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I don’t know about you, but I really dislike making cold calls. They just don’t work in today’s new economy. Voicemail, caller ID and well-trained gatekeepers are all converging to keep you out.   

Besides, it can take fifty or more cold calls to get one appointment, and the chances of that one appointment resulting in a sale aren’t great.  

What’s the alternative?

I recently hosted a teleconference where I shared 7 Proven Strategies to Grow Your Sales (Without Ever Making a Cold Call!).  

Here’s just one of the strategies that I shared: 

Consider speaking on the topic of business promotion. I can tell you from experience, the more you speak, the more your sales will increase.

Why does this marketing strategy work so well? When you speak in front of a group, you’re remembered. Ideally, prospects get to know you, like you and trust you. You’ll also be perceived as an expert. And people want to do business with experts.

Here are some tips for standing out when you speak:

1. Have a catchy title. How to Promote Your Business is boring, but 5 Proven Ways  Drive Traffic to Your Trade Show Booth is catchy and memorable. You get the idea. 

2. Be part of a panel of speakers on the topic of marketing. If you’re just starting out, being part of a panel is a lot less intimidating than speaking to an audience alone. Look for related businesses to share the spotlight with, such as meeting planners, graphic designers and trade show display companies.   

3. Share stories. Sharing true stories of how you’ve helped your clients is so much easier than memorizing a speech. While you’re at it, unless you’re a graphics expert, ditch the PowerPoint. People will be a lot more interested in what you have to say than a bunch of boring slides.

4. Bring fun giveaways. Bring promotional items with your company logo and distribute them to the audience. It’s a great way to get people to remember you and see the value in what you do.

5. Get the audience engaged in your topic. Have them describe their favorite promotional item. Better yet, ask them to pull out a promotional item from their pocket, purse or briefcase. It will get everyone engaged in the topic, have fun and drive your point home.

6. Practice, practice, practice. Practice what you’re going to say before you get out there. Consider joining a local Toastmasters group to brush up on your speaking skills.  

Where can you speak? Chambers of Commerce, networking groups and service clubs are frequently looking for speakers.

What do you think? Has speaking worked to grow your business? Would you be willing to give it a try? I would love to hear your thoughts.  Please leave a comment below.

© 2011 – 2013 Rosalie Marcus

Want expert help growing your promotional products business?  Click the link to preview the programs and products created to quickly and easily grow your promotional products sales. 

Not sure which program or product is right for you? Contact Rosalie for a brief, no obligation, personal consultation. Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com

Rosalie Marcus, The Promo Biz Coach ™ is a promotional products business expert, coach and speaker. Combining her skills and years of experience in promotional sales, she helps her clients sell more at higher profit margins and dramatically increase their incomes! Get a FREE special report: 10 Big Mistakes Promotional Professionals Make and How to Avoid Them and a FREE Skyrocket Your Sales audio download at http://www.promobizcoach.com. 

Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com or 215-572-6766.

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