In 1979, just out of graduate school, I read a book by a guy named Robert Anthony. It was called; “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.” It talked about how you could make a living as a professional speaker. Since I had always wanted to do some acting, I was intrigued. And, this is [...]

I want to discuss the basic promotional materials that every speaker must have. I have worked with a lot of speakers to help them develop their speaking materials and I know what you need to have and what works best. 
They include: 
I Your book
I Business cards 
I Testimonial letters
I One-page, faxable brochure 
I Tiered brochure
I Free giveaway items 
I Audio demo [...]

You will get asked the question in a variety of different circumstances: What do you do? 
You should have a very well prepared answer to this question in two or three lengths. The first one you should have is what is often called your “elevator” pitch. This is a one sentence description of what you do. It should be [...]

Public seminar companies are those large organizations that send out massive numbers of brochures promoting every seminar topic you could possibly imagine. 
If you aren’t on their lists, get on them. The public seminar companies would include Dunn and Bradstreet, Padgett Thompson, SkillPath and The Covey Institute. Watch what they are promoting. 
This will give you a good idea of [...]

There are a number of organizations that are relevant to speakers. Let me give you an overview of each. Before I do that remember not to spend all your time commiserating with your peers. It may be fun, but it seldom generates revenue. 
National Speakers Association 
Here is an area that my frank talk will get me in hot water. [...]

As a speaker, you need to understand some basic terminology in the industry. 
A keynote speech (when the term is properly used) refers to a relatively short speech running from between 30 to 90 minutes. 
Keynote speakers are usually showmen (and women). They are more motivational than informational. 
A keynote is also a one way street. The speaker talks directly [...]

Go to a Franklin-Covey seminar. This will be your biggest help in learning how to manage your time as a speaker. 
I actually leave the office when I want to get something done. I leave the cell phone behind and head to the library or my local Barnes and Noble. I can usually be two or three times more [...]

If you are looking to make a quick buck, professional speaking is not for you. Get into some other line of business.  The most money and highest profitability for you as a speaker will come after you have established yourself in the marketplace. As you become better known, more people will come to you. As they come to you, [...]

As in any business, there are certain people who prey on new speakers. If you are just starting, be wary of any and everyone who will offer you a system to turn you into the world’s greatest speaker. 
Some of the people who pitch you may be legitimate, but most are not. My suggestion is to ask about [...]

There are a lot of speakers who feel their success is based on the number of people they employ. In my opinion, this is ridiculous. 
I don’t know what your goals are, but mine are to make as much money as possible with the least amount of hassle and aggravation. 
I can feel a lot of heads nodding as [...]