In Music industry, whenever most independent musicians release a new recording today, a certain aspect of their promotion entails their distribution and giveaway of FREE samples of their music on a separate promotional compact disc. This serves as a 'teaser' in enticing prospects to then go to record stores to buy full-length recording.

As 'writeable' promo discs can be purchased inexpensively at stores such as Wal-Mart, after which music samples are copied from hard drive to CD, or by using what is known as a CD burner (high-speed duplicator), it should come as no surprise that even most financially challenged musicians are now embracing this invaluable and well proven promotional aspect for bringing immediate attention to their music.

And, as this method has proven unanimously beneficial in terms of ease of finance, promotion and time, there is absolutely no reason that a similar process cannot also work for your own business, albeit, a few elements properly customized (be sure your computer's compact disc is a "writeable" type, and not simply a "readable" one).

As such, I am providing a "from start to finish" outline that you should find very effective, almost immediately, whether you wish to reach out to your prospects locally, regionally or nationally.

Hypothetically, let's say you are in field of Cosmetology, and own and operate a hair salon. Though your industry has a ready-made market, with women repeatedly visiting on a regular basis, naturally, there is also a fair degree of competition from other salons in your area as well.

Moreover, as such, you've noticed that your business sales and clients, have either begun to level off, stagnate or, possibly, even diminish. What can you quickly do to maintain and increase your clientele and, income of accordingly, your salon?

1. Why not take all of elements of your business, such as your weekly specials, information about your salon such as its history, your web site address, email address, regular prices, business hours, contact information, along with various products and services you offer, then format them into attractive files and place them on compact discs for distribution?

Fourteen months ago, I decided I wanted to go back to working from home and answered an ad for a Speaker Coordinator. I now work with dozens of motivational speakers, authors, and musicians to assist them in finding speaking engagements as well as promoting their message and products through media. Through trial and error I have learned what it takes not only to promote great speakers, but also how to prepare aspiring new speakers for trade.

My client, Executive Coach and Author, Dr. Russell Beale (www.russcoaches.com), states beginning steps perfectly: "Number one, answer question 'What do you speak on?'; number two, identify who you want to speak to; and number three, identify your comfort zone and honor it". Until you discover above, you can't go any further nor can someone like myself promote you. Once you know what you are going to speak about and have a clear message and target audience, get it on paper. This will be your first step in creating a "speaker one-sheet".

A "speaker one-sheet" consists of your biography and presentation descriptions. Have friends and colleagues read it over. Ask them…"Would you hire me to speak for your group?" and "Are you clear on what my speaking topics are?"

Once your one-sheet is perfected, have your presentations set and ready to be offered to public. My favorite advice on this subject came from "The Extreme Abundance Coach", Jeanna Gabellini (www.masterpeacecoaching.com). Jeanna says "not to try to be 'professional'…be TOTALLY authentic. That included my being eccentric and quirky. Now I have full permission to be me and I'm more relaxed as well as more engaging and powerful with my audience." No one is going to take you or your message seriously if you are not authentic. Just be you! If you can't be just you, then you should not be up there speaking. Your audience will not be fooled. And on that same note… Astrologer, Janet Bowman Johnson (www.astro-insights.com), suggests "One of most important lessons of my speaking career came through something called "Speaking Circles". Mr. Lee Glickstein, founder of Speaking Circles, has found a wondrous way of helping speakers find their own unique "presence" on stage. He teaches one how to be authentic as a speaker. This experience is so powerful it makes all difference between truly memorable speakers and those that are technically good, but lacking that special something."