The two rather disheveled looking men were supremely comfortable on stage. One, in his early-fifties, wore an Ivy League sweatshirt while the other, in his mid-seventies, had on an open-collared red shirt that displayed a college logo. The pair obviously mesmerized the young men and women in the audience. I watched on Iowa Public Television as one clean-cut Midwestern university student after another approached the microphone to ask questions of this intriguing odd couple.

During the 50-minute session which was edited for television viewers, there was much give and take between the two on stage and their adoring fans. I was especially interested in one particular answer given to a woman’s comment and question.

"You two have obviously been hugely successful in your respective careers. What advice would you give to us to make sure we’re on the right track?"

"One of the most important skills," the older of the two gentleman replied, "that will be most helpful is the art of public speaking. Most people are afraid to do it and it can cost them dearly. Take advantage of every opportunity you have to speak and learn to do it well. You will set yourself apart from the crowd."

They both had many other terrific suggestions for her, but that one stuck with me because my own observation has been that most people will do everything in the world possible to avoid getting up in front of people.

Even though it’s tough to do, I encourage you as small-business owners to take the old guy’s advice. Seek out opportunities to share your knowledge and expertise on subjects that you are passionate about. Take a risk. There are all sorts of organizations that would love to hear about your entrepreneurship. You will be amazed at the number of people who want to know about your experience, products and services. The key is to not make it an infomercial. Rather, find some exciting aspect of what you do for a living and create a talk around it that will have broad appeal to your audience. Once you become known as the expert in your particular field—potential customers will be seeking you out.

Oh, did I happen to mention the names of the presenters on the program I was watching?

Neither one just fell off the turnip truck. The two on stage at the University of Nebraska were Warren Buffet and Bill Gates.

Between the three of us–we’re worth billions, so ignore our advice at your own peril.

Bill Sheridan

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