Taking Time Off from Your Business Can be Scary

Howdy, y'all! I took a month off from work - yikes! How scary is that? But I NEEDED it! My business has grown like crazy over the year which led to weeks of neglecting my body, my family, and life's pleasures like going out with friends, serving the community, bird watching, etc.

I timed the month off with our annual vacation to Yellowstone. (My husband and I have visited Yellowstone national park every spring since 2006, sometimes in the fall because of the magic and excitement it brings. Yellowstone is the reset button for my soul!) Here is a photo of one a cute little black bear. You can see more at www.facebook.com/YellowstonePhotos

But I really struggled with the thought of "not working" for a month. On past visits, we both served clients remotely after hours of photographing the spectacular wildlife in the park. On our trip last spring, it was a challenging 3 week working vacation. How do you balance 8-10 hours of photographing and then work on client projects 4-5 hours each day? You don't sleep - and that's not balance. I was exhausted from my most treasured vacation!! And the imbalance continued when I returned home. I have yet to go through all of my vacation photos from last spring... how crazy is that? The memories and sights and feelings of a place I hold dear and near to my heart, are sitting on a hard drive waiting to be rediscovered.

I vowed to not do that to myself again. I decided to "take off from work" this spring even though the fear of losing clients/revenue loomed. But it was for my own well-being. I can't take care of my clients if I'm not well, right? 

"How did you go about doing that," you may ask. Initially I was not going to tell my clients I was "not working." My business coach suggested another way: tell them! Let your clients in on this part of your life. And I did; I included a short story and photo about a past visit too Yellowstone in my bi-weekly speaking tip email and shared I would be gone for a month.

And guess what? My clients and community were HAPPY for me! They said "a well deserved vacation," "send pics," "can't wait to hear all about it." What a relief! I wasn't letting down my community, they were cheering me on!

You deserve time away to take care of you - let your community know. They want you to succeed as much as you want them to. Be kind to yourself...

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Alicia White is a valuable resource for coaches, speakers, consultatns and business owners who want to look like the xpert they are. With over 20 years of experience, Alicia offers solid branding strategy and professional, on-target marketing materials that make a lasting impression. Clients love her graphic design skills and also get peace of mind and direction after a single strategy consultation.

As founder of Back of the Room Productions™, Alicia is a speaker and an international best selling author. She is a two-time award recipient of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, has been nominated for several business awards and serves as a Partnering Director of the Public Speakers Association.

Learn more about her by signing up for her valuable tips on public speaking here!

Get Paid Even if it’s a No Fee Gig!

These days, it is getting tough to find highly paid speaking engagements and more often than not, speakers are being asked to speak for no fee. As much as I would like to receive a speaker fee every time I speak, I know that is just not the case these days. That's why I say "YES" to "no fee" engagements as long as I know that speaking will benefit my success in some way. Here are some of requests I ask of the event host or meeting planner:

-           Provide me with back of the room (BOR) presence to sell products and generate leads

-           purchase my products or books in advance and gift them to the audience

-           introduce me to other organizations that would have my as a speaker

-           introduce me to key people that could use my services

-           provide an attendee list with contact information for my use

-           hold a drawing to give away a product/service

-           get a copy of any video or photographs taken of me at the event for my use

Create your own list of requests to leverage your time at the event, not just on stage. There are other strategies to help you get compensated for your expertise and time. 

To help you, I am giving away a FREE CHECKLIST on QUALIFYING YOUR EVENT. It's yours for just signing up in the box on the right on my website: http://www.backoftheroomproductions.com

If you aren't familiar with back of the room marketing or sales; or maybe what you're doing isn't working, let's talk about that. In my 15 minute free consultation, ask your most challenging question and I'll give you a ready-to-use strategy and help you define your next step. Schedule your phone call here: www.borp.acuityscheduling.com

Alicia White, Founder and Creative Director of Back of the Room Productions™, helps speakers, coaches, consultants, and business owners give their message legs long after they leave the stage through professional branding and powerful products. From speaker sheets to back of the room products, clients receive high-level graphic design and expert branding strategy that leads them to business and speaking success!

Sign up for valuable email tips on public speaking! http://backoftheroomproductions.com/email/

Just Act Natural

My mom taught me a long time ago that when you do something goofy, trip up, or fumble, to just act naturally; like you do that all the time. She said by acting naturally you aren't drawing attention to the fact that you goofed. She recounted a story to teach me this lesson:

One day, mom walked into a bank with her purse. Just as she passed the security guard she noticed that a pair of large scissors was caught up in the purse straps. It was just dangling there, about to fall, which would have made a big sound and ultimately cause a scene. She calmly grabbed the pair of scissors, zipped open her purse and placed them inside as if she does that on a regular basis. No one knew she had goofed because she didn't draw attention to it.

She didn't stop in her tracks and exclaim "Oh dear!" She just kept on walking past the guard to the counter and quietly, and unnoticeably, put them in her purse.Well, I try my best to be discreet on my goofs so as not to draw attention. But today I don't think worked so well. Here is a story I shared on Facebook:

Sigh... You know those clear stretchy thingies that come on blouses these days? Well, the thingies that are sewn into each shoulder inevitably fall outside of your blouse during a video interview when you're trying to be serious. Because they are clear no one knows why you keep tucking your skin back into your shirt... It looks stupid no matter how natural you try to make it!!

This reminded me of mom's story: to act natural. I tried but I know people say me messing with my straps. I hate that it will be forever seen on video. But sometimes you can't help it. you just move forward and don't let it stop you. Things happen, and when they do... act natural!

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Alicia White is a valuable resource for speakers, coaches, trainers and business experts who need solid branding strategy and professional, on-target marketing materials that make a lasting impression. With over 20 years of experience, Alicia has served in graphic design, marketing, and public relation roles for both the corporate and non-profit worlds.

Alicia is the founder of Back of the Room Productions™ and an international best selling author. She is a two-time award recipient of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Partnering Director of the Public Speakers Association.

Sign up for valuable tips on public speaking!

The Power Of Words

I was inspired by this brilliant speech given by Mohammed Qahtani, 2015's Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking. I encourage you to not only watch the video but to also read the article. Several points are made that could literally change a person's speaking delivery, such as: He uses his strengths to overcome his weaknesses.

I know the power of words. I have lived through the pain that words have caused.And I have created pain because of my words. We all have.

Let's watch our words and use only kind and respectful words. Brow-beating, hate-filled, condescending words are not needed to make a point.

Enjoy this powerful speaker:

And visit this link to read the article.

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Alicia White is a valuable resource for speakers, coaches, trainers and business experts who need solid branding strategy and professional, on-target marketing materials that make a lasting impression. With over 20 years of experience, Alicia has served in graphic design, marketing, and public relation roles for both the corporate and non-profit worlds.

Alicia is the founder of Back of the Room Productions™ and SpeakerSheets.com and an international best selling author. She is a two-time award recipient of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Partnering Director of the Public Speakers Association.

Sign up for valuable tips on public speaking!

What is a Speaker Media Kit vs a Speaker Sheet?

There is a lot of discussion about the differences between a speaker sheet and a speaker media kit. While both contain valuable information about the public speaker, they vastly differ in purpose.

In this article, I define the two so you can make the best choice when delivering information about you and your message.

Speaker Sheet:

(aka Speaker One Sheet)

PURPOSE: To deliver information about a person’s speaking abilities and the value delivered to the audience in an effort to get booked for speaking engagements.

WHO NEEDS IT: Meeting planners, event organizers or any representative who makes the decision to book speakers for events, as well as speaker bureaus and agencies

COMPONENTS: The amount of information on a speaker sheet varies from speaker to speaker. These components are essential:
· Biography
· Topic Titles and Description
· Testimonials
· Contact Information
· Headshot

FORMAT:
1. A speaker sheet can be printed on paper: one side or both. Some speakers create extensive speaker sheets with dynamic brand imagery and have four or even six pages. The benefit in having a printed sheet is the convenience to the meeting planner: it is handy and in sight plus it doesn’t require additional work on the recipient’s part to have a digital file printed. There is also perceived value in a nicely designed, tangible product.

The downside to printing is the cost. In addition, information can change every few months – new topics, better testimonials, etc. I often suggest ordering a low quantity amount thus making it a reasonable expense. One paid speaking engagement could pay for the entire investment, making it worth the effort and cost.

2. A speaker sheet can be delivered as a digital file, which is absolutely necessary. It can be sent through email or uploaded onto a website for immediate download by the visitor. Some people choose to place their speaking information on a web page instead of developing a speaker sheet and having a PDF file available on your web page as a download. The downside to this is the inconvenience to the meeting planner: it requires additional work on the recipient’s part to print the web page, which results in a printed piece that lacks appeal and professionalism.

The downside of having only a PDF file is that it is not in the line of sight of the event organizer. They can’t add your speaker sheet to the stack of other speakers. Chances are they will be on your website for a few seconds and won’t visit it again unless you are truly memorable and a desired speaker.

Speaker Media Kit

(aka Speaker Press Kit)

PURPOSE: To deliver information about a person’s message or story in an effort to get publicity via TV, radio, newspaper, magazines, etc.

WHO NEEDS IT: Media outlets, news desk managers, journalists, publicists

COMPONENTS: Unlike the speaker sheet, the information for a media kit is geared to gaining publicity. These components offer a solid foundation:
· Introduction/Sales Letter
· Biography
· Contact Information
· Books/Articles Published
· Suggested Questions for Interviewing
· Past Publicity: articles, links to videos or audio
· Pictures
· Speaker Sheet (for a quick overview)

FORMAT:
1. A media kit can be printed on paper in full color. The number of pages dictate the layout of the document and can range from a collated stack of papers to an 8.5”x11” trifold or tiered multiple pages arranged in a custom branded pocket folder.

The downside to printing a press kit is the cost, especially if printing custom pocket folders. However, it brings a high caliber appeal to the speaker and is the perfect tool for a media campaign.

2. A media kit as a digital file (often called an electronic press kit – EPK) is a must have, especially if video and audio are available. The media kit can be several pages saved as a PDF file and sent through email or uploaded onto a website for immediate download by the visitor.

The downside of having only a digital file is that a speaker can get lost in the shuffle. And printing a press kit from a website lacks in appeal and professionalism.

To summarize: a Speaker Sheet is perfect for getting speaking engagements while a Speaker Media Kit is ideal for gaining publicity. Having a digital file available is a necessity. To achieve best results, professional printing should be heavily considered. Now you can determine which tool suits your needs best.

Whether you decide to use a speaker sheet or a speaker media kit, your brand and message is important. I am happy to provide you with a stellar and professional speaker sheet or media kit. If you decide to develop your own speaker sheet, be sure to to request your FREE TOP 5 SPEAKER SHEET MUST HAVES before getting started.

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Alicia White, CEO of Back of the Room Productions™ and SpeakerSheets.com, helps speakers, coaches, authors, and business experts give their message legs long after they leave the stage through professional branding and powerful products. From speaker sheets to back of the room products, clients receive high-level graphic design and expert branding strategy that leads them to speaking success!

Sign up for valuable email tips on public speaking!

Get the Right Shot - Public Speaking Photography Tips

Jonathan Peters and Monica Cornetti high five on stage.

Who doesn't want a great looking photo of him- or herself speaking? Though I am not a professional photographer, I have been asked to photograph speakers speaking on several occasions and thought I would share some tips that will deliver the shots you want:

- Prior to your presentation, have the photographer scope out the room and stage. This will allow them to evaluate the lighting, seating, and room layout to get the best shot.

- Let the photographer know when you will be making your most impactful points during your speech, such as: large gestures, audience participation, off stage activity, displaying meaningful presentation slides, holding props.

- Good shots to get:
Photographer facing you: tops of the audience heads while you speak; audience standing and cheering with arms in the air, pumping fists, or some activity you ask them to do; you and the screen with a projected slide of your brand or impactful point; you on stage with your table of props/books. 

Photographer behind you: your entire body in front of an engaged audience; waist up with hand/arm gestures and audience in the background.

Photographer at your side: your profile as you lean in with the audience in background; a profile of you smiling while the audience is clapping and smiling.

Other shots: you interacting with attendees, event host, and other speakers; your back of the room table with people looking through items; your table setup with products without people; you speaking with people at your back of the room table; you shaking hands or hugging people; visiting with vendors at their exhibits; pose with people in front of your retractable banner or other branded signage; pose with the event host, sponsors, and other speakers; pose with your book or product with a busy or interesting background.

- Hire a professional photographer who is familiar with journalism photography. Studio and outdoor photographers may not have the knowledge to get the best shot. Look at a photographer's portfolio and hire the one that speaks to you most. Tell them which photos you like and ask if they can do that for you.

- If hiring a professional is not an option, you can ask a friend to help but make sure they know their equipment. Most digital cameras with a 6-megapixel sensor set at full resolution will produce a photo that can be used for printing up to 15 inches wide (at 200 dpi) without much loss in quality. For large printing projects such as a 6 foot retractable banner or 24" x 36" poster, a digital camera at 10-megapixels or more set at full sensor resolution is desired.

- Avoid using a mobile device, like a cell phone, to take a photo. Even if the photo turns out fantastic, it may not be the right size for use on printed materials such as a speaker sheet or banner. Most point and shoot cameras offer better quality than a mobile device.

- Be sure to include in the attendee registration and speaker and vendor contracts that photos will be taken and you reserve the right to use their likeness in your marketing or promotional materials. Inquire with an attorney and/or local laws to ensure you are not violating any rights.

Alicia White, CEO of Back of the Room Productions™, helps speakers, coaches, authors, business experts and thought leaders monetize their message every time they speak. From speaker sheets to back of the room products, clients receive high-level graphic design and expert branding strategy on how to use their marketing products.

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