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Ira
Blumenthal
Frequently Asked Questions
When
a client hires me, my primary objectives are to offer ideas,
information, actionable data, motivation and education. My
goals, simply put, are to exceed expectations
and deliver value.
Call
it "edutaining" or
"entertraining," I
believe in the power of education through dynamic, exciting
and highly spirited presentations.
Needless
to say, when you are making that all important decision to
hire a speaker (I prefer being referred to as an "educator"),
it's imperative that you select the right speaker with the
right background and the right message (oftentimes the "right"
message is one that is customized for you).
Besides
reviewing my background, brochure, references and demo tape,
answering your questions is the
best way I know to help you make the best speaker decisions.
Anticipating
your issues, I have outlined and answered some of the frequently
asked questions of me. If there is something that we have
missed, please do not hesitate in giving me a call
or sending an e-mail.
~
Ira
What
are the subjects you speak on?
As a business person with a wide range of varied experience,
I certainly can address a wide range of business related topics.
However, my strongest experiences are in the areas I call
business development.
I
address strategic alliances . . . change . .
. brands and branding . . . and the future.
I am comfortable with most subjects related to "business
building," such as marketing leadership and repositioning.
Do
you customize your speeches?
There very well may be some elements, analogies, bits of purposeful
humor and examples that are standard "Ira," however,
I aggressively study the industries and companies I speak
for and work hard to make every speech a "signature speech."
How
long are your speeches?
I believe the ideal keynote presentation for me is 60-90 minutes
. . . and the ideal workshop is either a half or full-day.
Again, this is a by-product of your specific objectives.
I
have often delivered a keynote or general session speech in
the morning, then at the very same conference, conducted a
break-out session or a workshop later that afternoon.
What
kind of audio-visual support do you require?
I do not use a podium since I like to walk the stage (for
a large group) or the audience floor (for small to mid-sized
groups). I believe "working and walking" the room
is an important speaker strategy. I typically use
- Hand-Held
Wireless Microphone
- CD-Player
Can
you address an audience through interpreters?
Absolutely! I have a good bit of experience addressing groups
who speak different languages. I have had speeches concurrently
translated into seven different languages. I have also addressed
groups in Brazil, Mexico, and Europe with concurrent translation.
The reviews and "grades" have always been positive.
Success in translated materials is not only about the language
. . . it is also about understanding idioms, culture, expressions,
humor, etc.
You
are marketed as a "business speaker with a motivational
flair." What is your business background?
As you can see in my bio, I
have spent two-and-a-half decades in business.
I
have held sales, marketing and management positions with multi-billion
dollar companies (such as the Sara Lee Corporation). I have
experienced many functional areas which included successfully
fulfilling the position of corporate president. I have a long
list of industry awards and honors . . . served as a visiting
instructor at Michigan State and Notre Dame . . . actively
participate on a number of national business committees and
boards . . . and have been quoted in major publications (i.e.
The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, USA
Today, etc.). I am also the Executive-In-Residence at
Georgia State University's College of Business.
I
created food industry history with the creation and development
of the first restaurant branded food court in an American
supermarket. I created a national conference, "Brand-Building
For Your Future," as well as the "Branding Institute."
I have also been credited with the development of some incredibly
important and successful business initiatives for companies
such as McDonald's, Wal-Mart, Exxon, United Artists and others.
As
the president of CO-OPPORTUNITIES, Inc., an Atlanta-based
consulting company, I am the lead counselor for our world
class clients which include Coca-Cola, Nestle, Wal-Mart, Harrah's
Entertainment and others.
Are
you an author?
I am both a writer and an author.
I
have written and published many articles on business relating
to strategic alliances, brands and branding and business development.
I have also served as a guest editor for publications in a
number of different industries.
I
am also the author of Ready,
Blame, Fire! (Myths and Misses in Marketing),
an exciting book that focuses on the fourteen major "myths"
in business
- "It
won't happen here"
- "Close
enough is good enough"
- "Bigger
is better"
- "Follow
the leader" . . .
and
offers learnings from major marketing misses
- New
Coke
- Eastern
Airlines
- Howard
Johnson
- IBM
There
will be two other books out late in 2006.
Can
you provide us with reference letters from other speaking
clients?
Absolutely! The reference page includes a number of quotes
from satisfied clients. For more information, simply contact
us and just ask.
I
always receive excellent
grades on my speeches simply because I work very
hard in learning about an industry, company and
event . . . and dedicate myself to excellence and exceeding
expectations.
Competent
speakers can never have a bad day. I am very proud of the
references and reference letters we can provide you.
What
are your "points of difference?"
I am a high-content business speaker. "Education"
is my primary objective. Yes, I motivate, however, I am a
business speaker first.
Here
are some of Ira's "points of difference."
- Ira
customizes his speeches when appropriate.
- Ira
uses “best practice” stories and purposeful humor.
- Ira
often uses “props” and “video clips”
in his presentations.
- Ira
often uses music for his “open” or dynamic “close.”
- Ira
fosters audience interaction very well.
- Ira
will be glad to help a meeting planner with a session “write
up” and do an interview or article for the conference,
company or association publication.
- Ira
will often “bundle” a keynote speech and a break-out
session or panel moderating activity in one day for a client.
How
can we learn more about your speaking skills to see if you
are the right speaker for us?
1. Let's talk. Give me a call. I am certain that in a few
minutes of dialogue you'll know if I am the right person for
your important meeting or function.
2.
Ask me for a demo video or DVD. Brochures and web sites are
nice, however, viewing an in-action presentation is an important
tool for you to use.
3.
Ask me for some dates and locations of upcoming speeches.
Oftentimes, clients will permit a guest to preview one of
my speeches. I would welcome meeting you in person and demonstrating
before a "live" audience my skills.
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