Greetings,

15 years ago I had a vision to create a heart-centered and "grace-full" business. I had been an entrepreneur since 1970 and Speaker Services www.speakerservices.com was different then my other businesses because it was visioned.  I practiced the spiritual principles of a life-driven vs. fear-driven business, continued to vision and be mindful to the law of attraction. I must say, today I am a poster child of a successfully visioned business and it has allowed me to support thousands of others in realizing their personal and professional dreams.
 
I have been at The Visionary Business Conference the last three days.  It was birthed 9 months ago by myself and Rev. Margaret Shepherd.  We got the message that it was time to share with ya all how to build a visionary business, implement spirit-driven strategies, bring your soul to work, be creative in the workplace…and have a great life too.  And that is exactly what we shared with 60 or so like minded souls.  It was terrific. 

The Speakers’ Bootcamp http://www.speakerservices.com/services/la.html#camp is coming up March 9-13. We're looking for a small group (20 maximum) of very special Peak Speakers. 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.  There are several slots open-give me a call to reserve your space.

About the Bootcamp:
I was hoping for a how to from the Bootcamp and what I got as a GPS for direction-an activating system which will lead me down the path.
- Marie Pletka, Psychotherapist   

Speakers’ Bootcamp far exceeded my expectations.  I received the information and structure I needed to prepare and present myself as a dynamic speaker.  Jack’s warmth and humor and the energy of the group provided me with a safe space to expand my creativity and shine.  Learning has never been as much fun.
- Lynda Malerstein, Hypnotherapist

Would you like to attend the 2nd annual Speakers’ Summit Speakers’ Summit & Marketplace May 3, 4, 5  http://www.speakerservices.com/speakerssummit07 for 1/2 off the regular price? This is possible if you sign up by March 30.  Invite a colleague or friend who wants to boost their business through public speaking and learn the inside secrets of becoming a speaking master.  Bringing a pal is a great way to get the support you need to implement all of the powerful information you will learn at the Summit.

The Speakers’ Summit was, by far, the best investment I have made in my career. I instantly booked my first corporate training immediately following the Summit.  If you take your career seriously this is not to be missed. 
 - Maya Rasak, M.F.T.

Best regards,

Susan Levin
Speaker Services
310-822-4922 PST

New & Renewing Speakers & Authors- 2/07
See all speakers: http://www.speakerservices.com

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

Wendy Barlin
Certified Public Accountant offers tools and techniques to help you manage your money and make it work for you.
Accounting, Business Solutions, Income Taxes, Time Management
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/21
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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
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J.F. Ranhofer
2006 nominee for “Financial Advisor of the Year” shows fastest way to build tax-free wealth and how to increase retirement income using only your current funds.
Finance, Retirement, Senior Issues
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/269
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Julie Thong, Author
Author, entrepreneur and “life-changer” tells how the same strategies she used in a daring escape from Cambodia’s communist regime helped her achieve a six-figure income and the American dream – and how anyone can overcome any obstacle.
Health, Inspirational, Motivational, Wellness
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/270
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Fredda Wasserman
Psychotherapist shows how to relax, recharge, and revitalize your life and your career.
Healthcare, Self -Care, Stress Management, Work/Life Balance
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/191

Tips/Advice/Announcements
Send tips and advice to: tips@speakerservices.com

Speaker Services Complimentary Teleclasses

Thursday,  February 15, 4-5pm PST or 7-8pm EST
Turn Your Expertise into Products and Profits
Michelle Price and Rob Schultz faculty of The Speakers' Summit
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakerssummit07

**Attend the Summit for 1/2 off the regular price when you invite a colleague.
Offer good until March 30.

Read more and to register for the telelclass  http://speakerservices.com/teleclasses/detail/75

and

Wednesday, Feb 21, 10am-11am-PST or 1pm-2pm EST
Speakers Bootcamp Q & A about The Game and then some....
Jack Barnard and Susan Levin

To register for the teleclass:  http://speakerservices.com/teleclasses/detail/74

When you register I will send you the phone number. Please indicate the date or name of the teleclass when you register. You do not need to put your credit card number it is complimentary.

Offerings from our Speakers/Authors

Check out Speaker and Author Blair Tindall's video demo on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIZfLqEOf3s
___________

WHY PANIC?  Find a Sense of Well Being in an Anxious World Workshop offered by Darlene Basch
Sunday, February 11th or Sunday, March 25th- 10 am to 1 pm
 
If you thought that creating affordable passive revenue recordings from your live gigs was a pipedream . . . think again!
In today’s tense times, most people are living with underlying anxiety.
 
In this interactive workshop you will learn how to:  Respond immediately to the early signs of anxiety and panic attacks                                    
Explain and understand the effects of early childhood experiences on the later development of anxiety, Attain a greater sense of vitality
Practice self-release techniques to become calm 

At the end of the seminar you will leave equipped with 5 practical tools for maintaining a consistent sense of calm.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED To register, for more information call 323-937-4974, e-mail DBasch@aol.com or visit bodypsychotherapygroup.com
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TIPS

Great Article about the speaking At Office Retreats, Tales Of Adversity Fire Up the Staff
by George Anders - From The Wall Street Journal Online
http://www.careerjournal.com/hrcenter/articles/20061016-anders.html
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Airport Shops: Hudson Booksellers
John Kremer's Book Marketing Tip of the Week
JohnKremer@bookmarket.com

Hudson Booksellers, Sara Hinckley, Vice President of Book Purchasing, 1521 Johnson Ferry Road #250, Marietta GA 20062; 770-998-5032 or 678-560-5960. Email: shinckley@hudsongroup.com. Web: http://www.hudsongroupusa.com. Lisa Strollo, Vice President, Merchandising; Email: lstrollo@hudsongroup.com. Hudson operates more than 400 Hudson Newsstands and 66 Hudson Booksellers in airports around the country.

If you want to have your books featured in these airport bookstores, email a sell-sheet with cover image, title details, and publicity plans, and other available sales information to booksellers@hudsongroup.com .

Or, you can also mail a sell-sheet and/or finished copy of your product with title details, publicity plans, any available sales information, and contact information to Hudson Booksellers, 1521 Johnson Ferry Road #250, Marietta GA 20062.

“You will receive a response within four weeks of receipt of the product. Please note that Hudson Booksellers locations are very small. Our selection is focused primarily on current and past bestsellers and classics. Our key categories are fiction, business, and narrative nonfiction. We do carry titles from almost every major category. We do not carry any self-published books, or books published by vanity publishers. We only carry oversized books if they are current bestsellers or local souvenir-type bestsellers.”

If you published your own book, don't present it that way. Present it as coming from your publishing company. For example, my 1001 Ways to Market Your Books, while self-published, is not a self-published book. It is published by Open Horizons.

On the other hand, if your book is published by a POD publisher, you might have a tougher time selling them on stocking your book. Some major booksellers treat POD as worse than self-published. While some POD books merit that designation, many are as good or better than other self-publisher books — or even books from larger publishers.
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What is Hot and What is Not in Technology
By Sharon Housley

Top 10 Winners Predicted for 2007
1. Content Filtering
With web content and syndication growing at a rapid pace locating information is becoming more of a struggle for web surfers. The abundance of content has made filtering critical to time management. As a result, content filtering and solutions that help with content filtering will be winners in 2007.

2. Pesonalized Search and Vertical Search will be a winner in 2007
Search 2.0 will be all about filtering and personalized search. Niche portals with targeted focus will play in vertical search and authority sites will gain even more traction.

3. Social Bookmarking and Social Networks
Social bookmarking is the new black. The collective voice has not only gained momentum but it has also attracted the most savvy web marketers. While there is still power of the collective voice, social networks and social bookmarking has gained attention, the masters behind these networks will need to stay a step ahead of the spammers to stay in the game. The danger is that the crowd, will become upset that a small group is profiting from the collective voice. The "crowd" will likely to manipulate the collective voice in 2007.

4. RSS
RSS is about choice and users choosing the content they wish to subscribe. RSS' adoption will reach significant numbers and even the naysayers will be unable to ignore its success in 2007.

5. iPod / iPhone / Video iPod / iTunes
Apple has found a sweet spot with its iPod and the iTunes model. Expanding the types of content consumed and the use of iPods and similar devices (ie. iPhone) will flourish.

6. Cyber Security
Privacy as we once knew it will never again exist. That does not mean that webmasters should be come complacent about security. Cyber security will be a necessity in 2007.

7. Going Green
Alternative energy and going green is in. Geothermal and hydroelectric power are hot, heck there is little in this field that is not heating up. Clean energy and alternative hybrid sources will prosper in 2007.

8. PodSafe Music
Independent musicians who are willing to grant podcasters licensing rights will garner the interest and attention of the masses without having to go through a major record label. Opportunities will be plentiful in the area of podsafe music.

9. Videocasting - Video Podcasting
Software tools and technology have made videos accessible to all. Independent artists, realtors, and sports enthusiasts are flocking to this new medium. It is expected that this growth will continue throughout the new year.

10. Online Real Estate
While the real estate market is cooling down selling homes on the Internet is hot. Online Real Estate auctions on eBay showed Realtors a new way to reach a larger audience. Home buyers from across the country can use RSS and/or filtering to monitor properties as they come on the market from specific regions or zip codes.

Honorable Mentions
1. Web Services (Software as a Service)
2. Mobile Web
3. International Web
4. Local Web
5. Podcast Quality
6. Video Advertising

Top 10 Losers Predicted for 2007
1. Zune
Lets face it, the future of the Zune is in Apple's hands more than it is in Microsoft's. The fact is, unless Apple makes a huge misstep with the iPod, it is unlikely that Microsoft's Zune will have any luck gaining significant market share.

2. Software Patent
Microsofts attempt to patent RSS will fail miserably. In fact software patents in general will suffer in 2007.

3. Websites that Infringe on Copyrights
Perhaps this is simply wishful thinking. Somehow, somewhere, someone will crack down on flagrant website copyright violations in 2007.

4. Video Conferencing
Video conferencing has chilled. Video is seen more as an entertainment medium.

5. Social Wikis
Wikis are becoming victims of persistent individuals with too much time on their hands. Credibility has and will continue to suffer in 2007.

6. Journalistic Accountability
News and tabloid reporting are becoming more difficult to separate, unfortunately journalists with integrity will continue to suffer as more citizen journalists and bloggers fail to check sources and confirm stories.

7. YouTube in Court
YouTube has brought video to the masses. While technology has made videos accessible Google has ignored the issue of copyrights, Google's pockets are simply too deep, in 2007 they will be held accountable for hosting content that violates western copyright laws.

8. Outsourcing
Customer service and privacy concerns have cooled big business interest in outsourcing, this trend will continue in 2007.

9. Privacy
Individual privacy will continue to suffer in 2007. Not a lot can be said about this, the advent of the Internet has meant that privacy will never again exist as we once knew it.

10. Web Legislation
Attempts to legislate the Internet ecosphere will fall flat.

While these are our predictions of what will be hot and what will not be in 2007, we thought you would like to review other web predictions for 2007.

Other Predictions 2007
Web Predictions - http://www.readwriteweb.com/2007_web_predictions.php
Enterprise Architecture: More Predictions for 2007 - http://duckdown.blogspot.com/2006/12/enterprise-architecture-more.html Clicking into the Future, Predictions for 2007 - http://www.sitepronews.com/archives/2006/dec/27prt.html 2006
Web Technology Trends - http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/2006_web_technology_trends.php
Soundbytes: 5 Music Predictions For 2007 - http://www.kfoxtv.com/columnists/10574215/detail.html
2007: A Storm is Brewing - http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/larry_elliott/2006/12/crystal_ball_gazing.html
Wish List for 2007 - http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18656

Last Years Predictions How Did They Do?
2005 in Review, 2006 Technology Predictions - http://www.small-business-software.net/2005-in-review.htm
Year of Opportunity - http://www.sharewarepromotions.com/blog/200601.html#e1530
2006 Trends to Watch Part III: “RSS Inside” - http://www.micropersuasion.com/2005/12/2006_trends_to__1.html
New Media Predictions http://www.masternewmedia.org/predictions/predictions_2006/new_media_predictions_2006_from_Robin_Good_20051212.htm PC Winners and Losers - http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,123923-page,1/article.html
Top 10 Web Predictions for 2006 - http://www.conversionrater.com/index.php/2005/12/19/top-10-web-predictions-for-2006/
Corante Network Thinks about 2006 -http://web.corante.com/editorial/archives/2005/12/corante_network_thinks_about_2.php Scott Maxwell - http://scottmaxwell.wordpress.com/2005/12/23/2005-is-almost-over-now-whatpredictions-for-2006/
SEO Predictions - http://www.stuntdubl.com/2005/12/27/seo-2006/
Worst Tech Moments - http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,69918-0.html?tw=wn_tophead_2
Big Stories in Search - http://searchenginewatch.com/showPage.html?page=3574126 2006
SEO Predictions - http://www.isedb.com/db/articles/1332
2006 Predictions for the IP Communications Industry- http://pulverblog.pulver.com/archives/006056.html

About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for NotePage http://www.notepage.net a wireless text messaging software company.
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When Applause Just Isn’t Enough: How To Get More Clients From Giving Speeches
by Vickie K. Sullivan

By now, it's old news. Experts know that speaking at conferences and conventions builds a platform of credibility, visibility and “brandability.”

The Assumption: That giving a great speech to the right audience will automatically ensure a steady stream of clients.

The Reality: Getting applause and getting clients are very different things.

Getting applause doesn't mean that you'll get clients. There's a difference between an attendee thinking "Oh, what a nice speech" and "We have to GOT to bring them into our organization!"

The above distinction begs a few key questions: Why do so many great speeches not generate more clients? Is speaking just for “brand-building? Is it impossible to get clients without “pitching from the podium”?

Many experts have given up on speaking as a lead-generating tool. They either resign themselves to speak only to develop credibility or use the “speaking can't generate clients” argument to demand speaking fees (which they can't get for the reasons listed below). The issue isn't about realistic expectations – speaking will give you whatever you want. It's very possible (and lucrative) to get clients without pitching.

The problem is focus. We pay so much attention to giving a great speech that we don't see the speech for what it really is: a focal point for other outcomes. Below are three of the most common ways experts shoot themselves in the foot every time they open their mouths.

MISTAKE #1: OVERSTATED CONTENT

Why is speaking such an effective lead-generating tool? Because it allows experts the opportunity to differentiate their work from their colleagues and competitors.

Even better: This differentiation occurs in a high trust environment. The audience assumes the expert is a credible source of information even before a word is ever spoken. That assumption makes audiences more receptive to the idea that this credible person can help them individually. (Unlike the typical sales situation, where credibility is not assumed and the "audience" can be more skeptical.)

So what do many experts do? They blow this great opportunity by providing content that is a mile wide and an inch deep. They provide a large laundry list of ideas that don't question current thinking, that don't give the audience a fresh perspective…complete with quotes from other authors of best-selling books. Result: the audience is not attracted to “think” with you. There is no reason to remember you after the applause dies down. It's off to the next concurrent session…or lunch.

Key Strategy: Narrow Your Focus, Broaden Your Appeal.

Experts who try to be everything to everybody will attract no one. Instead of cramming three days of content into one hour, create immediate attraction with an overall “manifesto” that sets up a specific point of view. Then follow up with specific insights that can be applied in many situations.

Example: Instead of listing 25 solutions on stress management, create a “grace under pressure” manifesto with specific insights on reframing situations.

MISTAKE #2: LACKLUSTER PERFORMANCE

Especially in the conference and convention market, good speaking skills are expected. Even “free” speakers are expected to be entertaining (or at least not boring)! What separates experts now: the signature style™, a way of communicating that sets you apart from other speakers. Again, potential clients are looking for the “fit.” Speaking allows attendees to not only check out your point of view, it also helps potential clients make decisions about the experience of working with you. Your style conveys what kind of experience they could have.

How you illustrate your points is the best venue to show your style. Do you use stories? Metaphors? Examples? Does your humor let the audience know that you take your work, but not yourself, seriously? A pro uses all of the tools in the toolbox. Tell-tale signs of an amateur communicator: your stories ramble and are “slow.” Your explanations go from explaining to “preaching and teaching.” Your choice of stories focuses on you, crossing the line between confidence and arrogance. And humor is no where to be found.

Key Strategy: Stories Are Strategic.

Avoid the “how great I am” angle; make the client or other party the “star.” Better yet, make yourself the butt of the joke. Cut the details down to only what's relevant; this will make room for your natural humor to shine through. Use a metaphor instead of a story if you have to explain the point after making it. Metaphors create instant word pictures and don't take up as much time as stories.

MISTAKE #3: NOT ENOUGH LEVERAGE

Speaking is like any other tool — its effectiveness depends on how you use it. Many experts use speaking in a vacuum, thinking that every speech will create clients.

The Reality: Not all audiences are created equal. Program planners are depending more and more on experts who are willing to waive any speaking fees. Therefore, the case for “good exposure” is being bandied about in every conversation. It is up to the expert to decide when to accept and when to decline a speaking opportunity.

Another reality check: a qualified audience doesn't guarantee sales. Experts who have a systematic approach to interact with that audience before and after the speech have a better chance of getting clients. Why?

Because attendees are not focused on “shopping” for additional help during the speech. They are focused on getting take-away value. Give the insights and show your credibility during the speech, and the attendee will give you permission to continue the conversation. Or better yet, permission to take a “baby step,” a low risk service or product that will show direct application of your work to the client's problem.

Key Strategy: Don't Assume That Every Speaking Opportunity Is A Good One.

Make sure that the demographics are in your favor and that you have access to the group before and after the speech. Springboard beyond this one-time exposure by offering something customized to the audience in exchange for business cards/email addresses. For the more serious “but not yet ready” folks: create a low-risk “trial” that will allow the prospect to see a direct application of your work. Make sure you don't pitch your services during this session!

Example: A low fee, one-time only coaching or consulting session.

A CLIENT-GENERATING TOOLBOX

Given the above obstacles, is there light at the end of the tunnel? Good news: there are many tools at our disposal that will attract and convert clients from every speech. Below are three outcomes you need to attract clients and the tools you have to overcome the odds.

The first outcome is to generate initial interest. You want to attract by curiosity. Your intelligent distinctions and rhetorical questions alert the audience to the value of thinking with you. The tools at your disposal: an introduction that lists specific outcomes from your work; an opening story or statement that reflects your manifesto; and the nuggets of wisdom in the body of your speech.

The second outcome is to answer the internal questions. There are two questions every audience member has about the speaker. First, the audience wants to know if you work with people like them. Examples and stories about your clients will show attendees that you can work with them, too. Second, participants want to know if you are as good as you appear. Focused content with great distinctions will prove your competence.

The third outcome is the direct application of your expertise. This outcome is the “closer” to many sales. Potential clients must know that your expertise will provide specific solutions to fit their specific need. They may like your stories; they may think you are smart; but without knowing how to use your expertise, many attendees will put off buying from you. Best tools to avoid this pitfall: any interactive exercise or rhetorical questions. And of course, your baby steps provide individual attention to those who are serious.

Public speaking is a very powerful tool. Too many experts sell it short. They blame the “audience” for not buying, or blame the tool itself.

The Bottom Line: The podium is a platform. What happens on that platform drives the outcomes. What happens before and after appearing on that platform drives the outcomes. The outcome is up to the expert, not the audience.

Vickie K. Sullivan, President of Sullivan Speaker Services, Inc. is nationally recognized as the top market strategist for experts on the professional speaking circuit. Since 1987, she has worked with thousands of experts in a wide variety of industries to launch their big-fee speaking, professional service and book/product empires in highly lucrative markets. Contact Vickie by e-mailing info@sullivanspeaker.com.