I hope you're enjoying the "Achieving Expert Status" series on my blog. Please let me know what you think by commenting or give me your feedback at .

This month, I'm sharing how I took advantage of speaking opportunities to promote my business.
Marketing by Public Speaking: Steps to Getting Started

It all started with an article.

1. October 2006. I wrote an article entitled "How to Get Unstuck and Regain Momentum." It appeared in that month's newsletter, on my blog and was submitted to online article sites.
2. November 3, 2006. The readers' response was so great; I decided to continue the discussion, a very casual one, using Skype. About 6 people joined the call.
3. November 5, 2006. I was surprised with how interactive the 'call' went. Most everyone joined the conversation. I asked questions and those present shared their insights then asked their own questions -- I hardly did any talking. Following that session, I posted a review of the call on my blog "Marketing momentum discussion continued."
4. About the same time, a call went out to members of a networking group, asking for volunteers to speak at their upcoming virtual summit. I didn't have a presentation nor any material prepared, but I knew I had to jump on the opportunity. My heart in my throat, I replied, offering to give a presentation on regaining momentum. My offer was accepted.
5. For the next month and a half, using my article, Skypecast notes, blog comments and additional research, I worked my butt off writing a presentation description, bio, the actual presentation and PowerPoint slides.
6. January 12, 2007. I nervously gave my first presentation "Regaining Loss of Momentum" in a virtual room and it was a success.

That's when things really took off. That single presentation led to invitations to give the same presentation to their groups. To date, this is the most requested speaking topic. It also increased my confidence; now I'm ready and willing to accept speaking invitations.

I had a similar experience with my blog post entitled "How to create a compelling 30-second pitch." Not only is this a workshop I offer, I've turned the content into an information product -- a guidebook called "Designing a compelling 30-second intro" - that I give away when signing up for my newsletter.

In the short time I've been speaking, I've given numerous presentations for virtual events, been interviewed on the radio and via Podcast, participated in radio round table discussions, appeared as a guest host for online networking meets, hosted group discussions and given teleclasses.

Despite my maternity hiatus, I still receive speaking invitations. My goal is to start Podcasting this year, and I'm considering a partnership with 2 entrepreneurs for a weekly internet radio show.

The steps outlined above, as well as strategies and partnerships I employed are simple ways I used to get started . There are many other speaking opportunities available to you. And if you're willing to speak for free, you'll find more than you know what to do with.

You may want to expand and improvise on my suggestions for your own business. The point is, just get out there and start speaking. The first few times are the most difficult, but you'll find the more you use public speaking to raise awareness about your business, the more comfortable you'll be doing it. You may even find that you like it.

Copyright. Cristina Favreau. All rights reserved.

ABOUT CRISTINA
Cristina Favreau specializes in helping passionate and motivated service professionals who love what they do, but struggle with running and marketing their business. In these 3 areas, Cristina will help you: (1) discover simple ways to increase your visibility and credibility, (2) get more clients by identifying where you're stuck in the marketing cycle, and (3) get unstuck and regain momentum. To read more articles like this, visit her site at http://www.cristinafavreau.com/.

NOTE: You're welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered, including the "ABOUT CRISTINA" info above. Please send a copy of your reprint to .

Here are six tips for the right-brained business owner (and they don't hurt too much).

1. Look for creative ways to save money. Are there items in your business that you buy name brands when generic might work just as well? If so, compare cost and see if it is worth buying.
2. Shop for office products online. In many cases, the office products superstores offer a discount for online shopping as well as free next day delivery! Saves you time, money and fuel.
3. Always have a shopping list of needed items. Without a list, we tend to forget items and then have to make another trip which costs valuable time and money - especially when the item is something that cannot wait until another trip to be purchased.
4. Right-brain people tend to be attracted to coupons (especially well-designed ones with great offers). However, if the product is something you would not purchase without a coupon, I recommend you don't purchase with one. Chances are it is something you don't need or would never buy again. On the other hand, if there is a product you would like to "try out" and just haven't yet, I recommend you wait until there is a substantial discount available.
5. Most right-brained people like write so this one should be easy to implement that is, if you remember to do so. Carry a small journal to track your spending for 30 days. Decide which items you could "give up" to save money.
6. Balance your business checkbook or hire someone to do it for you! I have known right-brain business people who "round off" the numbers. The problem with rounding off is that you could find yourself with shortages in your account, bank overdraft fees and embarrassment from valued vendors.

I also recommend you read the book "Money Management for the Creative Person: Right-Brain Strategies to Build Your Bank" by Lee Silber. Although it was written in 2002, the information is still pertinent and interesting.

(c) Heidi Richards - is a professional speaker, Entrepreneur and the author of "The PMS Principles, Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business" and 7 other books. She is also the Founder & CEO of The WECAI Network(TM) www.WECAI.org -- an Internet network of organizations that "Helps Women Do Business on and off the WEB." Basic Listing is FREE. Ms. Richards can be reached at heidi@wecai.org. Her newest book "From Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur," will be available in the Fall of 2007.