If you’ve ever wondered how to get people talking about you for free, here’s a true story that shows exactly how it happens.
In February 2014, after delivering a lecture at a conference for businesswomen, something unexpected happened. One of the participants approached me and said:
“We don’t know each other and I don’t think you’re aware of this, but you changed my life.”
Naturally, I was intrigued. I asked her how, and here’s what she told me:
“I’m a lecturer, and I used to suffer from severe stage fright. It paralyzed me – even when I came fully prepared. A few years ago, I attended one of your lectures and you said something that stuck with me:
‘A lecture is just a conversation – a conversation with many people at the same time.’
That one sentence changed everything. Now, whenever I feel nervous and I sense that familiar wave of heat creeping up my back, I take a deep breath and remind myself: ‘A lecture is just a conversation.’ And I owe it all to you.”
Why Practical Messages Get People Talking About You
Her words moved me – not just because it’s gratifying to know I helped someone, but because it reinforced a core principle I live by: people remember and act on practical advice.
Whether you’re a speaker, mentor, entrepreneur, author, or business owner, your goal is the same – to be remembered, talked about, and recommended. And the most cost-effective way to achieve that?
Give people something truly useful.
The Secret to Getting People Talking About You for Free
That woman’s story is a textbook example of viral marketing in action.
When you give people something genuinely helpful – a practical tool they can use – they associate their success with you.
Even if it happens subconsciously.
Every time she takes that deep breath before speaking, she thinks of me.
She may not consciously reflect on it each time, but the association is there.
She shares my name with other lecturers who seek advice.
She becomes my brand ambassador, without me even realizing it.
Give Practical Tools That Make People Remember and Talk About You
William Buckley was once asked:
“What book would you take to a desert island?”
He answered:
“A book on how to build ships.”
That’s exactly the kind of value you want to provide – tools people can actually use.
In my lectures, I share hundreds of tips.
But for that one woman, one sentence changed her life.
It met her at the right moment, addressed her need, and became her internal mantra.
That’s the power of relevance and practicality.
How to Build a Reputation – Effortlessly
If you want people to value your expertise and spread your name across the market for free, here’s the formula:
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Share advice that’s relevant
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Keep it simple and actionable
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Make it practical enough to use immediately
Do that, and your audience will not only thank you—they’ll remember you for years to come.
If you’d like to go even deeper and turn this kind of connection into a real marketing strategy, read my post on Word-of-Mouth Marketing Challenges and How to Overcome Them.
With appreciation & love,
Dr. Yaniv Zaid – “Doctor Persuasion”
P.S. Join my community to master the art of persuading anyone, anywhere, anytime.
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