The end result will be the perfect foundation for renewal and growth.  We’ll give word by email once things settle into place and then we’ll update the website, so if you aren’t on our mailing list, you’ll have to check back here for updates.

Oh, and one more thing…feel free to submit suggestions.  While we’re making our plans, we would love to get your ideas on what you would like to see from this organization!

Join us for a presentation by Sandy Griffin.  Sandy is a past President of NSA Tennessee (2009-1010) and was voted NSA Member of the Year by her peers.  She moved to Nashville, TN after serving displaced families left in the path of hurricane Katrina.  She has experienced much sadness and disappointment in her life, and has turned these experiences into a positive voice of inspiration for others.

Sandy’s presentation wraps up the 2011 year for NSA and following her discussion we will explore what is in store for the next program year, which officially begins in August 2011!

Register here

• Are you working smart?

• Do you have all the bookings you can handle?

• Are you in love with your marketing materials?

• Are you positioned well in the market place?

• Do you even know how to do these things?

Ever wonder why some speakers “make it” and others don’t? It’s not a big secret. Successful speakers know the secrets of increasing productivity and profits by creating systems. Success systems that work. Systems that are repeatable.

There has never been a better time to be reminded of some of the basics needed in order to thrive, as well as some new techniques that WORK .The number one concern must be positioning. Further, we must revisit positioning on a consistent basis. Positioning is a word you hear constantly. What does it mean? And, what can great positioning do? In a word, everything!

Come to the chapter meeting and learn how to create and use positioning to your advantage! You will learn that and much, much more!

More Details & registration

1. A Plan – and a big one.  There should be several facets to it.  A general business plan serving as a roadmap for all of your efforts, an Internet plan for marketing yourself by a website and social media and a sales products plan.
2. A website. The days of getting by without one are long gone.  As the world becomes more and more competitive it is absolutely crucial you have a strong web presence to make it easy for people to check out what you have to offer.
3. Profiles on the three largest social media platforms that bring people back to your website for deeper engagement. Take the time to walk step by step through the process for creating a fully developed profile on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.  Make sure a link to your website is included in your profile in each setting and once you’re feet are wet you should be sure to launch a page on Facebook for your business side that is separate from your personal profile.  Mixing business and personal on Facebook, while done often and by many, should be avoided.  Friends and family won’t want to hear all about your business and business contacts won’t always enjoy the kind of familiar banter that goes on between family and friends.

If you’re new to the online marketing environment I invite you to follow me in all of these environments (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) and visit my blog for plenty of how-to articles and general information on these topics.  I am the Social Media Director for NSA Alabama and a professional inbound marketing consultant.  I attend most of the monthly meetings and would be happy to chat with you in person if you have questions.  You can also contact me directly through my website.  Just let me know how I can help you.

2011 promises to be a booming year for NSA Alabama so if you haven’t taken the plunge and officially joined as a member, take a look at the benefits of membership and give it some serious consideration.  Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and join us back here soon for a look at our January 2011 meeting plans.

• Develop a marketing plan, without it you are speaking to yourself.
• Invest in an attractive logo and business cards.
• Use both sides of your business card – front for features (name & contact information) back benefits you offer
• Go to networking events. Chamber of Commerce, networking groups, etc. Be sure to call people back that you exchange cards with whether the exchange was during the event, in the elevator or on the way out.
• Ruthlessly cut out all distractions and focus only on organizations and events that can advance your speaking career.
• Contact local associations and businesses. Find out where they are and go see them.  Make appointments, don’t just drop by.
• Invest in a used copy (one – three years old) of the State and Regional Associations Directory and get on the phone and call those who may be booking professional speakers for meetings and events.
• Get on the phone. Develop a routine and follow it. Jim said he averaged 20 calls a day before the economy tightened, now he averages 30 calls per day.
• Have a business plan – “a goal is a dream with a deadline at the end of it”. A business plan helps you see where you are going.
• Develop sales products and plans for using them. Turn engagements into real money-making opportunities.
• Have a strong Internet plan – get a website and learn how to use it for marketing. Engage in social media and other techniques that will make your website a key component of your marketing efforts. Get started by reading articles about social media, marketing and business marketing services.

Of course Jim had many more valuable pieces of information to share and there are a wealth of resources at his website, reinvent yourself in 2011 by following Jim’s advice for growing any business.

Watch this site or join our email list (just drop us a note) to learn all about about our January meeting. We have some great things in store for you in 2011.  Read more on the benefits of membership…

The Alabama Chapter of NSA brings top speaking professionals right here to Birmingham, AL for monthly chapter meetings giving members the opportunity to learn from the best.  Our members pay just $20 for monthly meetings to network with other professionals and hear quality presentations from nationally known, professional speakers.  During these sessions members are encouraged to ask questions and learn everything they can from people who often charge hundreds of dollars for similar sessions.

Monthly meetings are often followed by workshops offered by the presenting speakers.  Topics vary and provide attendees with instructional material aimed at improving their public speaking business. Whether a beginner or seasoned professional speaker, you are encouraged to attend these workshops.

Chapter membership is just $150 per year and includes a member page on our website.  Member pages will be posted January 1, 2011 (and thereafter as new members join) and will remain up throughout the calendar year.  This offers a great opportunity to promote yourself and share links to your webpage, and social media accounts.  National members of NSA pay just $100 per year.

Joining the chapter is easy, just contact us for details, visit one of our meetings or join and pay your membership fees online. At a chapter meeting guests pay $40 and if you join at the meeting you attend your meeting fee will be cut in half right there on the spot.  You’ll probably attend numerous networking meetings and events every month anyway, why not invest in one that will build and hone your skills a speaker?  Whether you plan to speak professionally or would just like to express yourself better in any professional setting, NSA membership can advance your skills.

Contact us now to join!

“If we focus on solving problems for our customers we will thrive in any economy.”  ~ Jim Mathis

Check out Jim’s video (below), you will want to see his full program and have the opportunity to ask questions – now’s your chance!

Register now through Eventbrite, you can also purchase your membership along with your ticket.

After the regular chapter meeting ends, Rory is staying over to offer an afternoon seminar from 1p-4p.  This is a separate event and more details will post as they are available.

Register to attend the morning session RIGHT NOW and watch for updates coming 10/5/10 to register for the afternoon session.

You don’t want to miss Laura!  She will share a great message to kick things off for our chapter.   Annual membership fees are due and you can pay at the meeting or use our online payment system to be in place in the coming weeks.   Please contact us with questions, more details will be posted as we update this new website and we encourage you to visit the Facebook page!

New to NSA Alabama or curious about us?  We welcome guests, please contact us and we’ll be in touch with details about our organization and to personally welcome you to visit with us.

~Rita Allen