It’s not the PowerPoint: YOU make the Presentation
Mar 8th, 2010 by Vikram Rajan
Many speakers hide behind their PowerPoint slides, I prefer not to use PPTs at all. Instead, I opt for a simple, interactive handout which serves as my notes while speaking and for them to remember. By keeping much of it blank, it forces participants to pay attention! Also, the act of writing reinforces memory (and keepsake value of my collateral).
Remember to ask questions: This puts the attention from what you're saying to what they're thinking. And what they're thinking should be what you're saying! PPT slides are often a crutch for co-dependence; it can be a catalyst for interaction. Also, they may not be plants, but it's great to interact with participants you know already (and know what they would say already). If you can't ask them questions, at least mention them. Everybody likes to be complimented from stage!
When I do 'Marketing with LinkedIn' seminars, I feel obliged to walk through a series of slides of {power} Points and Screenshots. (I don't rely on any supposed WiFi that may be wafting.) So, one of the greatest compliments I can hear - which I did hear again last week - was "wow, you really made that topic interesting!" Of course, that means 'Marketing with LinkedIn' sounds like an inherently boring topic. To me, it is not.
Within professional codes of ethics, attorneys and accountants can make great use of LinkedIn to (not share advice, but) network through their colleagues and clients. FINRA does allow financial advisors to use sites like LinkedIn, so long as every movement is archived (which can be done simply and inexpensively through 'social middleware.') Of course, the vast majority of broker-dealers and insurance agencies still prohibit any LinkedIn access. Those who understand the value of networking, and how to work within FINRA's compliance, can have a real competitive advantage; e-mail me to ask me how.
Below is a video presentation of my latest 'Marketing with Linkedin'. [Click play (the big picture will play a small video); pause it for a few seconds to enable the buffer to stream the video smoothly.] The screenshots have been updated for 2010; the slides are interlaced throughout the video. I have also uploaded the PPT below for your download. Feel free to share it with others; please leave the content (and my contact info) intact.
Very informative presentation on LinkedIn. I am constantly amazed that many advisors do not use LinkedIn to their advantage. Thank you!