Are you involved in a non-profit group? Think of ways to leverage that affiliation to bolster your brand, especially when an award is involved. Community involvement adds to your credibility and is very good in today’s social media craze. That frenzy is not going away.

Today, people are talking to each other about everything from pizza to cars. Your business might as well be a topic of their discussion. When you achieved something such as an award, it provides credibility as well as something great to tell your audience.

Last week I presented my ice-breaker speech to the Greenwood Village Chamber of Commerce Toastmasters group and won the Best Speech award. As a new member I was to tell a little about me.  Being a bronze level Toastmaster gave me an edge since the ice-breaker is for the novice. But an award is an award just the same.

As a bronze Toastmaster, I have done a few speeches. And, that award provided credibility to my capabilities as a speaker as well as continued exposure to hone speaking skills.

Toastmasters is an international organization that helps individuals become better speakers and leaders. People all over the world meet on a weekly basis to hone speaking and leadership skills. Johnny Carson, the late host of the Tonight Show, attributed his ability to get in front of a camera on a daily basis directly to Toastmaster.

Toastmasters is a great sounding board for future business presentations. My topic, “Lessons from the Old Man,” I used the illustration of Father Time to discuss how my life relates to the four seasons. As a seasoned autumn baby boomer I have attained skills that I use to help people develop their business brand.

I ended; everything including business development has its season. When you know your season, you are better able to do things appropriate to that season to maximize business growth.

Now, that takes me to my next blog. Check back in a couple of days for “Lessons from the Seasons to Maximize Your Brand and Increase Profits.”