E14: Grow your Business Through Public Speaking: Interview with Katia Ravé.
“What is the purpose of you being on stage? … [The WHY] is the number one priority. … When you know the purpose of your talk, you can develop a strategy going backwards”
- Katia Ravé
Katia Ravé, CEO of Ravé Strategy Studios helps coaches, speakers, and driven service-based business owners to start, grow, and build a serious six figure business through public speaking.
Because of COVID-19, Katia has pivoted her business from traveling as a keynote speaker on stage to using online platforms to teach her clients how to go Live online, go Live with guests, how to collaborate with people, and how to use these virtual talks to generate leads. These are skills that will be beneficial even after she and her clients can get back to a (new) normal.
THE WHY OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
What is the purpose of public speaking? There could be many reasons including to make a basic business talk, generate leads, or the desire to sell from the stage. Once the purpose is determined, then a strategy can be developed to reach your goal.
HOW TO DEVELOP A SIGNATURE TALK
A signature talk is basically the essence of who you are. You have a point of view on everything - finances, cooking, traveling, parenting, business, etc. From these specific points of view, figure out your overall point of view. What do you believe? What do you stand up for? Then narrow down your point of view, what you do in business, what pinpoint you fix for others in your business, and who your ideal audience is. Your signature talk will encompass these components and will make you unique within your business and niche.
TIPS TO HELP WITH THE FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
75% of your confidence comes from having a deep level of knowledge of your product or service, how it helps people, and knowing who your audience is and having them in front of you. Know your field better than your audience. Read, study, research, watch tutorials, stay updated on the news in your industry, and talk with other experts in the field.
Also, ask yourself are you presenting in front of this crowd for you or for them? When you are there for them, to deliver value to them, you will feel the energy of the crowd and fear is virtually eliminated.
If you are fearful of forgetting your speech, it’s probably too memorized to be catered to your audience. Instead, break it down into little vignettes and if you forget a word, no big deal because you can get your point across as long as you know your product or service inside out.
HOW TO GET STARTED IN PUBLIC SPEAKING
Get to know your subject in depth. Then go to a networking event and talk about it. If you receive blank stares, craft a different approach and go back again until you receive positive responses.
Ask yourself “What are the two main things that I teach?” and develop a talk around those specific areas.
When you have in-depth knowledge of your subject and you have answers for the top two questions your audience has, your talk will simply flow. Don’t be afraid to ask your audience what problems they need solved. You can find answers to their obstacles and develop a talk around them.
THE BEST RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AS YOU BUILD YOUR CAREER
Find someone else in your field to act as your mentor.
Check in with your competition in a positive manner to stay updated and learn from each other.
Use the technological resources available to you - Zoom, Grammarly, etc.
Understand how to dress appropriately for your audience. It may not be your typical style. You may need to change to jewelry that doesn’t make sound in the microphone.
CRM (customer relationship management) - Know your numbers at the beginning of the month and where you want to be at the end of the month. Break it down by week and by day. Make a commitment to yourself to reach these goals.
Look for economical tools of your trade to share with your audience. Use the same technology that you recommend.
THINGS TO AVOID DOING IN PUBLIC SPEAKING
Definitely avoid trying to be like others. Follow your plan. Don’t try to be like that awesome speaker that came before you! Stay true to yourself.
Avoid going to places where you don’t have your ideal client. Stick to an audience that appreciates and thirsts for knowledge within your niche.
Avoid being lured by ads promising you a six figure income. They are usually not worth the return on investment.
Avoid procrastination. Set a goal and work towards it consistently without waiting until the last minute.
Avoid being lax about your numbers. Sound decisions can only be made when you know what’s coming in and what’s going out. Make sure your ROI is worth it! After the talk, how do you convert these people to sales? You are in business to make a profit so you must be in touch with your numbers.
“Don’t be afraid to ask … You have to cater, within your field, to what is the need. And if you don’t ask them, you just don’t know”
-Katia Ravé
Don’t miss out on Katia’s answers in my lightning round of questions! You’ll get to know more about her on a personal level...and she’s very cool!
Connect with Katia
On the web: ravestrategystudio.com
On Instagram @katiarave
On Linked in: @ravestrategystudio