We’re becoming more of a global community through virtual events that are often accessible to anyone anywhere. Consequently, attendance isn’t limited to those who are within a geographic striking distance.

I encourage you to find organizations outside of your geographic area where you can visit virtually. Then, you can use social media to stay in touch with people you meet at these groups.

Recently, I did some LinkedIn training at the virtual meetings of two groups that are based in other states. One of the groups normally meets in Midtown Manhattan and the other in the Miami area. Both groups truly appreciated the training I provided, which likely would not have happened when they met in person.

These speaking opportunities came about because I had donated LinkedIn tutoring time. One of the people I helped was a business owner, and the other was a job seeker.

 

Manhattan BNI Chapter 3

Just this week, I did a LinkedIn training for members of a BNI chapter based in Midtown Manhattan. This opportunity came to me as a result of meeting one of the chapter members – Amelia Felbinger of Stella & Dot. She’s on a team with someone who was member of one of my business networking groups here in the Denver area.

After I gave a LinkedIn presentation to this team, I provided Amelia with some additional training. That’s when she got the idea for me to be a guest speaker for her BNI chapter. She in turn put me in touch with Alec Dadisman, president of the chapter.

In case you haven’t heard of BNI, it’s short for Business Networking International. Founded in 1985 by Ivan Misner, BNI’s principal core value is Givers Gain, a philosophy based on the law of reciprocity. Other core values of BNI are: lifelong learning, tradition & innovation, positive attitude, building relationships, accountability, and recognition.

Members in Manhattan BNI Chapter 3 represent a wide range of business professionals, all based in the NYC area. Within the chapter are three different types of attorneys, a CPA, an interior designer, Realtors from two different parts of the NYC area, a wealth advisor, two different kinds of insurance agents, a title insurance representative, a mortgage banker, a life coach, and an ambassador for the Stella & Dot family of brands.

I was very impressed by their high level of professionalism, the well-crafted 60-second member introductions, and the depth of camaraderie among the members.

 

 

Voice of Champions Toastmasters

In September, I had the opportunity to do some LinkedIn training for members of the Voice of Champions Toastmasters Club. It’s based in the Miami metro area and like most Toastmasters clubs is meeting virtually.

I’d met one of its members, Eve Horne, when I did a LinkedIn training for a group of job seekers. She signed up to get some individual tutoring from me on LinkedIn, and we really hit it off.

I noticed that on her LinkedIn profile she referenced her membership in Toastmasters, and I’m also in Toastmasters. That’s how we got to talking about the possibility of me speaking about LinkedIn at her club’s virtual meeting.

If you aren’t familiar with Toastmasters, it’s an international organization with clubs that help members improve their communication and leadership skills.

Eve and I came up with the idea for me to share tips on how her club members could use LinkedIn to promote their club. During the talk, I also showed members how they could add their Toastmasters leadership roles to their LinkedIn profiles. Doing that not only helps promote the club, it also shows the commitment of its members to their professional development.

What especially struck me about Eve’s Toastmasters club was the wide diversity of its members. Like the BNI group, they had incredible camaraderie among their members.

 

 How About You?

What experiences have you had with speaking and presenting virtually? Have you had opportunities to speak to groups or organizations in other cities, states or countries? It would be fun to hear about your virtual adventures.

 

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 45 and up, to become more effective using social media, especially Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. She works with business owners, nonprofit organizations, job seekers, consultants, and many others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.