By using visuals those that attended may not remember exactly what I said but having those visuals can help them call to mind the basic ideas.  That’s the power of visuals.

How do you attract people’s attention so they attend your presentation? 

You use the right headline.  My headline was: How To Make Your Website A Lead Generating Magnet.  People wanted to know how they could gain more leads from their website so they attended.

Taking the time to learn how to write effective headlines can help you attract loyal followers and eager buyers.

Writing headlines maybe not come easily to you so here are some tips.

1) The next time you check your email take notice of which subject lines appeal to you and then think, why.  

2) Make a file with these headlines so you can go back and look for inspiration.  

10 Tips For Writing Effective Headlines

Have you ever sat through a long sales pitch?  Afterwards what did you remember?  Probably not much of it.  Why?  It’s because the pitch was too long and boring.  Your mind started drifting to things that were more peasant or more pressing.

People tend to remember short pieces of information.  When you receive too much information your brain isn’t quite sure how you are going to process it at the moment so it remembers what it thinks is important.

Not long ago I read an article and the main point I remember: your blog posts should be 2,000 words.  Yikes!  To me that's too long and more like reading a book.   I believe people do much better with short microburst’s of information.  It’s easier for you to remember and take action on what you read.

The same principle applies to giving your presentations.  If you were giving a seminar about getting your book written the majority of your attendees would remember your topic.  They might not remember all the details such as how to go about getting book topic ideas or how to come up with your chapters.

If you used visuals in your presentation people will be more likely to remember what your presentation was about.

For example recently I gave a presentation to a group of women from Working Women Of Tampa Bay.  Using visuals I shared 10 reasons why you want to start building your email list of subscribers and 10 ways to capture their name and email.  The entire presentation was done using visuals.

The mind processes visuals 60,000 times fast than text.  Visuals can help you connect with your audience.

3) Do you read any magazines?  They can be a source of inspiration for headlines.  It’s the headlines that sell  magazines so pay attention to how they are used.

4) Use actionable words – How to do something in 3 steps...

5) Be short- try to use 8 to 10 words in your headline.  

6) Use keywords – this applies to using headlines on your blog.  Try to incorporate any keywords you are trying to rank for in your headline.

7) Be clear – ensure that you headline is clear, simple and easily understood

8) Be intriguing – add an air or mystery to your headline.  This will draw in your readers because they will be curious.

9) Be honest – never make up a headline just to capture someone’s attention and then not deliver the topic.  I’ve seen this done time after time.  The headline looks interesting and the email says nothing about what drew me in.  Will I be likely to open that persons email the next time? No.

10) Pay attention to social media.  Look for those headlines that capture your attention.

It takes time to use headlines effectively.  Don’t’ be discouraged. Sometimes you might come up with a fabulous headline and other times it might be more difficult.  Keep working at it and you will see results.

Be Savvy and Successful!

Toni Nelson - Visual Marketing, Visibility Strategist

People will say don't judge a book by it's cover.  The truth is first impressions  matter whether it's a book or someone you meet for the first time.

The other day I went to the bank. As I stood online I couldn’t believe what I saw.

The customer service rep for the bank had on flip-flops. Maybe that doesn’t bother you but to me a bank should be very professional. Flip-flops are more causal.

When I worked at a large corporation that would never have happened. As a matter of fact there was a dress code and you would have been sent home.

I started to think about the different networking events I’ve attended where there were a variety of representatives from local banks. To my recollection none of them ever attended one where they wore flip-flops. They want to put their best “foot” forward so they dress appropriately.

There was a time when wearing something like flip-flops was a safety issue and businesses wouldn’t allow them.

If something were to drop on your foot you have no protection at all.  They could also be a trip hazard.

Maybe it’s because we live in Florida that businesses feel they can be more relaxed even in what should be a professional setting.

If you think first impressions don't matter take a look at the infographic I made.

First impressions help you identify with people as you can see in this infographic since 93% judge a person based on non verbal input like body language.

As you attend networking events think how you can make a great first impression.

What point did you find interesting in the infographic on first impressions?

Leave your thoughts and comments below

Be Savvy and Successful!

Toni Nelson - Visual Marketing Strategiest

P.S. Download your free networking guide by clicking on the image.

Is your company looking to gain more visibility?  Let Nelson Visual Productions help you to be seen and heard locally, globally, 24/7 (941-662-0022)

You don't have to live in Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers or Naples to work with us. 

Do you find yourself looking for ways to find more time?  Do you wish you could achieve a work life balance?

Check out this video and see if this looks like you.

The good news is there are ways to help you have a more balanced work and home life.

If you'd like to learn more contact me to speak at your next event.

Be Savvy and Successful!
Toni Nelson
Visual Marketing, Video Production, Author, Speaker, Founder of The Mine System of Learning

Most of my blogging to date has been at: ToniNelsonMeansBusiness.com but since many of our clients find me here I thought I'd get this blog up and running again as well.

Yesterday I went to a networking group in Sarasota. 

The group had taken a hiatus and changed leadership.

What I love the most about networking is that when done properly it's about helping one another.

I mentioned to one of the women that I wanted to get on a local show in Tampa with my new book: The Secret Equation To Attracting More Clients: Marketing + P Factor + Video = $$$$ and immediately she told me about a new show right here in Sarasota!

Where I live I don't get this particular programming so I was unaware of the new show called Suncoast View.

The first thing I did when I got back from the event was find the website.

I also found one of their shows for you to "view" in case you don't get the show where you are.

My hope is that many talented individuals that live in the area will be invited on the show.

As for the networking event I attended yesterday they did something I've never seen before.

When you signed in there was a deck of cards.  You chose one card from the deck and that number corresponded to the table you would be sitting at.

What I loved about this idea was that no one could choose to sit with only the people they knew.  You would now be broadening your horizons.  

In my opinion this is a great way to get people to mingle.  

Everyone enjoyed this concept and hopefully they will continue using it.

As a matter of fact I think I'll mention this at some of the other networking groups I attend.

Building business relationships is so important that I want to share with you a free intro guide.  Click the image to get your copy.

Be Savvy and Successful!
Toni Nelson - Author, Speaker, Business Trainer, Visual Marketing

3 Types of Video Formats For Your Business

When creating a video marketing strategy you want to use the format that feels most comfortable to you.  

I'm going to share with you three different formats you can use.

One format is for you to be on camera. This is one of the best ways to virtually meet your potential clients/customers. It’s also one of the best ways for them to get to know who you are and what it might be like to work with you.

You can talk passionately about topics as you look directly into the camera.  It's as if you are having a one on one conversation.

You could also be on camera with someone else. The two of you could be talking about your products or services. You could share one of your favorite things about the product and the other person could do the same.

You could also interview someone on camera. This is also a great way for you to build your expert status in your niche.

The next type of format is screencasting. Screen capture is a great way to do videos when you want to teach someone or share some type of information.

You might sell a piece of software with a screencast while selling the consulting for that software with a whiteboard presentation.

It also allows you to clearly illustrate concepts and techniques in real time.

Here’s a tip: Don’t use screencasts unless you really have something to show.

Next is Power Point Presentations

If you already know PowerPoint, then one of the easiest ways to create a presentation is to simply turn your PowerPoint presentation into a video. You can create some great looking presentations using this method.

Show creativity by using images in your slides. Make sure the images go along with the point you are trying to make.

The important thing is to find the format that feels the most comfortable for you.

Once you get comfortable with one format it will be easier for you to transition to the other types.

Start thinking about what you want to tell your audience and then write it down

Decide whether it would be best to share the information as a face to face video or Power Point or Screencasting.

Years ago I saw someone who was using Power Point but they were also on screen.

I thought that was such a great idea because you aren’t filling up the whole screen with you as the focus, just a portion.

The video courses that I create have me on the screen at the same time because I feel it’s more engaging to teach in that manner.

My course on video will show you how to do this and so much more!  You owe it to yourself to click the image and check it out:)

Be Savvy and Successful!
Toni Nelson - Video Production, Author, Speaker, Business Trainer, Founder of The Mine System of Learning

Looking for video services in Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples?  Give us a call at:
941-662-0022