Speaking in public – as a profession
Esther is looking to promote herself as a professional public speaker. How should she promote herself? Should she hire a publicist?
From James Lloyd I've hired and fired promoters who were commission based. My suggestion is to use a blend of relationship marketing and web marketing. Read this article on
becoming a motivational speaker.
From Rod – London, UK Why not simply pick up the phone and call people in target organisations who hire professional speakers? Has Esther joined the National Speakers Association? NSA is a great resource.
Jane Atkinson of the Wealthy Speaker has some excellent resources. http://www.thewealthyspeaker.com
From Terri – San Diego, CA There ARE a handful of small businesses out there who are still looking to promoter "no-name" up and coming talent. Think – early Learning Annex model, only more geared toward speakers in particular markets/subject matter. Check out http://www.getogetheronline.com
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While hiring someone on a commission-only basis can get you a lot of gigs, overall, your reputation and business will suffer.
Why?
When someone is only invested in the need to get you the gig itself, so much of the business goes ignored.
What about getting followup letters of recommendation? What about shipping books and product? What about booking flights, hotels, car rental, etc?
These are all things that you'll find your employee will ignore if you're on a commission only basis.
My experience is that it's much better to have a partial salary based and partial commission based structure so that the day-to-day office tasks are covered, but the primary focus is getting you speaking engagements.
For advice about hiring the right person and how to make more as a profession speaker, visit http://www.bigmoneyspeaker.com