How to Command an Audience

Happy Monday and it is time to conquer the world!

Believe it or not, I’m an introvert, content to be on my own working behind the scenes.  I work every day to overcome this in my business.  I mean, let’s be honest, being in direct sales you need to be out sharing and talking to people, right?

I never thought I would or could command an audience.  When I think of an audience, I think of standing in front of a large group of people speaking – YIKES!  The knees start to shake, I get nervous and totally forget what I am trying to say.  Without even knowing it, we command an audience…

• Are you a mom or dad? Your family is an audience.
• Have a job? Your co-workers are an audience.
• Own a business? Your employees and customers are audiences.

When I put things in this perspective, it is a little bit easier to swallow.  The list goes on because an audience can be just one person you are talking to.  I love Andy Andrews! When I first saw him a Thirty One’s National Conference, I wanted to soak up everything he said.  The memory may not be great BUT I do read everything he puts out.  Some things stick with me while others I need to re-read lots of time.

He has an actual formula for commanding an audience no matter the size of the audience.

1. You want the audience to view you as a friend.

Do you feel like you need to have an answer for everything?  Are you a “know it all”?  Did you know the way your audience see you can determine how successful you are?   When your audience identifies with you or see you as a friend, they are more likely to be nice and engage in conversation.  Think about the people you enjoy being around. Then consider each situation from your audience’s point of view and make an effort to be friends with them, you will win their hearts.

2. You always want to actively engage your audience.

Do you get distracted talking to people (a group or event one person)?  You must ACTIVELY keep your audience engaged the whole time you are talking with them.  It can be stressful, right?  I tend to lose focus now with the MS and as a result, I tend to lose my audience.  So, I am working on way to acknowledge the distraction or “squirrel moment” so I can get back on track (for me and for them).

When I am talking to a small group (like at a home party), I used to stand in the front of the room – almost frozen in place, afraid to move.  Now, I walk around and talk to people while sharing the products.  If someone responds to something I said, I may walk over and share the product with them or try to engage them further in conversation.

The truth is despite my best efforts, I will become distracted or my audience will so I have to be ready to deal with it before it happens.

3. Communicate “what’s in it for them.”

When it comes to reading, watching, or listening, we only pay attention to things of interest, or those which affect us, or benefit us.  I mean, you aren’t interested in something, how long are you going to continue to listen or are you going to zone out?

Let your audience know what they will get from you (or the conversation).  If you simply tell them—they will show interest. Sounds easy, right? The key is to take the focus off of you and share what THEY want.  I have been doing this at my Thirty One parties but talking with the hostess before hand to get her favorites or the things she thinks might be of interest to her guests.  It has made a BIG difference in the interactions during a party.

The key is to Always keep “what’s in it for them” in the top of your mind. Tell the the value of your information upfront and it will not only keep their attention but it will also help you to focus your message on the key points.

If you want to make an impact, you must learn to engage and interest your audience.

What are your best tips for keeping your audience engaged or interested? Share them with us.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Want to Up Your Social Media Game?

Yes, I have been in Facebook jail (very recently)!  The truth is that I was trying to connect with potential customers which is a great thing BUT I did it the wrong way.  Yes, there is a wrong way!!!  CLICK HERE for a great article on “How to a voice Facebook Jail”

What I realized is that when I am truly visible on social media, I automatically avoided Facebook jail.  It was when I started to “compare” and “copy” what others were doing, I landed in jail.  Lesson learned!  Continue to stick to the social media basics taught to me by my business coach, Desiree Wolfe and the results will roll in.

Here are some tips that will help you get visible AND stay out of Facebook jail.

1. Consistency

Remember the old saying “practice makes perfect“?  When being visible on social media, consistency is the name of the game.  It is the key that unlocks the door to increased visibility AND an increase in building connections with potential customers.  Think about it — who are you most likely to check out someone who comes across your newsfeed every day or one that you haven’t seen a post from in three weeks?

Consistency tip: Create a social media calendar that outlines a consistent posting schedule… and stick to it!

2. Branding.

Branding yourself across all your social media accounts is important in establishing a successful online presence. Basically, this means all your channels should give off the same vibe!  Everywhere you see me – you will see the same consistent message “Rays of Hope” making a difference in the lives of others and Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!  

Branding tip: You are so much more than the products that you sell.  Share your passion and the sales will come.  Believe me, it does work!

3. Utilize hashtags.

Hashtags are a key element in gaining new followers! So, be sure to tag all relevant topics so other users can find you and you can find them.

Hashtag tip: On Instagram, input hashtags in the first comment under your caption so they won’t clog up your followers’ feeds!

4. Complete your profile.

I know that privacy is HUGE and you want to be careful what you share.  I get it.  Keep your personal page, personal.  Have a business or public page so people can find you.  Then be sure it is in tip top shape! Ensure your picture, bio, and other fields are filled in and informative.  Update them monthly.  Check mine out and be sure to “LIKE” my page while you are there.

Profile tip: Your bio should be short and concise, but it should also tell users what your account is about, where you’re located, and why they should follow you!

5. Engage.

Social media allows for users to connect with people we wouldn’t normally run into on a day-to-day basis, so take advantage of it! After all, you’re all in this together, so utilize ALL networking and collaboration opportunities!

Engagement tip: Follow similar profiles, comment on other user’s feeds, interact with your followers, and don’t be afraid to ask them what they want to see!

By following these tips, you will be authentic and as a result won’t land in Facebook jail.  It may take time to see the results – don’t get discouraged.  Consistency will pay off.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!