As a meeting planner and speaker, ideally, you want people talking about what a joy you are to work with and the great things that you helped them accomplish with your program or presentation. The people you serve are you best vehicle for positive word-of-mouth marketing.

1. Create A Memorable, Easily Repeatable Brand Statement.

Make it easy for people to talk about you by giving them the words to say. Create an identity and brand statement that makes you recognizable and memorable. Repeat your brand statement as often as possible via your business card, brochure, press kit, one-page, and website. Decide what it is that you want people to think of when they think of you and what you want people to say about you.

2. Provide Quality Service, & Treat People With Respect.

Make sure respect is present in everything you do and say. Respect creates a feeling of honor, which nourishes people at a soul level. Communicate your commitment to “respect” by the way that you speak; i.e. “We respect the importance of making sure your participants are . . . ” “We respect your need to have a program that . . .” “We want you to be assured that any speaker we recommend . . .”

3. Ask People To Spread The Word.

Ask people to help you reach others who can benefit from the services you provide. With a little encouragement individuals will help you spread the word to others. Networking is a powerful way to create more visibility for yourself and generate new business. Consider making the following types of requests: “I know there are other divisions of XYZ Company that conduct sales meetings and conferences. Who would you recommend I talk with about scheduling these same speakers for other corporate events around the country?” “The feedback from this group indicates this topic is of great interest to everyone in this industry. Who else within the industry would you recommend that I talk with in order to have this information available to people throughout your industry?”

4. Give People Something Great To Talk About.

Do something extraordinary that makes people want to talk. What can you do that will just naturally get people talking? It could be a community project, a new book, a unique program or sponsoring an industry-related event. Be willing to be creative and do something extraordinary that gets people’s attention. As a speaker you might consider becoming a spokesperson for a non-profit organization where your topic or expertise links with their purpose.

5. Stay In Touch With People.

By staying in touch with people you increase the chance that they will mention and recommend you to others. Be aware and alert to opportunities to be in touch. Use the following as reasons to call someone: When someone’s name pops into your head. When you read an article that reminds you of someone’s topic, hobby or profession. When you happen to meet a person that knows someone you already know. When you think of an opportunity that could be of value to someone. When you need help and think of someone who could be of help.

There are always plenty of reasons for being in touch with people. By staying in touch with people and keeping the communication lines open, you will be generating opportunities.

6. Acknowledge People.

Acknowledge clients, speakers, meeting planners, participants, vendors and associates for all that they do to contribute. Thank clients for their trust and the opportunity to do business with them. Thank people for being helpful, easy to work with, responsive to your requests for information, and professional in all their interactions. Let people know what it is that you like and appreciate about doing business with them.

Networking, relationship marketing and word-of-mouth marketing are instrumental in having people talk about you in a way that brings your more business. People need to know who you are, what you do and the benefits associated with working with you. It is up to you to initiate a word-of-mouth grapevine that creates positive visibility and exposure. Creating this type of visibility is critical - it is the way that the people who want and need what you have can find you.

Networking@AmericanMotivationalSpeakers.Com DONNA FISHER PRODUCTS AMSB RESOURCE CENTER EVENT PLANNERS: Find The Best Speaker For Your Event AMERICAN MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS BUREAU