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Dispelling the Top 3 Myths About Speaking
I think there are 2 types of people in this world:
Those who would rather poke forks in their eyes than speak
Those who will climb mountains to speak anywhere and everywhere
If you’re part of the group #2, then this is the blog post for you. Virtually every week, I get questions from wanna be speakers about jump starting their career. And, most of the questions are rooted in misunderstandings about this changing industry.
SO, here are a few speaking myths I must dispel.
PR Agents Don’t Book Speakers – PR agents are great at getting you attention in the form of by-lined articles, TV appearances, radio spots, or even guest blogs. BUT, I have yet to meet a PR agent who makes outbound phone calls on your behalf to get speaking gigs.
Speaking Agents Typically Don’t Make Outbound Calls – If you’re new to speaking, then an agent is probably the wrong first step. Why? Because an agent won’t take you. You must have a steady stream of hot leads. Agents simply follow up, close the deal, and issue the contract.
Speaking Bureaus Don’t Work for You – Many newbie speakers believe their fortunes reside with speaking bureaus. They’ll get listed on their website, get cozy with the bureau, get booked, and watch the money roll in. Wrong! Bureaus work for the client (the organization hiring the speaker). The bureau gets paid the same fee regardless who it books so it has no loyalty to you! Oh, and did I mention their commission is 25 to 30% of YOUR fee?
Let’s be clear: speaking is your best advertising. Speak with a strategy for spin-off business, repeat gigs, and referrals and then you’re on the road to a strong career.
If you’re serious about launching your professional career that brings in the revenue, then check out my one-on-one program entitled: Monetize Your Message Through Speaking.
This is one-on-one coaching that shows you how to:
Reach out and get paid speaking gigs
Charge appropriately for your speeches
Get paid on time!
Generate spin-off speeches
Negotiate when meeting planners tell you they can’t pay your fee
Create package offerings for the back of the room
Make an offer without sounding like a used car salesman
Let me know what you think by dropping me a quick note. Or, post comments below!