Networking Now:

I had an interesting experience with a BNI member some time ago that has really stuck with me. She was scared stiff of having to give presentations each week at her networking meeting; in fact, she found it so stressful that it was seriously affecting her networking activity. She was losing great opportunities to tell her fellow members about what she did, and it was keeping them from giving her referrals.

I suggested to her that rather than approach her next 10-minute presentation as a speech, she should approach it as if she were giving a test.

She liked my advice, and when it came time for her to give her presentation, she started by asking the audience 10 true or false questions about her area of specialty, tax law. The questions provided more of a discussion forum where people were engaged in communication with her, and she was able to talk more comfortably because all eyes weren’t solely on her. The presentation was a great success and, best of all, by the end of it she felt completely at ease.

By finding a way to approach your presentation that you are comfortable with and that is creative enough to make the session engaging for your audience, you will take much–if not all–of the fear out of presenting.

You’ll hear me tell the story of how this BNI member overcame her fear of presenting on my latest business TV show on yourBusinessChannel.com and you’ll also get a detailed explanation of how to give powerful, creative presentations with these five practical tips:

1. Prepare well

2. Focus on what is important

3. Make use of visual aids

4. Remember that you are the expert

5. Be creative

The story above illustrates each of these points very well. Watch the show to hear me outline exactly why.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 11th, 2009 at 6:00 am and is filed under BNI, Introducing Yourself, Ivan Misner, Marketing/Sales, Networking, Networking Education, Networking Prep, Self Development. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

3 Responses to “Presenting at Networking Meetings is Nothing to Fear”

1. home care supplies Says:
   May 11th, 2009 at 10:58 pm

   Thank you very much for taking the time to post this. Everyone should know about these things. I enjoy learning new things so I subscribe to blogs like yours. Craig

2. Shawn McCarthy Says:
   May 12th, 2009 at 3:05 pm

   Another great post. I recently used this exact same technique with a new member with great success.
   I also worked with a member and came up with a BINGO game- she felt much more at ease reading the words about her profression and having the chapter members fill in the squares (# 5 above- be creative!).
   So if you’re nervous about speaking in front of a group, welcome to the club! Get in the game and take a few swings! Remember, all things are difficult before they are easy! Hone in on the 5 tips above and you’ll be fine!

   Shawn McCarthy BNI ED Ventura County, Ca.

3. Sampathkumar Iyengar Says:
   May 14th, 2009 at 12:58 am

   An excellent tip for making oneself visible and heard.
   Thanks for sharing the experience

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website