May 2005 News Flash
Enjoy the Journey through 2005
- President’s Message
- May 14 Meeting
- Living Room Forum May 25
- Upcoming NSA-Arizona Programs
- Future NSA Programs
- Speech Development Lab
- Business-Building Bulletin
- Humor Tip
- Word Trippers
- Website Wisdom
- Worth Repeating
- About This Newsletter
NSA-Arizona President’s Message from Ted Rogers
“You are blessed!”
I ran into an acquaintance about 9:45 on a recent Monday morning—someone I hadn’t seen for many years but he’s the kind of person everyone remembers. Always impeccably dressed with beautiful, long white hair and an affectionate smile. A retired psychologist, he’s currently researching and writing about spirituality. We had a brief but wonderful conversation, then he did something remarkable. With a warm handshake, he said, “You are blessed!” Wow, why did he say that—especially since I’d had such a horrendous morning?
You see, as I headed for a 7:00 a.m. meeting in Scottsdale (and I live in the far WEST valley), I got stuck in unusually heavy traffic while police cleared an accident. This miserable drive made me late for my first meeting. In that meeting, my client and I had a number of interruptions and the outcome wasn’t what I expected. How frustrating. Then I took off for a 9:00 meeting and again experienced terrible traffic and another late start. While driving there, I took a phone call from the sponsor of a book deal I’m working on. He needed more information (some of which we’ve provided weeks ago!) and wanted more changes and sponsor visibility. I grumbled that my “to do” list just grew longer and my frustration level higher as I pulled into the parking lot of a bagel shop.
That’s where I ran into this gentle, wise visionary who, in an exchange that lasted as long as it takes to toast a bagel and smear it with cream cheese, warmly shook my hand and said, “You are blessed.” As I left the shop, I kept hearing in my mind “you are blessed” over and over again.
On the way out, I held open the door for two women who sincerely thanked me with happy smiles. They showed how much they appreciated my simple gesture. Then, leaving the parking lot, I noticed traffic was still heavy but, remarkably, cars in each of the three lanes of traffic offered me space to pull in. “What’s with this ‘blessed’ idea?” I kept asking.
Quickly off to my next meeting at a Starbucks. I walked in and noticed only one person in line—on a Monday morning! Is this possible? Is this Starbucks? When I approached the counter, an associate asked, “How are you today?” and instead of impersonally asking for my order, she smiled and declared, “It’s going to be a great day!” How’d she know that? We had a light-hearted chat, enjoying each other’s company for two full minutes. And what a wonderful two minutes that was!
At Starbucks, I met with a long-time client and we planned six programs over the next three months. Then, before I left, I went back to the counter for a quick refill… and no charge! A different associate smiled and encouraged me to have a great day.
How remarkable to be reminded how truly blessed I am…how blessed we all are. I, for one, have a wife I love and two kids I adore. (They even invite me to hang out with them!) We work in a profession we love. We are members of NSA-Arizona, which is a blessing of community and a family of peers who gladly support each other.
What actually happened that morning? Was it a change in my attitude or perception? Or did something meaningful happen when my friend offered me a blessing? Who knows. But I do know that feeling blessed works wonders—even on a hectic Monday morning.
Here’s to making each day a blessing… and to your journey of inspiration and achievement.
Ted Rogers, President
NSA-Arizona
NSA-Arizona Monthly Meeting May 14, 2005
9:00 a.m. - 12 noon; networking 8:30 a.m.; Candidate Program 12:15 p.m.
The Wealthy Speaker: 10 (or More) Powerful Marketing Tips that Will Increase Bookings – Jane Atkinson One of the best ways to make your marketing more effective is to avoid the traps that others fall into. Whether it’s topics, brochures, websites, or videos, Jane Atkinson will show you tons of ideas that will ensure that your marketing dollars are spent wisely—and result in bookings. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Find out what speakers who charge $15K use to market themselves
- Receive the 5 essential components for every marketing piece
- Learn the #1 form of marketing (which is also the least expensive)
- Take home a powerful tool that will help you and your suppliers focus on what counts in your website, print materials, and video
- Walk away knowing how to spend your time, energy, and money on the places that count toward getting you booked.
Jane Atkinson has been helping speakers double their business for more than a decade. As an agent for speakers, she has repped CSP/CPAEs Vince Poscente, Joe Calloway and Peter Legge, as well as celebrities like Sugar Ray Leonard. As former vice president of International Speakers Bureau, Jane has reviewed marketing materials of all types—the good, the bad, and the ugly!
Join Jane for a highly interactive session that will provide pages of ideas.
SpeakerLauncher
ONE-ON-ONE COACHING OPPORTUNITY
Have your marketing materials reviewed by Jane Atkinson. Send her your video and packet and receive a one-hour, one-on-one telephone coaching session with feedback on your materials and strategies for updates. Note: Some speakers’ bureaus charge $1,000 for this service.
Your cost = $199 (50% of fee goes to NSA-AZ)
For details, call 519-951-6934
http://www.speakerlauncher.com
VOE – Michelle May presents “Wisdom for the Road Warrior: How to Decrease Your Waistline While You Increase Your Bottom Line”
MC for the Day – Sue Shipman
Candidate Program – Website Wisdom: How to Spark Your Speaking Career with a Client-capturing Website Starts promptly at 12:15 p.m.
Learn how to get that “Wow! That’s what I need” response from your website as you craft client-capturing copy that’s uniquely yours. Hint: It’s not about what you do! In this interactive session, Barbara McNichol and Kendall SummerHawk share a writing process that conveys the solutions your clients want.
Date: Saturday, May 14, 2005, 9:00 am - 12 noon; networking 8:30 am
Location: NSA Conference Center, 1500 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, AZ
Prepaid registration (by 5 p.m. Wed., May 11): $25/members, $35/guests
At-the-door registration: $35/members, $45/guests
To register for this meeting, please follow these prepayment procedures.
Prepayment Procedures: To streamline check-in at monthly meetings, the board now requires that you prepay for your meeting attendance. Members 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 at the full rate of $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Thanks for your cooperation with these new procedures.
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.
Three ways to register:
- Online:
- By email: send name, company, and number of attendees to Gwen@nsa-arizona.org
- By telephone: call (480) 968-7443
Living Room Forum May 25
May’s LRF will feature Consultant/Coach topics. Living Room Forums are held from 7 p.m.–9 p.m. A light dinner is provided.
If you are interested in attending future sessions or staying connected between meetings via email and the YahooGroup site, send an email with your contact information and area of interest to Joan Koerber-Walker at jkw@corepurpose.net
Three ways to register:
- Online:
- By email: send name, company, and number of attendees to Gwen@nsa-arizona.org
- By telephone: call (480) 968-7443
Future NSA-Arizona Programs 2005
June 11, 2005 – Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE
Date to be announced – Summer Fiesta Party
**Order NSA-Arizona Program Tapes **
Couldn’t attend our fabulous meetings featuring Bruso, Brock and Creamer, Paulson, Poynter and Poscente, Labalme and Leblanc, Calloway, Sanborn and McKain, Friedman and Sjodin, Burgett and Godek, our own Steve Tyra and more? Order their presentations (starting with Aldonna Ambler in January 2002) on audiocassette for $10.00 each. Send an email to Gwen@NSA-Arizona.org to request the order form. Additional charge for shipping.
Future NSA Programs 2005
The NSA Humor Lab: Putting Funny in Your Pocket
April 29 - May 1, 2005 – NSA Headquarters, Tempe, AZ
Do you think your presentations are funny? Guess what? They could be funnier…after you attend a weekend retreat with seven of NSA’s top “fun guns” for a Humor Lab on developing and delivering humorous material.
Last chance to sign up at {{link http://www.nsaspeaker.org NSA}}
NSA’s National Conference
July 9-12, 2005
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Few, if any, places on this planet other than Atlanta on July 9-12, 2005, will touch you, shape you, challenge you, and give you what you need to remain a powerful traveler in this journey we call the business of speaking.
When you make a commitment to attend the NSA Convention in Atlanta, you are adding an out-and-out advantage to your career in speaking. Your voyage will continue in Atlanta with general session speakers of unfathomable depth, wit and wisdom. You’ll be honored with a speaker celebrated around the world as one who has spoken and entertained at the request of four U.S. presidents. The U.S. Defense Department deploys him as their own “Bob Hope” to troops around the globe. Ben Veneer is an international best-selling author, comedian, and speaker. He is yours in Atlanta.
Dare to Enjoy the Journey with the best and brightest minds the world has to offer in our very special profession. Dare to hop on the ride that will take you to your next stop. Dare to embark upon an expedition that will take you from the highest highs to the very depths of your being. Dare to Enjoy the Journey in Atlanta, July 9-12, 2005. https://www.nsaspeaker.org/meetings/atlanta/
**Speaker/Speech Development Lab **
Join the NSA Speakers Lab every second and fourth Tuesday morning from 9 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at NSA Headquarters in Tempe. Here’s your chance to try out new material, revise current material, practice delivery, and receive feedback from NSA speaking colleagues at this Lab. It’s open to both regular and candidate members. Fees for participation are $75/year for those expecting to attend half of the meetings or more; $20 per meeting for those who drop in randomly; $50 for random attendees who want to perform and receive feedback only on the day they attend.
Questions? Contact Don Thoren, CPAE, at dthoren@cox.net or Eileen Roth at EileenRoth@aol.com
What is a Blog, Anyway?
By Rich Hamilton
One of the most amazing developments of recent years on the Internet is blogging. Strictly speaking, a “blog” is a journal of comments that a “writer” (you) posts online. Sometimes comments may be posted to respond to the original comments.
Blogging started as a personal mode of communication. Thousands of people were posting notes to their “online diary” that no one really wanted to read. Then, as often occurs in technology, an interesting thing happened. Blogging evolved to the point that certain blogs have become the most interesting and influential websites online. Sure, there are still thousands, probably millions of blogs that are ramblings of interest only to one’s family. But “professional blogs” that have developed are like online newspapers. Featuring one or more top-notch writers, they are regularly updated with news and commentary. They seldom identify themselves as “blogs.” You have probably seen them as you surfed the Internet.
“Professional” blogs are installed on your own website, not on a common “blogger” website. They offer a number of special advantages to speakers:
- Once it’s installed and designed, online blogging software is easy to use for content management and doesn’t require special software installed on your home or office computer.
- You can post changes from any internet-connected computer anywhere.
- Some of the best blogging software is free. It’s one of the amazing things about the Internet.
- Search engines tend to scan your web pages more often (because content changes often) and rank them higher.
- The best blogging software automatically notifies search engines when updates have been made. In fact, most people who use blogging software don’t even know this is happening; they just enjoy better rankings.
- In many cases, you can run an entire website with blogging software, adding stories, creating pages, sorting your stories into categories.
After installing and configuring your blog system, you post a story and your website is live with that one story. Then, the next day, you add another story. Each new story is added to the system. For more information: http://www.RichHamilton.com/1000
NSA-Arizona member Rich Hamilton, who happens to be the Webmaster of NSA-Arizona’s website, does Magical Self-Help based on Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
BUSINESS-BUILDING BULLETIN
This bulletin publicizes events of interest to NSA-Arizona members and announces member accomplishments. When more announcements are sent in, you’ll receive dedicated Business-Building Bulletin issues in addition to News Flash.
SIX ADVISORS™ Workshop on May 17-18
Do you find yourself saying “I can’t believe this is happening again” Or “I’ve been working so hard and nothing’s going my way.” Is your calendar empty when you wish it were full? Or are you overwhelmed with too much work and missing out on what really matters most?
If you’ve answered yes, join NSA-Arizona members June Cline, CSP, Bill Johnson, CSP, Mike Zakis, and Ted Rogers for the SIX ADVISORS™ Workshop on May 17-18, 2005, at the Karsten Conference Center in Tempe. This two-day workshop includes a free personality assessment and debriefing, course materials, workbook, Og Mandino’s book and CD, and lunch on both days. Attending this workshop will help you:
- Understand and clarify all the noise in your head
- Accurately measure the 12,000-50,000 thoughts you have each day
- Identify the thought processes that are sabotaging your success
- Gain clarity on your attributes that drive your success
- Maximize your strengths and break through barriers that hold you back
- Realize your full potential
You’ll go below the surface of behavior and performance, and measure your thought processes – not what you think but how you think. Every action begins with a thought. If you’re challenged by behavior, performance, or productivity problems, we’ll help you identify the core issues behind them and re-train your thoughts.
Special added value for NSA members:
For information or to register, call June Cline at 480-634-7485 or Ted Rogers at 623-848-7157. Special NSA discounts are limited. Register early to assure your special rate. Mark Your Calendar: Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17-18, 1125 East Rio Salado Parkway, ASU Campus, Tempe, AZ, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
“I hunger for success. Success will not wait. If I delay, she will become betrothed to another and lost to me forever. This is the time… this is the place. I will act now!”
- Og Mandino
Key Sales Concepts, Tips, and Techniques by Alan Rigg
Are your selling skills holding back your speaking business? Alan Rigg recently published Edition 2.5 of How to Beat the 80/20 Rule in Selling: Why Most Salespeople Don’t Perform and What to Do About It in eBook, CD, and MP3 formats. This work (based upon Alan’s 18 years as a student of selling and sales management) consolidates critical sales concepts, tips and techniques into one concise, easy-to-understand package. For more information, visit: {{link http://www.8020performance.com/sales_success_store.htm. Success Store}}
Speaking Seminar At Sea May 23-27
For REAL excitement, sign up for the Cruise YOU deserve, this May 23-27 to Baja Mexico from Los Angeles, promoted by Bill Johnson, CSP. You’ll have opportunities to get a professional critique of your speech and attend a seminar each morning (if you choose) so your fun time won’t get interrupted! The giant 2,700-passenger Royal Caribbean ship offers everything from pool playing to rock climbing and even a few bars. On this cruise, sponsor Arizona Small Business Association is offering plenty of networking opportunities. For full details, please click on this link http://www.billjohnson.com/dx/ASBA_Cruise_Flyer_sm.pdf or email Bill@BillJohnson.com.
Authors and Speakers Roundtable
Authors and Speakers Roundtable, sponsored by Arizona Small Business Association, meets the third Wednesday of each month. All are welcome between 11:30 am to 1 pm. Bring your own lunch if you choose; drinks are provided. Each month features an author who tells about his or her authorship journey and the challenges along the way. Great information! 4130 E. Van Buren, Phoenix 602-265-4563. http://www.asba.com. Monthly meeting is no charge for ASBA members ($125 for annual dues); $20 for guests. This community of Arizona Small Business Association is chaired by Bill Johnson, CSP.
What business-building events of interest to NSA-Arizona members are coming up? What new books and tapes will you launch soon? Send your announcements to Barbara at editor@barbaramcnichol.com
May’s Humor Tips
Steve Tyra and June Cline, CSP
Tip #1. Remember spontaneity! Nothing is funnier than in-the-moment real-life humor. The quick “ad lib” can bring down the house. Pay attention and be there completely.
Tip #2. Use universal topics for material. The more common the experience the more laughter. Create an “oh yeah” moment when people respond silently or out loud by saying “oh yeah.”
Word Trippers from the Platform
Barbara McNichol helps you find the exact word for your presentation or written piece.
Note: Barbara will be co-facilitator at the May Candidates Meeting about how to write a client-capturing website.
Prudent, cautious – Exercising good judgment or discretion is being “prudent” while specifically taking care to avoid risk or danger is being “cautious.” “Prudent drivers obey all traffic laws.” “Cautious joggers avoid Central Park after sunset.”
Purposely, purposefully – “Purposely” means acting with a purpose in mind, deliberately. “Purposefully” describes a demeanor that exhibits a strong intention. “She purposely wore that dress to give an impression of confidence, and purposefully marched into the room to declare her candidacy.”
Qualify, quantify – To “qualify” means to show some ability to perform in a particular capacity while to “quantify” refers to an amount. “I will qualify the candidate after I quantify the sales he has made.”
Word Trippers are featured in The Door Opener, an ezine that helps you open doors to your dreams through the written word. Subscribe at http://www.barbaramcnichol.com or send an email to editor@barbaramcnichol.com
**Website Wisdom **
Keep in mind the “little things” from Webmaster Kendall SummerHawk that can make your site better. Note: Kendall will be co-facilitator at the May Candidates Meeting about how to write a client-capturing website.
Tip: Many presenters wait until the end of their presentation—when they have the least attention from their audience—to mention their website. Instead, choose a time in the middle of your presentation. Make an offer of a free report, clearly say your website address, spell it, then move on with your presentation. You’ll have their full attention, which means your free offer will be remembered and acted on.
Worth Repeating
In honor of Earth Day, April 22:
Each of us visits this Earth involuntarily, and without an invitation. For me, it is enough to wonder at the secrets.
- Albert Einstein, 1879 - 1955
There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew.
- Marshall McLuhan, 1911 - 1980
The most important thing about Spaceship Earth: an instruction book didn’t come with it.
- R. Buckminster Fuller, 1895 – 1983
The true miracle is not walking on water or walking in air, but simply walking on this earth.
- Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh
from Quotes of the Day— http://www.qotd.org/subscribe.html
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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