Not just any bar. Jack’s Corner Tap. A classy local pub with polished wood, great lighting, and the kind of menu that makes you rethink your usual lunch spot.
That’s where I delivered a keynote for the BLU LKN business group, which meets there twice a month. No stage. No spotlight. Just smart business owners, pints in hand, ready to learn.
And it worked. Why?
Because when it comes to marketing, sometimes the smartest move is to stop chasing your audience and simply show up where they already are.
Because that’s where my people were.
When it comes to marketing, one of the most overlooked strategies is showing up in real life where trust is already high and attention is already focused.
There were no stage lights or booming microphones. Just real people sitting down over lunch, open to learning, curious to grow, and actively looking for connections.
So I brought value. I shared real stories. And I made it fun.
Because while the location may have been casual, the impact was anything but.
Speaking is still one of the fastest ways to build trust, deliver real value, and spark conversations that turn into clients.
But you don’t need a velvet curtain or a TED badge to do a keynote well. You need:
The room was buzzing afterward. Not because I nailed every line, but because I met them where they were and gave them something meaningful to take with them.
You don’t have to overthink your next marketing move. Just be helpful. Be visible. Be where your people gather.
The reason this kind of speaking opportunity converts better than a cold ad or webinar is simple: You’re giving, not grabbing.
You’re offering insights in context.
You’re not chasing anyone. You’re showing up where they already are and helping them solve a problem they’re already thinking about.
That’s what builds trust.
That’s what moves conversations forward.
And that’s what fills your pipeline.
Here’s the part most people miss when they think about speaking as “just visibility.”
After the session, several attendees stuck around to dive deeper—asking thoughtful questions, reflecting on their next move, and even pulling out their phones to schedule a follow-up call. I didn’t pitch them. I didn’t pass out business cards like candy. I just made it easy for them to take the next step when the timing felt right.
A week later, I’d already booked two calls, had three new subscribers to the Pathfinder letter, and was introduced to a local leadership team looking for strategic growth support.
So yes, I spoke in a bar.
And no, it wasn’t random or unprofessional. It was one of the smartest marketing moves I’ve made in months.
Because when you show up with clarity, value, and purpose your environment becomes your advantage.
In this week’s full Pathfinder letter, I’m breaking down:
📍 Get This Week’s Full Pathfinder Resource Letter → Pathfinder
If you want to skip the line and get clear on how to build your “boots on the ground” marketing strategy. Book a call today.
