A Rocky Mountain High

But the Colorado rocky mountain high 
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby
Rocky mountain high (Colorado)

-       Rocky Mountain High, John Denver

Many of us are still vibrating after last week's outstanding INFLUENCE 2019 in Denver! The annual NSA conference brought lots of outstanding takeaways in the gorgeous new Gaylord Rockies conference center. Several of us enjoyed a meal together one evening to compare notes and discuss which of the outstanding presenters would be valuable to ask to present at our own Illinois chapter. You'll hear about our discoveries -- and who's coming as a result! -- very soon. (P.S. Our Chapter has purchased the entire set of audios from every one of the presenters at INFLUENCE 2019, and you'll soon have access to ALL of them as a member!)

 NOVEMBER EVENT - THE "BIG ONE"

This is where we need YOUR help. You may have heard that we're going all out in November to produce an event that has never happened in NSA-IL history. We need YOU to help bring it to life.

The event is called "Speak Up and Stand Out!", and it will be held at the Conference and Learning Center inside Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, on Saturday, Nov. 9th. We plan on using all LOCAL experts from our Illinois chapter to present on specific aspects of how to be successful in the speaking business. We will be broadening our marketing reach for this program, including CEO's, HR managers, podcasters, and others.

We're asking for each of our NSA-IL members to consider your own expertise, and apply to be a presenter for one or more of the topics we've identified for this unique event.    

These topics are, but are not limited to:

1. WAYS TO SPEAK FOR A LIVING - The many facets of the speaking profession, and the categories/opportunities available to you
2. CREATING YOUR CONTENT - How to build a core message that resonates with your target audience and brings value to their lives
3. PLATFORM SKILLS - The fundamentals of presence and professionalism on the stage when delivering your important message
4. STORYTELLING - The art and science of delivering your own unique experiences within your message to separate you from everyone else
5. MARKETING - Becoming known for what you know, and being able to demonstrate value in helping others get where THEY want to go
6. PRICING - How much should I charge for my speech? Examining different speaker pricing models and weighing the advantages of each
7. YOUR ACTION PLAN FOR SUCCESS - Specific, measurable plans for moving forward

OR - another topic that you feel is of equal importance to someone considering speaking to grow their income or their influence.

We've included an application, so please fill it out and Email it to Haydn Shaw,Meetings Chair. Our Selection Committee will be reviewing all submissions NEXT WEEK, so please get your application in by this Thursday, Aug. 8th.    

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER EVENTS

It's official -- our kickoff speaker for the upcoming NSA-IL event season on Friday, September 13th is none other than our own local treasure, the outrageous Mikki Williams! We've booked one of Mikki's favorite places to present, which is Habits At Work, 61 W. Hubbard St. in downtown Chicago. With over 30 years in the business, Mikki has been named one of the best speakers in the country by Meetings and Conventions Magazine. She'll be taking YOUR questions and spilling her guts about the techniques she has employed in successful storytelling, branding, and - well, anything else you want to ask her! Watch her video and register for this amazing Friday kick off event.  

While your calendar is open, make a note for Friday, October 11th, as NSA-IL welcomes well-known intellectual property expert Russ Riddle to Lewis University in Oak Brook. His outstanding and important program is called "Corral Your Ca$h Cow! (How to Protect Your Intellectual Property)", and you'll discover all you need to know about how to trademark, copyright, protect and profit from your IP. Russ has helped hundreds of speakers make millions more from their own stuff, and helped them avoid millions more in legal land mines, so don't miss this important business-building event in October.

A "TO-DO" CHECKLIST

• Apply for an expert speaking role as a part of our B-I-G November event;
• Take a moment register for September and October events below; and
• Apply sunscreen before you head out to the beach or the lake.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we all look forward to seeing you soon!  

Sincerely,

Bill

Bill Guertin, NSA-IL President

P.S. Here are easy links to register for each event: Mikki Williams, and Russ Riddle.