Overcoming The Fear Of Flying

Are you currently using webinars to build your business?

If you're not, and most people aren't, why not?

Be honest now . . .

OK. I'll be first. And I'll be honest.

The reason it took me so long to start using webinars to build my business is because I was afraid. Plain and simple. I was afraid I didn't have anything of value to say, afraid someone would ask me a question I could not answer, afraid no one would come . . .

But finally, after much encouragement, I started using webinars to build my business. And guess what? . . .

I found out I knew a whole lot more than I thought I did (and a whole lot more than the people I was talking to). Only rarely did I get a question I could not answer and I learned how to handle those gracefully. (Keep reading - I'll share the secret with you). And I found I had a growing audience . . .

I'm guessing that if you are honest with yourself the reasons you're not hosting your own webinars is pretty much the same as mine. Am I right?

So today I'd like to give you the same encouragement I received and some tips to make it easy for you to overcome your "fear of flying".

First the encouragement . . .

Hosting webinars IS a bit scary at first. But after the first time or two you start to relax and get into a groove. Then you can just have fun. And the right preparation will help make those first few times much easier too. The good part is: no one can come through your computer and eat you up if you mess up.

Now the tips . . .

• Before your first webinar , make sure you write out a script and practice it several times. Out loud is best.
• If you're still feeling unsure, ask a sponsor or mentor to attend the first few webinars to back you up. Then if you forget something important or someone asks a question you can't answer your "wingman" can ask leading questions or supply the answers. This will help you feel more confident.
• The secret to handling questions you don't know the answer to when there's no backup present is to acknowledge the question and thank the person for asking. Don't panic! Admit that you don't know the answer at this time, but commit to find the answer for them and give a time frame. "I'll find out and let you know tomorrow (or next session, or whatever is appropriate)". Then follow up at your first opportunity. Get the answer and make sure you deliver it to the person directly.
• Attend a few events that someone else is hosting and see what the most frequently asked questions are. Take notes and practice the answers.
• Make sure to contact your list of prospects well in advance of your webinar to invite them to attend. Ask them to register - even for a free event - so that you will have their contact information and can follow up with them.
• If you are doing a regular schedule of events, say weekly or daily, make sure to publish your schedule along with the URL to register in a prominent place on  your web site.
• Make sure you have a glass of water close by. Talking will make you thirsty!
• Relax! No one is expecting you to be perfect. Let your personality come through as you are speaking. Your listeners will respond positively if they feel they know you and like you. Have fun!
• Record your webinar. Then you can upload it to a server where it will be a "salesman" for you 24/7. Make sure that your last visual has your contact information on it.
• Just do it! I promise - you'll love the results. And like I said, it becomes fun after the first couple of times.

For more tips and techniques on becoming a Powerful Public Speaker check out How To Be a Public Speaking Superstar.