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If You Need A Speaker, A Trainer Or An MC...

I'm Kay Ross, a Hong Kong-based marketing consultant and coach. I'm also a very experienced and entertaining trainer, public speaker and MC (Master of Ceremonies).

Below are details of some of the many talks, courses, seminars and corporate training sessions about marketing, content marketing, copywriting, public relations, social media, "Applied Improvisation" and related topics that I've presented in Hong Kong (and even a couple of global teleseminars on which I was the "guest expert").

My clients have included entrepreneurial owners of small businesses, multinational corporations, non-profit community groups, Chambers of Commerce, professional bodies, academic institutions...

Do you need a tailor-made talk/seminar/workshop for your organisation? I'm happy to adapt my material to design the perfect event for you.

Read some rave reviews about my "performances" as a trainer and public speaker.

Contact me today if you need a speaker, a trainer or an MC for your next event.

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Upcoming public courses, events, workshops

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Here's info about some of the many marketing-related talks, courses, seminars and workshops I've presented:

Pitch Coaching at an Entrepreneurship Bootcamp - on August 6-7, 2018, I was a “pitch coach” for teams of university students from around the world at an entrepreneurship bootcamp in Shenzhen, China, organised by the Asia-Pacific Innovation Academy (APIA). I coached them about how to use storytelling and emotion in their pitches to investors.

“Startup Success: Pitch Your Story with Confidence and Charisma" - on December 13, 2017, I led a 90-minute workshop for startup entrepreneurs, about how to craft and present a pitch to investors, journalists and potential customers. Hosted by Startup Blink.

“Storytelling for Business Success” - on September 20, 2016, and May 23, 2017, I led a Content Marketing workshop for staff at the Hong Kong office of a global bank, about finding, crafting and telling true stories in corporate communication (both within the company and externally, and both one-to-one and one-to-many).

“Give 'Em Something To Talk About” - on September 18, 2014, then on January 15, 2015, and then again on October 27, 2015, at Paperclip Startup Campus, I led this public workshop for entrepreneurs about how to succeed in business by tapping into the power of storytelling and the concept of Content Marketing. Participants said they learned how to “talk to users”, “draft a compelling story” and find “a different way of connecting with clients”. They also said it was “very helpful”, “very lively, informative” and “very interesting and useful”.

“Improvising Entrepreneurial Success” Workshop - on September 11, 2014, at Paperclip Startup Campus, I led this public workshop for entrepreneurs, about how to approach business (and life) with an improvisational mindset.

Applied Improvisation Workshop - on April 9, 2014, I taught a 1.5-hour workshop for 12 undergraduate students of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Their professor said he wanted them to have "totally new experiences that will change how they think about themselves".

One participant wrote to his professor afterwards:
"It was one of the best classes (if not the best) class that I've ever had in university. Truly enjoyed it! (Could we have more classes likes this?)"

Testimonial from Professor Po Chi Wu:
"For me as an educator, the most important metric for any learning experience I can provide my students is their response, at the time, and afterward. My class was fully engaged in the enjoyable and productive session Kay Ross organized and shared with us. Subsequent discussion after class showed they absorbed some valuable life lessons. Kay is a true professional and inspires because she delivers from her heart. She is passionate about improvisation and knows how to use those tools to help people grow and appreciate themselves and others."

Startup: Tell A Better Story, Confidently - on January 21, 2014, I was the speaker at this gathering of the Funders & Founders meetup group. We played some improv games designed to build participants' skills and confidence with public speaking and devising engaging stories. (25 participants.)

Entrepreneurship - I was a guest speaker and trainer at the Entrepreneurship Winter School at The University of Hong Kong on January 9, 2014, and then also at the Entrepreneurship Summer School at the same venue on August 7, 2014. At each event, about 40 young participants from around the world asked me questions about my entrepreneurship journey. Then I led a 1.5-hour applied improvisation workshop, to give them an experience of how the principles and mindset of improvisation apply to life and business.

Applied Improvisation Network Conference, Manila - at this international organisation's conference in Manila, June 25-26, 2013, lots of interesting people shared ideas about how to apply the principles, techniques and mindset of improvisational theatre in many fields of work: coaching, youth work, corporate training, human resources management, sales, marketing, health, education, community development, conflict resolution...

I led two sessions, "Making the Case for Applied Improv: How Companies Around the World are Using Improv" and "How to Sell an Applied Improv Program".

Tweet People Nice - on May 3, 2013, I was one of the speakers at the "Hong Kong Social" monthly meetup. I gave a presentation about what NOT to say and do in your tweets. (Number of participants: about 50.)

Improv for the Business World - on April 9 and again on December 5, 2013, I taught this public workshop for entrepreneurs and business managers/leaders, about how to apply the principles, mindset and techniques of improv to life and business for better leadership, communication, teamwork, trust, creativity, confidence... (and that's good for marketing, too). One participant in the April workshop commented: "I thought this was a fantastic course - I really enjoyed it and also feel that many of the points raised will be useful in both my professional and private life. I would very highly recommend this class to others so it would be great if it were to be repeated."

Give 'Em Something To Talk About - on January 30, 2013, I was one of the guest speakers at "Give ’Em Something To Talk About - How to Succeed in Business by Tapping into the Power of Storytelling and Content Marketing", hosted by Heels & Deals Hong Kong, a networking group for female entrepreneurs. (Number of participants: 50)

A participant, Glynis Ferguson of Freedom Coaching, commented afterwards: "I very much enjoyed your talk about story telling. What particularly stood out for me was your idea that marketing is now taking on a 'pull' energy rather than a 'push'. That very much speaks to me as someone who likes to draw people in!"

What NOT to Say in Your Twitter Bio - on August 5, 2011, I was one of three guest speakers at the monthly "HK Social" gathering of people interested in learning/sharing about social media. I spoke about what not to say in your twitter bio. (Number of participants: 65)

Life Is An Improvisation Game - on June 28, 2011, I was one of the co-presenters of a workshop at the Hong Kong Fringe Club, presented by People's Liberation Improv, the comedy improvisation troupe of which I'm a member. We explained and demonstrated how the principles and techniques of comedy improvisation can be applied in life and in business for better communication, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, productivity and just plain fun. I conceived and organised the whole event. (Number of participants: 50.)

Tweetcamp - on October 17, 2009, I was one of several "Camp Counsellors" at this hands-on introductory workshop about twitter, led by Jay Oatway and Perri Blake Gorman. In particular, I spoke about how and why to write a compelling twitter bio.

Demystifying Marketing - on October 14, 2009, I was the guest speaker at the NetworkDB Supper Club, a training/networking group for business owners in Discovery Bay, Hong Kong. I spoke about the basic principles of marketing, and shared some simple, low-cost marketing strategies. One participant commented: "Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, that was really helpful."

Writing for Results - How to Share Your Message with Your Ideal Clients - on July 7, 2009 (July 6 in the USA), I presented a global, one-hour teleseminar for members of Elyse Hope Killoran's "Prosperity Partnership Program" and "Soul-Aligned Business Collaborative" communities, about how to craft compelling, authentic, from-the-heart marketing messages that attract attention and get results.

Effective Marketing and PR Writing - from January to May 2009, I was a Visiting Lecturer for this one-semester undergraduate course for 52 students at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (presented via the Centre for Professional and Business English). The focus was on how to write effective English-language marketing material. In January-February 2010, I also taught a condensed, six-week version of this course for 10 adult-education students, also via the CPBE.

5 Ways to Transform Your Marketing Copy and Craft Authentic, Compelling Messages - on October 15, 2008, I was the "guest expert" interviewee on this one-hour global teleseminar, hosted by Fashion Feng Shui Facilitator Evana Maggiore in America. Evana herself commented afterwards: "It was chock full of information and I am excited to put some of the things I learned today into action." (Number of participants: 24.)

The Top 10 Do's and Don'ts for Getting Media Coverage - on October 2, 2008, I was the "guest expert" interviewee on this one-hour global teleseminar, hosted by Sydney-based marketing consultant Kathleen Ann. I spoke about how to write a media release, and the do's and don'ts of media relations. One participant commented afterwards: "I really enjoyed your teleseminar. It was filled with really great information on a level that even a novice like me could understand." (Number of participants: about 40.)

Building Business Buzz - on August 17, 2008, I presented a global, one-hour teleseminar for members of Elyse Hope Killoran's "Prosperity Partnership Program" community. I recorded and transcribed the call, and created an information product titled "34 High-Integrity, Low-Cost Marketing and Branding Strategies for Soul-Inspired Entrepreneurs". Get your copy here

Effective Business Writing Techniques - on August 11, 2008, I taught this full-day course to a group of sales and admin staff from various companies. The focus was particularly on writing e-mails. I was hired by corporate training company Dew-Point International Limited to teach the course to their clients. (Number of participants: 10.)

The Art of Momentum: Keeping Your Business Going & Growing - on June 3, 2008, I was one of several guest speakers at this seminar presented by the Hong Kong Women Business Owners Club. I touched on branding and how to take advantage of low-cost PR strategies. (Number of participants: about 60.)

Smart Tips for Small Businesses: Effective E-Newsletters - What, When, How, Why...? - on May 27, 2008, Billy Wong of Canaan Internet Marketing and I co-presented this lunchtime seminar for the British Chamber of Commerce. We explained how to write compelling content, build and manage a database, avoid spamming readers, and track readers' responses. (Number of participants: 40)

Taking the Mystery out of Marketing - on January 24, 2008, along with Billy Wong of Canaan Internet Marketing, I co-presented a Professional Development workshop for professional coaches (life coaches, executive coaches etc.), organised by the Hong Kong International Coaching Community. The focus was on marketing and how to make the most of members' profile pages on the HKICC website. One participant commented afterwards: "Wow, did I get value tonight...thank you both for an inspiring workshop...I am buzzing with possibilities!" (Number of participants: 20)

Writing for Results - I was the trainer at this three-hour public seminar, presented by the Hong Kong Women in Publishing Society on October 27, 2007. The participants, mostly freelance writers or owners of small businesses, learned how to write compelling marketing messages in their ads, brochures, websites, newsletters, project proposals, media releases, e-mails... (Number of participants: 15)

Making the Most of the Media - this 2.5 hour seminar, aimed at businesses and non-profit community groups, was specifically about how to write a media release, how to take good publicity photographs, and the do's and don'ts of media relations. I was the co-presenter with Alexandra Carroll, the Arts Editor of "HK Magazine". It was held at the Fringe Club on September 18, 2006, and due to public demand we repeated it on November 20, 2006. One participant commented: "It's the most useful seminar I have been to this year." (Number of participants: 85 on September 18; about 50 on November 20.)

I also presented a shorter version of this seminar, under the title "Demystifying the Media", for the British Chamber of Commerce on October 24, 2006 (number of participants: about 20). With Alexandra, I also co-presented a shorter version of the seminar to final-year students at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts on December 7, 2006 (number of participants: about 20).

Marketing Magic - How to Sell More Stuff and Make More Money - I was a speaker at this breakfast meeting for executives on June 2, 2006, organised by business coach Cecilia Yeung. I explained the basic principles of marketing, and offered tips about how to write compelling marketing communications material. (Number of participants: about 20.)

Guerrilla Networking to Win Clients - I co-led the discussion at this Roundtable meeting for members of the Women Business Owners' Club on March 1, 2006. (Number of participants: about 20.)

How to Start and Run Your Own Business - the Women Business Owners Club regularly presented this half-day seminar for people who had just started, or were planning to start, their own business. I was the guest expert on the topic of marketing at eight such events (October 2004, March 2005, October 2005, October 2006, October 2007, November 2008, May 2009 and November 2009). I was also the co-organiser and the MC for the event in October 2005. (Number of participants: as many as 80 people per event.)

Charge What You're Worth - I co-organised and led informal roundtable discussion meetings on the topic of how, and how much, to charge clients (especially for professional service-providers). These events were exclusively for members of the Women in Publishing Society (November 21, 2005) and the Women Business Owners Club (December 12, 2005, and repeated February 15, 2006). (Number of participants: about 20 at each event.)

Content Is King - I was the speaker at this 2-hour seminar, presented by the Usability Professionals' Association of Hong Kong, on September 29, 2005. The focus was specifically on how to write compelling, effective and user-friendly content for websites. (Number of participants: about 30.)

Marketing Services - I was one of three guest experts at this seminar presented by the Women Business Owners Club on September 13, 2005. (Number of participants: about 50.)

Marketing - A Civilized Form of Warfare? - I was one of three speakers at this seminar presented by the Women Business Owners Club on October 14, 2003. I focused on how to write compelling marketing communications material. (Number of participants: 51.)

Ask the Expert - I was guest expert on the topic of marketing at this business clinic presented by the Women Business Owners Club on September 9, 2003. Participants had 15-minute private consultations with experts in various business topics. (Number of participants: 63.)

Compelling Copywriting - I presented this four-hour course (2 hours x 2 days), aimed mainly at SMEs and non-profit community groups, at the Island School Evening Institute in November 2002, March 2003 and October 2003. The course introduced the basics of marketing theory; offered tips on how to write compelling marketing communications materials, and included practical writing exercises and group discussion. (Number of participants: about 10-15 each time.) I also presented this course as an in-house training seminar for a group of eight staff at Economist Conferences in March 2003.

Marketing Matters - I presented this five-hour course (2.5 hours x 2 days), aimed mainly at SMEs and non-profit community groups, at the English-speaking Members' Department of the YWCA in June 2001, October 2001, February 2002 and July 2002. The course covered the basics of marketing theory and media relations; how to devise low-cost, lateral-thinking marketing strategies; how to win corporate sponsorship, and how to write press releases that would actually get used. (Number of participants: ranged from 5 to 25 per course.)

Writing Right - I presented this 1.5-hour seminar, based on material from the "Compelling Copywriting" course, at the Australian Chamber of Commerce on June 5, 2003, and then repeated it due to popular demand on August 7, 2003. It was part of the "Back to Basics" series organised by AustCham's Media & Marketing Committee. (Number of participants: 38 on June 5; 25 on August 7.)

Writing to Win - I was the speaker at this 2.5-hour Professional Development Workshop for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) on July 19, 2003. It was based on material from my "Compelling Copywriting" course. (Number of participants: about 10.)

Corporate Websites - I was one of four co-presenters at this three-hour workshop at the Australian Chamber of Commerce on June 21, 2003. I focused specifically on how to write effective content for websites. (Number of participants: about 10.)

Profit is King! Strategies to Take a Business Idea Forward Profitably - I was one of four speakers at this dinner meeting of the Women Business Owners Club on June 10, 2003. I focused specifically on marketing theory and strategies for small businesses. (Number of participants: 69.)

Editing Skills Workshop - I was one of two speakers (with a university professor in journalism and communication) at this four-hour workshop presented by the HK Women in Publishing Society (WiPS) on November 17, 2001. I covered the role and tasks of an editor, and some problematical points of English grammar and writing style. (Number of participants: about 50.)

Bums on Seats - I presented this two-hour talk, specifically about marketing for arts organisations in Hong Kong, at the Fringe Club on June 9, 1999. I covered basic marketing theory and tips on media relations, in particular how to write a press release. (Number of participants: about 80.)

Contact me today if you need a speaker, a trainer or an MC for your next event.