What are the most common mistakes when reaching out to new contacts?

One of the most common mistakes when reaching out to new contacts is a generic and impersonal approach, lacking personalization and relevance to the recipient's interests or needs. Another mistake is being overly focused on self-promotion instead of building genuine connections and offering value, which can deter potential contacts from engaging or responding positively.

Reaching out to a meeting planner and knowing last year's agenda, speakers, topics, timeframes, etc. gives you both confidence and a competitive edge. Visit the speaker's websites and see if your style is similar or very different to be able to use as a talking point. Given your current fee, topic and expertise, where do you fit into their program based on last year's agenda? Would you be a mainstage keynoter, break-out session speaker, or delivering a pre-conference full-day? Have they determined a theme that aligns with your programs? Showing your level of preparedness allows the meeting planner to know you aren't a rookie, nor a waste of their time.

By far, this is the worst mistake you can make as a motivational speaker. Not only do you risk delivering content that may be out of context but you also risk presenting a vague generic message which may have no impact to listeners thus defeating the intended purpose.

What I've learned is to avoid the "pitch slap" i.e. don't pitch straight away, or talk about "me, me, me". You have to open with your reason for reaching out. Then look for challenges or pain. If they don't have any challenges or pain then there's no point in spending any more time on them

One of the most common mistakes when reaching out to new contacts is being too pushy or salesy, which can come across as aggressive or insincere. It's important to focus on building relationships and providing value rather than solely pushing for immediate results.

Ask more, talk less. Remember to be interested before trying to be interesting. After all, how can you solve their pain without knowing their pain?

Hard selling is not effective because the pitch becomes about yourself and your needs. Remember that you are there to add value to the client. If you are too pushy, it becomes the other way around. It can make you look like that you need the client to be the solution to your problem. This can be a big turn-off. Have a sincere intention to help your client.

Two common mistakes when reaching out to new contacts are either not following up at all, which can result in missed opportunities, or following up excessively, which may come across as overly persistent or annoying. Finding the right balance and timing for follow-ups is crucial for maintaining professional and respectful communication.

Rather than wonder when it would be best to follow-up, ask. "Given the timeline, when would it be best for us to reconnect?" And then make a note and follow-through.

One of the most common mistakes when reaching out to new contacts is not being clear or concise in the initial communication, leading to confusion or lack of interest. It's important to convey the purpose, value, and desired next steps in a concise and straightforward manner to grab their attention and facilitate effective communication.

Within the first two sentences of an email (or a phone call), the reader/listener should be able to discern the purpose of your outreach and whether they are the right person to have this conversation.

One of the most common mistakes when reaching out to new contacts is not maintaining a professional and polite tone, which can create a negative impression and hinder potential relationships. It's essential to demonstrate respect, professionalism, and courtesy throughout all communications to establish a positive and lasting impression.

Professionalism should be the best discipline whatever you do in life, wherever you go. It shows how good you’re in behaving with all sorts of people. It gives a chance to grow to heights and also boost your confidence to live life. Always, thank to everyone if they compliment your work, post or let it be anything. Address the person without judgement and spread love, happiness and insight through your work. Always, talk to people even if you are not going to meet them again, that they should be overwhelmed and feel impacted having discussion with you. Professionalism is basic art of life which you can practice with ease and always remember it’s a priceless gift ?? ????

Who you are on the stage needs to be the same person you are off the stage. Let them see YOU, feel your energy, and experience your expertise in their industry. If you must use a script to stay focused, practice it so much before your call that it sounds like you've been saying those words for years. Make it your own and have fun!