Hello from very rainy Los Angeles,

• Brand, design and develop a presentation that gets results
  
• Position and package your expertise for high fee markets
  
• Land speaking engagements at colleges
  
• Streamline your business to increase productivity and profits
  
• Attract corporate sponsors for your programs
  
• Develop unlimited earning potential with products and programs that can be repackaged
  
• Choose the best technology, tools and web strategies for your business
  

We've added a few more vendors to the Marketplace check them out at http://www.speakerssummit.com/marketplace.html. Even if you can't make it you probably would like to know about the resources available to you.

Additionally if you have a need for a one camera video (authors, pay attention) we are offering 3-5 minute videos with an hour of coaching plus streaming for a very reasonable cost and if that is not enough we have 2 post conference workshops- Monday, March 6 on Be a Radio Host using Digital Tools and Get Published Now: Crash Course.

Almost forgot to mention that Jack Barnard and Vickie Sullivan each has 4 hot spots available. All the above information can be found on the speakerssummit website.

Sign up now don't be left out. www.speakerssummit.com

Do you need a 3 camera Video Demo? I have 6 openings for March. We will give you up to three hours of coaching on content and production for your video. The 2006 dates are 3/12, 6/18 & 11/5. See streaming video samples a http://speakerservices.com/videoprod.html.

Susan Levin
Speaker Services
http://www.speakerservices.com
310-822-4922, 877-773-2800

New and Renewing Speakers & Authors- 1/06
View all speakers: http://speakerservices.com

Click on the links to see the complete speaker listings and contact info

Chellie Campbell, Author, S. California, Nationwide
Author of The Wealthy Spirit and Zero to Zillionaire, and the creator of nationwide workshops that ease financial stress shows how to make more money - and have more time off for fun!
Finance, Motivational, Prosperity, Success
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/204

Terence P. Dixon, S, California
"Transforming Debt into Wealth" system shows how to pay off debt in 5 years, stop worrying about retirement, and build a financially independent future.
Debt Elimination, Finance, Wealth Building
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/164

Robert Forster, S. California
Academy Award-nominated actor and motivational speaker Robert Forster will speak to your group for free or to benefit charity.
Inspirational, Motivational, Self-Esteem
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/133

Meredyth Hunt, S. California
Certified Hand Analyst reveals secrets the hands tell that will help you communicate more effectively, access your creativity and build a balanced life.
Communication, Hand Analysis, Self Improvement, Work/Life Balance
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/206

Linda Landon, S. California
Business and life coach inspires you to unleash your creativity, accelerate your business to the next level and live the life of your dreams.
Inspirational, Leadership, Success
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/91

Tom Leech, Author, San Diego, Nationwide
Communications expert reveals winning presentation secrets that will boost your confidence, rev up your business and advance your career.
Communication, Presentation Skills, Sales
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/134

Maureen O'Crean, MBA, Author, S. California, Nationwide
"Savvy" business strategist, author and radio personality leaves audiences inspired "laughing all the way."
Business, Inspirational, Women's Issues
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/57

Eric Pulier, S. California
Software/digital pioneer shows entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and private equity groups how to spot the next Google-like opportunity.
Business Building, Business Solutions, Business Trends
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/207

Maya Rasak, M.F.T., S. California
Transformational therapist offers new tools to heal your broken heart and create a stress-free existence.
Alternative Healing, Relationships, Stress Management
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/205

Andrew Susskind, Los Angeles
Life Transition Coach reveals how to clarify your unique vision, set effective goals, and take your life to the next level.
Addiction/Recovery, Coaching, Personal Development
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/84

Carol Woodliff, S. California
Certified Hypnotherapist and coach with 20 years management experience helps you tap into your power to live well.
Alternative Healing, Stress Management, Success, Work/Life Balance
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/93

Tips and Advice
Send tips to: tips@speakerservices.com

Turn your speeches into books and products you can sell Donna Beech, info@words2sell.com

Discover the fastest, most efficient way to turn your speeches into books and products you can sell. Award-winning editorial and ghostwriting services for books, articles, web content and more. FREE consultation. 866.547.7508 (US toll free), info@words2sell.com, http://www.words2sell.com _________________

If you have written original articles and would like to submit them free to gain exposure over the internet, please visit our site and look around. Your submitted articles will rapidly be listed on search engines as well as our live RSS feeds. http://www.articledestination.com
_________________

What to expect for 2006 Vickie Sullivan- vsullivan@sullivanspeaker.com

Watch for a new emphasis in "enhancing the customer relationship" in the booming event marketing sector, according to EventView '05/'06. Sponsored by the MPI Foundation and the George P. Johnson Company, this fourth annual study surveyed 700 of the top buyers -- execs in companies with over $250 million in revenue.

Other key findings:

- Those who measure the results have a bigger budget for these meetings. The priorities: number of qualified leads and the value of those leads. Anything you can do to drive qualified leads to the event will put you on the inside track.

- Budgets are up, but price resistance is still alive and well, too. Your antidote: how your brand will increase attendance and enhance their relationship with customers.

- Integration is the name of the game -- these meetings are part of ongoing marketing activities. Your value add could be participating in publicity or follow-up activities as well.

Since 1987, Vickie K. Sullivan, President of Sullivan Speaker Services, has generated millions of dollars in speaking fees, book advances and ancilliary income for her clients. Sign up for her free market intelligence at http://www.SullivanSpeaker.com, Vickie is our keynote speaker for the Speakers' Summit, March 3-5 in Los Angeles.

_________________

"What Are You Speaking About?" James Malinchak- www.Malinchak.com

I often hear speakers say, 'I'm going to speak on 'X' topic because I really enjoy that topic.' Let me tell you that it's a BIG mistake! Let me explain by sharing a simple marketing lesson.

The number one marketing mistake in any business is to produce a product or create a service first, then try to find buyers. Smart marketers (and speakers) look to see what the market is buying BEFORE creating products/services (in your case which speaking topics the market is booking). Then, they market, market and market those speaking topics like crazy to the buyers. If the buyers already buy certain products/services (speaking topics), then doesn't it make sense to offer the buyers what THEY WANT to buy (book), NOT what you think they want to buy (book)?

BIG MARKETING LESSON:

- Give buyers what they want, NOT what you think they need!
- Don't think just because YOU love your topic and title, those who have the money to book speakers will, too!

THE KEY:
Research your speaking niche to determine which topics event coordinators actually are booking, then craft your message, and most importantly, package your speech title, to match what they're looking for in topics.

I promise you'll see an immediate increase in your bookings!

Speaker James Malinchak, 'America's Hottest Young Speaker,' is the creator of the two top-selling speaker courses, 'How to Make BIG Money As a Speaker,' and the 'College Speaking Success Home Study Course.' To learn more about his step-by-step systems and to sign up for his FREE 'Speaker Tips' E-zine, visit: www.Malinchak.com. James is will be the opening speaker at the Speakers' Summit, March 3-5 in Los Angeles _________________

Editing tip Dawn Josephson- dawn@masterwritingcoach.com

The single biggest mistake writers make is that they don't schedule time for the editing process. They feel their job is to write and their editor's job is to "clean up their mess." That's not true. An editor's job is to enhance your writing and make it sound better, not rewrite your piece. As a writer, you should always strive to have your writing as polished as possible before it even reaches your editor's hands.

Think of it this way: When a computer programmer writes code, he or she revises that code until it's perfect (or as close to perfect as the programmer can get it). The programmer then gives the newly coded program to a product tester, whose job is to test the program code. The tester's job is not to rewrite the code. The tester's job is to see if the code works and if the program performs the way a user would want it to. The tester will give the programmer some input and suggestions on how to make the program code more effective, but that's it. It's the same with writers and editors. The writer writes the text, and the editor helps make it better.

This means some extra work for you, but your effort will pay off in the long run. The general rule of thumb is to plan for half the time you spend writing a piece to edit it. In other words, if it takes you six hours to write a piece, schedule three hours to edit it. If time allows, plan your editing session for the day after you've finished writing. This gives your writing a chance to "cool." You'll have fresh eyes and more objectivity.

2 Complimentary Teleclasses

Be a Radio Host using AudioAcrobat Q & A
Pat Lynch & Dave Barrett
Monday, January 16, 4pm-5pm PST Tell the world about your product or service and who you are with your own Web radio show! In this dynamic workshop, the founders of Women's Radio and AudioAcrobat show how to broadcast your audio message worldwide. You'll learn how to: - Gather cost-effective digital tools for Web broadcasting
- Create audio that sounds like "real" radio
- Use your Web radio program to get prospects to come to you
- Get your guests to promote the program
- Attract sponsors and make money
- Sell your audio content to a large consumer base.

Dave Barrett and Patricia Lynch are pioneers in the niche online, streaming content and member-based information business. As co-owners of Women's Online Media and Education Network, a nine-year-old company that produces WomensRadio and WomensCalendar, they offer media services, including PressYourPoint press release service and AudioAcrobat (a unique Web-based, audio recording and streaming service), and training for professionals, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations.

Dave Barrett and Patricia Lynch are presenters at the Speakers' Summit, www.speakerssummit.com March 3-5 and are offering a post conference workshop on Monday, March 6 on Creating a Web Radio Show

Register: http://speakerservices.com/teleclasses/detail/57

_________________

The Communion Approach to Public Speaking, Presentation and Performance
Jack Barnard & Susan Levin
Monday, January 30, 4-5pm PST

In today's business world it's important to communicate your ideas effectively, whether you are selling a product, delivering a speech, designing a proposal or asking for sponsorship. A great presentation makes the difference. You'll learn: - Tools and techniques to learn how to connect and communicate your ideas effectively and deliver your presentations with confidence.
- How to spice up your presentations through storytelling.
- About openings, closings, humor and involvement -- which is about energy, excitement and heart-felt emotion.

Jack Barnard is a master presentation and branding coach and a media trainer and writer. He works with speakers, authors and entrepreneurs both one-on-one and in group settings. He's the author of We Get Our Cue From You: The Communion Approach to Public Speaking & Presentations and three CDs: The Soul of Speaking, Mesmerize Your Audience and Storytelling.

Susan Levin is an international marketing consultant and founder of Speaker Services. She offers advice and marketing strategies guaranteed to dramatically increase your income and success through speaking. www.speakerservices.com

Jack and Susan are presenters at the Speakers' Summit, www.speakerssummit.com, March 3-5 in Los Angeles.

Register: http://speakerservices.com/teleclasses/detail/58

SPEAKERS' TOOL KIT--Complete in One Package

Speaker Services, Books, CD's and Get the Word Out, Master the Message, Master the Media Symposium (6 CD's) and 3 teleclass CD's of your choice

Includes everything you need to know grow your business through speaking and to create your speaking platform -great for beginners to seasoned speakers, authors, coaches etc.

Value $479 your Price $299 (plus $5 for shipping)

SPEAKERS' TOOL KIT

- Market Yourself as a Speaker Workbook and CD (80 mins), Susan Levin
- We Get Our Cue From You, The Communion Approach to Speaking Book, Jack Barnard
- 3 CD's: Soul of Speaking, Mesmerize Your Audience, Storytelling -each 2 hours, Jack Barnard

Get The Word Out Symposium, Master the Message, Master the Media 2005, 6 CD's, http://www.getthewordout.info for program description The Power of the Voice, The Business of Speaking, Interview Tactics, Meet the Press Panel, Marketing, PR & Creative PR Panel, The 2 Minute Networker, The Insider's Guide to Pitching TV Producers, Media Coaches Panel

Choose 3- Teleclass CD's 80 minutes see descriptions http://speakerservices.com/products

- High Fee Speaking Engagements, Vickie Sullivan, Sullivan Speaker Services
- Turn Your Expertise into Profits Painlessly, Marcia Yudkin
- Organize & Market Profitable Teleclasses, Susan Levin & Rob Schultz
- How to Write and Sell, a Book Proposal, Philip Goldberg
- Write to Sell! Create Promotional Pieces that Sell Books, Dawn Josephson
- Get Booked to Speak at Colleges, James Malinchak
- Get Booked at Adult Education Centers, Brian J. Marinelli
- Get $100,000 in Free Publicity for your Books, Products or Services, Robert Smith aka The PR Doctor

HOW TO ORDER: http://speakerservices.com/orderprod1.html --please write in the comment box Speakers' Tool Kit- $299 and check off the 3 CD's of your choice from the teleclass section.

Article: Your Innovative Mind: Best Practices in Marketing Strategy
by Sinara Stull O'Donnell, MA

Excerpted from Professional Speaker, December 2003

"It will cost about $25,000 for a speaker to discover a marketing mistake." Those are the chilling research findings of Vickie Sullivan of Sullivan Speaker Services in Tempe, Ariz. Marketing strategy is often one of the major stumbling blocks for speakers. Although they frequently focus on the message, they neglect the business behind the message. In this article, let's explore some of the best practices of marketing experts as well as speakers who have implemented innovative ideas to improve their marketing strategies. Simply, innovation is the successful implementation of ideas, and marketing is all about ideas. Robert B. Tucker, speaker and futurist, is the author of Driving Growth Through Innovation. In a recent interview, Tucker outlined three critical steps to help a speaker develop an innovative mind to improve marketing strategy:

1. Make this a game of anticipation. To put your finger on the pulse of the industry, listen and talk to meeting planners and clients.
2. Enroll today in the "University of Customization." "I got my PhD from doing research," says Tucker. "I do it relentlessly and do it tremendously. It feeds my knowledge of innovation. I do it for every presentation I make."
3. Experiment constantly. Tucker describes sending an article out to a number of trade publications, and suddenly finding himself presenting to a new industry, which had picked him up as a result of his article.

The consequences of not strategizing in an innovative manner may result in what Vickie Sullivan calls the "death spiral." She describes this as the process of a beginning speaker who comes into the industry full of vim and vigor. The speaker decides what he or she will speak on, then immediately begins producing a product, often on the cheap. They do this based upon "educated guesses" and "educated information." This strategy is off from the get-go and business suffers. It then goes into a "death spiral" in year two or three. Depending on resources, advice and ability to put his or her ego on the shelf, the speaker will either quit the business or change strategies.

Advanced speakers can also experience a "death spiral" of sorts. They are so used to having business grow that they forget what their true value in the market is, says Sullivan. "When the changes come, they are not prepared to reinvent themselves, because they don't have market intelligence," she theorizes.

Lois Creamer, who works with professional speakers through her company, Book More Business in St. Louis, Mo., lists the three biggest marketing mistakes speakers can make:

1. Not targeting their marketing
2. Spending too much time talking to people who are not going to buy their services
3. Lack of effectiveness in leveraging more business from each and every engagement.

In order to benchmark where we are in the innovative aspect of marketing, we need to ask certain questions:

Am I exploiting my intellectual property? "It is a brave new world as far as putting our intellectual property in the marketplace," says Creamer. "People who are good with this seek all the methods: speaking, marketing, audios, articles, books, creating Web-centered learning, teleconferences, and generally making the most of the new technologies."

As for speakers, we are often told, "write a book." A well-written book, however, needs to be integrated as part of our innovative marketing approach. Mike Stoll, president of All-Star Agency in Fairfax, Va., puts it bluntly: "To us, an author is someone who has written a book and then goes to speak, not a speaker who speakers and then writes. When someone wants an author, we have to present a true author. The vast majority of speakers' books out there are junk with no valid research or academic work."

This does not mean that speakers should not write. They can and do -- some very successfully. It does mean, however, that their books should be well-written, well-researched and targeted. Sullivan adds, "People need to look at how the message in their book will position them, or else it may put them in a market they don't want to be in. They need to strategize their message. I have told more than one author: 'This book will only get you free speeches.' The best they can hope for is that it will springboard them into another book."

Jeff Magee, CSP, CMS and founder of Jeff Magee International in Tulsa, Okla., believes that certification and education gives speakers credibility and strong credentials for speaking, writing, training and consulting. "Speakers need to find an innovative way to stand out in the crowd," he says. "The speaking industry has become very black and white. How do you make yourself four-color to stand out in the crowd?"

Do I look at myself as an individual entity or as a dynamic organization? "Professional speakers, even one-person shows, have to emulate large corporations," says Magee. He recommends regular meetings with your "marketing department," even if you are an "army of one."

On the other hand, Tucker believes you cannot look at marketing as a department but as an enveloping strategy that permeates everything that you do. He states that some speakers' business slows down because "they don't have the marketing mindset [and] because they don't continue to recreate themselves every year."

Are you ready to make the changes that an innovative marketing strategy requires? Bill Crawford, PhD, founder of Crawford Performance Solutions in Houston, Texas, had been in the speaking business for some time when he found that his activity level changed. He sought out the consultation of Sullivan and committed to many changes in strategy, including a new approach for his message, described as "unleashing top-dog potential in an underdog world."

"In order for me to make the shift," he says, "I had to be very unattached to everything I was doing." Crawford realized that his approach had been similar to others' out in the marketplace. After making strategic changes, his business has increased and he sees himself in the market as the "top dog guy."

Lois Creamer recommends speakers make those changes with the influence of a mastermind group. Meeting regularly with peers who will give honest feedback will help us grow. "We can't benchmark ourselves unless we set goals. We need to re-visit those goals, at the very least, quarterly," she says. Others can give us perspective, ideas and hope.

Once we have decided upon a course of using innovation to benchmark our business success and determine our own best practice in marketing, we must turn to our industry leaders for guidance. Their continued giving benefits all of us. As Robert B. Tucker says: "We have to get beyond jealousy and love each other to greatness."