** The official e-newsletter of the National Speakers Association of South Africa **

Your Board of Directors (BoD)

Billy Selekane          mailto:president@nsasouthafrica.co.za (President)  

Annie Greeff            mailto:deputy@nsasouthafrica.co.za (Deputy President) 

Justin Cohen            mailto:webmaster@nsasouthafrica.co.za  (Marketing) 

Greame Codrington  mailto:treasurer@nsasouthafrica  (Treasurer)

Ray Laferla              mailto:laferla@pix.co.za  (Professional Development)

Erik Vermeulen        mailto:erik@leadermotivation.com (Newsletter)

Jacques de Villiers   mailto:jacques@jacquesdevilliers.com   (Website)

Grant Driver             mailto:grant@captivate.co.za      (Membership)

Paul du Toit             mailto:pdt@congruence.co,za (Immediate Past President)

Hanlie Joubert          mailto:admin@nsasouthafrica.co.za (Administrator) 

Please note - unsubscribe procedure at the foot of this newsletter

February / March 2007

[last issue – October 2006] 

In this issue:  

1.   T Minus: We’re counting down to the 2^nd Annual NSASA Convention

2.   How we make a Difference

3.   NSASA Matters

4.   NSASA Website: Audio versions of Meetings 

5.   Local Speakers Recently

6.   Upcoming Speaker Events

7.   Upcoming National Speaker Conventions Internationally

8.   How to Apply to Join the NSASA

9.   Thought for the Month

** footnote: How to apply to join NSASA ** 

Click here for the Presidents message

Note: For additional information, please click on the hyperlinks (usually in blue) which will take you to a special web page, email address or suchlike. For easy navigating, it suggested that you stay online to access the relevant links.

1. FEATURE ARTICLE:  T-Minus:  We’re counting down to the 2^nd Annual NSASA Conference.

In just a little over a month, Sandton will be the centre of the NSASA universe as over 100 members, and soon-to-be-members converge on the Grayston Sun for the 2^nd Annual NSASA Convention.

If you haven’t yet secured your seat, now is the time.  The longer you wait, the more it costs!!!

This is your opportunity to sit at the feet of 20 professional members from South Africa, the USA, Canada and Australia.  Between them, the experts who will be taking to the stage have over 300 years experience.

Here are some of the draw-cards.

Mr Scott Friedman CSP (USA)

This humorous, insightful program gives you the answers you need in creating the speaking career you'd like.  Learn to make good choices as we explore what it takes to make it in this ever changing global speaking industry. Create a greater self-awareness as you learn to be driven by the joy and the hassle factor.

Increase your value as a speaker as Scott teaches you how to connect with a global audience and have more fun while doing it.   Treat yourself to a grand shot in the arm as you walk away with fresh ideas about creating your future.

Ms Monica Wofford (USA)

Monica Wofford founded her training career and company on the premise that a leader does not have to be born, but can be developed. The author of the highly acclaimed Contagious Leadership, and numerous other books and learning tools, Monica has been called “The best trainer ever seen!” Her clients, such as Hormel Foods, Estee Lauder, the U.S Mint, and Combined Insurance request her repeatedly for her behavior changing and entertaining presentations. Monica’s proven strategies, timely techniques, and powerful insights into effective leadership and success, masterfully transform managers into leaders, unproductive employees into top performers, and high performers into long term team members.

Though she began her speaking career in 1989 with her first key note to 8600 students, Monica has been in management since 1990 and has received numerous awards and recognition for her team leadership. Even Vice President Dick Cheney has complimented Monica on her leadership initiatives! With an MBA and numerous training certifications, her career background includes leadership in the wireless and retail industries, corporate training, and 4 years of business ownership with Monica Wofford International. Monica also serves as an adjunct instructor with The University of Phoenix, a board member of Freedom Ride, and an amateur polo player.

Ms Robyn Pearce CSP (NZ) IFFPS President 2006-2007

Topic: Fast Track Tips To Grow Your Speaking Business – Smart Time-Saving And Marketing Tips To Make The Cash Register Ring

In this interactive 2 hour session you'll cover:

• How to become an ‘expert’
• Hints and tips on making regular web-based income
• How to build an international business from nothing
• Licensing learnings – the pathway to making money from your intellectual property
• Time-saving tips to turn your speaking business into a cash cow
• .. and more

New Zealander Robyn Pearce CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), and current President, IFFPS (International Federation for Professional Speakers), fell into the study of time management because she was bad at it. Back in the early 90s, as she worked hard to improve her greatest weakness, she found to her surprise that those hard-won new skills became the foundation of a training and coaching business. She’s now an international specialist on a wide variety of time- and productivity-related matters, author of five books and many other products, keynote speaker and trainer, and developer of a licensing system now available world-wide.

To support her speaking business she has a high-content website, an e-newsletter that goes every two weeks to nearly 8,000 people around the world, and consistently increasing product sales that make up about 50% of her income. All this is done with one part-time assistant who lives 1000 km away.

Of course, our local speakers Gavin Sharples, Callie Roos, Jacques de Villiers and Patricia Glyn are not to be missed.

Register NOW.  See you in Sandton from 20 – 22 April 2007!!

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2.       How we make a difference.

The problem with being in the service industry is that you very seldom get to see the good that gets done by our organisation.  Traditionally members only contact us when they’re not happy about something – EXCEPT at NSASA.  We’ve never received complaints, but we have received testimonials of gratitude.  Here’s one, verbatim, from Jurgen Tietz.  Jurgen joined NSASA as a Candidate member and in under two years evolved to a Professional Member.  Here’s his story.

Hi All,

I believe in giving recognition, that’s what this mail is all about.  

In the past year, I have been getting a lot of repeat business and I know that, apart from the fact that I am an expert in safety, I have grown as a speaker through my membership of NSASA. I have learnt such a lot from ALL the speakers I have seen in action / listened to and networked with. Moreover, I gained a lot of inspiration from the national conference and learnt valuable lessons from the workshops I have attended. I fully echo the comments Jacques has made in the NSASA newsletter, about the benefits of being a NSASA member. My business has grown tenfold over the last two years, through speaking, as well as selling my COOL TOOL ® range of products. It is the cumulative effect of all the tips and lessons, but the key difference has come about through:

1. I made SAFETY my “umkhonto” (= spear) & focus and hand out a ‘Root cause digging tool’ as a calling card at the end of my presentations.

2. I have a PR consultant to develop my brand and give me exposure in safety related media, like the RISK MANAGEMENT magazine, for which I am writing a monthly toolbox talk.

3. I developed my CROCODILE’S TALE as one of my key-notes.

4. I developed and branded my range of products and hand-outs.

5. I did some 20 show cases, bought a DVR, record all my presentations and review my talk while driving home.  Alain Woolf did a DVD and show reel for me, which is now one of my marketing tools.

6. In the beginning, I presented a lot of (excellent) slides.  I have evolved into a fully fledged, professional speaker.  I tell stories, ask questions and involve the audience with, amongst others, my “YEBO BABA”.

I rest my case by thanking all of you for what you have given me.

Keep SAFE and have FUN

Jürgen Tietz

Professional Member

Annie Greeff at Camp NSA, USA

November 2006 saw our Deputy President, Annie Greeff, invited to attend Camp NSA in Phoenix, Arizona.  Here’s what she got up to… straight from her!

During November 2006, I represented the National Speakers Association of Southern Africa at Camp NSA, in Phoenix Arizona. This is an annual event for Presidents-Elect internationally, and offers participants the opportunity to learn more about the origin, aims and activities of the NSA as an international organisation. The Camp covers different aspects of corporate governance and sound leadership practices. Although Camp NSA is structured to benefit the organisation, all leaders have to pay their own airfare and accommodation, while each local organisation sponsors the conference fee of their representative  - great value for money, considering the exposure to the expertise of the most prominent leaders in our industry. Thank you NSASA, for supporting me in this manner.

What an amazing experience to share insights and solutions to challenges internationally. Interestingly enough, chapters in America and Australia experience the same challenges that we face in South Africa. There was great appreciation for what NSASA has achieved in a short time, and the growth of our organisation compares to the best in the world!

One of the projects that is a direct result of Camp NSA, is our so-called speaker school - Academy for Professional Speakers- that we will be launching during May 2007. This is an initiative aimed at Candidates wanting to grow their businesses to eventually qualify as Professional Members. The Academy will offer 'speakers in the making' a whole curriculum of competencies over a period of two years.

It was also during Camp NSA, that Beverly Babb, Senior Director of Operations at NSA Head Office realised how fast our organisation has grown, and what the challenges in a young, dynamic organization are. She invited Hanlie Joubert, our Administrator to Phoenix and offered in true NSA spirit to take care of Hanlie during the special in-house training programme for which we are still raising sponsorship. Hanlie will hopefully be able to make use of this offer during May 2007.

I strongly recommend that future incoming presidents make the investment and attend Camp NSA. It is a unique experience and worth every cent and every minute spent away from your business. To meet great leaders like Ed Scannell, CSP, (Camp NSA Chair) Lennora Billings Harris, CSP (NSA President) Marc LeBlanc (NSA President Elect) Naomi Rhode, CSP, Glenna Salsbury, CSP, and Stephen Tweed, CSP is a simply inspiring. I came back inspired to add even more value to our organisation. Camp NSA re-affirmed for me, that as a leader, it is not about you, but rather about what you have to offer, and whom you can depend on. I am excited about the future of NSASA and very proud of our achievements and the character of our young, dynamic organization.

Annie Greeff, Deputy President of the National Speakers Association of Southern Africa

3.       Membership Matters.

NSASA now boasts 129 Members consisting of 54 Professional, 25 Associate, 40 Candidate, 4 Supplier and 6 Staff members. This is showing good growth.  It’s also encouraging to see that some of our new members have a wealth of experience that they can share with Candidate and Associate members.

Candidate and Associate members should keep their ears and eyes peeled – we launch the Speakers Academy in May.  Hosted by Douglas Kruger, SA’s only World Champion Speaker, you’ll be able to sit at the feet of the pro’s and follow a structured programme to help you build you skills as a professional speaker!!

The Spirit of NSASA

Always ready with a story, Jacques de Villiers relates how much fun it can be to include yourself in the NSASA network.

I was in Durban on 21 February doing an MC gig and talk for Luasa in the morning. I intended to write some articles after that at my brother’s home in Amanzimtoti. The man doesn’t have air conditioning in his cottage. It was around 31 degrees in his pool. I tried to write, but the sweat poured off me, onto my keyboard (I’m sure my brain started frying). Needless to say not much writing was done (lots of swimming, though). I phoned Richard Mulvey, president of the NSASA chapter in Durban and mentioned the heat to him. The Durbanites don’t seem to notice the heat. In true NSASA spirit he offered me his air conditioned office in Durban North. Probably thought I was a bit of a sissy – the humidity factor was probably 200%, so no stress.  So, lots of writing was done on Thursday thanks to Richard’s generous offer. That was up until lunch time when we regaled each other with stories and plied each other with drink. Who says speakers don’t have fun. Seriously, though, thanks Richard for helping out a fellow speaker. You have the true spirit of NSASA.

Jacques de Villiers

Professional Member, NSASA

4.       NSASA Website:  Audio versions of Meetings

So, what happens when, considering the hectic schedule most Professional Members keep, you can’t make it to any of the monthly member meetings?

Up till now the answer’s been simply – you miss out.  BUT NOT ANYMORE!!

Innovation and the IT geniuses that run our website, have now made it possible to download an audio file of the meetings.  So you no longer have to miss out on the valuable content shared at these meetings. 

We are working miracles, but the impossible takes a little longer, so be patient and give us a couple of days after the meetings to get the audio clip uploaded.  Then simply go to the website and access the relevant clip under the “Resources” banner.

Enjoy!

If you have any feedback for Jacques, or have suggestions for items you’d like to see on the website, please send them to Jacques at mailto:jacques@jacquesdevilliers.com  or mailto:webmaster@nsasouthafrica.co.za 

5.       Local Speakers Recently

Johannesburg Chapter

Justin Cohen on Producing Books and Products, Branding them and Marketing them!

Justin Cohen had a busy month talking at NSA events, not only in Durban, but also in Johannesburg! During our March meeting at The Grace Hotel in Rosebank attended by 40 members, Justin shared with the audience his personal journey in writing and product development, which also reflected his personal and professional development over time. It was helpful to understand how to make time for creative writing. Once you have the product, the challenge is to align your personal branding with your books and other products when you decide on artwork. Although publishing a book is not a shortcut to riches, it does give a speaker credibility, and the expertise needed for convincing presentations. An interesting aspect of Justin’s marketing strategy, is the idea of finding alternative, unexpected outlets for your products, apart from the normal bookstore or ‘after talk’ backroom product sales.

Durban Chapter

Justin Cohen Charms

Our guest speaker at this month’s gathering at the Durban Country Club was Justin Cohen. His brief was to tell us how to get to the top of the agents’ popularity list and get more bookings. He went one better. After telling us a little of his personal journey towards regular bookings (80% from agents, where most speakers are lucky to get 10 - 15%) he introduced our very own Beryldene Stemp, who heads up the speaker bureau ‘Guest Speaker’.

Using an ‘interview style’, Justin and his guest proceeded to tell us everything they could about building a good relationship with agents. Here are some tidbits, from memory:

·         Send good, clear information to the agents – they must know what you do. Keep their information up to date.

·         Don’t expect bookings unless you are good – be marketable.

·         Make sure the agents get the chance to witness you in action –nobody will book you until they have seen and heard you.

·         Structure your presentation.

·         Use images and other support – unless you are a spectacular speaker – but don’t let the visuals become the presentation.

·         Speaking tends to be about entertainment – presentation style is more important than content.

·         A presentation must however have a goal – it must convey something important.

·         Have a relaxed, natural platform style and be able to interact with your audience.

·         Be a pleasure to work with – no matter how good you think you are, don’t be arrogant, be accommodating. Be prepared to compromise and ‘work with’ the agents to secure bookings.

·         Don’t do ‘the dirty’ – never get between the agent and the client and never undercut the price you have given the agent.

6.       Upcoming Speaker Events

Johannesburg Chapter

On the 28^th of March, the Johannesburg chapter will hear from renowned CEO Ernest du Toit.

It's Ernest du Toit who was the CEO of Avroy Schlain and is a highly successful businessman.  He will be providing us with insight into what a CEO expects from a speaker. Why book a particular speaker, what a speaker should enquire about when proposing a talk or presentation and how to maximise the opportunity to present for a large company.  He'll also give some tips into the challenges that face a CEO when it comes to motivating and leading people within the organisation.

The meeting will take place at Old Eds in Houghton.  Please note the new Venue!!

Durban Chapter

Yes, the “Book Man” is coming to Durbs! You can get to see him in this ‘jewel of the Indian Ocean’ - twice! He is coming to present his world-famous seminar on how to write a book, AND he is the guest speaker at our next meeting on 26^th March, at the Durban Country Club. We know of at least 2 Johannesburg members who have booked to come to Durban for a weekend, especially to attend the Dan Poynter seminar. Join them!

7.       Upcoming National Speaker Conventions Internationally

2007 NSAA 17^th National Convention

30 March to 1 April 2007  

Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast, Australia

Website: http://www.nationalspeakers.asn.au

2007 NSASA 2nd National Convention

20-22 April 2007

Grayston Sun Hotel, Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa.

Website: http://www.nsasouthafrica.co.za

IFFPS Global Summit 2007 – Dubai

June 01, 2007 - June 05, 2007
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates,
Location: Information on the IFFPS Web site
Location Phone: +1(480) 968-2552

2007 NSA Convention

July 09, 2007 - July 12, 2007
San Diego, California
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Location Phone: +1(619) 232-1234

2007 German Convention

 7-8 September 2007 in Munich –

For  details visit:  http://www.germanspeakers.org/de/kommendeevents_Conv07_Programm.php

8.       How to Apply to Join the NSASA

Please visit our website, www.nsasouthafrica.co.za for information about the organisation, membership application forms and debit order forms. Step by step instructions are given. 

9.       Thought for the Month

“You can fool some people some of the time, but you’ll never everybody all the time.” 

Erik Vermeulen

Editor 

** footnote: How to apply to join NSASA ** 

Click here for the President's message

Note: For additional information, please click on the hyperlinks (usually in blue) which will take you to a special web page, email address or suchlike. For easy navigating, it suggested that you stay online to access the relevant links.

Any thoughts, suggestions, criticism - please mailto:news@nsasouthafrica.co.za

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