Speaking engagements are an excellent way to expand one’s exposure and network. I enjoy sharing my experience and learning from the audience. Public speaking opportunities are a win-win proposition for freelancers. This is a good month as I have two scheduled speaking engagements.
My corporate experience trained me to present quantitative data, usually financials, in charts and graphs. The objective was to “be accurate, be quick, and be gone.” They lasted about 20 minutes, one slide per minute. The point was to show up, present the argument and then get off the stage. The purpose was to explain results and gain approval for a proposed course of action. Of course, the presentation was designed to connect with the audience. Today, my goal is to influence my audience by providing useful information, reinforcing my status as a subject matter expert. My presentation style has changed with the times.
Now, my speaking engagements are designed to facilitate a discussion. Today the slides are not the focal point, but the backdrop for the presentation. I am expected to tell a story without constant reference to PowerPoint slides, ticking off bullet points. I rather enjoy this presentation style. I provide useful information by leading a discussion and learn something in the process. After all, my audience is usually comprised of senior executives who hardly need a lecture.
That’s the way it was this week when I presented to The Financial Executives Networking Group, Atlanta Chapter, (The FENG). The FENG is an association of senior-level finance and accounting executives, mostly Chief Financial Officers and Corporate Controllers. Most are in career transition, but not all. I was invited to speak about my book, Fighting Alligators: Job Search Strategy For The New Normal.
My plan was to tell them how the job market has changed for senior managers, especially for baby boomers in the Digital Age. My message was to embrace a broader range of opportunities, supported by the realities of the current economy including shorter job tenures, greater opportunity with smaller, emerging companies; and the predominance of private equity groups. I advised them to embrace technology, especially LinkedIn, but to focus on networking as their primary search strategy. In short, my presentation was about getting baby boomers to think differently about their career options.
I presented this subject by speaking about the evolution of my executive search practice. I spoke of the changing needs of employers and of new opportunities, particularly the growth of Private Equity Groups. We discussed the trend to outsource many job functions and how that facilitated the growth of emerging companies. I explained that over time, more of my clients began asking for independent consultants and contractors. As this was my personal experience, I did not need a PowerPoint presentation to guide me through the material. Instead, my slides were used as a backdrop to help the audience internalize my key points.
I told them of my journey, moving from a traditional corporate environment to an independent consultant providing executive recruiting services. I explained that my business evolved into coaching job seekers, especially with respect to opportunities in freelancing, and then helping my clients find independent consultants. Technology has helped facilitate the growth of freelancing for both the client and the independent consultant. That led to an extension of my business, connecting freelancers to prospective clients. I advised my audience to consider freelancing as a career option.
The conversation with The FENG was stimulating as there was a lot of participation. In fact, at the end of the discussion, several people approached me indicating their interest in freelancing as a career option and becoming affiliated with ITB Partners. In the following days, I continued to receive positive feedback and requests to connect on LinkedIn. I guess you might say my presentation was a success. When you are scheduled for a speaking engagement, present your message as a story. Use your PowerPoint slides as a backdrop, not as a primary focal point. You will be pleased with the result and generate more invitations to speak.
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Jim Weber, Managing Partner
ITB PARTNERS
Jim.Weber@itbpartners.com
Current Assignments
1. COO- Northeast-based Casual Dining Restaurant Company – Completed
2. VP Operations – Southeast-based Casual Dining Restaurant Company – New
2. VP Operations – Southeast-based Casual Dining Restaurant Company – New
3. CEO- Northeast-based Casual Dining Restaurant Company – Completed
4. Corporate R&D Chef, Atlanta-based Home Meal Replacement Company – Complete
5. Area Supervisor – Legacy Pizza Chain, Carolinas – Completed
6. Operating Partners – Legacy Pizza Chain – New
7. Controller – Atlanta-based Consumer Products – Digital Company – Completed
8. Outplacement Assignment – Atlanta-based Manufacturer: Complete
