Spirit of NSA Day

Spirit of NSA Day was created to honor NSA founder Cavett Robert. Nov 14 marks the 100th anniversary of his birth and NSA members across North America are encouraged to reconnect to all the good things in our association. If nothing else, contact your NSA buddies across the country and tell them you are looking forward to seeing them at Convention in the Big Apple this summer.

Speakers School Success!!

The 2007 Speakers School is complete and a good time was had by all. Inspired presentations and interested students make for a great event. Solid content, round tables, and entertainment - We had it all. My sincere thanks to all the presenters (Carl Henry, Tim Dumas, Michael Beitler, Tom Stevens, Myelita Melton, Charles Petty, Lib Fowler, Jack Wiles, and Jane Jenkins-Herlong) for volunteering to be with us and sharing their unique insights. The event would not have been possible without the efforts of several other folks also (Becky McCrary for guidance, John Cooper for the Icebreaker, Glenn Strange for the audio and music, and Laura Hamilton for everything else.) Thanks also to all the attendees who invested time and money to learn from our faculty. Next meeting is in January and we hope to see you in Charlotte.

As noted in the previous post, the Carolinas Chapter Speakers School will be Nov 9 and 10. We are sad that Bill Brooks will not be with us to kick off this annual classic. However, Carl Henry, CSP, a long time friend of Bill's will get us off to a great start. Carl brings a unique combination of skills to the platform so bring extra paper so you can take all the notes you need to.

See you soon.

Bill Brooks Passes......

It is with a heavy heart that I report of passing of our beloved member Bill Brooks. He truly was a one of a kind, generous person. He will be truly missed by all of us who had the pleasure to know him.

The family asks that you allow them privacy during this time. If you would like to send condolences, please email them to bill@thebrooksgroup.com His long time assistant, Bonnie Joyce, will make sure the family receives them.

There will be a private memorial in Burke Garden, VA later this week. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send memorials to the American Cancer Society.

Here is his obituary:
GREENSBORO – William Townsend Brooks, age 62, of Greensboro, passed away on October 27, 2007 at Wesley Long Community Hospital.

Born February 6th, 1945 in Woodbury, NJ, he was the son of the late Angela Marie Taylor and the late Clifford William Brooks.

While at Woodbury High School, Bill represented his hometown as the boy governor of New Jersey.

Bill graduated from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania in 1967. At Gettysburg, he was an All-Conference and All-East football player and class president. He also graduated in the top 10% of his class. He continued his education at Syracuse University where he earned his master’s degree. He was later commissioned as an Army officer serving 23 months of overseas duty in Okinawa during the Vietnam Conflict. During his service, he was nominated for the Soldier’s Medal for saving lives under hostile conditions. He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant.

Bill spent time at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York. There he served as a university professor, a college dean and a highly successful college football coach. While serving as the country’s youngest head football coach on the college level, he amassed a 65% win record.

Bill was the founder and CEO of The Brooks Group, a highly successful sales consulting firm based in Greensboro. Using Bill’s ideas, The Brooks Group has trained more than one million salespeople all over the world.

Bill was the author of 19 books including 3 best sellers. The former CEO of a national firm with 3500 employees, Bill was a member of the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame. He was also the only person in the world to concurrently hold the Certified Speaking Professional, the Council of Peers Award for Excellence and the Certified Management Consultant designations.

Perhaps Bill’s greatest accomplishment, however, is the family he leaves behind. His wife, Nancy Greever, is an accomplished glass artist. His older son, Will, is married to Andrea Notaro and serves as the Director of Sales at The Brooks Group. His younger son, Jeb, is currently enrolled at Elon Law School.

Bill focused his life on helping as many people as he possibly could. He exercised this drive by building winning football teams, a successful business, and countless friendships.

The November 9- 10 Speakers School, which was to feature Bill and his staff on Friday night, will go on as Bill would have wanted. Updates on changes will follow this week.

If you have not already received it, you will soon. I am talking about the Speakers School newsletter! We are less than 60 days away from this annual event for 2007 and I want you to join us. We have a program that will benefit everyone who attends. Like when you walk along the buffet line at the cafeteria - you pick what you like, we too will have something for everyone.

Dont miss this event on Nov 9 and 10.

On Friday night we talk about the business of the business. Bill Brooks, CPAE, and his staff will team to tell you what you need to know to run a successful speaker business. Then you can go deep in a Meet the Experts session to learn more about sales, marketing, product and the web.

On Saturday we will cover two themes throughout the day.
First we will look at the art and the science of speaking. We will see some of our most talented presenters showcase the art of what they do. Then they will take us behind the curtain and explain how they use magic, music and story to engage the audience and to make a point.
Second we will have segment called, "SO, you want to be a...." Keynote, trainer, coach or consultant. We all want to do it all but the truth is we all dont have the skills or knowledge to do it all. In this segment we will look at the pros, cons, challenges and benefits of these four distinctly different presentation methods. Learn what you do best and go make money doing it.

We are also extending a special invitation to NC and SC Toastmasters. We hope you will join us to learn more about the business of speaking and maybe launch you on your way to greater financial success in the speaking business.

We look forward to seeing you in November. Let us know if you hav questions.

LUNCH and LEARN - and just talk about the speaking business!

Six NSA/C members met today in Raleigh for the latest lunch and learn. Mary Cantando, Deb Gauldin, Barnsley Brown, Emily Ballance, Rick Schlentz and Wally Adamchik talked about the highs and lows from the convention in San Diego and shared the one or two things we are each working on to help our business. We are already looking forward to NYC next summer. It was a lively and valuable session. I came away with one great idea from Mary Cantando and I look forward to using it.

The Lunch and Learns are usually held in the off months from a Chapter or National Event. So, mark you calendars for October 18. We will meet at 1130 in the Brier Creek area near RDU airport. Exact location TBD...

And save the date for speakers school on Nov 9, 10!

Jerry Fowler Update.....

Talked to Lib last night 8/7 and Jerry came through bypass surgery fantastically!  As of last night all the tubes had been removed, he had walked twice and was sitting in a chair when she visited today. 

 

Please continue to keep Jerry & Lib in  your prayers and don't forget to send him a card or note.

 

All The Best!

John Cooper VP of Membership

NSA Carolinas Community

To me community means a place where I can be with people I like. We learn from each other and we support each other. Clearly this NSA Carolinas News Blog fits my definition of community and I hope you make the most of this community. As you scan the previous posts you see advice about speaking, invitations to events where you can learn alot more about this incredible business, and support for our fellow members. At Speakers School in Charlotte in November each speaker will share a bit of what NSA means to them. I can tell you that NSA and the success of my business go together. I would not be where I am had I not joined NSA and got active. With convention behind us I invite you to visit this site often, to submit questions and to join us in Charlotte for our meetings. Welcome to the community.

Swanson Speaks - NSA, Ning & Teleseminars

I just have two words: NSA Convention. If you've been before, you know what I mean. If you haven't, you need to go. It was not only worth the time and money, it was life changing. We'll talk later. Okay, so I have more than two words. I'm a storyteller for gosh sakes, what did you expect?

I have just one word: Ning communities. I'm so excited I can't contain myself. This is the way to connect with your clients and your audiences after you leave. This is the way to continue the discussion. This is the way stay connected and provide more value by setting up communities with common interests. This is a way to promote yourself and your products. And it's free! http://www.ning.com/ I've set up a community myself if you are thinking about setting up one of your own: http://www.kellyswansonnetwork.ning.com/.

Okay, I have just one more word. Teleseminars. I'm convinced that it's a way to bring in money during the down times. To sell product while you sleep. As a means of creating more product. We'll talk more later. Just trust me on this. I'm already working on mine. Happy to share my findings with you later.

Kelly Swanson

VP Of Programs

Columbia, SC Lunch & Learn

Members Only Lunch & Learn

When: August 21st

Where: Radisson Hotel at the Bush River Road exit on I-20 in Columbia.

What Time: 11:45 am

The hotel is about a mile west of the I-26 and I-20 interchange going toward Augusta.

To help us reserve adequate space, please let me know at jerry@JerryBellue.comif you plan to join us.

One of the highlights will be the opportunity to compare notes and ideas from the San Diego convention.

Jerry Fowler - Needs Your Prayers & Cards

Jerry Fowler, husband of Past President Lib Fowler will be undergoing Triple Bypass Surgery on Monday August 6th at Spartanburg Regional Hospital. Lib & Jerry need our thoughts and prayers during this time. Both are in great spirits and ready to get the surgery over. There will be about a week's stay in the hospital.

I'm sure a card would be appreciated. Address: Jerry Fowler, 205 Scenic Circle, Spartanburg, SC 29316

A Hot Tip

NSA has a new virtual chapter NYNSA www.nynsa.org

For $25.00 you can become a member. Why? The have fantastic teleclasses monthly! Such speakers as NSACarolinas own Jeffrey Gitomer, Joe Calloway, Dan Burris and many more! $25.00 buys you a years membership to all the teleclasses and recordings. It also gives you access to the recording of ALL past teleclasses with notes!

This is a fantastic investment!

The Gold Microphone Program

Win a gold-plated microphone pin from NSACarolinas!

This program is open to all new members (joined November 2006 or later)

Complete the following and win the pin:
* Attend a NSACarolinas Board Meeting

* Ask 5 NSACarolina members for their best speaking tip. Submit these tips in writing to the VP of Membership, John Cooper

* Be a Meeting Greeter at a NSACarolina meeting

* Attend a regional Lunch & Learn

High Content Speaking Blog - Check It Out!

A very high content speaking blog. Check it out! http://hiddenspeakertreasures.wordpress.com/

Meeting Agenda Sept. 7-8th

Meeting Agenda For Sept. 7-8th

Friday, September 7, 2007
Members Only – Pre-registration Is REQUIRED!

6:00 pm Dinner
6:45 Tray Dunaway, MD, FACS, CSP, CHCO: “Making the Phone Ring!”
8:00 Closing Remarks

Saturday, September 8, 2007 (Business Casual Attire is suggested)

8:00 am Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:20 First Timers Orientation –John Cooper, VP of Membership
8:30 Welcome – Kelly Swanson, VP of Programs
8:35 Showcase Presenter – Patrick Henry
8:50 Todd Hunt: “11 Keynote Speaker Blunders (and How to Make Them!)”
9:50 Energy Break
10:20 Todd Hunt, continues
11:20 NSA/Carolinas Chapter Business – Becky McCrary, President

11:45 Networking Lunch

Meet the Pros Sessions – register for each session upon arrival at the Saturday Meeting

1:00 pm Session One
1:35 Session Two
2:05 Closing Comments

Speakers School Is Coming Nov. 9-10th Mark Your Calendar NOW!

Mark your calendars for the 21st Annual Speakers School on November 9-10th. Wally Adamchik has organized a “noholds-barred truth and nothing but the truth” theme about the speaking business. You will learn new tools and techniques
and be reminded of the essentials of speaking success.

Faculty members include Bill Brooks, CSP, CPAE and his staff, Charles Petty, CSP, CPAE, Jane Herlong, CSP, Mike Beitler, Tim Dumas, Lib Fowler, Myelita Melton, Tom Stevens, and Jack Wiles.

You don’t want to miss this!
More Details To Follow Soon....

Congratulations Wally! Our Newest CSP

Wally Adamchik received his CSP designation in San Diego at the NSA Convention! Congratulations Wally!

And in May, Wally was selected as a Non-Resident Fellow for Marine Corps University for the 2007-2008 academic year. This distinguished group included leadership experts and practitioners from active duty as well as the civilian sector, but the common thread with all Fellows is a desire to increase the study and application of leadership in the Marine Corps. Two great honors for Wally!

NSACarolinas Well Represented in San Diego!

NSACarolinas was well represented at the NSA National Convention in San Diego.

Members presenting included: Kelly Swanson, Rebecca Nagy, Patti Fralix, Bill Brooks, CSP, CPAE, Mike Summey, Ray Leone, Nido Qubein, CSP, CPAE, and our very own Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP, NSA 2006-2007 President.

Thank you all for stepping up, delivering soul and substance for our speaking and speaking businesses,

About Our Featured Speaker Todd Hunt

Todd Hunt looks like a pleasant, buttoned-up corporate type. But when he opens his mouth, audiences reel with laughter. His stories and examples, delivered with the sly wit of a seasoned comedian, stick with you long after his program.

Consider a man who started a financial services company in Chicago, grew it to 400 employees in three years, then sold it and opened a bookstore in Vermont ... after appearing on NBC's Seinfeld for two seasons.

Todd Hunt did not do any of those things.

But he worked for a financial services company in Chicago ... shopped at a bookstore in Vermont ... and watched Seinfeld on NBC every Thursday.

As an executive at Ogilvy & Mather, one of the world's largest advertising agencies, Todd learned the "inner workings" of communication.

Additional jobs with an insurance administrator, direct marketing company and ad department of a major retailer confirmed what he had suspected all along -- people have to communicate every day!

In 1991, he started his own successful business, The Hunt Company, a marketing agency in Chicago.

Working with trade associations, retailers, non-profits and financial companies, Todd sold insurance, credit accounts, trade shows, seminars, theater tickets, memberships and other products and services to consumer and business audiences.

One day he discovered that people would pay him to tell funny stories about sales, customer service, leadership and change that he garnered during his years in business. So now he does! Using humor and sensibility, he demonstrates how we can all communicate better, become more successful and make more money.

"Straight 5s" in every category
...highest speaker rating" -
Chicago Association of Direct Marketing

September 8th Meeting - Don't Miss It!

“11 Keynote Speaker Blunders (and How to Make Them!)”
with Todd Hunt, RARP

Are you a consultant, coach, or trainer who is being asked more frequently to offer speeches or keynotes? Maybe you already have a keynote or two in your repertoire, and are looking to just get better? It’s a different type of skill -- presenting your information in a tighter, more structured package...wrapped in entertainment, with enlightenment sprinkled throughout!

Join us as we welcome Todd Hunt, RARP, for a no-theory program of keynote speaker blunders...and how to make them! It’s left-brain and right-brain stuff you can take back to the office and start avoiding on Monday morning. He’ll then deliver his own keynote, “Communication Bleeps and Blunders in Business,” as we analyze the components and techniques just discussed.

Whether you’re an emerging speaker or an experienced pro, this session will help you craft and hone killer keynotes for today’s competitive market.

Todd Hunt, RARP

Saturday Afternoon continues with Expert Roundtable Topics… Register at Check-in!

Mary Cantando ~ “Expand Your Products with Minimal Time and $$$: Create valuable back of room products from a single existing product.”

John Cooper ~ “Blogging 101" Learn how to create, develop and maintain blogs for pleasure and profit.

Wesley Ford ~ "Technology's Great - When it Works" Learn what to do when technology goes wrong and you’re technologically challenged.

“Marcia Jackson ~ HOOK Your Audience with Interactive Strategies; YES, even in a Keynote!”

Becky McCrary ~ "Finding and Nurturing Your Niche Market." Hear how Becky became niched in her chosen market and is called, “the Carol Burnett of Credit Unions.”

Bart Queen ~ "How to Increase Your Mental Real Estate...Tips and Tricks!" Learn tips to increase delivery impact and book more engagements.

Don't Miss This Incredible Event! Register Today!

Cost: $49 Members, Staff, Spouse $89 Guests

Registrations Made After After Aug. 31, Please Add $10

Register Here!

September 7 MEMBERS ONLY EVENT!

Friday Night September 7th…...MEMBERS ONLY EVENT! Don't Miss It!

Join a surgeon who traded his scalpel for a microphone and added CSP after his MD when he started earning 100% of his income from speaking and consulting. As a surgeon, Tray Dunaway knew how to remove an appendix the old fashioned way as well as with the new-fangled laparoscopic techniques. As a speaker, Dr. Tray relies on fundamental tried-and-true marketing as well as embracing new technologies to achieve the same results: Making the PHONE RING.
M. Tray Dunaway, MD, FACS, CSP, CHCO

Cost: $25.00 per person MEMBERS ONLY!
REGISTER HERE!

Don't Miss This Fantastic MEMBERS ONLY EVENT!

Welcome to NSACarolinas

Welcome to the blog of NSA/Carolinas, an officially chartered Chapter of the National Speakers Association.

This is an amazing profession we have chosen! We can make of it whatever we like. We can travel or not. We can train or keynote or both. We can educate or entertain or both. We can speak 150 times a year or 20. Yet the most amazing aspect of our industry is our sharing. NSA/Carolinas allows us the opportunity to share with each other the things that are working, what is on the horizon, and how to bump it up a notch. In this ever changing industry, status quo is simply not an option.

What will you get from NSA/Carolinas?
* more tips and techniques than you can put into action in a year
* nuggets that will make a difference in your office Monday morning
* a camaraderie that will encourage you, inspire you, and hold you accountable

Join us in Charlotte four times a year for our Chapter meetings and the second weekend of November for Speakers School. Whether you have been speaking professionally for years or are just now investigating the possibilities of a career move, you won’t want to miss a thing.

Blessings!
Becky McCrary
NSA/C President 2007-2008
864-967-3705