Avionics News November 2013 - 60

BUSINESS BASICS

Continued from page 59

and EAA's Oshkosh365.org, allow
visitors to ask questions of a larger
audience. Depending on what expertise you aim to demonstrate, one or
the others allow you to give professional-level advice, guidance and
support, according to Rohit Bhargava,
author of "Likeonomics."
Comment on the blogs that your
targets read, too. Not only will this
build a relationship with the blog
author, but friendly advice and input
can drive readers to your own sites.
If these ideas represent new territory for you, Hyatt suggested getting
a feel for particular communities first.

Once you're acclimatized, respond to
comments you agree with, expanding
on them with your own experience.
Or if you feel the need, respectfully
disagree and offer the insight behind
your viewpoint. Once you're comfortable, contribute your own thoughts,
links to articles or other bits of valuable knowledge.
4. Be a source.
By connecting with editors when
you ask to write for them, you're also
identifying yourself as a potential
source for articles written by other
authors - folks who want your realworld examples and experiences to
flesh out their reporting.
But in addition to print publica-

tions, Hyatt suggested focusing on
popular podcasts and blogs. In the
case of the former, you may end up
as a guest for the whole show; that
can be a lot of high-profile exposure.
Plus, both of these media are timeshifted, listeners can come to them
later, giving you long-term return on
the time investment. And while they
may reach only a relatively small
audience, these listeners or readers
tend to be dedicated to both the subject and the outlet.
To enable this, be generous in helping the author build a platform by
commenting and forwarding stories
or links. Give the author some love
and show you're useful to their fans.
He or she will likely return the favor
with a guest appearance or posting.
5. Speak up.
Aviation associations, pilot clubs,
college classes, flight schools, teacher organizations, and even business
groups inside and outside of aviation
may be interested in hearing what
you have to say - as soon as they
know that you exist and that you're
available.
Reach out to every possible potential host; add a "speaking opportunities" page on your blog and website,
and link to video, audio or photos of
your past presentations. While not
every venue will offer your target
customers, speaking often is great
practice for polishing your skills
when they do. For that matter, so
is a local chapter of Toastmasters
International.
Provide brochures, business cards,
presentation notes, copies of articles
written by you and any additional
information that enables and inspires
follow-up contacts from prospects.
Via social media, mention these events
beforehand, and thank the host afterwards to cross-promote this skill, too.

60

avionics news

*

november

2013
http://www.Oshkosh365.org http://www.beckerusa.com
Avionics News November 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News November 2013
