I’ve always considered myself a teacher. I used to dream of people standing on their desks and saying “O Captain, My Captain” to me when I finally retired after 50 years of pouring into young minds.
But alas, I’m not that kind of teacher. I still love to teach. Perhaps it gets in the way of my sales because I almost am more jazzed when a client or prospect finally understands some strange insurance concept than I do when they sign on the dotted line.
According to John Jantsch, though, in his interview with Michael Stelzner on the Social Media Marketing Podcast, teaching is an effective way to engage potential clients.
Financial planners do it all the time. They will put on those seminars in the side room at the local mid-range restaurant, gathering 20-30 prospective clients to share information about handling money, budgeting, and investing. It must work. At least Pappadeaux and the like are making some cash on the practice.
Since I love teaching. And I make a living selling. Why not harness my teaching and find opportunities to give presentations to my target audience?
Today’s Action: Make a List of Potential ‘Audiences’ and Reach Out to at least One of Them
I’ve given a few talks in the past and am sure I can come up with clear content.
The content is useless without an audience.
So, per John Jantsch’s challenge in the podcast, I shall seek opportunities to teach. Not only will I teach, but I’ll give away the farm. I agree that while some individuals will take my information and go do their own thing, many people just want to be able to trust someone. If I can show what I know, then perhaps I’ll be the trusted guy.
Where I might be able to find audiences:
- Community Foundations: There are foundations all over Atlanta. Perhaps they’d want someone to deliver content to the nonprofits they distribute grants to?
- Associations: Associations need to provide value to their members. I’d love to be part of their value.
- LinkedIn Groups: Local based LinkedIn groups might be a good option.
I was able to come up with a few potential options right off the bat and reached out to one of them. We’ll see how this one goes.
If this works out, I’ll have to bone up on my Powerpoint of Keynote (but don’t worry, I’ve listened to enough Michael Hyatt to know not to use my ‘bullets to kill’… you know, death by Powerpoint and all that.
Other Content for Today
In addition to the Social Media Examiner podcast referenced above (and used for today’s challenge…
Antipreneur Podcast with Ben Settle – #27: How to Double Your Sales by Spewing People off Your Email List – I would have used this one, but I couldn’t think of anything controversial to blog about.
In the Meantime – North Point Community Church with Andy Stanley – Finding Contentment: A correction of how we normally use “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me”
There you have it… I started my list and sent a cold email. I’ll get on the phone and call 10 by the end of the week.
Until tomorrow…
Hey Brett, thanks a lot for your support.
I’m stoked the Ben Settle Show is keep you inspired.
I think you’re right, sometime teaching gets in the way of selling. I made that mistake for a very long time until I learned the “settle method”
JR
Thanks for swinging by Jonathan. And thanks for those great podcasts. Truly are some of the most useful that I listen to. Enough banter to give it personality, but then plenty of meat.
One of the first investments I’ll make when things loosen up will be Email Players. I’d love to give a full run with his method, if for no other reason than it just seems fun. Hard work, but fun.