(5) If possible, work with speaker to use either her core message or speech title as part of background in booth. This not only reinforces a learning point, but identified your company to all attendees and not just ones who attended a session.

(6) Print up a postcard with your company information AND speakers key learning points. Mail it after trade show to everyone who attended conference. In fact, a really classy gesture is to write a cover letter about your company and WHY you sponsored speaker. Mail it in a hand-addressed envelope and enclose a wallet-size card with speaker's main points.

(7) Consider hiring speaker to follow-up with attendees by sending out a regular article or newsletter by e-mail sponsored by your organization. This reinforces speaker's message for long term results and provides additional exposure for your organization.

(8) If fit is a good one, consider sponsoring same speaker within your organization. So often, rank-and-file employees do not get to attend conferences. The prevailing view that "sales and marketing have all fun" can be countered if you bring what your learned back to corporation. And continuing education is one of top three retention factors.

To sponsor a speaker for a one-hour session leaves value and opportunity on table. When you match association's needs with your business objectives and strategically avail yourself of whatever services a professional speaker can offer, everyone becomes a winner!

(c) 2004, McDargh Communications. All rights reserved. Reprint rights granted so long as article and by-line are kept intact.

You have hundreds of skills that could be highlighted in your resume to attract attention of a number of employers from a variety of sectors. The key to success is selecting and supporting skills that directly respond to specific requirements outlined by potential employers in their advertisements or position descriptions. Take time now to list five activities that give you a feeling of satisfaction. Then, list five things you are good at. Do not limit your answers to previous work experience.

Understanding your interests, skills, and attitudes will increase your confidence and help you sell your strengths to a target employer. Increased self-confidence sends a positive message to employers. Do not spend too much time trying to discover your weaknesses. If you cannot think of weaknesses that affect your ability to secure your target position - move on! Career plans built on strengths decrease time it takes to find right job.