Speakers Archives - Speaker Sponsor: Recent Episodes

View Details

In the dynamic world of public speaking, where opportunities are abundant yet fiercely competitive, writing a great speaker proposal is the key to unlocking doors to prestigious stages and captivated audiences.

Writing a great speaker proposalWriting a great speaker proposal that not only showcases your expertise but also resonates with event organizers requires a strategic approach. We’ll delve into the art of writing a great speaker proposal that leaves a lasting impression and increases your chances of being selected as the voice that graces the next big event.

Know Your Audience and EventThe foundation of a compelling speaker proposal lies in understanding the audience and the specific event you are targeting. Tailoring your proposal to align with the needs, interests, and goals of the event organizers and their audience is crucial. Research the demographics, industry focus, and overall theme of the event to demonstrate your relevance and value. Don’t make the mistake of applying for events you’re not right for. Even if you end up getting the job, the audience won’t be a good fit for you.

• • Highlight specific aspects of your expertise that directly address the concerns or interests of the audience.
  • Showcase how your speaking topics align with the event’s overall theme and objectives.

Craft an Irresistible IntroductionThe opening of your proposal sets the tone for the entire document. Capture the attention of event organizers with a compelling introduction that not only introduces you as a speaker but also establishes a connection with the event’s purpose.

• • • Share a relevant and engaging anecdote that relates to your speaking expertise. - Express genuine enthusiasm for the event and convey how your contribution will enhance its overall impact.

Clearly Define Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)What sets you apart from other speakers? Clearly articulate your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) to showcase why you are the ideal choice for the event. This could include your distinct speaking style, innovative approach, or a unique perspective on industry trends.

• • Highlight any awards, recognitions, or notable achievements that underscore your expertise.
  • Emphasize how your presentation will offer a fresh and valuable perspective, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

Outline Your Speaking Topics with Precision

Provide a detailed yet concise overview of the topics you can cover during the event. Often this will mean sending in more than one proposal. It’s a lot of work, but this is where they go to find speakers and topics that may be of interest to their audience.

Clearly communicate the key takeaways and benefits that attendees will gain from your presentation. Use compelling language to spark interest and curiosity.

• • Break down each speaking topic into subtopics, demonstrating the depth and breadth of your knowledge.
  • Include real-world examples or case studies to illustrate the practical relevance of your content.

Demonstrate Your Speaking ExperienceEvent organizers seek speakers with a proven track record of delivering engaging and impactful presentations. Showcase your speaking experience, including past events, conferences, and testimonials from satisfied attendees or organizers.

• • Provide links to videos or recordings of your previous presentations, allowing organizers to witness your speaking style and audience engagement.
  • Share any positive feedback or testimonials you have received, emphasizing the value you brought to previous events.

Interactive Elements and Audience EngagementIn today’s dynamic speaking landscape, audience engagement is paramount. Illustrate how you plan to interact with the audience during your presentation. Whether it’s through Q&A sessions, interactive polls, or group activities, showcasing your commitment to engaging the audience enhances the appeal of your proposal.

• • Describe specific interactive elements you will incorporate to create a memorable and participatory experience for attendees.
  • Highlight any audience interaction techniques that have been particularly successful in your past presentations.

Address Logistics and Practical ConsiderationsAnticipate and address logistical concerns that event organizers may have. Clearly outline your requirements, such as audiovisual needs, equipment specifications, and any additional support you may require during the event.

• • Provide a comprehensive list of technical requirements to ensure a seamless and stress-free event for organizers.
  • Communicate your willingness to collaborate with event staff and address any specific logistical concerns they may have.

Offer Flexibility and CustomizationDemonstrate flexibility in tailoring your presentation to meet the specific needs of the event and attendees. While providing a solid outline of your proposed topics, express your openness to customization based on the organizer’s preferences or any emerging themes.

• • Showcase your adaptability and willingness to collaborate with event organizers to create a presentation that aligns seamlessly with their goals.
  • Highlight any instances where you have successfully customized presentations for specific events or industries.

Transparent and Competitive PricingBe transparent about your speaker fees and any associated costs. Clearly outline the value that event organizers will receive in return for your fees. While showcasing the competitive nature of your pricing, also emphasize the return on investment (ROI) that your presentation will bring to the event.

• • Break down your pricing structure, detailing what is included in your fees.
  • Highlight any additional benefits, such as post-event promotion or networking opportunities, to enhance the perceived value of your services.

Strong Call-to-ActionConclude your proposal with a strong call-to-action, encouraging event organizers to take the next step in securing you as a speaker. Provide clear contact information and express your eagerness to discuss the proposal further or answer any questions they may have.

• • Clearly state how organizers can reach out to you to discuss the proposal in more detail.
  • Express gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your excitement about the possibility of contributing to their event.

Writing a great speaker proposal is an art that involves a delicate balance of showcasing your expertise, understanding your audience, and addressing the unique needs of each event. By investing time and effort into creating a proposal that stands out, you increase your chances of being selected as the speaker who not only informs but inspires and captivates audiences. As you embark on this journey, remember that each proposal is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression and forge meaningful connections that extend beyond the stage.

The post The Art of Writing a Great Speaker Proposal appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

I’ve heard this comment from so many meeting planners recently I wanted to dig in a little deeper about it. Some meeting planners are complaining that their audiences aren’t happy with speakers who don’t really understand their industry. They’re not getting the hard skills they need to excel in their fields.

Speakers, especially keynote speakers, also need to convey soft skills, which are also important in the workplace. So, what is a speaker to do?

Speaker hard skills vs. soft skillsThe comparison between speaker hard skills vs soft skills is not a matter of one being universally better than the other. Both types of skills play essential roles in personal and professional development. Their value depends on the context and the specific requirements of a situation.

Hard Skills:* Hard skills are specific, measurable abilities that are often learned through formal education, training programs, or on-the-job experience. * They are typically job-specific and are easy to quantify and test. Examples include technical skills like programming, accounting, data analysis, language proficiency, etc. * Hard skills are crucial for tasks that require technical expertise, precision, and specific knowledge. * In certain professions, having the right hard skills may be a prerequisite for getting hired or advancing in a career. * However, relying solely on hard skills may not be sufficient for long-term career success as industries and technologies evolve rapidly.

Soft Skills:* Soft skills, on the other hand, refer to a person’s interpersonal abilities, emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, etc. * They are less tangible and harder to quantify but are vital for effective communication, collaboration, and building strong relationships with others. * Soft skills are essential in almost every professional setting, as they contribute to personal growth, teamwork, leadership effectiveness, and overall career advancement. * Individuals with strong soft skills often excel in leadership positions, as they can inspire and influence others positively. Here is some insight from those in the meeting and event industry:

“Event and meeting planners are looking for speakers who are experienced and professional along with some type of alignment with the event’s audience. In some cases, this is that the speaker is an authority in the field, and in others, it is a speaker who can delight, entertain, motivate, or inspire an audience in any field. Choosing which direction to go is truly made on a case-by-case basis depending on the client and their overall goal of the session, but more often than not, meeting planners are always looking for speakers who will resonate, experienced in their field or not.”

Jennifer Best

VP Marketing

All American Speakers

Knowledgable expert“As the CEO of Event Solutions, with more than 35 years of experience planning meetings and corporate events, I can tell you that choosing the right keynote speaker is a crucial task for us. We aim to find a speaker who excels in both hard skills and soft skills, creating a memorable and impactful experience for our clients and their audiences (see our featured past events here).

Hard skills are vital because we want a speaker who is knowledgeable and an expert in their field. This ensures that the content they deliver is valuable, informative, and aligns with the theme and objectives of the event.

Equally important are the soft skills of the speaker, which include their ability to engage, connect, and inspire the audience. We look for speakers who have charisma, excellent communication skills, and can capture the attention of attendees from the beginning to the end of their presentation.

Relevant experienceIn addition to these skills, we also seek speakers with relevant experience that resonates with the audience. When a speaker shares stories and insights that align with the challenges and interests of the attendees, it creates a stronger connection and adds authenticity to the overall presentation.

Throughout my career in event planning, I’ve seen the positive impact that a well-chosen keynote speaker can have on an event. They have the power to elevate the experience and leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.

At Event Solutions, our team works diligently to find speakers who possess the right mix of hard and soft skills, along with relevant experience. We strive to create exceptional events that inspire, educate, and leave a positive mark on our clients and their audiences. Together, we can make your event a success with a keynote speaker who brings knowledge, charm, and inspiration to the stage.

Brad Lipshy

Event Solutions

Entertaining and inspiringWhen meeting planners want a speaker who is going to be more engaging with a big personality (like a motivational speaker) then they will focus more on soft skills. They will book these speakers because they want to focus more on entertaining or inspiring their audience. But when we work with organizations who are looking to train their employees on a specific topic (leadership, customers service, DEI, etc.), or event planners who are managing a specific type of conference, then they focus more on hard skills. But at the end of the day, it’s usually a mixture of both with an 80/20 rule (hard/soft or vice versa).

Sergio Diaz

KeynoteSpeakers.info

Balanced skill setsHard and soft skills are valuable and serve different purposes depending on what an audience is looking for. For certain speaking jobs, hard skills are the primary requirement. This is especially true for breakouts and workshops. While for others, soft skills may be equally or even more critical if the audience is looking to be entertained. The best approach is to aim for a balanced skill set that includes a mix of hard and soft skills. This will make you more adaptable and effective in various situations.

In today’s dynamic speaking market, many meeting planners look for speakers who not only possess the necessary hard skills but also exhibit strong soft skills to entertain an audience. As a speaker focus on developing a well-rounded skill set that encompasses both hard and soft skills to enhance your overall employability. And focus on those industries where you have a background that you can relate to a meeting planner’s audience. This increases your chances of connecting with them and leaving a good impression.

The post Speaker Skills: Hard Skills vs Soft Skills appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

Founded, in 1984, TED stands for “Technology, Entertainment, and Design”. Anyone can speak at a TED event and anyone can put on one. The licenses are free but you have to apply for them. TED speakers and TEDx speakers are different in that TED speakers are invited. Anyone can be a TEDx speaker and they are everywhere.

You don’t get paid for a TEDx talk. So why would a speaker do them? Giving a TED talk can provide several benefits for individuals. Here are some of the key advantages:

Global ExposureTED talks have a vast audience worldwide. Learn to give a great TED talk, you have the opportunity to reach millions of viewers who are interested in your ideas, experiences, or expertise. This exposure can lead to increased recognition, visibility, and influence.

Thought LeadershipTED talks are known for showcasing innovative and thought-provoking ideas. Being invited to give a TED talk positions you as a thought leader in your field. It can help establish your credibility and expertise, leading to new opportunities, collaborations, and invitations for further speaking engagements.

Networking OpportunitiesTED events attract a diverse range of attendees, including influential individuals, experts, and professionals from various domains. Giving a TED talk allows you to connect and network with like-minded individuals, potentially leading to valuable connections, partnerships, and collaborations.

Personal and Professional DevelopmentPreparing and delivering a TED talk requires careful thought, research, and practice. The process challenges you to distill complex ideas into concise, engaging presentations. Through this preparation, you can enhance your communication skills, storytelling abilities, and overall presentation effectiveness.

Impact and InspirationTED talks are known for their ability to inspire and motivate people. By sharing your unique perspective, experiences, or ideas, you can potentially create a positive impact on the lives of others. Your talk may spark discussions, challenge conventional thinking, or empower individuals to take action, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Content Creation and DistributionTED talks are typically recorded and shared online, allowing your message to be accessible beyond the live event. This content can be shared on social media platforms, websites, and other channels, extending the reach of your talk and allowing it to have a lasting impact on a global scale.

Personal FulfillmentMany speakers find giving a TED talk to be a personally rewarding experience. It provides a platform to share their passions, stories, or ideas with a receptive audience. The process of crafting and delivering a compelling talk can be deeply fulfilling and gratifying.

How to give a great TED talkGiving a great TED talk requires careful preparation and effective delivery. Here are some key steps and tips to help you deliver an impactful and memorable TED talk:

Choose an engaging and compelling topicSelect a topic you are passionate about and that aligns with the TED talk format of “ideas worth spreading.” Ensure your topic is unique, interesting, and relevant to the audience.

Craft a clear and concise messageDistill your main message into a concise and powerful idea. Focus on delivering a clear takeaway that your audience can remember and act upon.

Structure your talk effectivelyOrganize your talk into a logical structure with a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion. Use storytelling techniques to engage the audience emotionally and make your ideas more relatable.

Develop a compelling openingBegin your talk with a strong opening that captures the audience’s attention. You can use a surprising fact, a personal anecdote, a provocative question, or a powerful quote to create intrigue and draw the audience in.

Use visuals effectivelyTED talks often include visuals to enhance the audience’s understanding and engagement. Utilize slides or other visual aids sparingly, ensuring they are visually appealing, easy to comprehend, and support your main points.

Be authentic and passionateConnect with your audience by being yourself and sharing your genuine passion for the topic. Show enthusiasm and energy throughout your talk to inspire and engage the listeners.

Use storytelling and personal anecdotesWeave relevant stories and personal experiences into your talk to make it more relatable and memorable. Stories have the power to connect emotionally with the audience and convey complex ideas in a compelling way.

Keep it simple and accessibleAvoid jargon, complex language, or overly technical details that might alienate your audience. Strive for simplicity and clarity, making your talk accessible to a broad range of listeners.

Practice and refine your deliveryRehearse your talk multiple times to familiarize yourself with the content, timing, and flow. Pay attention to your body language, voice modulation, and pacing. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from others to improve your delivery.

Respect the time limitTED talks are typically limited to 18 minutes or less. Ensure that you respect the allocated time and practice delivering your talk within that timeframe. Being concise and focused will help maintain the audience’s attention.

Engage the audienceIncorporate interactive elements or moments of audience participation to create a more engaging experience. This can involve asking thought-provoking questions, using rhetorical devices, or sharing relatable examples that encourage the audience to reflect and participate mentally.

End with a strong conclusionWrap up your talk with a powerful and memorable conclusion. Restate your main message and leave the audience with a clear call-to-action or a thought-provoking idea that encourages further reflection or action.

Remember, giving a great TED talk is not only about delivering a polished performance but also about sharing a meaningful and impactful idea that resonates with the audience. Be yourself, speak from the heart, and strive to inspire, educate, or entertain your listeners.

Regenerate responseThe post How to Give a Great TED Talk appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

In the speaking industry, anything can happen at the last minute. It’s rare for a professional speaker to simply not show up. That tends to happen more when the speaker isn’t getting paid. But even a paid professional may find themselves in a position where flight delays, extreme illness, or family emergencies occur. I had to deliver a keynote the day my mom died. It was incredibly difficult, but the show must go on. It was also to a group of hospice workers so they more than understood. I was able to keep it together without crying until the end.I’ve gotten a couple of jobs at the last minute because of my location and topic. How do you prepare and set yourself up for those opportunities to step in as a last minute speaker? Here are some speakers who have done it:Last minute speakerI’ve been a last minute speaker several times. I start by finding out everything I can about the organization with my standard questionnaire. I try to find several people I can interview about them beyond that. Then I plug the information into my presentation on the subject I’m speaking on, tailoring the presentation for what I’ve found.

We actively promoted me as a last minute speaker for a while, then decided that those gigs were so infrequent, it wasn’t worth the effort. But we did spread the word around and satisfied customers led to other clients.

Speaker and author, Barry Maher has appeared on the Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CBS, CNBC, and he’s frequently featured in publications likethe New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the London Times, Business Week and USA Today.

His books include Filling the Glass, which has been cited as “[One of] The Seven Essential Popular Business Books,” by Today’s Librarian along with books like The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and The One Minute Manager.

www.motivationalpresenter.com

Tik Tok followerThis has happened to me and I was actually a last-minute speaker this past Wednesday!I was contacted at 3:15 on Tuesday to talk on zoom about the Spendthrift Trust to a real estate investment group.I teach 1099 Income Earners and Investors how to save Federal Taxes with a Spendthrift Trust.The zoom happened 1 pm EST and I told them on Tuesday I had a hard stop at 2 pm.From that meeting I have had 4 appointments and sold a Trust today!The investor has a wholesale deal closing May 31, 2023, and with the Trust they will save $15,470 in Capital Gains.My advice to any speaker is know your talk inside out so you can step in very easily and answer questions on the fly.I was asked to speak because one of the organizers follows me on TikTok and knew the investors needed to hear my information.Sally Gimon623 693 1382www.TheTrustIsYou..com

Last minute tech speakerOne morning, I was enjoying my usual routine of coffee and news when my phone rang. It was an old friend, now a high-profile event organizer, and she sounded pretty flustered. The keynote speaker for a major tech conference she was organizing had suddenly fallen ill. She was in quite a predicament with the event just a day away.

Despite the unexpectedness and my initial hesitation, I agreed to step in. Over the next 24 hours, I immersed myself in preparation. Having spoken on various tech-related subjects before, I was familiar with the terrain, but the short notice was a challenge. I focused on three key things: understanding the audience, reviewing the topic, and structuring my speech to be informative yet engaging.

The day of the event arrived. As I stood on the stage, facing hundreds of expectant faces, I felt nervous but took a deep breath and began. Drawing on my experience and passion for the subject, I delivered a well-received talk. The initial nerves soon gave way to confidence and satisfaction, and I remember feeling immense accomplishment when I finished.Some quick tipsAs for advice to those finding themselves in a similar situation, I’d say preparation is crucial. Try to understand the audience’s needs and expectations. Prepare an outline, even if it’s rough, and structure your speech so that it has a logical flow. Remember to stay flexible as well, as you may need to adapt your speech on the spot based on audience reactions. Most importantly, bring your authenticity to the table. People connect with real stories and genuine emotions.

Networking is essential to let people know you’re available for such opportunities. Engage with event organizers, join relevant professional groups, and participate in industry forums and conferences. Regularly update your professional profiles on platforms like LinkedIn and let your connections know you are open to speaking engagements.

Remember, being a last-minute speaker can be nerve-wracking but also an opportunity to showcase your expertise and adaptability. Embrace the challenge, prepare well, and deliver your speech with confidence and authenticity.

Garrett Yamasaki, founder of WeLoveDoodles and a tech entrepreneur with many years of experience working for Google, Texas Instruments, and BroadcomThe Accidental SpeakerI’ve had the misfortune of being in a situation where I was asked to step in as a guest speaker at the last minute. Here is how I handled the situation:

I had to step in as a last-minute speaker during an event about utilizing online job marketplaces to earn money online. It was organized by a forum that was interested in helping students find the right direction when it comes to earning money online. Back then, earning money from the comfort of your home was a new concept. People were making money by creating CDs, books and other resources on this topic but very few of them were actually helpful. This eagerness of trying to earn money online led to a lot of people falling for scams. It also didn’t help that people were clueless about where to begin. The event was designed to educate these interested people.

Although I was there as a friend of one of the organizers, I also had some decent experience as a freelance writer. My friend was aware of my activities and wanted me to meet the speaker. As the guest speaker didn’t show up, he requested me to take the stage.

Amateur speaker
Everyone was quite aware of the fact that the actual guest speaker didn’t show up. They didn’t mind seeing an amateur speaker taking the stage. Even though I am more comfortable writing stuff than speaking publicly, it was my knowledge of the topic that gave me confidence. The familiarity with the topic helped me stay calm and assemble my thoughts quickly around the key points. I wove a narrative that included both personal experiences and practical advice. My journey as a freelancer became a backdrop to the insights I was sharing which gave my speech credibility and relatability.

It was the response from the audience that gave me the strength to deliver a meaningful and impactful talk. Their nods of understanding and thoughtful questions that followed my statements served as a confirmation that my message was resonating with them. This interaction didn’t just help me navigate this unexpected public speaking venture but also turned the session into a dynamic dialogue. Although it could have turned into a disaster, it was that event that sparked my newfound passion for public speaking. I loved the satisfaction of not only sharing my knowledge but also potentially making a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Every moment of that day remains etched in my memory, each second a vivid testament to a transformative experience.

Tim Lee
Founder of Tims Coffee
Website: timscoffee.com

Being a last minute speaker can be a great opportunity to help a meeting planner save the day. But being prepared and well-versed in your topic is important to make sure you make the most of that opportunity. Or as one meeting planner told me, “If a speaker doesn’t show up, there’s always Bingo”. Don’t lose out to Bingo!

The post Tips for Being a Last Minute Speaker appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

AAE Speakers Bureau recently took a 2023 survey of around 500 meeting planners and professional speakers and found that almost a quarter of the planners have more money to spend on keynote speakers. That leaves 75% who don’t. And 53.1% of the speakers have said they have had to raise their speaking fee. The report said that the average fee for a keynote is $15,551. And the average total budget for speakers is $26,583.

Meeting planners expect added value from speakers these days, such as a meet and greet with attendees, social media promotion, a book signing, and a meet and greet with executives. This should all factor into what you charge as your speaking fee. But how do you know when you should raise your speaker fee?

When should you raise your speaker fee?So many factors go into a speaker fee. And the truth is that there are really no rules about what yours should be. But there are some guidelines.

New speakersIf you’re just starting out as a speaker you can’t expect to get paid very much, if at all. Most speakers start out speaking for free. The only reason I never spoke for free was that I had my own sponsors. I taught other speakers how to make a living as a speaker from sponsorships. It cuts out all competition. Especially if you’re a new speaker. You can’t compete against seasoned professionals for regular speaking jobs, but with sponsorship, you have no competition. You get your own sponsors and create your own paid speaking jobs.

A good rule of thumb is that new beginning speakers can expect to charge between $500 and $2500 per speech. Again, if you have sponsors like I did when I first started out, you can charge as much as you think you can get. My very first speaking job was $2500 because I had several local sponsors and I put on my own event. If you can’t get someone to hire you as a speaker you can always become your own boss and hire yourself to speak. When the speaking industry is down this is a great option to still be able to make a living as a speaker. I used this method all through Covid to create my own virtual content for the sponsors I have in my portfolio.

Established speakersOk, so now you’ve been speaking for a while and you’ve been charging anywhere from $500 to $2500 and you’re pretty booked at that rate. By now you should also have at least one book on the market in your chosen topic in which you are an expert. If you’re marketing yourself you probably also have a decent following and are becoming well known in the industry. There’s no timeline about when that would happen. I’ve known very established speakers who spoke for free and low fee for a decade before they raised their rates. But it usually doesn’t take that long to get to that point. Go at your own pace. When you get to the established speaker level you will know it.

Established speakers should start to raise their speaker fee when they are too busy at the lower level fee to keep up with it. There are only so many days in the year and speaking every day of the year is not practical and will wear you out quickly. Speaking takes a lot out of you. Travel takes a lot out of you. And there is a sacrifice to be made in your personal life when you’re on the road so many days out of the year. You need the rest in between and you also need to have time to write more books and customize speeches for higher-paying clients.

Established speakers are able to charge between $2500 and $10,000 per speech. You’ve earned the right to boost your fee. Like every level, you don’t want to jump up in fees too quickly or you may find yourself struggling for work.

Influencer speakersOnce you’ve written multiple books and have tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of followers you move up to the influencer level of speakers. You probably also have a strong media presence. These speakers typically are able to charge around $10,000 – $20,000 per speech. Much more is expected of you as you move up to this level. My first big speech in this range was for 1,000 attendees for an engineering summit for Procter and Gamble. I was asked to take a lengthy internal research survey and find solutions for the issues they needed to find answers for. This was my first look at the difference between an established speaker and an influencer. You have to be prepared to up your game a lot at this point if you want to play in the influencer sandbox.

An influencer speaker is a known expert in their field. They don’t usually have an all you can eat buffet menu of speeches on 20 different topics. When a meeting planner thinks of your topic your name should be at the top of their list. This is also when you should start to differentiate yourself from other experts in your field. What’s in your background of experience that makes you different from all of your competitors? Hone in with laser focus on what makes you special, unique and different. What is your niche within your industry?

Celebrity speakersCelebrity speakers are usually in the $20,000 range and over. If you are a celebrity in another field, such as a famous athlete or actor, you can skip the other steps. You are mostly being hired for your name draw. That doesn’t mean you haven’t paid your dues. Just the opposite. You’ve paid your dues in another industry and have earned the right to stand on a stage for big bucks.

A celebrity speaker is also a speaker who has been around for many years and paid their dues on the stage as a speaker. By this point you probably have multiple books and at least tens of thousands of followers. You are at least well-known in the speaking industry and probably by the general public as well.

Seth Dechtman of The Keynote Curators has a good guideline for working with celebrity speakers.

No rulesAgain, there are no hard and fast rules for when you should raise your speaker fee. Being a professional speaker is a full-time job and there’s no contest for your own personal timeline.

The post When Should You Raise Your Speaker Fee? appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

There’s no doubt the meetings industry has been hammered for the past two years. But it is slowly showing signs of life. It’s not as easy as just saying that everything will go virtual forever. Nothing beats face to face meetings! But regardless of whether the meeting is face to face or virtual or a...

Continue Reading »

The post Meetings Industry Forecast for 2022 appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

I haven’t posted a whole lot lately. Because frankly, the speaking industry in 2020 sucked! Sure, there are speakers who are still working, and even some who are making decent money right now. There were people who made a fortune during the Great Depression. But most people were just barely scraping by. Most of the...

Continue Reading »

The post Why Speakers Are Having a Hard Time Right Now appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

Aristotle once said “Man is, by nature, a social animal”. Humans are most comfortable when we’re connected and sharing our emotions. When we’re face to face we’re able to match each others emotions instantly, without even realizing we’re doing it. That is something you can’t completely get on a Zoom call. Digital Meetings In a...

Continue Reading »

The post Will Live Meetings and Events Come Back? appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

The speaking industry is in a bit of upheaval right now. Conferences are being canceled and there is so much uncertainty about the future. As a speaker you should always have backup plans. Most people just think in one direction. But there is a lot of money to be made as a speaker who has...

Continue Reading »

The post Multiple Streams of Income for Speakers – Consultant appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

Some of your best speaker leads can come from referrals. Most of mine have. But all referrals may not be the same. I grew up in the entertainment industry, where about 80% of all jobs come from referrals. There is a good reason for that. Hollywood Hollywood is a transient place that’s full of con...

Continue Reading »

The post Where Your Best Speaker Leads Will Come From appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

Years ago I hired one of the best publicists in town to promote my product. I paid $5,000 month, which is a lot now, but a fortune back then. After 4 months I was out of money and they had only booked me one magazine. Since I had no money left, I was forced to...

Continue Reading »

The post The Easiest Way to Book a Speaking Job appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

The speaking industry is similar to Hollywood. Actors either audition or send in their videos and a group of people, the casting director, director, and producer, all have to come to a mutual decision about who they cast in a film, TV show or theater production. I’ve been on both sides of the process, and...

Continue Reading »

The post Why Speakers Don’t Get the Job appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

All industries change as the world around them changes. The speaking industry is no different. The topics meeting planners requested 5 years ago or 10 years ago have changed. With a booming economy, companies are now more interested in recruiting and retaining employees than they were 5 years ago. Current speaker topics companies are looking...

Continue Reading »

The post Current Speaker Topics Companies are Looking For appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

I was talking to a speaker the other day and asked her what topic she spoke about and she answered “whatever they want”. That might have worked in the speaking industry 20 years ago, but today’s meeting planner is looking for an expert in a topic, a thought leader who knows more about that topic than...

Continue Reading »

The post Are You Branding Yourself as a Speaker? appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.

View Details

Speaker Directory A speaker directory listing is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to get targeted traffic. And it comes from the exact customers you’re trying to reach. Search engines put a lot of weight on topic related backlinks. Being listed in a high ranking speaker site, which is monitored by humans,...

Continue Reading »

The post Benefits of Being in a Speaker Directory appeared first on Speaker Sponsor.