Hustle Questions Top Agency Owners Use To Get Booked For Paid Speeches

Here is my point of view for agency owners, strategic consultants, and executive coaches. You know, all of us in the business of selling our smarts.

A book is the #1 marketing tool, and speaking is the #1 sales tactic to fill your sales pipeline with right-fit prospects. When you speak, your prospects experience you.

Here is how to speak more in front of target-rich audiences.

Try this approach. Through feedback from business buddies and through your homework, develop a list of potential speaking opportunities. Don't wait to be discovered. This takes some hustle.

Send the contacts on the list e-mails and make calls.

Make your communications short and sweet. Here is an email you send to people who book speakers for their company, association, or group.

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Hi, my name is ____________________ and I am the author of ___________________________________ (name of your book).?Please know I believe I have a powerful message to share with your audience. If you would ever be open to a conversation about having me speak to your group that would be great. No hurry, I know you are busy. If you would like a pdf about my speaking and a copy of my book, I would be happy to provide them.

Next, every time you reach out and make a phone call, one of the first questions you should ask is “When are you going to be in planning mode for the next meeting?”?

If they are not ready to buy, then that is not the right time to speak to them.

Many agency owners, consultants, and coaches would like full or part-time work being paid to give speeches. The trick is having something of value to say and then connecting with the people willing to pay speakers.

Here are the top 10 questions pro speaking expert Lois Creamer gave me to use to book more business:

[Please note: Question 1 is if you are speaking for a fee and believe this is a group that pays speakers. Obviously, you don’t ask the chair of the local Rotary Club or the small local chapter of a national association.}

If it makes sense to waive your fee, then a line you might use is: “I do one or two pro bono speeches a month.”

1.???Do you use paid professional speakers?

2.???When do you begin planning the meeting?

3.???Who have you used in the past?

4.???Do you have a specific program date?

5.???Where will the meeting be held?

6.???What type of meeting is this?

7.???How is the decision made regarding speakers?

8.???Is there a focus or theme for your meeting?

9.???Is there a budget I should be aware of?

10. Is there anything else you need from me in order to decide if I would be a good fit for your meeting?

If you could speak to any group in the world, what would that group be? Please share.