Remember when Sarge asked for a volunteer to step forward, and everyone stepped back except for Beetle Bailey? That’s how I picture the Program Chair (or Program VP) at many associations – they were absent the day assignments were handed out.
Most folks who book unpaid speakers at regular meetings are volunteers. And most of them already have their own business or profession that consumes a lot of their time. They’re dashing off to make the lunchtime meeting just like all the other members.
So when you land a chance to speak before an association full of your prospects, you’ll want to maximize your impact by showing some love to the program chair.
- Send a head shot that they can use to promote you as their next speaker. Try to have the same hair color or style when you show up to speak.
- Supply them with a written biography to publish in their newsletter or ezine. A biography is meant to be read with the eyes.
- Verify the meeting date, time, place, and even where to park/enter. Confirm DAY and date, just to be safe.
- Tell them that you will bring a written introduction with you, that they can read aloud. So they won’t have to Google your name on the way to the meeting!
- Also provide them with a written Outro. So they can actually relax and enjoy your speech!
When you follow these tips you will have Program Chairs eating out of your hand (or, better yet, telling all their friends-who-are-also-program-chairs that they need to book you stat)!
