Speaking Merits...How to start

[Rick_Massarini]

Peggy, If anyone was born to be a PPA speaker it's Greg, you are in store for a treat.
I just hope when he starts speaking at IUSA he will still be able to set aside some time to help set up the print exhibit.

We'll pull some strings to get him scheduled on Monday...

[GregYager]

I'll never give up my spot on the print crew guys. It's the highlight of Imaging for me.

[GregYager]

Ok, I just did the math and it looks like I will have everything I need for my Craftsman degree by November. It feels good to have a goal which is something I lacked before becoming a member. I'm actually enjoying the process.

[Rick_Massarini]

Congratulations on the (soon to be) letters after your name !

[GregYager]

Thanks Rick. Some may say I'm jinxing myself but I see this as more of a challenge that makes me stay on track.

I thought the process of earning my merits was gonna be a royal pain but I found out it was completely different. I'm actually enjoying it, a lot. It's not just the speaking, it's the other jobs as well such as being a CPP liaison, working on print crews, serving on committees, etc... It gives me a reason to achieve something each day.

[Angela_Lawson]

I feel the same way, although I'm not sure I will ever go after my craftsman. I'm thinking I'll try for Master Photographer and Master Artist instead. But like Amy said, you best not forget us little people, Greg! LOL And I already contacted Colleen to sign me up for print crew in Atlanta! So see ya all there!

[GregYager]

Angela,
Are you skipping Craftsman because you don't like speaking/teaching or do you feel it's something you can't do?

[Angela_Lawson]

Sorry Greg - just saw this. As to your question, my answer is that I really don't like speaking in front of a group of people, and I'm not sure I feel qualified to teach. However, I must admit that after spending several days talking up the certification program at our state convention, I'm thinking that maybe I'd be willing to do smaller groups. I just want to make sure that it is something that I feel confident that I can teach. I don't want to be one of those photographers that just starts teaching without having something worthwhile to teach. I've thought about maybe starting with a Super Monday class, but I'm not even sure of what I'd teach.

[GregYager]

Here's some food for thought Angela...

Speaking isn't always teaching. It can simply be sharing. The main class I'm presenting this year is called "Marketing to a Captive Audience". Chances are very good that each time I speak there will be a room full of photographers with way more experience than myself so "teaching" them something is probably out of the question. What I can do is share with them something that's worked for me and then go one step further and explain why it worked. It's not a new marketing plan but rather a new way to look at a marketing plan and if people know why it works then they can better adapt it to their needs.

You have experiences you can talk about. You just need to study yourself for a bit to realize what they are. One good example would be your recent move to a brick-n-mortar location. I'm sure there are many people out there that would like to open a studio so they can have their garage back. Take notes along the way so you can share with others how to make this type of transition a smooth one.

Another thing to consider is why speak in the first place. There's more reasons than just to get the degree. It's your way of supporting affiliates by providing them with both information and entertainment. This is what helps them hold the interest of their members thereby keeping the group together.

[Angela_Lawson]

Interesting perspective Greg. Let me think on that for awhile. Thanks!