I recently found a networking site that is relatively small but seems to cover a wide variety of industries. I plan to attend their meetings, but I'm also thinking of offering to give a little talk (I HATE public speaking!) on what a virtual assistant is and what they can do for the small to medium size business, non-profits, and individuals (my target market).

I haven't made the offer, and I don't know that my offer would be accepted. But just in case it is accepted, any one have any ideas of what a 5-10 minute talk should/could cover.

What kinds of materials (business cards natch!) I could bring along to sell myself and our industry.

One part of me is excited. I don't have a problem with--well maybe I do--presenting if I get enough practice in before the Day--but I know if I do a good job, perhaps I will somehow get that first (paying!) client. And since I plan to retire from my high paying job the end of the year, I really want and need to get real clients.

__________________
A L Camien
Manager Member

Speaking at events is a great idea. Whenever I have done any presenting, I have always gotten lots of leads and eventually clients.

I suggest you start with what is the benefits to using a VA, then talk about what specifically a VA can do for them, and then maybe end up with how you work (retainer, hourly, packages). If you start with why it makes their life easier, they'll listen and be interested. If you start with what it is you do and your background, they'll (probably) glaze over.

Remember, everyone is dialed into WIIFM - What's In It For Me? Tell them how it will make them happier, more productive, richer, more free time,etc and they'll listen to the pitch.

Good luck!

__________________
Get your Nurture Marketing Certification

SocialCandy gives some great advice, definitely focus on the benefits to them first - just to catch their attention. Best of luck, I hope you get your first client real soon

__________________
Telephone Answering virtual assistant
alldaypa.com

I'm so curious to know if you made the offer to speak?

I think it's a GREAT way to practice getting over your discomfort. (I also have a real fear of public speaking but am slowly working to get over it by accepting more and more opportunities.) AND a great way to fine tune your message.

I hope you went for it and look forward to hearing how it was!

__________________

I'm going to my first networking event next week. I'm still trying to come up with the best 60 second elevator pitch.

A great way to start a conversation is to ask them what is that they do and what they enjoy doing for their business... Then you can lead a conversation into what they dislike and how you can help them - as a VA, you can take over tasks they need but hate doing..

I love speaking in public, communications was my minor ,I interned for HOT -97 in NY.
I've won a speech contest in the past. I enjoy speaking very much but my problem is that they aren't any networking events here. I have to wait till I come to NY !!

Here's a tip , always start your speaking with a ? because ?'s lead to feedback and conversations.
For example: when you're in front of a crowd, welcome them and then ask them:

Who knows what a Virtual Assistant is? And then slowly you build on that ,it works every time.

__________________
Mak's VA Services
Magdaline Makris