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| Regional Conference (Photo credit: Earthworm) |
A few years ago I noticed in the newspaper that a major national event was occurring in my area. This was the first I had ever heard of this event and it was only a couple weeks away. Since it had to do with blogging and social media I was interested in going. However tickets were rather expensive so I wasn't sure that I could afford to go.
Intent on finding a way to attend, I did some research and discovered that the event was going to include a number seminars and presentations. Earlier that year was the first big A to Z Challenge and since I was keen on trying to promote the upcoming Challenge I thought that A to Z might be of interest to those attending the social media event. An idea came to me.
I contacted some of the organizers of the event to let them know that I would be happy to stand in for any no shows that were on their lineup if they would provide me with show passes. They declined on my offer to fill in since they had it all covered, but they sent me the passes.
At the event I was able to make a number of contacts that have proven useful to me, to meet several bloggers, and to pick up some cool swag at the booths. I didn't make the mark I had hoped to, but I at least established a foothold.
There have been a number of times in my life when I've seen an opening that needed to be filled and have offered my services to help out. This action has never hurt me and has sometimes helped in big ways. When I stand by in readiness to fill a slot that needs filling, I can step in to use what I've prepared for and become a hero in the eyes of others. This is a promotional opportunity that is worth jumping on when it's available to you.
Contact the places where you could benefit from promotional exposure for you or your product and let them know about your abilities, your proximity to them, and your willingness to be on call if they ever needed you. If you're a writer you can contact libraries, senior citizen centers, educational facilities, or civic organizations to have them put your name on their files in case your services are ever needed.
Be sure to have a presentation prepared in case you are contacted. Keep a power-point program on a portable drive if you use this type of medium. Have a presentation kit in readiness with any materials that you might need. Once you have the show put together, rehearsed, and ready to take to the public you might even be emboldened to be the main attraction on your own without being just a fill-in.
Take advantage of no shows. Be willing to stand in for others. This willingness can create a good name for you and help you in your promotions.
Have you ever stood in for a no-show? Have you ever conducted an event where a featured guest did not show up and if so how did you handle the situation? What rewards have come to you by stepping up to the plate when someone else wasn't able to fulfill their obligations?
Battle of the Bands Result
The result of last week's Battle of the Bands (click on the link if you don't know what I'm referring to) is really not too much of a surprise. Between the two versions of the song "Message in a Bottle" John Mayer managed to win 6 votes from those of you who were either not big Police fans and just preferred the more mellow sound. I had to vote for the version by the Police because it's the one I liked since it first came out and though Mayer does a fine job his version just doesn't beat the original for me. All votes counted, the Police win with 17 votes.
To recap: John Mayer 6 and Police 17.
Next Battle of the Bands will be on Thursday May 1st. Please join me for that one.
