You know how to prepare to speak about your book:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tChoose a topic.
\n\u2022\tOutline your talk.
\n\u2022\tFocus on 3 points.
\n\u2022\tPractice.<\/p>\n
But what else do you need to remember when you\u2019re planning a talk? I always try to leave audience members with more than just the memory of my speech. I attempt to leave them with something tangible and form a long-term connection with them. How?<\/p>\n
\u2022\tCreate a handout related to the theme of your talk and your book.
\n\u2022\tAttach your business card\/brochure.
\n\u2022\tHave a sign-up sheet for those who want to receive your newsletter, a free report (article, resource list) or a free ebooklet, for example.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll find that there are advantages to collecting names and email addresses beyond just that initial contact. Add those names to your emailing list. Notify these people when you produce a new book, are speaking in their area or are offering a special service, for example.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve had this practice pay off nicely for me. While the potential customer might go home and forget about me, I remember her and let her know about it. I inform her when I post new articles on the topic of my speech at my website. I let her know when I run a special on one of my books. I contact her with a resource I think she might be interested in. I alert her to blog posts I think she might be interested in.<\/p>\n
Of course, you sometimes run into unreasonable people. Once, at a conference workshop I was conducting, a woman added her name and email address to my sign-up sheet. When I returned home, I sent her (and everyone else on the sheet) a thank you for attending the workshop and an invitation to ask any questions they came away with. I also offered a free report (article) on a related topic. This woman shot back an email accusing me of stealing her email address. <\/p>\n
Oh well, you get all kinds. Expect it. But don\u2019t dwell on the ugly stuff. Enjoy working with the people who need\/want your help and support.<\/p>\n
Sign up at my newest website for a FREE ebooklet: The Successful Author\u2019s Handbook<\/em>:
\n http:\/\/www.patriciafry.com<\/a> <\/p>\n