Speaker
Services E-News - 4/06
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Content:
- Note from founder, Susan Levin
- Tips & Advice
- Article: Getting a Handle on Our Changing Marketplace, Don Hutson
- New & Renewing speakers/authors 4/06
A
Message from Susan Levin
Greetings,
A hearty welcome to our new and renewing speakers and authors for April. Wow we have very interesting group of speakers this monnth. Their talks range from Sexuality, Stress Management, Trauma, Information Technology to Will Cook for Sex! You can see for yourself as I've listed all the folks at the bottom of this e-mail.
The CD's are finally available from the Speakers' Summit and may be purchased as a set or individually. For further details http://www.speakerssummit.com/speakers_summit_cds.html.
We're looking for a small group (20 maximum-10 spaces open) of very special Peak Speakers for the Speakers' Bootcamp, July 14-18 in Los Angeles. Experience isn't an issue. If you've been speaking for a while, great, you know what the challenges are. You've been in the Game enough to know what it's like.
Maybe you're just starting out. Great! THIS IS THE PLACE TO DO IT! The speaking industry can be very frustrating. It is critical that you step out in the right direction from the very beginning.
We are going to gather a gaggle of speakers who want to not just be financially successful, they also want to create a truly meaningful impact, they're willing to shake us up if it's necessary, they know that winning the Game sometimes means stoking and stroking, poking and provoking the audience out of their comfort zones.
You can count on this: there has never been a speakers training like this one. Read the details: http://speakerservices.com//services/la.html
Release the book you have inside, get it done and get it sold – even if you’ve never been published. Jean-Noel Bassior is a working journalist/author who shows you how to break the fear barrier, stop procrastinating, begin your book, finish it - and get it published. On Sunday, June 4 she will be teaching the popular Get Published Now Workshop. Details at: http://speakerservices.com//services/la.html Discover the inside secrets of the publishing business, how agents and editors think, what makes them buy a book or story, and how to pitch your idea like a pro.
Do you need a Video Demo? June 11 is the next 3 camera shoot in front of a live audience. Every speaker can use one of Susan's fabulous demo tapes. A great value at twice the price! -Stewart Levine, Author: The Book of Agreement and Getting to Resolution
Would you like to add hundreds of thousands of "EXTRA M0ney" to your speaking and writing income? My friend, James Malinchak, is called "The King of the College Speaking Market," and has taught numerous authors and aspiring, beginning, and experienced speakers how to take their message to the college market and make a "T0N of M0ney!" And, he's doing it again with his upcoming "College Speaking Success Boot Camp!" James will teach you step-by-step how you can quickly tap into this hidden, but lucrative, speaking niche! May 4-7, 2006 in Orlando, May 18-21, 2006 in Los Angeles. I will attending the Los Angeles Bootcamp.
Learn more and get his FREE REPORT,'The 17 Different College Coordinators Who Have the Money to Book You to Speak on College Campuses!' now at http://www.collegespeakingsuccess.com/levin
Save October 5,6 & 7 for the MediaSpeak Symposium (formerly Get the Word Out) Master the Message, Master the Media. I'll be sending more information in a few weeks.
Enjoy the enlightening article that Don Hutson wrote about Getting a Handle on Our Changing Marketplace. Don writes, Dr. John Kotter, a Harvard Business School professor, says, "The central issue is seldom strategy, structure, culture or systems. Behavior change happens mostly by speaking to people's feelings." Perhaps delivery is just as important (if not more so) than content. We could have fun debating that one for hours. At any rate, we can all acknowledge that behavior change is a tough one. The reality is that the best shot we have at making a difference and facilitating change is to have cutting-edge, pertinent content coupled with a terrific delivery. He really gets to the heart of the matter.
Regards,
Susan Levin
310-822-4922
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Tips and Advice
Send tips to: tips@speakerservices.com
Association program trend
- Vickie Sullivan, vsullivan@sullivanspeaker.com
For years, associations have worried about the impending drop in membership due to Generations X and Y. These groups are struggling for membership and meeting attendance, but not because of demographics. According to a recent study from association management giant Smith Bucklin, membership in the U.S. Is expected to rise from 51 million in 2005 to about 55 million in 2015. The percentage of all workers belonging to associations is expected to climb from 28.3 percent to 28.9 percent in that interval. So what's going on? Competition. There are more opportunities to meet and the newer generation wants to get involved, not just write a check. Bottom line: watch for more community-building and career development from associations. Position your programs accordingly.
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Find where your articles are posted
Joanne Victoria, Joanne@joannevictoria.com
I discovered over one thousand links with my domain name and many more places that my articles were published. To find where yours are listed, put your domain name between the brackets below, then copy and paste the whole thing into a Google search window. Leave the < > symbols in place around your domain name. fillinyourwebsitenamehere>.com
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2 Scholarships available for The PDN's Wealth of a Woman Conference-April 5, 7 & 8 in Los Angeles www.ManifestTheMission.com.
Contact Nina Craft (310) 543-9477
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Women's Small Business Expo, April 27-28, 2006, Los Angeles
www.WomensSmallBusinessExpo.com
TAKE YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR IDEA, YOUR DREAM, AND TURN IT INTO A PROFITABLE REAL
DOUBLE YOUR BUSINESS, DOUBLE YOUR INCOME IN 1 YEAR
The best way to become successful is to surround yourself with successful people. At the Women's Small Business Expo, you'll learn success secrets from the world's top business leaders, meet other extraordinary women entrepreneurs, power network and form success teams that will skyrocket your goals. All of the fabulous speakers will give you at least 3 ways to double your income and double your business in only 1 year.
SAVE $100 TODAY- As a member of Speaker Services e-list you'll get $100 off the tuition to the Women's Small Business Expo.
To receive your discount, use the promo code: 63993 when you register online or mention Speaker Services when you call and register at 866-Women-Biz (866-966-3624).
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Laugh All the Way to the Bank:
Make More Money - And Have More Time For Fun!
Listen to Chellie Campbell on Microsoft Live Meeting next Wednesday, April 5th from 9:00-10:00 am (PT)! You're invited to this complimentary seminar, covering business topics from leaders in today's leading companies—delivered via web conferencing from Microsoft Office Live Meeting. All you need is a web browser and a phone. We hope you'll join us. Follow this link to register for the program:
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=47857&cbClass=8387&signupkey=2659
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10 Worst Presentation Habits article
-- Tom Gray, tomjgray@comcast.net
BusinessWeek magazine's Web site presents a brief slide show on the "10 Worst Presentation Habits" (http://tinyurl.com/knwlg). Of equal, or maybe better, benefit is the link to the Best Business Communicators slide show at the bottom of each page.
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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.
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Introducing April '06 Speakers & Authors
View all speakers: http://speakerservices.com
Click on the links to see the complete speaker listings and contact information
Barbara Berg, Author
Author of How to Escape the No-Win Trap shows how to break free from life's traps, double-binds and catch-22s and make moment-by-moment choices that attract success and allow you to express who you truly are.
Midlife, Positive Work Environments, Self Improvement, Success
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/222
Darlene Basch, LCSW
Body psychotherapist offers powerful tools for instant relief of anxiety and panic attacks.
Sexuality, Stress Management, Trauma
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/221
Whitey Brewer MA, Ph.D.
Use Body Linguistics to work smarter and conquer difficulties in every area of your life.
Body Linguistics, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Leadership
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/25
Bill Carlson
Founder of The Profit Mentors shows how to run a thriving, value-based business that combines integrity, profitability - and fun!
Business Building, Motivational, Team Building
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/225
Rocky Fino, Author
Author of Will Cook for Sex - A Guy's Guide to Cooking combines culinary and dating tips into a fun presentation that shows how to succeed at both.
Cooking, Food/Entertainment, Lifestyles, Relationships
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/220
Carole Hodges
Business Acceleration specialist offers low-stress system that attracts people, pleasure and monetary success to your life.
Business Solutions, Communication, Relationships
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/223
Hazel Palache, Author
Condition your mind for success! International Business/Life Coach & Clinical Hypnotherapist, teaches audiences that the power of laughter, plus 4 simple tools, makes the 'extraordinary' possible every single day.
Personal Development, Stress Management, Success, Women's Issues
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/79
Dorothy Pederson
Customer relations expert reveals secrets of creating customer satisfaction and co-worker camaraderie for ultimate professional success.
Communication, Customer Service, Spirituality
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/176
Doug Sawin, Ph.D.
Former psychologist turned life skills guide helps you clear blocks and dwell in the Now Consciousness, where "nothing can stop you from being anything you want."
Personal Development, Professional Development, Women's Issues
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/172
David Selley
Real estate millionaire offers time-tested strategies for health, wealth and happiness.
Health, Wealth Building, Prosperity, Self Improvement
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/226
Ursula Mentjes
NLP business coach offers powerful strategies that catapult businesses and individuals to unlimited success.
Business, Goal Planning, Sales
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/227
Karl Kasca, Author
Internet research guru shows how to find virtually anything that exists in cyberspace, transforming you into an information dynamo.
Business Solutions, Internet Research, Technology
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/228
Pete Sanders
MIT-trained scientist shows scientifically sound method to activate your brain’s joy center, transforming stress and worry into joy and well-being, anywhere, anytime, fast and easy.
Health, Mind/Body, Stress Management
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/224
Hugh Taylor, Author
Business technology and IT expert shows how to make your investment in information technology pay off in operational efficiency, compliance, and strategic agility.
Accounting, Business, Information Technology, Technology
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/219
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Article: Getting a Handle on Our Changing Marketplace by Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE
There is no question that professional presenters are facing a formidable challenge in speaking and training today. The new decision-makers have many faces, each requiring special attention and care. Corporations and associations are under extreme pressure to stage great conventions, implement high-quality training initiatives and to develop strategies that create maximum value for their constituents. To add to the angst, today's consumer is highly jaded, tougher to impress and under-whelmed by what was previously considered an impressive presentation.
No matter what business or with whom you are trying to connect, the investment in service, communication and authentic relationships will advance your efforts beyond previous norms in this new marketplace.
Client/Prospect Communications
So how do we communicate with clients? The answer is: the way they prefer -- and make every interaction loaded with value for them! Different types of communication tools work for different people. Our goal is to communicate with them in ways that resonate with their personal preference. This means we may have to hurdle the techno curve and become adept at using the latest technology products that are available, as well as become master communicators.
Another consideration is that a meeting planner probably doesn’t want to spend 30 minutes on the phone with you (no matter who you are) if you call the planner outside of his or her decision-making window. So, how can you be successful with phone communication?
You may want to consider the following before calling meeting planners:
- Attempt to find out as early as possible when they will make decisions on speakers for their next meeting. This may require a different script on your part. Open communications with verbiage that addresses serving their needs, like: "We are currently doing some long-range planning and wanted to find out when you typically look to secure presenters for your next meeting. On what dates will you be requiring current information?"
- Ask the question early and put them in your follow-up system for an appropriate time to call back. Schedule your calls early enough on the calendar and depend on an accurate follow-up system to remind you about the call back. It is always better to refer to your previous call with specific notes, so that you can follow up professionally. It demonstrates dependability, accuracy, high interest in them and a good level of tenacity.
- Inquire what communication medium they prefer. Some people favor e-mail communications while some may choose the telephone. Asking them how they prefer to be contacted is not only gracious, but provides the suggestion that you are actually interested in serving their needs in the manner in which they prefer.
When you call them in their "window," you will undoubtedly have a more receptive prospect.
Are you still trying to use cold calling to secure bookings? If you are, you understand it is a tough way to make a living! With the birth of caller ID and voice-mail, chances are you have found it is pretty tough to connect on the phone. The percentage of call-backs from voice-mail messages from an unknown party is low and can be discouraging. However, with a small shift in the initial contact, you can enjoy more effective results.
Focus developing more of a relationship than a series of self-serving solicitations. You will be able to comfortably forget "cold" calling and dramatically increase your response by switching to "warm calls." There are several ways to cultivate relationships without the in-person touch, and here are a few activities to consider:
- If you are looking to establish a new contact, find out if you know anyone who has worked in or for the company. Getting a referral is truly the fastest and simplest way to get in the door.
- Once you can use the name of a mutual contact, send a letter or e-mail with a request for a short and specific phone appointment on an agreeable day and time. Include the referral of a mutual contact when possible.
- Prior to the phone meeting, confirm with a handwritten note or e-mail and review the reason for the call.
- Ask how you can support his or her needs. Is she in need of an expert in a specific field? A study or white paper that may help their company? A new innovation on meeting planning you might share? Find ways to service first and nurture a relationship that can be mutually beneficial.
- Follow up after the call with a thank-you note and enclose a message or item of interest: an article, a small book or a small gift will get his attention. If you've asked some personal questions, you might learn that your contact enjoys coffee or tea. Take the opportunity to send your thank-you note with a "coffee break" in the form of a small gift. A cup with your logo, a small bag of high-grade coffee or a cookie can make an impression that others miss.
- Set up your contact manager to remind you to send regular communications. Include articles you have written, national articles that may be of interest to them or a new book that speaks to their needs. Look for ways to become a valuable resource.
Become Fascinated and Fascinating
There is a distinct need for presenters to become more highly advanced in every aspect of the platform. We must dedicate ourselves to becoming better communicators who deliver riveting content. With the advance of global communication, our abilities to effectively craft a powerful message requires us to study and hone the most effective methods and strategies to create a "WOW" experience for all involved.
The question to ask ourselves is this: How much of our time are we devoting to advancing our expertise? Our delivery? When was the last time we checked on our ability to re-live rather than to re-cite materials and stories that help punctuate the principles we are paid to deliver?
Today's audience member is empowered and has access to information unimaginable in previous times. Our credibility is constantly on the line. Are we delivering what we promise? How accurate and creative is our promotional material? There is little room for error when presenting in this new discriminating marketplace.
In his book, Purple Cow, Seth Godin refers to how jaded the consumer of today really is. If you're not remarkable, you are invisible. How much have you invested in yourself to be considered "remarkable?" How fascinated are you with your subject matter, your expertise, your own growth or the service you provide to your client? How are you addressing the challenge of refining your skills to be so uniquely your own that you can claim to be remarkable?
If you are thinking that being remarkable is only gleaned from years in the business, you are in for a surprise. The consumer today isn’t as impressed by a presenter that has a vast level of experience. Whether a meeting planner or a member of an audience, this person's goal is to have an exceptional experience. So whether you’ve been around for years or are new on the block, the focus is all about them. To impact them positively, we must address their needs with presentation skills of quality and depth.
Change or Die
I was recently thinking that having been a professional speaker for more than 30 years might be more of a liability than an asset for me! We are all creatures of habit, and it is difficult to discard some of those good stories that aren't as applicable as they were years ago. One of the most stimulating things for me now is to develop and utilize new material. This is especially gratifying when it is developed in response to a specific need of a new client. It is what keeps me fresh and fired up after all of these years.
I don't know who said it, but I love the line, "People change when the pain not to change exceeds the pain to change." Until it hurts really bad, we tend not to change. The experts are now telling us that the knowledge mass of the human race is now doubling every four years. What if we had to completely recycle all of our content every four years?
By the way, to what do you attribute the success you have enjoyed? Is it your content or your delivery that gains invitations for you? For most of us, it is probably both, the combination of which makes you effective. I am convinced that we need to always be working on both.
Here are a couple of suggestions for you: Go through all of your content and ask yourself, "If I were to eliminate 25 percent of my content, what segments or vignettes would go?" and "Based on what my clients have been asking for and needing, what new content do I need to develop?" Here’s another one: "When did I last retain the services of a speech coach?" If it has been a while, think about it. If we don’t change and improve, we are assuring our own eventual obsolescence!
Another critical piece to the puzzle is your Web presence. If we are behind the curve technologically or attempting to market ourselves with ‘80s and ‘90s methodologies, our image and our engagement count will suffer. Do you have quality streaming video on your Web site? Are you a student of the search engine dynamic? All of these issues impact our strategies, our marketplace image and our results.
Now that we have talked about changes, let’s discuss the changes we would like to see our audience members make. Are they really going to do anything different after your program? The odds say no. Habits are so powerful that they are hard to break for any of us. It has been said that, “The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken!” So, how can we tilt the odds in our favor?
Dr. John Kotter, a Harvard Business School professor, says, “The central issue is seldom strategy, structure, culture or systems. Behavior change happens mostly by speaking to people’s feelings.” Perhaps delivery is just as important (if not more so) than content. We could have fun debating that one for hours. At any rate, we can all acknowledge that behavior change is a tough one. The reality is that the best shot we have at making a difference and facilitating change is to have cutting-edge, pertinent content coupled with a terrific delivery.
My colleague, Dr. George Lucas, says it well ..."Any day in which we learn nothing new is a day in which obsolescence has won!"
Don Hutson, CSP, CPAE, is CEO of U. S. Learning in Memphis, Tenn. He was the third president of NSA and was on the founding Board. He can be reached at (800) 647-9166 or Don@DonHutson.com
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