April 26th, 2010
Home shows provide a fun and interactive way for residential contractors and service providers to acquire new business, accumulate leads, and gain exposure. Here are some tips for making the most of your home show booth rental.
If you’re in the landscaping business, you already know the importance of showcasing your work to the right kind of audience. But do you know how to make each home show count? Unfortunately, many business owners arrive at a home show with nothing more than a couple of banners and some pamphlets. Whether you plan to create a presence at just one home show this year (or at dozens), these tips can help you reign in a crowd, gather more leads, and grow your business.
1. Go visual and make it count.
Landscaping is a visual art that demands visual representation. The more predominantly you can present your past (and current!) successes at a home show, the more of an impact it will have on your potential customers.
Just think about it…from a potential customer’s perspective which of the following makes your work seem most impressive?
A photo album containing 4×6 photos
A 3-ring binder with 8×10 images
A hard-bound photo book with images of varied size and content, with printed text descriptions on each page
A projector and big screen with life-size slide show images, set amidst a smattering of healthy plants and flowers in your booth
Or possibly some combination of the above?
Projector rentals from Projector123.com cost as little as $99 per weekend — a minor cost considering what you probably paid to rent a booth at the home show. And the level of visual impact will draw folks from all across the showroom floor.
Additionally, you can use a service like apple.com or shutterfly.com to create a hard-bound coffee-table version of your portfolio (which positively exudes professionalism!) for around $30-40. Again, a small investment that can go a long way in presenting you as a credible vendor and a viable choice for potential customers.
2. Incentivize with a juicy offer.
OK, you’ve made a splash with some powerful eye candy….now how do you connect with these potential customers and turn them into sales? Consider creating a compelling offer that prompts them to retain your services now or book an appointment today — book during the show for future appointments. Remember — you may not be the only landscaper at this show. How will you stand out in your potential customer’s mind after the show ends and they’re left with a stack of business cards? If you can connect with people and get future consultation appointments booked at the show (or give people a compelling reason to contract with you right now), you’re leaps ahead of your competition.
In the next segment, we’ll look at the number one mistake most business owners make after the trade show ends. Until then, why not reserve your rental projector now? It only takes a minute, and you’ll see first-hand why Projector123.com is the top choice for rental projectors throughout the United States.
April 19th, 2010
We are using the term “ethical bribe” to refer specifically to public speaking tactics that involve gifting something to your audience members in exchange for their attention and participation.
In the prior installment, we looked at the “pros” of using ethical bribes to engage audiences and gain their participation. In this segment, we’ll address some of the “cons” to such a practice.
If it doesn’t fit the audience…
Some audiences do not respond well to these types of minor incentives. Again, it always pays to know your audience and to consider what methods and techniques would be effective.
A note about appropriateness…
More serious or academic topics do not always lend themselves to a playful presentation style, so it would be wise to use caution for these types of presentations. Examples may include: sexual harrassment, death statistics, presentations regarding war, natural disasters, etc.
Don’t be cheesy…
If the giveaways are viewed as cheap, cheesy, or otherwise lame, there isn’t much of an incentive to nab any. If you can, test the idea with a smaller group or get some opinions before you invest in giveaways.
Need permission?
In some circumstances, it may be necessary to gain certain permissions before using ethical bribes. For example, government officials and employees are not allowed to accept gifts from vendors or potential vendors – no matter the dollar value. Some employers may not approve of certain giveaways at employee training events. If in doubt, check it out.
And while you’re doing your due diligence and deciding whether or not to offer ethical bribes at your next presentation, remember to reserve your projector rental from Projector123.com. You won’t find any bribes here…unless you count out competitive pricing, “frequent flyer” discounts, outstanding service, and hassle-free experience. Order your rental projector today.
April 16th, 2010
Are you familiar with the term “ethical bribe”? While the concept of a bribe may seem shady (perhaps images of unscrupulous politicians or leaders come to mind), an ethical bribe is more like a simple form of motivation.
Here are some examples:
- telling your kids they can watch TV after they clean up their room
- creating an employee incentive program that rewards outstanding performance
- offering small gifts or special favors to your audience in exchange for their participation
The ethical bribe can be very useful for professional speakers and business presentations because it provides a simple, effective way to keep your audience engaged.
Consider giving away a freebie, token or small prize in exchange for:
- each intelligent question asked
- audience response / interaction
- volunteers for demonstration or other exercise
- participants who bring a guest
- participant who brings the most guests
- human interest rewards (e.g., person who traveled the farthest to get here, person who supervises the most employees, person with the most children and grandchildren, etc.)
Looking for ideas for these giveaways and ethical bribes? Try these on for size, depending on your audience and the type of presentation:
- advertising specialties (preprinted sticky notes, pens, gadgets, coffee mugs, etc.)
- raffle drawing tickets. If you can only afford 1 or 2 giveaways, but you want to engage your audience throughout the presentation, you could give raffle tickets for a variety of reasons throughout the day, then “draw” for one winner at the end of the presentation.
- A copy of your new book (or one of your other products)
- T-shirts
- Discounts, coupons, offers, etc.
- $1 bills
- $1 lottery tickets or scratch-off tickets
How many ideas can you come up with? The possibilities are endless.
While you’re dreaming up ethical bribes for your next presentation, remember to reserve your rental projector from Projector123.com and we’ll see you in the next installment: Not to Bribe.
April 12th, 2010
A “segue” can be defined as a smooth transition from one topic of section to the next. As a public speaker (or even the occasional presenter), it’s important to master the segue, to ensure a smooth and seamless presentation.
Without proper segues, your presentation can appear disjointed, your audience can become confused, and valuable questions can remain unasked. Here are some tips for artfully transitioning from one part of your speech to the next.
Tip #1: Use a joke.
OK, it might be the oldest trick in the book, but it still works. A carefully selected bit of humor can easily transition your audience from one topic to the next – even if those topics seem completely unrelated. Here’s a couple of examples:
Complete the final statement in the segment, followed by… “Which reminds me of a joke.” (insert joke related to next topic.) And speaking of (next topic),…” then proceed with the next segment.
Alternatively, you might find an image, drawing or cartoon that could potentially link these two topic together, and you can insert it into your slide show as the segue.
Tip #2: Change your tone.
This segue style is effective if the tone or mood of the two topics are dramatically different. For example, if you were presenting a problem (or bad news), and now you’ll present the solution (or the good news). It might sound something like this: “OK, we’ve covered the dismal reality of last year’s final numbers but enough doom and gloom – let’s now look at the bright future that we are in the process of creating.”
Tip #3: Stop and start.
Perhaps the simplest way to transition is to simply let the audience know that this section is complete, and ask if there are any questions before we move into the next topic. “That concludes the technical part of today’s demonstration. Are there any questions before we begin talking about sales strategies?”
Images are a useful and easy way to master your transitions and segues – click here to rent a projector from Projector123.com.
April 9th, 2010
Please note the following disclaimer: Projector123.com and the authors of this blog are not tax professionals and the following is meant to serve as a suggestion only. Please check with your accountant or tax professional to learn more about tax laws in your area, as well as how the tax code applies to your specific situation.
If you’re making presentations or offering public speaking as a hobby or an unpaid professional, you’re missing out on some of the many tax breaks enjoyed by speaking professionals. While this may not be the reason to become a professional speaker, it doesn’t hurt to know what you’re missing.
Generally speaking, public speakers can write off expenses associated with the performance of their craft. This would typically include the cost of a rental projector, as well as travel expenses associated with the speaking engagement, the cost of printing handouts for the presentation, lodging and per diems, room rentals, continuing education, and other associated expenses.
Additionally, you can often write off all advertising costs, which could include a rental projector if the purpose was for advertising. For example, if you rented a projector to display an ad for your speaking business or services, or if you included a rental projector in a trade show booth rental, these would typically be considered business expenses.
Since professional speakers can generally write off expenses associated with continuing education and training, you might consider conducting paid training for speakers and mentioning the possibility of a tax deduction in your promotions for the event. This is another case when a rental projector would come in extremely handy (and also be considered a business expense).
Your accountant or CPA would be the best person to advise you about tax laws that apply to your particular situation, so it makes sense to check in with them before incurring any non-essential costs.
When you’re ready to rent a projector, click here to access the Projector123.com order site.
March 31st, 2010
In this series conclusion, we offer valuable tips for managing those last few minutes before beginning your presentation.
 Well here you are, down to the wire. Just minutes to go before you begin your presentation. You’ve survived all the waiting and anticipation up to this point, and now it’s nearly go-time. Remember, you can do this. You know your material inside and out. You are ready.
Plus, nervousness always feels bigger and greater to you than how it actually shows up to other people. Think about how many times YOU have congratulated someone who said, “Thanks, I was SO nervous!” and you thought, “Really? It didn’t look that way at all.”
Here are some last-minute strategies for calming those pre-presentation jitters — good luck!
1. If you can, avoid holding anything (microphone, notes, etc) for the first minute or so of your presentation — it would make trembling hands much more obvious.
2. If your legs are shaking or feeling weak, lean on the lectern or the table, or walk around, or shift your legs.
3. Drink some room temperature water. (Ice can make your throat muscles contract.) Take short, quick sips.
4. Make eye contact with the audience – find a connection in a smile or a familiar face.
5. Make a joke about your nervousness. “Anybody want to volunteer to switch places?” or “I can’t remember — which is the best wine to go with fingernails?”
We hope you have enjoyed this series on calming those performance anxiety nerves. Please be sure to post your feedback or comments below.
And remember to count on Projector123.com for all your rental projector needs. From sales associates and marketing professionals to public speakers and special events, Projector123.com is your go-to service for fast, affordable, reliable rental projectors. Click here now to order an LCD projector rental for your next sales meeting or presentation.
March 26th, 2010
Here we are with installment number four in this series on settling those pre-presentation nerves. In this post, we look at strategies to calm your nerves on the day of your program (or within the hours just beforehand). Remember to post your comments and additional suggestions below! We love hearing from you — especially if you find this article helpful.
If you find yourself feeling nervous on the day of your presentation, these tips will help you get through the day — and then through your presentation — with flying colors.
If your program is late in the day, use strategies to distract yourself (if possible) in the long hours that span between now and your talk. Read, talk to a friend, go for a walk, work on other projects, organize a closet or clean out a drawer, work out, file, etc. Don’t sit around and give yourself too much time to think about your upcoming presentation.
Don’t over-practice on the final day. If you’ve done your preparation work, you’re ready.
Do visualize yourself succeeding. Use the visualization strategies from part 1-2 to imagine your success and picture the best possible outcome.
Prepare early. Neatly gather your notes, your jacket, your handouts, laptop, purse, laser pointer, etc. ahead of time so you’re not scrambling for lost items at the last minute.
Give yourself ample time to get there. You don’t want to be rushed OR sitting idle with too much free time.
If you find it soothing, place pictures of your children or grandchildren, pets, etc., in your notes. It often helps to see familiar faces who love you.
Stash your notes at the podium (if appropriate) or elsewhere on stage.
Double check (or triple check) your A/V equipment.
Avoid alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated drinks.
Forgot to make a reservation for your rental projector? Never fear — we can accommodate last-minute requests within a day or two of your presentation. Click here to reserve your LCD projector rental now from Projector123.com.
March 24th, 2010
In this segment, we’ll include additional foundation exercises – simple tips for calming your nerves long before your presentation starts. Enjoy!
Well in advance of your presentation, you might want to consider these anxiety-busting strategies:
1. Be prepared. Know your material, have your visuals ready well in advance, and practice. Memorize your opening statement. Create note cards or bullet points as a reference.
2. Join a local Toastmasters group (the membership fee is nominal, and many employers will reimburse you for the cost). Toastmasters is a safe and encouraging environment where you can learn to become a better speaker and receive positive and constructive feedback.
3. Practice and listen to the constructive feedback you receive.
4. Burn off some steam (exercise, relax, enjoy a hot soak, go for a walk, listen to music)
5. Do something creative – it stimulates the mind and relaxes your nerves. Paint, draw, doodle, garden, sing, write. Creating something shifts your mental focus from your left brain to your right brain and helps you to gain clarity and remain calm.
6. Choose what you will wear and ONLY wear something you feel positively fabulous in. Anything less would likely create a distraction for you, causing you to fret or fidget. If your presentation is longer than 10-15 minutes, don’t wear brand new shoes. Trust me on that one.
7. Anticipate questions. Think about what you will say IF you are asked a question you don’t know the answer to.
We know for sure there’s one thing you never need to worry about — when you rent a projector from Projector123.com, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a quality, professional grade, fully functional LCD rental projector, delivered to the location you specify, when and where you need it. We pride ourselves on stellar customer service and a hassle-free experience from start to finish. Click here to order your rental projector today.
March 22nd, 2010
Welcome back! In this second installment, we’ll explore even more tips for calming that pre-stage anxiety so many of us experience before giving an important presentation.
In the prior installment, we explored visualization tactics. If you’ve been practicing visualizing since then, you might be ready to add these imaginative scenes to your repertoire:
- focus on your assets (might include: enthusiasm, good looks, professionalism, polished appearance, in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, good closer, humorous, etc.)
- imagine your presentation is as relaxed and comfortable as chatting with a group of good friends
- picture your audience listening intently, laughing (when appropriate), nodding their heads, smiling, applauding
- remember the proudest moments from your past – when you accomplished something truly memorable. Tap into those feelings of success and self-satisfaction.
If you’re having trouble actually picturing an image in your mind’s eye, try using your other senses. Feel the warm, firm pressure of a handshake from your boss or client for a job well done. Feel the pats on the back. Hear the positive feedback you’ll receive about your presentation, and hear the applause. Some people find it easier to tune into feelings and sensations rather than images, and that’s perfectly fine — and just as effective.
Visualization doesn’t take long — in fact just 2 to 3 minutes a day is plenty enough to make a positive impact on how you will feel just before you step up to the podium or the group.
Be sure to imagine yourself using the rental projector or other visual aids with ease and grace. When you rent a projector from Projector123.com, you’ll enjoy a totally hassle-free experience using a professional-grade projector that’s as easy to order and set up as it is to operate. If you’re a sales professional, speaker or trainer with an upcoming presentation, just click here to order your LCD rental projector today.
March 19th, 2010
In this 6-part series, we’ll explore countless ways to manage those pre-stage jitters to ensure your delivery is smooth and confident.
Even if you don’t typically experience stage fright, it’s perfectly normal to feel a bit of pre-presentation anxiety. The good news is that it usually only precedes the time when you start speaking…the bad news is that you’ve got to survive those jitters and move through any nervousness before you can actually start speaking!
But don’t worry — we’re going to give you dozens of tips to calm those nerves and settle into a relaxed confidence to ensure that you deliver a smooth and effective presentation.
Let’s start with some tips you can begin well in advance of your presentation. These tips can be useful to you, whether you are preparing to speak in public, lead a small group, or even give a sales presentation. Public speaking is a skill that can further your career and assist you in building confidence and excelling in all areas of your life.
First, let’s use basic visualization to reinforce your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Visualization simply refers to the act of imagining something or seeing it in your mind’s eye.
Let’s practice now. Close your eyes and imagine a giraffe.
Now, even if you are not a giraffe expert – or perhaps have never seen one in real life, odds are, you imagined a tall, 4-legged creature with a very long neck and very long legs. You might also have imagined it being yellow or golden in color, with large tawny spots. Even though there were no giraffes in sight, you were able to see one in your mind’s eye.
Next, imagine you are giving your presentation – and only imagine the good. If a negative thought pops into your mind (fumbling with notes, forgetting what to say, etc.) dismiss it immediately and return your attention to the positive.
 See the bright, attentive faces of your audience. Hear the applause when you’re finished. Imagine your new clients signing a contract and handing you the check. Feel the confidence you will feel when it’s all over and you’ve done a bang-up job.
Do not underestimate the power of visualization — try it and you will be surprised.
And when you’re ready to rock your presentation, be sure to reserve your projector rental from Projector123.com. Click here to get started now.
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