I recently 'auditioned' for Speakers Spotlight (www.speakers.ca). They provide people of influence, talent and usefulness to groups requesting either to be entertained, enlightened and sometimes both. Why did I do this and what does it have to do with SMB tips? Most business owners would rather have hot pokers inserted into their ear canals rather than do any public speaking. Besides, what's the point, you're just trying to make ends meet and sell yourself or the stuff you are making or importing.

The cheapest and best way to get the message out is to speak to large groups of people at once. Obviously, this is way better than driving to one or two prospects every day. Recently I spoke to more than a hundred people involved in the car wash business, believe it or not. Great group of people. One hundred people divided by 10 average personal sales calls a week would equal 10 weeks of driving hither and yon that I accomplished in only a couple of hours yacking about websites.

My point is, 1) don't underestimate your experience, 2) don't underestimate that there might be an audience for what you have to say and 3) it's a better way to build your business. And besides it gets you out especially when you're desk bound.

Someone wrote that speaking to large groups of people caused more fear in people than the prospect of being shot. But of all the business-building skills you can develop I think being able to talk about your business to large groups of people is a good one to try. I recently heard someone talk about their professional house cleaning business, the kind that you do when there is a fire, or a backed up sewer. It was really interesting especially how much we underestimate water damage. He was passionate about his business and I would imagine that every Rotary Club would love to hear it.

Sure, there is a lot involved in putting together a presentation. Not including the rehearsal, but if you know your stuff and have some interesting stories to tell then why not try to get out to local clubs, business forums, chambers of commerce, boards of trade? Who knows you might become the next Tony Robbins?