4 Reasons To Get Out And Talk

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Reasons to get out and talk

My name is Dr. Amy Parks. I am a mom of four, a Child & Adolescent Psychologist in Northern Virginia, and…I confess…a serious talker.

In fact, my 6th grade teacher declared that I had “diarrhea of the mouth”.

And, in college, I kept talking.

I was a “front row” student – you know those – always with a hand up. My roommate was in all of my classes and, by the end of the year, she had a new set of ear plugs and several rolls of duct tape on her nightstand.

I graduated from college with a teaching degree so I could keep talking.

I went on to get advanced degrees in psychological services, and knew that therapy would be THE yellow brick road to a lifetime of talking!

Something I have learned along the way, and as I began to build a private practice serving children, teens, and families, is that talking is a great way to share information.

I’m not trying to be flippant.

Talking to groups – from four to 400 has taken my business from a one-man-show to a six-clinician practice! I speak to PTAs, school staff, local professional organizations, small and large mom coffee clubs, and more!

It is estimated that 75% of people suffer from a fear of public speaking!

I don’t – but I get it. Although, I can’t emphasize enough that, pushing yourself to start talking will change your business, and your life!

Here are the top four reasons to get out and talk about what you do!

1. To Build Trust

In today’s world of “fake news”, trust is paramount. Clients want to choose a “trusted person” to partner with for themselves, or for someone they love. When you speak in front of a group, you have instant credibility, because someone has chosen YOU to hold the attention of the audience. They can trust you.

2. To Reveal Your Personality

When you speak publicly, you reveal your personality. There is nothing to hide behind. And people want to know the kind of person that they are going to sit on the couch in front of! You are speaking about what you know, and you can tell stories and anecdotes about problems you’ve helped solve. At least in my world, these are usually pretty hilarious, and nothing will sell you like humor.

3. To “Sell” Your Business Without Feeling “Salesy”

When you point out the work your clients have thanked you for, read a quote from a letter of appreciation, or share a success story, your audience creates a mental picture of themselves experiencing that same success. And, the message is loud and clear that you get results, and that people thank you for your efforts.

4. To Spread The Word

I said it before, talking spreads information. And, whether you are giving a workshop or an elevator pitch, share cards and brochures, and collect their information too! Give them something to remember you by, and follow up. I block out two to three hours after EVERY talk I give to follow up and write thank you notes.

I invite you to get out and talk to small groups, then move on to larger ones. It is an excellent way to grow your business, and just might earn you your own “diarrhea of the mouth” superlative!

If you want to TALK to me about talking, Click On “Let’s Chat” on my website at www.thewisefamily.com.

 

Amy ParksAmy Fortney Parks describes herself as a life­long educator, a passionate psychologist and often stressed­out, but mostly happy, mom of four! She is the Executive Director of WISE Mind Solutions, LLC, a Northern Virginia­based practice focused on children, teens and families. She is also the owner of The Wise Family – a comprehensive brand for kids and parents designed to inspire, educate and energize families!

Amy Fortney Parks brings with her over 25 years of education and experience working with children, adolescents and families as both an educator and psychologist. Her focuses include individual counseling for kids, tweens and teens, parent and educational consulting. She is a passionate “BRAIN – trainer” and strives to help everyone she works with understand how their own unique brain works!

Amy holds a Masters Degree in Psychological Services and is in the dissertation phase of her Doctorate in Educational Psychology. More information and how to chat directly with her about your family are on her website, www.thewisefamily.com or connect SOCIALLY @wisefamilies