D7 Networking Meeting - July 17th, 2010

District 7 hosted a fun, informative networking meeting this past Saturday. The topics of discussion were:

1. Elevator speeches (i.e. selling yourself/product/idea in 30 seconds)*

2. Overcoming obstacles by thinking outside the box

3. Uncovering your club's potential by conducting a great open house

*An Elevator Speech is a short speech (typically 30 seconds or up to 1 minute in length) that contains an introduction, body with 3 parts, a conclusion and a closing statement (call to action). Passion and excitement is key when delivering an elevator speech. In regards to effectively relaying your message, Jim Robison noted at the meeting, "they don't care what you know, until they know you care."

Click here to learn more about elevator speeches.

Need help creating your own elevator speech? Click here.

MEMBERSHIP CONTESTS........

At the networking meeting, several membership contests were revealed. D7 is conducting most of the contests. However, one of the contests (The Smedley Award) is sponsored by Toastmasters International.

Taken from the D7 website, here's some info on the Smedley Award:

What is SMEDLEY AWARD?

An annual Toastmasters International sponsored recognition program for clubs that add five new, dual or reinstated members between August 1 and September 30.

Awards for SMEDLEY AWARD

• A Smedley Award Toastmasters ribbon for your club banner from Toastmasters International
• 10% off your next club order from Toastmasters International

Rules for SMEDLEY AWARD

• Add five new, dual, or reinstated members between August 1 and September 30.

Tips for SMEDLEY AWARD

• Encourage your club’s members to invite as many guests to your club’s meetings as possible in conjunction with the District 7 “BRING A GUEST!” program.
• Consider conducting a special meeting like an Open House.
• Sponsor a Speechcraft session.
• Work with your club VP of Public Relations to run a club marketing campaign.
• Check out local events where your club can sponsor a booth to promote Toastmasters.
• Increase traffic to your club website; use Web 2.0 technology!

Membership applications and payment for members who join between August 1 - September 30 must be received at World Headquarters or online no later than September 30th. Each member’s “join date” as listed on the application must be no later than September. Transfer and charter members do not count for credit. There is no need to apply for this award. Your club is automatically entered when the first new member application is received in August.