When it comes to choosing a keynote or breakout presentation speaker for a company or industry event, it doesn’t take long for the average executive or meeting planner to find out that there are many options to choose from… in fact, there may be too many in some cases. There are motivators, management specialists, marketing gurus, and a lot more.

But, if you’re looking for something that will be valuable to your attendees and make you look like a hero at the same time, then your best option might be to go with the technology speaker. Here are four quick reasons why:

It’s something different. Let’s face it, unless it’s one of their first few meetings or conferences, your attendees have already heard enough motivational and management presentations to fill a lifetime. I’m constantly amazed, though, at how many different groups have never had someone come and speak about the Internet, online marketing, and so on.

The Internet is a hot topic. The web has been a popular presentation topic for more than a decade, and it’s only getting stronger. Why? Because it’s still becoming a more and more important part of the business landscape. If your attendees aren’t getting online marketing right, then they are probably seeing parts of their business become less profitable than they used to be.

Your attendees probably have technology questions. In the same way, few managers or business owners understand concepts like search engine optimization, pay per click advertising, or social media marketing nearly as well as they would like. Having the opportunity to ask an expert specific questions about these parts of their business can be invaluable.

A technology presentation could have the biggest bottom-line impact. Even the best motivational speaker is unlikely to inspire lasting change in most people’s behavior, but attendees of a technology presentation can leave with a set of notes or a tip sheet that they can use right away to make more money. The more profitable your group can be as a result of the speaker you booked, the more highly they’re going to think of you and your decision.

Would you do business with a person who didn’t tell you their name or hand you a business card when you met them?

Would you consider requesting a proposal from an online service that does not include a phone number, contact form, or address on their website? It is not difficult to find websites on the internet where there is no information about the owners or key stakeholders.

Does your website have your phone number on the home page? How about a page that has information about your company directors? A detailed contact page is important – it certainly would encourage me to give you a call.

The Social aspects of the Social Networking craze that is sweeping the internet has to have an impact on how you write for your marketing website. Earn some trust by providing good information, make a clear call to action, and identify yourself. The days of doing business with corporations are slipping away… people want to do business with people.

If your marketing website is more than a few years old, it will be missing key elements that a modern website should include. It may be time for a website review with an Internet Consultant.

David A. West

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Business Networking Works…

When I started our website design company over four years ago, the concept of networking meetings was something quite new to me. When the first networking group contacted me and invited me out to a lunch meeting, I actually turned them down. Thankfully, they were persistent and after a few weeks I attended my first meeting. I joined my first networking club.

I had a tough time understanding how meeting the same dozen people every week would bring me new business. The focus of the network referral club was to bring leads to other members. It worked fairly well in terms of my business, most of the referrals received were actual club members.  I really appreciate these early clients.

As our business grew, and as our website began generating more and more leads, my attendance at networking meetings declined. I no longer attend a regular weekly lunch meeting. Having said that, the early start we got through networking continues to pay off today. I gained a lot of new clients in the earlier years through these clubs. The relationships that were fostered continue to work for us. I consistently receive new business leads from the neworkers that I met years ago.

Great Leadership = Great Growth

The Calgary Entrepreneur Meetup is one of the greatest opportunities for business to business networking in Calgary today.  Stuart Crawford is the founder and current chair of this meetup. Stuart’s passion for the community is stronger today than ever before. His approach to giving prior to getting is admirable.

When do they meetup?

The Calgary Entrepreneur Meetup currently gets together formally one time per month. We have plans to increase this to include more frequent meetings including breakfast and lunch meetings. While the current meetings are held in the evenings, the odd alternative time will likely bring more members out. At last count there were over 500 members in the group – making this one of Calgary’s largest networking group.

What is it going to cost you?

The fact that the meetup is run 100% by volunteers is admirable.  The token fee of $5.00 per meeting is taken on a drop-in basis. There is no annual membership fees.

What will you experience at a meetup?

You will meet like minded entrepreneurs. Many of us own our own successful businesses. Some will be in the start-up phase. Some will be representing larger organizations. One thing that is common, we all come out to learn from each others experiences.

Where to you network for your business? Visit the Calgary Entrepreneur site today.

Tell me your thoughts on this… I would love to see your comment added below.

Cheers -
David A. West