By Robin Jay, Owner of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau
Guest Blogger for the Writer Entrepreneur Network
www.theWEnet.ning.com
As a writer entrepreneur, you know that having a
book helps define you as an expert. Even if you are successful enough to
earn thousands from your books, you know that even the best selling books have
a limited shelf life. But, once you discover the secrets to becoming a PAID
speaker – the sky’s the limit. Becoming a professional speaker can help authors
to unlock their earning potential.
As President of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, I know that the most successful writers are those who can speak about their topic in an engaging presentation. And the most popular speakers are those who have written books that support their expertise. (CLICK HERE to learn about listing)
I think because we can all speak and write, we believe we can be speakers and authors. That is a misconception. Speaking – just like writing – is an industry, and it’s important to understand how the industry works. I can assure you that “The American Dream” of becoming a PAID speaker and earning thousands every time you speak is within your grasp. But, as a writer, you have to be willing to take the time to discover what it takes to really achieve success as a speaker. Otherwise, writing and speaking will become merely an expensive hobby rather than a lucrative career. Discovering how to MONETIZE your career is critical if you want to achieve ultimate success.
Most authors who want to become speakers do not know where to begin.
There are many elements that need to be put into place to begin building a foundation for your speaking success. These include:
As President of the Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau, I know that the most successful writers are those who can speak about their topic in an engaging presentation. And the most popular speakers are those who have written books that support their expertise. (CLICK HERE to learn about listing)
I think because we can all speak and write, we believe we can be speakers and authors. That is a misconception. Speaking – just like writing – is an industry, and it’s important to understand how the industry works. I can assure you that “The American Dream” of becoming a PAID speaker and earning thousands every time you speak is within your grasp. But, as a writer, you have to be willing to take the time to discover what it takes to really achieve success as a speaker. Otherwise, writing and speaking will become merely an expensive hobby rather than a lucrative career. Discovering how to MONETIZE your career is critical if you want to achieve ultimate success.
Most authors who want to become speakers do not know where to begin.
There are many elements that need to be put into place to begin building a foundation for your speaking success. These include:
1.
A great book that helps define you as an expert in your field.
2.
A clear way to define your topic and an understanding of what
others are saying about it.
3.
A media kit that will make meeting planners say, “WOW!”
4.
A knack for constant self-promotion.
5.
A listing with as many speakers bureaus as possible.
A Great Book that
helps define you as an Expert in your Field
Meeting planners look for speakers
who are also published authors. A speaker with a book can add value for
audiences by offering a book as a take-away from their event. You increase your
chances of finding a traditional publisher by establishing a speaking career,
and a book lends you credibility for meeting planners who are seeking speakers.
You can be successful in this regard if you self-publish as long as you create
a product that people will want to read. It is worth seeking a free-lance
editor to help you compete against other books.
A Clear way to
define your topic and an understanding of what others are saying about it.
As in book writing you need a clear
hook and need to know the trends. I always recommend that my coaching clients
spend a few hours on YouTube searching their topic followed by the word
“speaker,” ie: “Sales Speaker.” It’s a mind-blowing exercise ... but don’t be
discouraged. Doing this will help you to evaluate your competition and should
also get your creative juices flowing. You want to be an expert on your subject
and the best way to do that is by offering a fresh look at what is often a
tired subject. Determine what you can bring to the table that others are
missing.
A media kit that
will make meeting planners say, “WOW!”
I have seen innumerable media kits.
The majority of these say little about the speakers they represent. You need to
clearly explain what is unique about you, your topic, and your programs. What
do your clients say about you? In other words ... a great media kit will tell a
planner why they should book YOU – instead of one of the other 5,000 speakers
who speak on your topic. Neatness and clarity counts and could be what supports
your image and separates you from the crowd.
A knack for
constant self-promotion.
A knack for constant self-promotion
is essential for a successful speaking and writing career. If you are
uncomfortable promoting yourself, then hire someone to do this for you, but
don’t neglect this important aspect of a successful speaking career. As the
author of “The Art of the Business Lunch”, I trademarked my nickname: “The
Queen of the Business Lunch™”. And, it was a great move as I continue to get
interview requests as a Business Relationship Expert and Networking Expert.
Branding and social media are vitally important to your success.
A listing with as
many speakers bureaus as possible.
Unfortunately, there is a sort of
‘Catch-22’ in this industry; you can’t get listed with a bureau unless you are
already listed with a bureau. It’s crazy, but when I became a speaker, I
encountered this first hand. That is why I decided to create a shortcut for
aspiring speakers and authors by making listings available for a few select
up-and-coming speakers on the www.LVCSB.com site. (CLICK HERE to learn about listing) Having a bureau listing
with a bureau that offers powerful Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is just a
part of building a strong Internet presence. Speakers also need to blog
consistently, send press releases, and maintain a high profile online.
Your goal is to raise your profile to
support both your writing and speaking careers. Each supports the other and can
lead to a lucrative lifestyle when done correctly. Once you understand how to
monetize your speaking career, you can earn thousands EVERY
TIME YOU SPEAK! I’ve seen it, I’ve done it, and I love being able to show
others how to do it. Selling $14.99 books in the back of the room will help you
pay your mortgage. But if you are a speaker who earns $5,000, $10,000, $20,000
or more for a 45-minute speech you can guarantee you’ll have the lifestyle you
seek. Knowledge is invaluable. If you can prove yourself a worthy communicator,
you will enjoy a successful speaking career. It all starts with understanding
how the industry works and then making it work for you.
Robin Jay with some of her
speakers.
CLICK HERE to learn about an exclusive offer for members of
the Writer Entrepreneur Network.
www.theWENet.ning.com
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