Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Persuasive Speaking Webinar: Notch Up Your Presentation Skills

I’m back from the National Speakers Association (NSA) conference in Arizona, and also from a biotech client program in California; the latter of which saw me delivering a custom session on effective communication.

As I watched the NSA members present their keynotes and workshops, and during my facilitated group discussion at the client program, I was again struck by the power of effective presentation skills and the power of persuasive speaking.

Yes, I’ve been teaching this topic for more than 25 years now, but the basic principle is still the same: Professionals who master the art of persuasive speaking will get others to take action, change direction, commit and buy.

If you don’t speak like a pro, and convince your audience members of your message, they will consider your session a colossal waste of time.

Are you one of the thousands of people who’d rather die than deliver a speech? Do you need help to improve your persuasive speaking skills?

You’re in luck. In addition to face-to-face presentation skills training and coaching, BRODY now offers webinars.

I’m kicking off the whole series with “How to Present Your Ideas Persuasively to Better Influence Others at Work,” on September
14, from 12:30-1:30 pm EST.

If you attend this webinar, you’ll discover strategies for working with different audience reactions. It’s great for anyone in a relationship management role – whether speaking to clients, colleagues, direct reports – or a combination of all three!

Visit here, for more details on this webinar, and to sign up.

Or, if you share your worst presentation skills nightmare on my blog, and provide a valid e-mail address – or call me at 215-886-1688, I will take 10% off your webinar registration price. This offer expires August 3rd.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

My Initial Report from NSA Convention: Relationships Rule!

I have been at the National Speakers Association (NSA) National Convention in Arizona, since July 16, and it ends today.

Whether it’s been during a board meeting (I’m a National Board Director), a keynote, a breakout session, or in the hallways, the biggest takeaway for me so far has been a reminder of the power of relationships.

You see, my goal when it comes to meetings like these is to always come back to my office with one to three things that I can immediately implement which will change my business.

This time at the NSA Convention, as good as the content has been, it can’t begin to compare with the new friends I’ve made -- and the old ones that I’ve reconnected with … relationships.

One specific highlight of this past week has been having dinner with Keith Ferrazzi, author of the best-selling books Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your Back. Whether in private conversation or as a dynamic speaker, his theme is always about relationships.

What are you doing to develop and nurture your relationships?

Monday, July 13, 2009

New BRODY Professional Site Up and Running, Check It Out!

Good things are worth waiting for!

Those of you who have worked with web designers know how frustrating the process can be. Granted, we live in an environment of instant gratification, and I wanted it done at least three months ago!

But, at last, it is “finished” – the new and improved home for my company, BRODY Professional Development -- www.BrodyPro.com.

I say “finished,” because there are still some modifications being made, including shopping cart “tweaks” -- and then working specifically on updating the Marjorie Brody part of the site, so it coordinates with the new design of the BRODY Professional Development pages.

That being said, for those of you who want to download some “free information” – invaluable tips and articles – please check out the new site. Again, www.BrodyPro.com.

On an unrelated note, this week, I head to Scottsdale, Arizona -- you may be asking, “Why on Earth would anyone go to Scottsdale in the middle of July?” My answer: To attend the board meeting and annual conference of National Speakers Association.

I always learn something by attending this annual event – and next week, I’ll blog about some of these learnings, so you, too, can benefit!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

2009 Part One: Lessons Learned

It’s hard to believe that half of the year is over – not exactly a stellar year for most of us!

I have learned quite a few things as a business owner (hard lessons learned) these past 6+ months:

•I should always look to cut expenses, even when times are good.

•I should reward creativity and innovation.

•I should look to do more with less.

•I should expect and appreciate the willingness of my staff to be flexible.

•I should recognize how my moods impact our employees, and those around me.

•It’s not what we make, it’s what we keep that counts.

I’ve also learned a few things on a personal level:

•“Shopping” in my closet isn’t that bad.

•Cooking can replace take-out.

•Time with friends doesn’t have to be expensive.

•Staying in shape mentally and physically is my choice, and under my control.

•I need to appreciate and be grateful for all of what I can give to others.

Let’s hope that the economy picks up during the last half of 2009!

Even when this happens (notice I said “when” and not “if”), however, I don’t want to lose site of these lessons learned.

As always, feel free to share your lessons learned/best practices.