NSACarolinas News Blog

Increase your productivity up to 40%

2008-09-15T07:14:00.000-04:00

Did you read Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"?

Our colleague Richard Morreale reminded us of it at last week's NSA/Carolinas meeting.

Richard has a matrix planning guide to help you get more done.

Do you often feel there's too much to do? Where do you start?

Here's a simple idea. List urgent and important tasks. Do them first.

Now list other tasks that aren't necessarily urgent but important.

Do them next. Then list the urgent but not important ones.

These are the ones someone else wants you to do. Say "no" to them.

Finally list the ones that are neither urgent nor important.

Ignore them. They are time wasters. Your time's too valuable.

Now list urgent and important tasks as your daily priorities.

The urgent and important ones get top priority.

The important but not urgent ones come next.

With a plan for the day, you'll get more done than you expect.

To contact Richard, go to Richard@RichardMorreale.com

Ask him to email you a matrix to help you set priorities.

Great meeting...

2008-09-14T15:06:00.002-04:00

The meeting on Saturday was great. The improv workshop led by Tim Dumas on Friday night was fun and educational. Tim knows his stuff and he was able to have us participate in an exercise and then explained how to use it and make the most of it.

Darren LaCroix conducted a product development workshop on Saturday that gave me, and everyone else in attendance, a long list of things to do on Monday. Of course, we should not be surprised since he is a past world champion of public speaking and enjoys to his credit one of the best selling tapes for an NSA convention event. The program he did for us derived from that NSA presentation.

If you were unable to join us I hope you got high value out of whatever it was you are doing. I am disappointed you couldnt be with us and hope you will join us for coming events.

Your Board had a lively board meeting on Friday afternoon discussing programming and I look forward to sharing details with you in the coming days.

Come See Us In September

2008-08-16T19:20:00.002-04:00

Our quarterly meeting is on September 12 and 13.

I hope you attended the national convention because it was a good one. Of course, there is simply too much for me to relate to you in this post but I can tell you this. Come to our next meeting and it will be equally worth your time and money. Okay, Charlotte isn’t Times Square but we know you don’t come for the sights anyway. You come for two things; knowledge and networking. I assure you that there will be plenty of both.
The improv workshop on Friday night is going to be a blast. You will laugh, you will learn, and you will become a better speaker because of what you learn. On Saturday we will focus on product development. Let’s face it, we all appreciate a little passive income and this session will give you the tools you need to begin building alternative streams of revenue for your business.
Finally, congratulations to our own Denise Ryan for earning her CSP designation. Our Chapter continues as one of the strongest in the association and certification is testimony to that fact. Your attendance helps keep it strong.
I know you are busy but I hope you will make the choice to be with us in Charlotte where you will get knowledge and relationships you can Use On Monday.

Contact any Bart Queen, Laura Hamilton or me if you want to learn more.

The Carolinas Chapter has a new CSP

2008-08-10T16:18:00.002-04:00

Denise Ryan has earned her CSP! She received this honor at the convention in NYC. Please join me in congratulating her for this important recognition.

The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, conferred by the National Speakers Association and the International Federation for Professional Speakers, is the speaking profession's international measure of professional platform skill. It is held by only 10% of the members of the national association.

The CSP designation is earned through demonstrating competence in a combination of standards:

-Professional platform skills;
-Professional business management;
-Professional education; and
-Professional association.

Speakers must be members of NSA or another IFFPS organization for at least three years and complete a rigorous application process to earn the CSP designation.

Eureka!

2008-08-04T00:28:00.002-04:00

Dont you just love it when an experiment works! Our attempt at a lunch gathering at National worked. We had 19 people associated with the chapter gather to reconnect and share convention notes. It was neat to see and I hope we can replicate this success next year.

NSA NYC

2008-08-02T13:47:00.002-04:00

Well, here we are. I have already seen Becky McCrary and Bart Queen at chapter leadership this morning. It is worth coming early for this session to learn from other chapters about all they do. You dont have to be on the Board or anything like that. So, maybe next year you can attend and learn a bit more about how NSA works. This knowledge will help you get more value out of your membership. More later on the meeting place for Sunday lunch

Happy New Year

2008-06-14T21:37:00.002-04:00

Today Becky McCrary became the past President of NSA/C and I am now the President of our chapter. She leaves us in great shape and the meeting today was one of the best I have attended in my years attending.

As the new president I had some comments in our last newsletter and I repeat them here.

There is a sense of urgency in business today. Our clients talk of recession and the election and, more than ever, they want material they can put to use immediately. Meeting planners talk more about ROI and impact today than ever before and their demands have made me a better speaker. It is only fitting then that we make the same demands of our chapter and our programming. In the coming year we will put all programming through one simple test: Can we use it on Monday? Can a speaking professional attend on Friday and Saturday and put elements of what they learned to work in their business right away? If the answer is yes, then you will see it here. If the answer is no, then you will not see it.
Of course, beyond programming we must continue to be an association that looks out for each other and shares with each other. We know this to be one of the sacred values of NSA yet I know we all sometimes focus inward and in doing so we diminish the Spirit of Cavett. The Carolinas Chapter is one of the leading chapters in NSA and we inherit a wonderful legacy. I will do what I can to keep it there. How about you? I invite you to join us in the coming year as we deliver programming you will use on Monday and you build relationships you will use for a lifetime. In the meantime, let's make this blog something worthwhile. Join in!

Spirit of NSA Day

2007-11-11T20:03:00.000-05:00

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!!

2007-11-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-11-05T19:32:00.001-05:00

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......

2007-10-28T19:01:00.000-04:00

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.

2007-09-18T15:14:00.000-04:00

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.

2007-08-17T20:00:00.000-04:00

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.....

2007-08-08T05:23:00.001-04:00

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

2007-08-05T19:25:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-04T13:40:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-04T07:26:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-02T20:09:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-01T04:46:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-01T04:00:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-08-01T03:45:00.000-04:00

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

Meeting Agenda Sept. 7-8th

2007-07-31T06:45:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-07-31T06:39:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-31T06:30:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-07-31T06:12:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-31T05:52:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-07-31T05:17:00.000-04:00

“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!

2007-07-31T05:08:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-30T20:31:00.001-04:00

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