Advanced Techniques: Free Speech

This one might scare a few of you away. How would you like more leads than you know what to do with in your job search? Give a free speech at a local civic group.

When you're in the job market you should be marketing yourself. And market just like you're marketing a product because, well, you are the product. What better way to market yourself than to present yourself as a resource to people in the field that you're trying to acquire a job?

Local groups are always looking for good speakers. They receive the value of your speech and you will get quite a few rewards in return.

• You get the chance to give a live sales presentation to sell yourself.
• You get to do an audition.
• You continue to cultivate your network.
• You establish your presence in the community.
• You help the community.
• You build your speaking skills, your presentation skills, and your story telling skills.
• You get to try out new material.
• You will attract new connections.
• You get the chance to have a meaningful impact on someone.
• You may get to eat for free!

Don't just talk about yourself. Present on something of value to your audience and incorporate your stance as an expert into the presentation. If your strengths are in home owner's insurance then talk about home safety, if you were or are a commercial painter then talk about how select the best contractor.

Make sure that pick a great audience. There can be some different dynamics in each one so do a little scouting before you present.

Make sure that you have something to handout. Even if it's just a printed sheet with notes. Make sure that it looks good but then the audience will have something of value to hold onto. It  should also have your contact information so they can reconnect with you.

Video tape it. Tiger Woods has a coach, not because the coach can "teach" him something but to have an extra set of eyes to help correct areas that Tiger wouldn't have seen. That's why should tape yourself. You're going to be focused on your presentation. When you watch it you will be able to see areas to improve.

Ask your audience to evaluate you. This is where you will find out if you had impact.

Hang around after the meeting. Be willing to network and personally get to know people. Remember, the more you network the more likely you will meet someone who is looking to hire or knows someone who is hiring.

Again, this is not for the faint of heart. But this is going to be one of the more effective tactics in your job search. If you're relying on sending out 20 resumes to job postings then you're going to be disappointed. Take actions that put you in control your job search.