Whether you’re launching a product, building a practice or gaining recognition as a presenter, it’s vital that you build a public presence. To maximize your impact, I suggest you begin by asking:

• Who do I want to connect with?
• What can I offer to improve their business or enrich their life?
• How do others like to learn?
• How can I use my style to engage them?

By taking the time to answer these questions you’ll have greater success engaging your clientele.

1) Design an event that highlights your strengths in a style others will enjoy.

If you enjoy lecturing, great! If not, you might consider a cyber slideshow or co-host an event and invite key clients and referral partners. Facilitate interactive, community building events that highlight your work. Offer community education class. Lead a teleclass. Create a blog.

What’s key is to use your unique approach AND meet the needs of your clientele. And remember, it’s not a one-hit deal, but an ongoing approach to exposing others to the power of your work.

2) Design the content to suit your intended outcome.

I always design my content or experience with one or two specific people in mind. It makes it much easier for me to address real life issues while pushing me to provide tangible, applicable outcomes.

3) Set the stage.

This is one of the most overlooked aspects of public outreach. An inviting, stimulating environment creates a context for your work before you even begin.

• Choose visuals, audio or sensory experiences that are inviting and intriguing.
• Bring people in. Leave your timidity at the door! If you’re in person, create a setting that minimizes distance and maximizes connection. Via phone or e-mail, set a welcoming tone by informally engaging your audience quickly in the purpose of the conversation.
• Have informative materials available on site or via the internet. Articles by and about you increase your credibility and let people know more about your expertise.

4) Create materials that support the event.

I find it most helpful to give people something to take away from the event or seminar. It might be a workbook or journal, a program or an interactive workbook. By doing so you give people the assurance that there is a structure so they can relax, enjoy and connect. The added benefit with print materials: people leave with a memorable take-away that they can refer back to or share with others.

5) Finally-and most importantly-connect!

Be curious and find out about your audience. What are their interests? Why are they listening to you? By asking these simple questions you can tailor your presentation to their life. Share stories that show how you’ve used these concepts in your own life. Let people see your vulnerabilities, then match it with your expertise. That’s how people begin to trust tghat you are like them and that you have something to enhance their life.

It all comes down to daring to share yourself, your work, your expertise and your desire to pass on something valuable to others. Make it fun and meaningful. In the end, you’ll increase your public visibility, credibility and ultimately, the value of your work.

This article was written by Carolyn Campbell, MA, CPPC and was first seen in NWDrizzle.com.