We live in a world where Facebook and Twitter updates help build a company’s brand. But in all the fuss around social media, we should not forget the traditional ways that can be used to build a brand such as speaking opportunities. These are one of the most effective ways to boost your company’s profile.
By speaking publicly on a topic within specific area, companies can position themselves as industry leaders. Speakers can share their knowledge with a group of people, within their target group, who see them on the podium as the experts and who may be encouraged to start doing business as a result.
In many cases the CEOs, or the senior executives, are the most reputable people to be in the “speaker space”. They obviously know the business well and have the final say in all issues.
The value of having a great company spokesperson is being able to profile the company and protect its reputation. They should be able to keep on top of industry trends and anticipate questions before they are asked by the audience.
According to a Holmes Report, the two most valuable podiums for CEOs were the World Business Economic Forum and The Business Roundtable. Companies search for answers in conferences like these, because they are believed to have the most valuable information.
HMC Seswa is focusing its efforts in providing opportunities for clients to generate awareness for themselves, their company and it’s products and to also establishing themselves as industry leaders.
Speeches are a powerful way to directly communicate with and influence targeted stakeholders. Speeches offer a face-to-face opportunity to engage with important people. A perfect speech will catch the listeners’ attention. We pride ourselves on being able to help assist company spokespersons with their speeches, using external writers who are skilled at drafting bespoke speeches business leaders.
We also recommend that all spokespeople undertake some sort of media training. We ensure that the spokesperson is well prepared by using a specialist media coach to build the speakers confidence and ensure maximum impact of voice and tone. The media training will assist the spokesperson to be in control when speaking and the will help convey the key messages.
Of course, the trick is to indentify good opportunities, so we spend time researching those opportunities for clients in different forums and groups, locally and internationally.
Locally, institutions such as GIBS, Wits Business School and Graduate School of Business often have forums where attendees are brought together to build quality business relationships, gain further understanding of the fast-paced business environment and share best practices of innovation and leadership.
It’s a highly effective strategy for clients to take the opportunity of becoming prominent members of various forums and networking groups. It’s good to be seen in a number of different places, to practice speaking and to continue to build the company’s brand, face-to-face and with authority.
Mbali Msimango is Practice Group Head at HMC Seswa Corporate Communications.
