NSA Northwest Quarterly Newsletter

NSA Northwest's Quarterly E-zine -- January 2006

In this Issue

Message from President Jan Dwyer

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year to you, and a warm welcome to all of you who are an integral part of the NSA NW Community! Whether you are new to our chapter or are one of our long-time members, we are so grateful that you have chosen to belong to NSA Northwest. Our theme this year is "NSA Northwest: A Community of Service." I have the privilege of serving as President this year, and together with an incredible Board, I am dedicated to helping our chapter continue to be the warm and supportive community for which it is known. I am committed to providing outstanding service in the way of high quality programming, opportunities for networking and relationship building, and plenty of speaking and business resources that will help YOU serve your clients better.

This issue marks the first of what will be quarterly "E-zines." It is designed to be a summary of our Chapter's news, announcements of our new members and affiliates, upcoming developments, and exciting programs you won't want to miss. Ultimately, this E-zine serves as another way to ensure that your membership investment reaps long term dividends. Please also refer to our website at www.nsanorthwest.org for up-to-date information on our Chapter news and events.

This summer, the Board participated in a Strategic Planning process so that we as a Chapter are all clear on our purpose. Two retreats were facilitated by our long-time member, Steve Miller. With the help of some long-time NSA Northwest members and many hours of discussion, we created a purpose statement:

NSA Northwest exists to support and enhance those who speak professionally.

We want to help professional speakers increase their platform potency, marketing strategies, and business acumen. Our community is composed of trainers, consultants, authors, small business owners, entertainers, facilitators, and actors, and yet we all share the same passion for communicating a message. No matter what your ultimate reason is for being a part of the professional speaking world, we are dedicated to help you be successful, however you define success.

As we begin a new year, let the NSA Northwest Community help you achieve your goals and dreams; no other organization or association is as dedicated to helping you achieve them. I have a real-life example of this!

On December 31st when most people were out celebrating, I spent the last day of 2005 in front of my computer trying to determine whether I had satisfied the requirements for NSA's Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, one of the highest in our association. I wasn't in this alone, though. Linda Keith had spent many hours with me throughout the year helping track and input the required data. On that last day, Brian Walter called me several times to check my progress and offer support. I am on track to earn the CSP in 2007, thanks to my wonderful NSA Northwest community! And I will be cheering Brian Walter and Corbin Ball when they are awarded their CSP at the 2006 NSA National Convention in Orlando. (Note: For information on the CSP designation, feel free to contact Linda Keith who is currently serving as our CSP Liasion). This is what NSA Northwest is all about!

As the founder of the National Speakers Association the late Cavett Roberts said, "True progress in any field is a relay race and not a single event." As we generously share with others, we can pass the wonderful gifts of knowledge, time, and service to others, so that together we can achieve great feats! Here's to another great year in the speaking field and in our Chapter!

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NSA Northwest -- A Community of Service!

Thanks again for all those who donated toiletries and other items to the Seattle's Union Gospel Mission Women and Children's Shelter. This is our third year in serving this wonderful organization. With nearly 100 wrapped gifts, including 73 one-of-a-kind, handmade scarves, we definitely brought joy to the faces of the women.

In the words of those who helped deliver the gifts on December 19th:

"It was very rewarding! I was impressed with the work the chapter did!"
- Cathy Goodwin, Affiliate

"There was a tremendous power in that room! There is real power when people who have been down-and-out take steps forward to improve their situation. It was great to add to that sense of positivism by showing that people who do not even know them care enough to brighten their holiday. We laughed, we sang, we had a good time...all of us."
Linda Keith, CSP, and Past President

"This was a great opportunity to help out people in need -- especially timely given that it was the holiday season. I was also impressed by the generosity of the NSA Northwest membership in making those donations."
Bob Seidensticker, Affiliate

Here is a Thank You from Johnni Olson, Program Manager of Seattle's Union Gospel Mission Women and Children's Shelter:

"The women felt very prized, honored, and special. They loved the scarves, especially the fact that no two scarves were exactly the same -- it was a huge hit. We see people wearing the scarves all the time. It is something they are really enjoying. They appreciated that you thought ahead about having an original one for each woman -- this spoke volumes. They felt that the little "baskets" were put together personally for them! They loved the singing. They loved every part of the evening. One woman had never received a Christmas present before so this was very meaningful to her. Thank you for coming and truly setting the tone for the whole holiday season. You made the women feel appreciated, accepted, and honored. We thank you! The women love you and your group!"

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Transitioning from Affiliate to Member
Marcia Brixey, VP of Membership

This is the time of year we make our New Year's resolutions. Are you ready to make the transition from affiliate to member? If the answer is yes, why not make your New Year's resolution to become a NSA member this year. For many of us speaking professionally is our passion, but it's not our only business. NSA Northwest members are also consultants, coaches, surgeons, sales representatives, accountants, and authors. This often makes qualifying as a NSA member a challenge for affiliates.

The good news is that once you qualify for membership, you don't have to submit qualification documentation again. Personally, this is a good thing. The year I qualified I had 20+ paid speaking engagements. However, the number has been considerably less since because I've spent time writing my book and acting as President of a non-profit organization. Let's review the membership requirements and I'll share some steps you can take to obtain 20 paid speaking engagements in a 12-month period. Notice, the qualification is a 12-month period, not a calendar year. I misunderstood this requirement when I first joined NSA Northwest as an affiliate and don't want that to happen to you, too.

Let's begin by looking at what's considered a "paid presentation". It's a presentation where a fee or some type of compensation is received. The selling of books or products does not quality as a fee or compensation for a presentation. If you're looking for organizations to speak for, check out www.iloveseattle.org . It has an expansive list of Puget Sound organizations, including professional associations, service clubs, and Chamber of Commerce. Many of these organizations invite speakers to give a presentation, but offer them a meal instead of a paid fee. Why not ask them to pay you the cost of meal in lieu of food. You probably won't have time to eat anyway and now you've received a fee for your presentation. Workshops or seminars you present to groups for a fee are also considered a "paid presentation."

The other two ways to qualify as NSA member are more straightforward:

NSA also offers an incredible program called the Academy for Professional Speaking. It's specially designed to help you make the jump from being a great speaker to being a paid speaker. You'll learn how to navigate the world of professional speaking from the people who have made it. They will teach you marketing, product development, authorship and other secrets. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to network with colleagues who are at your level of the profession and those who are at the top.

The Academy is a year-long program of face-to-face and distance learning, culminating in the one-day Cavett Institute. The meeting kicks off NSA's National Convention and features programming geared just for those of you who want to take your passion for speaking to the next level: professional speaking. There are no requirements to enroll in the Academy. As a participant, you enjoy newsletters, a subscription to Professional Speaker magazine, teleseminars, an online networking directory, discounts on all NSA meetings and free registration for the Cavett Institute. We're here to help you transition from affiliate to member. NSA Northwest exists to support and enhance the success of those who speak professionally.

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Welcoming our New Members and Affiliates 

We want to give a warm welcome to our new members and affiliates who have joined NSA Northwest since July 1. 

Barbara Bailey, Member 

Bailey & Associates: Barbara Bailey gives inspiring keynotes and back to basics seminars that ignite audiences to achieve their highest levels of success.

Audrey Beaulac, Affiliate

Audrey Beaulac Style: Audrey Beaulac is a personal style analysis coach, trainer and author with more than 2 decades of experience in the image industry.

Susan Blair, Affiliate

William Cooper, Affiliate

Retired Chief of Police. Author of the book "Leading Beyond Tradition." Speaks on his unique management model, Leadership, High Performance Organizations, and Ethics.

Robin Corak, Affiliate

Multi-Service Center, Workforce Solutions

Gives training and presentations that are designed to help businesses recruit, retain, and grow a strong workforce.

Clio Eldred, Affiliate

Have Song Will Travel

Plays guitar and sings to inspire and motivate others.

Michael Fraidenburg, Member

If you lose sleep over conflict or want to work better in a difficult work environment, give Mike a call.

Cathy Goodwin, Affiliate

Career consultant helping mid-career professionals who want to win the First Inning of their Second Career. Also a copywriter and marketing consultant for solo professionals who need to sell themselves but can't afford to sound sales-y.

Michael Haley, Member

Larey Holliday, Affiliate

Day2Day Business, Inc: Marketing Coordinator representing Alisa L Hunt, MBE/CPA, President and Founder of Day2Day Business, Inc - speaker, trainer, and consultant in business finance and customer service.

Glen Knight, Member

Knight Associates: Glen Knight, is an accredited speaker, international consultant, and seminar leader specializing in Project Management. - PMI Registered Education Provider.

Steve Lorton, Member

Bill Rieben, Affiliate         

Rieben & Associates, Inc: Income Tax Seminars, Association Leadership Workshops

Bob Seidensticker. Affiliate

Author, Future Hype: Discover how technology has *really* affected society and how it will impact us in the future.

Randy Wear, Member
Fluke Networks

Cheryl Weekes, Affiliate

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Chapter Benefits

NSA Northwest offers its members and affilates many benefits including a CD and Tape Library, Online Resource Directory,and Volunteer Opportunities:

CD and Tape Library

NSA Northwest has an extensive CD and tape library of seminars and presentations from past NSA National Conventions, Educational Retreats and Workshops. This library is available free of charge to our members and affiliates. Tapes and CDs can be checked out at no charge at all regular chapter meetings. For more information on the library, contact Marilyn Milnor at talltale11@aol.com or 206-322-7330.

Online Resource Directory

You'll find resources you can use to acquire business acumen, enhance your marketing know-how and improve your presentation skills. The resources include a list of NSA/NW Vendors and Vendor Partners; NSA's Four Competencies with Articles for Speakers; Articles for Meeting Planners; Links to valuable resources recommended by NSA/NW Members; Archived editions of our newsletter, Vocal Point; and Handouts and Slide Shows from our meetings. Kickstartcart is just one example of the resources you'll find on the website. If you're looking for a shopping cart to enhance your website, you can purchase Kickstartcart on the NSA Northwest website. Our chapter and at least two members use Kickstartcart.

"Kickstart Cart is the one tool I absolutely count on in my Internet-based business. It's powerful, easy to use, and packed with features."Jocelyn "Toolie" Garner

"I have used KickStartcart.com for over two years. I find it easy to work with and customize for my needs."  Linda Keith

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Volunteer Opportunities

We're always looking for volunteers to help build our chapter.  Becoming a volunteer for one or more of our committees is great way to get value from your involvement and get to know others in NSA Northwest. You can also experience hands on experience in business functions such as marketing, website, communications, that can help you in your own business. If you're interested in volunteering, contact any Board Member. http://www.nsanorthwest.org/resources.html

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Saturday Workshops & Bonus Sessions

Mark your calendars because you won't want to miss our Saturday Workshops, In-home Work Sessions and Affiliate meetings. We've got excellent speakers and presentations planned. Check out the website for details on the In-Home Work Sessions and Affiliate meetings. Below are the details on the Saturday workshops and Bonus Sessions: 

Creating Distinctive Value
Speaker: Thom Winninger, CSP, CPAE
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2006

The business you're in is not determined by you but rather by the need or want that is satisfied when the customer buys your product or service. To be effective at marketing, you must see yourself from the customer's point of view. A product or service is a cluster of value satisfactions. Before you have a value driven marketing approach, you must identify these values.

Cracking the Corporate Code
Speaker: Marilyn Manning, CSP, CMC
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2006

Would you like to develop stable, long-term relationships with corporate clients who can send you ongoing, repeat business? Would you like to learn the secrets of how to get your foot into the corporate door? Don't miss this presentation with speaker and consultant Marilyn Manning. You will learn how to leverage your first speaking engagement into repeat business; key ways to enhance your credibility in the corporate arena; and the three biggest mistakes to avoid in dealing with corporate clients.

How to Be Heard Above the Noise: Branding Your Uniqueness
Speaker: Dick Bruso
Date: Saturday, April 8, 2006

This jam-packed and highly practical program is designed to help professional speakers develop their distinctive brand, focus on their uniqueness to successfully reach their markets, and position themselves to truly be "heard above the noise" in the marketplace. Examples of powerful branding, unique positioning, and creative marketing approaches, successfully utilized by fellow speakers and other professionals will be shared throughout Dick's presentation. In a highly competitive environment, professional speakers need to set themselves apart as the go-to experts if they are to achieve true and lasting success.

We're offering Bonus Sessions after the March 18 and April 8 Saturday Workshops.

March 18 Bonus Session

How NSA Helps You Succeed is open to professional speakers, trainers, consultants, and others who meet the minimum speaking engagement and income requirements. We're always looking for new members to join NSA! Membership in NSA is nationally recognized as an achievement worth pursuing. Marilyn Manning has served NSA at the national level in many different roles, so she has a unique perspective on the organization. As part of our membership drive, this session will help you find out how belonging to NSA can benefit you and your business. NSA Members: bring your friends and colleagues to this event!

April 8, 2006 Bonus Session

This is your opportunity to begin the process of creating your very own distinctive brand today! During this hands-on Bonus Session, Dick will help you and your colleagues develop brands that will truly set you apart in the marketplace. You'll learn the secret of how to apply the umbrella approach to branding that will cover all your services from speaking to consulting to product development.

For further information, visit our website at http://www.nsanorthwest.org/events/index.html.

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CSP: To Be or Not To Be
Linda Keith, CPA, CSP, NSA/NW CSP Liaison

The Certified Speaking Professional designation is the highest earned designation in the National Speakers Association. Only 10% of NSA's national membership have achieved this designation. The advantages can be many:

When you earn your CSP, you'll be joining NSA/Northwest members Peter Legge, CPAE, George Walther, CPAE,  Linda Keith, Patt Schwab, Frank King and Vern Hoven. Your best source of preliminary information is the national website, http://www.NSASpeaker.org. Click on the Competencies and Certifications link, then chat with me about whether it will benefit you and, if so, how to get started. Our goal is to have six more CSPs qualified by the end of 2006. Will you be one?

I'd love to hear from you. My email is Linda@LindaKeithCPA.com.

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