Alicia's Advice for Speaking Success

Friday

Public Speakers Association Logo - New Design!

We were so excited when Tonya Hoffman of Public Speakers Association asked us to design their logo. Verdict? They love it!! Learn more at www.backoftheroomproductions.com

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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.

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New Client Branding

Sandi Mitchell LOVES her new Tabletop Retractable Banner. At 11x17 she can carry it in her bag anywhere she gores. In fact she, debuted her new branding produced by Alicia White at a trade show in Florida. Learn more at www.backoftheroomproductions.com

Thursday

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 difference between a FREE Discovery Call and Coaching Session

I read a post by a woman who supported the argument of "No Marketing of FREE calls or Discovery/Clarity calls. needed." In her preface, she states that "it comes from a place of 'begging' for business" and the calls "are disguised pitch tests." She also states that newer coaches believe that the free call offers a prospect insight into how great their coaching is by giving away a free session. In her article she notes that Tony Robbins doesn't give free calls.

Well, I think there is a time and place for a free discovery call. These calls are definitely needed if the coach is new to the business or is targeting a different audience. They must establish the "know, like, trust factor" before people will buy. Not every one has the "know, like, trust factor" that Anthony Robbins has. I bet he gave away free calls to attract business before he became a respected expert and leader.

The call is also needed to ensure the prospect is a good fit - if they aren't willing to do the work I give them, I don't want them as a client. Or they may not care for my style of design. The discovery call saves me time by eliminating difficult clients.

However, it IS important to establish guidelines for the discovery or strategy calls. I advice clients to keep the call under 30 minutes. I also do not provide more than two strategies. If they need more advice, guidance, strategy, etc. they can pay for my value and expertise in a strategy session.

Now, if you offer free coaching session to attract clients, then stop it. As a coach, you have value and to give it away is devaluing you and your expertise. It's not necessary to do this to attract clients. So, watch your labeling and make sure your free discovery calls are in fact discovery calls and your coaching sessions have a priced attached to it!

If you aren't sure about your coaching program or 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

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Alicia White is a valuable resource for speakers, coaches, trainers and business owners 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.

Monday

Who are You Competing With

When I began Back of the Room Productions, I did a ton of research to see if there was anyone else in this world who offered graphic design and information products to speakers specifically for the back of the room. I could not find a single individual or company. There were companies who did printing and fulfillment for speakers but they did not offer brand positioning or packages of products in the way that I did.

I launched the Speaker Briefcase, a product package of Back of the Room Productions, in March 2011 in Las Vegas at a networking event. Everyone I met was excited about my products and packages and said it was a brilliant idea. As I began promoting, people who are legends in the industry took notice and started contacting me out of the blue telling me what a brilliant, fabulous, amazing business I had.

I couldn't believe that this business concept wasn't already in existence, and apparently it was not. It was then I realized - I was a category creator and I had no competition! This was a new concept for me.

For years, I had been one of hundreds of thousands of graphic designers, competing for business. It seemed every time I tried to land a client, there were ten other designers vying for the same client. At that time I attended a network lunch in Dallas were another graphic designer was attending. I worried about how this guy and I were going to compete for business in this group of 30 or so people. The thought of it caused me great angst. Then one day, this designer, John Simonetta, taught me a valuable lesson. Instead of competing together, we could actually work together. He had strengths that complimented my weakness and I had strengths that complimented his weakness. This was a new concept to me and I latched on!

We worked together as a team on many projects over the years. I was fortunate to have met him because he taught me so much. John showed me that there was enough business out there for every designer. There really was no need to view each other as competition because if you missed out on one opportunity another one would open up. He also said that not every prospect is a good fit - if personalities don't mesh or you can't deliver a style they want, then you don't want that job any way. It would create more work and headache than it is worth.

It is so easy to fall into the trap of worrying about the competition. For us to be successful we need more clients, to get more clients we need to be better than our competition. Getting upset or anxious because someone is sharing your territory or moving into (which causes me anxiety to this day - though brief) is normal. To lessen these feelings, try looking at it this way: measure yourself against the competition and find ways to improve your business plan and processes. Don't think of it as needing to be better than someone else, instead think of it as being a better you or building a better product or service.

Competition will always be there and there is such a thing as healthy competition. When you recognize it, find ways to improve your customer relations or a process. Find a niche and commit to it. Focus on the fact that you are providing others with value and BELIEVE that YOU provide the very BEST!

Are you not getting the results or attention you think you deserve? Then let's get on a phone call and decide if a redesign of your branding or an action plan is needed to start getting prospects your way!
www.borp.acuityscheduling.com
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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 and Creative Director 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.

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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.

Wednesday

Tonya Hofmann provides a Testimonial on Alicia White as a Valuable Speaker

Hey! I'm a speaker!!

Did you know that besides providing clients with stunning branding and marketing materials that I also share my value on stage?

If not, check out what Tonya Hofmann, founder of Public Speakers Association, had to say about my time on her stage at the Annual Public Speakers Conference in San Antonio, TX 2015.

And check out my speaker website: http://aliciawhite911.com for more information on the topics and presentations I can deliver to YOUR audience!
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Speaking on topics such as branding, product creation, Speaker One Sheets, and marketing at the back of the room, Alicia White delivers content specifically for coaches, consultatnts, authors, business owners and corporate trainers who want to grow their business through public speaking. Known as the Nation's First Back of the Room Speaker Branding & Product Provider, she is also a valuable resource for speakers.

Alicia is also a fabulous branding strategist and graphic design expert providing professionally designed marketing materials and branding foundation to her clients. Clients love her work, so check out: www.speakersheets.com or www.backoftheroomproductions.com for more information.

Sign up for valuable tips on public speaking!