the “expert factor” I plan to work on. Also, I would like to create a print newsletter, however, the cost is definitely a consideration.

4. My ugly is the same old issue that’s reared its head all summer.  Suffice it to say, I need to cultivate more and better fruit – the Fruit of the Spirit. When an unkind, not good or non-gentle attitude seeks words on my tongue for expression, I want to put that attitude down. That is the worm that rots my fruit. 

I must add that meeting Kelly in person was a highlight for me! She is one of the women who supported, encouraged and prayed for Andrew, for me and for our family. I love Kelly.