January 2008 News Flash
HAPPY NEW YEAR
In this edition:
- President’s Message from Alan Rigg
- NSA-Arizona January 12 Monthly Meeting
- Meeting Sponsor for January
- Upcoming NSA-Arizona Programs
- Living Room Forum
- NSA-Arizona Speaker Lab
- NSA National Updates
- Business-Building Bulletin
- Word Trippers from the Platform
- About This Newsletter
President’s Message from Alan Rigg
What’s your plan for 2008…and how can NSA-Arizona help?
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is typically one of the busiest weeks of the year for my company. That’s strange, isn’t it? I’ve tried to figure out why this year-end spike occurs and have reached the following conclusion.
For many companies, the last week of the year is slow. As a result, many business owners, executives and managers take the week off to relax and spend time with their families. However, after a couple of days of relaxation, their brains kick into gear and they start thinking about what happened in their businesses during the previous year. Some conclude, “I don’t want to go through THAT again next year!” So they do online research to find solutions to their problems. Because my company has a strong online presence for sales-related problems, my phone starts to ring.
How busy is YOUR business during the last week of the year and in early January? Do you have the opportunity to spend time doing strategic planning for your business? If you do, I encourage you to include an additional element in your thinking. Whenever you think of a new initiative you want to implement or something you want to change, ask this question: “What can the members and sponsors of NSA-Arizona do to help?”
If you’re like me, you look forward to attending NSA-Arizona meetings for a variety of reasons: the opportunity to see great friends, learn exciting new ideas, etc. But if we’re not careful, we can overlook the amazing variety and quality of resources available in our NSA-Arizona membership and the sponsors of our monthly meetings.
If you’re looking for a resource to help you build your business, look first within the trusted NSA-Arizona membership and our meeting sponsors. Do a quick search on the NSA-Arizona website. In some cases, you will be able to secure valuable ideas and assistance at no charge. In other cases, you will have to pay for assistance. But, either way, you’ll receive assistance from people who truly “get” your business and understand what you want to accomplish!
At the end of 2008, I hope we can be looking back on what has been a banner year, both personally and professionally. Happy New Year!
Alan Rigg, NSA-Arizona President 2007-2008
NSA-Arizona Monthly Meeting – January 12, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon; networking 8:30 a.m.; Business Building Session 12:15 p.m.
Location: NSA Conference Center, 1500 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, AZ
Prepaid registration (by 5 p.m. Wed., January 9): $30/members, $45/guests
At-the-door registration (after Jan. 9): $40/members, $55/guests
No refunds after the early registration deadline.
Please notify us if you require any special needs for the meeting.
Build on Your Own Uniqueness: From Marketing to Presentation, Be Different! – Cheewa James
This program will help you:
- Increase bookings! Exploit your distinct individuality: experiences, talents, ethnicity, heritage or challenges you’ve overcome.
- Design catchy marketing materials and products.
- Learn techniques to enhance presentation skills and turn mundane presentations into messages with impact and soul.
- Create an atmosphere of inclusiveness and respect for all people regardless of their differences.
Cheewa James has built a career based on her Native American background. (She is enrolled with the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma.) She shows her marketing materials and products and presents a part of her keynote to demonstrate how a unique approach—Native American thinking and stories, in her case—can be woven in. Cheewa also shares materials and product from seven other NSA speakers from around the country as she talks about how they have incorporated uniqueness into their speaking businesses.
Cheewa presents a strong emphasis on the use of stories and shows techniques to develop the tons of them to use. She also addresses ways that speakers can be more aware of diversity and practice inclusiveness as they speak. Even for advanced speakers, Cheewa provides an opportunity to freshen material, develop new approaches and add punch.
VOE: One Question That Will Change Your Business Forever – Joe Contrera
We come into the speaking business with big dreams and big aspirations. Some of us start with a toe-in-the-water approach; others come in like a cannonball. Funny thing, we usually leave the same way we came in.
Whether you’ve been in the business for two months or two decades, you must constantly ask yourself one key question 500 different ways. What’s the question? That’s not it, but if you want to find out, show up and you’ll learn “The One Question That Will Change Your Business Forever.”
Stephanie Angelo stephanie@hressential.com heads the Program Committee 2007-2008.
Business Building Session – The Magic of Mastermind Groups
Facilitated by Dave Sherman, President of AMG – Amazing Mastermind Groups
Formerly call the Candidate Program, this Business Building Session starts promptly at 12:15 p.m. until 1:30. All morning attendees are welcome.
It’s always been said that two heads are better than one. When it comes to the unique challenges we face in the speaking business, this statement is especially true. That’s why Mastermind Groups work so well for people in our industry.
Having other people who can help you brainstorm and problem-solve your current issues, hold you accountable to your goals, and provide you with the support you need to survive in this whacky business is essential for success. That’s exactly what Mastermind Groups can do for you. Come to this session and learn: - What is a Mastermind Group? - How can it help you? - How do you start one? - AND SO MUCH MORE
Dave Sherman dave@connectionspro.com and Dr. Michelle May mmay@amihungry.com head the Candidates Committee 2007-2008.
Prepayment Procedures: To streamline check-in at our monthly meetings, please prepay for your meeting attendance. Members and guests save $10 when they prepay by 5 p.m. on the Wednesday before the Saturday meeting. Registration at the door (available as space allows) is $40 for members and $55 for nonmembers.
Note from Executive Director Gwen Henson: We’re happy to keep your credit card on file for meeting payments but it’s not an automatic service. Please specifically ask us to do that.
To register for this meeting and save $10, follow these prepayment procedures. Three ways to register:
- Online: go to http://nsa-arizona.org/meetings/january-program/
- By email: send name, company, and number of attendees to Gwen@nsa-arizona.org
- By telephone: call (480) 968-7443
Bring “Fresh Start” Items for Resource Center
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping empower women through the services of the Jewell McFarland Lewis Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center. It accommodates more than 2,500 visits a month by women striving to improve their lives. The Foundation hosts workshops for women. Several NSA-Arizona members volunteer their time, including Dr. Michele May, Loretta Love Huff, Andrea Beaulieu and Marcia Reynolds.
NSA Arizona will be collecting travel-size toiletries for Fresh Start emergency kits for women in crisis. Bring extra shampoos, lotions, soaps and other items from your hotel stays and drop them in our Fresh Start donation bin during the January chapter meeting.
Any questions, please contact Michelle May mmay@amihungry.com or Deborah Gardner deborah@competebetternow.com.
SUPPORT OUR MEETING SPONSOR – The Hired Pen
Turn to Karen Gray of The Hired Pen, Inc. to get results for your marketing dollars. This company tailors every marketing plan to reach specific goals and incorporate a variety of media ranging from advertising and direct mail to radio and television. In addition to creating websites and email newsletters, The Hired Pen represents speakers to schedule appearances and manage calendars. If you need assistance in expanding your career, call 602-277-6649.
Hilari Weinstein hilari@highimpactcommunication.com heads the Sponsorship Committee 2007-2008
Special Offer–Six meetings for the price of five!
Register and prepay today for the first six programs of 2008, and you’ll save $30! The member registration rate for 2008 meetings is $30 per meeting, but if you purchase our 6-pack deal, the rate is $150, or just $25 per meeting. It’s like rolling back time to the 2006 price rate!
Just think, you’ll only have to pull out your credit card one time, and you’ll be registered for all six of these exciting 2008 programs.
Upcoming NSA-Arizona Programs
February 9
- Marilee Driscoll, High Profit Product
- VOE: Kirstin Carey, Make More Money as a Professional Speaker by Developing the Right Products
- BB Session: Pathway to Product with Marilee Driscoll
March 8
- Vickie Sullivan, Sponsorships
- VOE: Deborah Gardiner, How’s Competition Affecting You?
- BB Session: Writing Your Way to Recognition: Spread YOUR Word with Barbara McNichol and Mary Westheimer
April 12
- Karyn Ruth White, Craft Like a Comic, Sell Like A Speaker
- VOE: (TBD)
- BB Session: E-Marketing Excellence with Ron Cates
May 10
- 30th Anniversary Special Presidents Event
- BB Session: The Business Side of the Speaking Business with Carolyn Brown
June 14
- Mike Rayburn, 17 Ways to Get a Bazillion Bookings
- VOE: (TBD)
- BB Session: (TBD)
Your prepaid registration is for these six meetings only. No substitutions or exchanges. Three ways to register:
- Online: go to http://nsa-arizona.org/meetings/general-membership-meeting/six-pack-deal/
- By mail: send name, company, and number of attendees to NSA-Arizona, 6340 S. Rural Rd. #118-172, Tempe, AZ 85283
- By telephone: call (480) 968-7443 or email Gwen@NSA-Arizona.org
NSA-Arizona Living Room Forum – January 23
Join us for the January Living Room Forum on Humor, which Eileen Proctor will facilitate.
- Different jokes for different folks…What are the tricks to censoring our humor to specific audiences?
- Truth is ALWAYS stranger than fiction…How safe is it to leverage current events to bring a smile to our audiences’ lips?
- Spinning yarns to avoid yawns…Can incorporating personal experiences into your presentation tickle your audience’s funny bone?
- A smile is a frown turned upside down…What can you do when your most serious attempts at being funny fall flat?
“Top Dog” Eileen Proctor is renowned for her informational, inspirational, transformational, and most times hilarious presentations to business organizations and special interest groups. She is the charismatic co-host of The Small Business POWER HOUR, a weekly radio talk show airing on 1510 KFNN every Friday between 9am – 10am MST as well as the engaging, spontaneous host of FURvently Speaking, a new “breed” of web TV series airing on PetsWebTV 24/7 on demand. Visit her website at http://www.speaktopdogspeak.com
Robin Craig hosts this forum for seminar and workshop leaders on Wednesday, January 23 from 7 pm to 9 pm. RSVP at http://www.nsa-arizona.org or call Gwen (480) 968-7443. Cost: $15 members, $25 Guests. Registration and payment are required in advance; no refunds. You’ll receive directions when you register.
Reserve these important dates now for future Living Room Forums!
Note: first name is facilitator; second name is host
Debbie Waitkus/ASBA/ Consultants/Coaches Wed. Feb. 27, 2008
Michelle May/Janet Miller/ Authors/Publishers Wed. March 26, 2008
Neil Dempster/Neil Dempster/ Seminar/Workshop Wed. April 23, 2008
June Cline/June Cline/ Humorists Wed. May 28, 2008
Kitty Wiemelt kitty@kittywiemelt.com and Kathy Marcil kathy@kmarcil.com co-chair Living Room Forum, 2007-2008
NSA-Arizona Speaker Lab
Our Speaker Lab is the ultimate opportunity to test new material or refine/improve you material. The Lab is offered exclusively to members of the “Elite” NSA-Arizona Chapter—the only chapter nationally to offer this service. Speakers are allotted 30 minutes to present and receive feedback, with 40-minute slots available on request. Guests are invited to visit the Lab twice at no charge.
The AM Speaker Lab is held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.
Location: NSA Headquarters, 1500 South Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281
Time: 9:30 a.m. Networking / 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. LAB
January 8th – all speaking slots are filled
January 22nd – 2 speaking slots are available
February 12th – 1 speaking slot is available
Contact: Celeste Bumpus 602-430-2786
or celeste@celestebumpus.com
The Evening Speaker Lab meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
Location: Best Western Inn Suites, 1615 E. Northern Ave. (SE Corner of Northern & 16th St.) This location is for the Evening Labs only.
Time: 6:15 p.m. Networking / 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. LAB
January 22nd – 2 speaking slots are available
February 19th – 3 speaking slots are available
Contact: Eileen Proctor 602-867-3647
or topdog@speaktopdogspeak.com
The Lab coordinator term is 6 months (12 meetings) and is an excellent way to build and strengthen relationships at NSA while participating and learning from others.
If you are interested in volunteering to coordinate the AM Speaker Lab in April 2008, please contact Speaker Lab President Larry Colbert 602-480-894-2639 or larry@drivingvision.com or Celeste Bumpus (contact information is listed above).
NSA National Updates
Extra Value at SpeakerPalooza! NSA’s Winter Meeting
San Francisco, California, February 14 – 17, 2008
NSA has added an entire extra day to SpeakerPalooza, bringing you 30 percent more education and networking than any other NSA Workshop in the past. Be sure to book your flight to arrive in time for the Opening Session with John Miller on Thursday evening, February 14, 2007. And you won’t want to miss the Closing General Session with New York Times bestseller Chip Heath on Sunday morning. For a complete list of sessions and programming information, visit the online schedule at http://www.nsaspeaker.org/sanfrancisco. January 23 is the Hotel Cut-off Date for SpeakerPalooza
Make your reservation at our host hotel, the San Francisco Airport Marriott, before the January 23 cut-off date to ensure you won’t miss a rockin’ good time. Click here for room rate information and hotel information.
Going for Your CSP????
The deadline to get your application in is January 12, 2008. (Click here to obtain an application and the accompanying forms.) Don’t forget to register for SpeakerPalooza in San Francisco to gain educational credits.
Speaker 2 Speaker Milestone Reached
As of November 30, NSA reached a milestone of recruiting 100 new members thanks to members like you. Great job!
Would you like to go to the 2008 NSA Convention for a discount? NSA has started a new contest for people who bring in new recruits between December 1, 2007 and February 29, 2008. The winner wins 50 percent off of his or her registration fee for the 2008 Convention in New York City! Refer a potential member by calling (480) 968-2552 or contacting Diane Paradise at diane@nsaspeaker.org. We’ll send your referral membership information and you will get the credit when they join. (Recruits from July 1 through November 30, 2007 do not count toward this new contest, but they do count toward the overall campaign.)
BUSINESS BUILDING BULLETIN
Don’t miss this opportunity to tell fellow members about your achievements. This bulletin publicizes events of interest to NSA-Arizona members and announces member accomplishments. Send your information to Barbara McNichol at editor@barbaramcnichol.com
Congratulations to New NSA-Arizona Members
Lea Friese-Haben and Les Taylor recently became professional members of our chapter.
Rosenberg on the Radio
Arlene Rosenberg will be on the radio at 620AM KTAR in the Phoenix area on Saturday, January 5 at 6:30 a.m. and on 98.7FM The Peak on Sunday, January 6th, also at 6:30 a.m.
May Featured on Discovery Channel Sundays in January
Discovery Health TV channel features Michelle May, M.D. on an expert panel discussing “Healthy Steps to Treating Childhood Obesity.” It airs on Sunday, January 6, 13, and 20. Check local listing for times or visit http://discoveryhealthcme.discovery.com/ to watch it online, download a podcast, or order a DVD.
Ratcliff and Proctor Host Small Business Power Hour
http://www.smallbusinesspowerhour.com Tune in to 1510 KFNN AM Radio Friday mornings 9:00 – 10 am. Power Hour hosts are Susan Ratcliff and Eileen Proctor.
Women Entrepreneurs Small Business Boot Camp – January 19th
Round up your troops and march into a profitable New Year! Network with 300 local women business owners and get educated by some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Valley. No theory, philosophy or fluff, just an arsenal of ideas and practical ammunition to help battle your most difficult business challenges.”
Enjoy two inspiring keynote speakers Pamela Jett Aal, CSP, sharing “Success is An Attitude!” and Stephanie Frank presents “How to Win in Business Without Losing Your Mind.” Learn from 9 workshop presenters and see a special presentation from Susan Ratliff and Eileen Proctor, hosts of the radio show “Small Business Power Hour. It features 45 exhibitors providing a wealth of resources. The fantastic raffle proceeds will benefit the Crisis Nursery.
“We have planned a rapid-fire format that will get your entrepreneurial spirit standing at attention,” says Susan Ratliff, the event’s founder. “And don’t miss the exclusive Meet the Speakers reception.”
Location: La Chaparral Resort in Scottsdale (5001 North Scottsdale Road).
Date: Saturday, January 19, 2008
Time: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $89 or $129 including the “Meet the Speakers” reception.
Register on line at http://www.womensbusinessbootcamp.com.
Reynolds Leads Keynote Retreat Jan. 24-26
Are you serious about creating or upgrading your speech for 2008? Marcia Reynolds is holding a keynote retreat on January 24-26 in Phoenix for six to eight participants. She says, “I guarantee that if you attend the entire retreat, you will walk away with a speech that you are passionate about, that includes a powerful opening and closing and is structured as a keynote.” You receive individual coaching and a chance to practice and develop your stories. Call Marcia Reynolds at 602-954-9030 or Marcia@Outsmartyourbrain.com
Weinstein Offers Charisma Clinic
On an ongoing basis, Hilari Weinstein offers The Charisma Clinic in an intimate setting to allow coaching a group of eight in a unique interactive experience. Participants learn to:
- Project greater confidence, likeability and trustworthiness
- Make a stronger connection with your audience
- Develop a powerful physical presence
- Engage others without words
- Present with sincerity and authenticity
- More clearly enunciate
- Use techniques to help audiences retain your message
- Effortlessly draw others in
Interested? Contact Hilari at 602-795-5400 or register at http://www.thecharismaclinic.com
New Blog from Susan Ratcliff, NSA-Arizona Sponsor
Susan Ratliff is ready to give you the scoop on what works in the world of tradeshows, consumer shows and fairs. Check out her new blog Bling My Booth at http://blingmybooth.wordpress.com/. She wants to hear about your tradeshow troubles and exhibiting excellence.
Speaking and Presentation Skills Seminar – February 12, 19
A to Z for new speakers and breakthrough tips for experienced presenters. Limited to 12 people and covered in two evenings on February 12 and 19. It includes a take-home video of your “practice speech” on the second evening. For a complete agenda, contact Bill@BillJohnson.com. (Location: a corporate board room in the Biltmore area.)
Word Trippers from the Platform
These featured Word Trippers are perennial “stoppers” when it comes to being accurate. I encourage you to pay SPECIAL attention to them—they’re so commonly misused, it’s easy to mistake them for correct.
Adept, proficient – “Adept” suggests an innate ability combined with a learned skill. “Proficient” describes pure ability that comes from training and practice. “She encouraged her brother to be proficient at playing basketball, but he would never be as adept as she is.”
Adopt, adapt – “Adopt” means to take as one’s own (e.g., someone else’s child), to choose (e.g., a lifestyle), or to formally accept (e.g., a position or principle); “adapt” is to adjust to various conditions. “When you adopt a young girl, make it easy for her to adapt to your living environment.”
Advice, advise – “Advice” is a noun; “advise” is a verb. “The advice you receive is only as good as the people who advise you.” To remember the difference, think of the word “ice,” which is a thing (a noun) and not an action (a verb).
Word Trippers are featured in The Door Opener, a newsletter on persuasive writing to open doors to your dreams. Subscribe at http://www.barbaramcnichol.com or send an email to editor@barbaramcnichol.com
About This Newsletter Email your News Flash announcements to editor Barbara McNichol at editor@barbaramcnichol.com or call 520-615-7910 by 15th of each month.
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