Odd Holidays in March

These are real but little know holidays that you can use for fun and profit.

 2 Old stuff day
 3 I want you to be happy day
 5 Stop the clocks day
 6 National frozen food day
 7 Name tag day
 8 Be nasty day
 8 Farmer's day
 9 Panic day
 9 Barbie's birthday
 11 Johnny Appleseed day
 12 Plant a flower day
 13 Jewel day
 16 Everything is right day
 17 Submarine day
 19 Poultry day
 21 Fragrance day
 22 National goof-off day
 23 National chip & dip day
 25 Waffle day
 30 Doctor's day
 31 Bunsen burner day

Before You Speak at an Event

When you are asked to be a speaker at a conference, convention, trade show or expo you will need to know something about the group you will be speaking to. When I am booked as a speaker I will spend some time asking the meeting planner or executive finding out what the purpose of my presentation will be. They may already know what I speak about but how can I customize it to make it relavant to the audience. I may ask what their industry or group concerns are, what they need to learn, what any other speakers will talk about and what NOT to say. I will also try to attend the sessions of speakers before me to be sure I don't repeat things they have said.

I will then (in the weeks before the event) add parts to my speech that will be of interest and help to that specific audience. I may search for a funny story that maybe only they would understand and keep their attention. If I'm doing a keynote I need to know what the most current news and happenings in their industry are and at least mention something about them. If they recently had a major sports team win or lose a championship and you mention it, they will know you did your homework. The more relavant you can be to the group the better cahnace they will accept your main message. If you are being paid to train and motivate the group you will be expected to know something about them to succeed.

Barry is a speaker at industry events and trade shows. www.idealetter.com

Reasons to Exhibit at a Trade Show or Expo

 *Increase your sales and profits
 *Announce new products and services
 *Network with others in your industry
 *Get new sales leads
 *Pick up new distributors
 *Meet and entertain current customers
 *Offer show specials and discounts
 *Increase brand awareness
 *Build a new mailing list
 *Find and hire sales reps
 *Check out your competitors
 *Conduct informative seminars
 *Learn what's new in the industry
 *Get media coverage & publicity

Barry is speaker and trainer at trade shows, conventions and conferences. More info at www.idealetter.com

Value Over Price

There is an old saying that when everything else is equal you might as well buy the lowest price. That's how the big box discount chains got started and survive in the market today. Many of them just advertise the lowest price and provide the minimum of service to entice buyers to spend their money with them. They get the sale because the buyer can't find enough value to buy elsewhere and pay a little more. Is everyone afriad to add value and charge a premium for it? There is a better way to build a brand and grow a company.

If people just wanted to get from point A to point B any car would do but some want to get there in luxury or in a safer vehicle. That's why people will buy a BMW, Mercedes and yes a few can afford a Rolls Royce. As value is increased the prestige of ownership goes up as well as the comfort of ownership. Every industry can provide higher value to their product or service and be proud of it. The amount of sales may be a little less but the profit is higher and you don't have to be in a price war anymore. Look at what value you can add  that people want and test the market to see if it will sell. You may be surprised to see it will and your brand will grow.

Barry Thomsen is available as a business speaker at conferences, conventions, trade shows and expos anywhere safe in the world. www.idealetter.com

A Sale - Really?

We have all seen these sales for merchandise or services that never seem to end. Or they finally end and the next a new sale starts right away on the same items. When you see this happening would you ever buy between the announced sales which may only be a day or two? This tells you that this business has nothing or not much to offer other than a sale price, where is the value for the buyer. The sale price is really the regular price and everyone knows it. It's like buying a pizza without a coupon: there's always a coupon and if you don't have one just ask before you order.

Sales are great for building revenue and luring new customers  to your business but make it a real sale, not a fake lower price. When you try to fool the buyer it will come back to haunt you eventually, you can't win with that strategy. Have 3 or 4 sales a year and announce a definite end to it or while suppies last. This way the buyers know they can't wait or there won't be a new sale next week. You want people to know that your sale is special, not an everyday occurance and they can just wait for the next one. Be honest with your customers because they will find out anyway.

Barry is a business and marketing speaker who has 6 published books on business. www.idealetter.com

Different Types of Speakers

Keynote... The main speech of a meeting to the entire group by an expert and is usually 30 to 90 minutes

Breakout session... Where meeting attendees learn more about the main topic and usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes. Several breakout sessions may be run simultaneously.

Presentation... Gives a team the latest information on a specific topic and uses visual aids and literature. Can last from 1 hour to several hours.

Seminar... Program that covers a specific facet of a topic and can have interaction with the group. It usually lasts several hours.

Workshop... Similiar to a seminar but with more attendee participation and can have hands-on exercises. Can last from 1 to 3 days.

Training... Seminars and workshops conducted for a specific client group or employees. Most last 1 to 2 days.

Public seminar... Open to the general public who may or may not pay a fee to attend. Offered on a specific topic that is of interest to a larger audience. It is usually last 1 day but can be longer.

Barry is a professional speaker on business marketing and The Customer Experience, www.idealetter.com

Speaking & Presenting Tips

 *Establish relationship with the audience early
 *How you say it matters
 *Ask the audience questions
 *Half the audience will never ask a question
 *A little anxiety & nervousness is good for you
 *People like stories more than just information
 *Get the audience involved somehow
 *The first time you give a speech won't be it's best
 *Add a little humor but don't tell jokes
 *Be flexible and play off the audience
 *Be totally authentic and honest
 *Listen to the great speakers and learn from them
 *If you borrow stories always give credit to orginator
 *State your source for statistics
 *Praise the audience at the end but don't thank them

Barry is a business speaker at conventions, conferences and trade show. www.idealetter.com