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<span class="basic_member_name">MG Spence</span>
MG Spence
Speaker, Writer
Austin, Texas
Biztalk » Business networking tips and resources »
Posted by MG Spence, Austin, Texas | Jan 24, 2008

Subscribe to Business networking tips and resources Missteps in starting a business

When I left a job with the Great State of Texas to go out on my own, I started by sending out 50 letters to folks, announcing my services as a fabulous public speaker. I didn't hear back from anyone.

Several weeks later, I pulled up the letter to send to 50 more people. That's when I noticed: Indeed I had not announced my services as a public speaker, for--as you might have guessed by now--I had misspelled public.

Now, I'm strictly a PROFESSIONAL speaker.


3 Bizniks have posted replies

  • Nicole Bandes
    Posted by Nicole Bandes, Phoenix, Arizona | Jan 30, 2008

    MG, that's great. I'm surprised you didn't get at least ONE phone call just to give you a hard time.

  • Christian Messer
    Posted by Christian Messer, Portland, Oregon | Mar 11, 2008

    Wow! I agree with Nicole, I'm surprised no called. We all are human after all, and even the most proofed copy can sometimes be glitchy. By the way, kudos to your photographer, what a great business photo!

  • Nancy Juetten
    Posted by Nancy Juetten, Bellevue, Washington | Mar 16, 2008

    I feel your pain and had a somewhat similar experience. I know that the word "public" can really give you a run for the money with just one letter missing.

    I wrote a column for a local business journal about public relations, and the first word printed with one essential letter missing.

    Fortunately, the editor made a change in the online edition that lives on forever within minutes of me bringing the error to her attention.

    Now, I find myself describing what I do as "media relations" as opposed to "public relations" just because the sting from that prior mis-spelling still stings.

    One thing you might think about is this. If you describe yourself as a PROFESSIONAL speaker, the opposite is an unprofessional speaker. What if you offered another adjective that was particularly meaningful about how you speak. Are you an engaging speaker, an inspiring speaker, a riveting speaker? Consider that food for thought.

    Get seen, heard, and celebrated in your own backyard!

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