Why the “Why” Matters

Sometimes we know things intuitively but we can’t understand them until someone else helps us make sense of them.

For years now, from time to time, things in my world will go exceedingly well (both personally and/or professionally) and I am never quite sure what I did “right”. That was until I was asked to watch this TED Talk in preparation for a board meeting.

(more…)

When Your Customer Isn’t the Consumer

by Gwen Bortner | Marketing, Presenting

For speakers, trainers, and sometimes consultants, the person who actually buys our service (the customer) is not the one who receives our service (the consumer).

[featured-image single-newwindow=”false” id=”140130-CashInHand” alt=”Cash In Hand”]Photo Credit: Tax Credits via Compfight cc[/featured-image]

This can create an interesting marketing and sales conundrum. If referral marketing is one of the most effective techniques, but the consumer of your services doesn’t actually buy directly from you, what is a person supposed to do to create a referral marketing strategy?

(more…)

3 Secrets Every Presenter Should Know

by Gwen Bortner | Presenting, Training & Instruction

Presenters come in all shapes and sizes, using a variety of skills, working in a myriad of venues. But whether they are working as professional speakers, writers, instructors, trainers or preachers, they all need to know these three secrets to being a successful presenter.

[featured-image single-newwindow=”false” id=”131018-Shhh” alt=”Shhh…It’s a secret”]Photo Credit: SamikRC via Compfight cc[/featured-image]

The truth is that these aren’t secrets in the “you shouldn’t tell” sort of way – they are secrets because people either don’t know about them or are unaware of their importance. But if your message is important and being at the top of your game matters to you, these three secrets are the key to your success.

(more…)

3 Shortcuts for Creating Excellent Handouts

by Gwen Bortner | Tips & Tricks

When I started teaching, one of my goals was to provide excellent handouts for each class I taught. Years later, based on feedback from my students, it appears that I have met that goal.

[featured-image single-newwindow=”false” id=”130928-Shortcut” alt=”Short Cut the Path”]Photo Credit: mag3737 via Compfight cc[/featured-image]

Creating excellent handouts can be very time-consuming, and even now I still typically invest several days’ worth of time into creating a handout for the first time. But over the years I have developed several shortcuts that have significantly reduced that time investment, and today I will share them with you.

(more…)

What We Can Learn From Sherlock Holmes About Teaching a Class

by Gwen Bortner | Training & Instruction

Historically I was never a big Sherlock Holmes fan. But with the recent movies and two TV series, my interest has grown. His methods, insights and attitudes are intriguing.

[featured-image single-newwindow=”false” id=”130924-SherlockHolmes.jpg” alt=”Historical Faces of Sherlock Holmes”]

What I have come to realize is that many of the tools Sherlock Holmes uses for solving a mystery are also wonderful tools for helping a class run smoothly. We just need to look at them a little differently and apply them to our challenge of teaching a class effectively as opposed to solving a crime.

(more…)