What does make a good professional speaker?

I receive a lot of enquiries from 'would be' professional speakers asking me to add them to my books.

At this agency, I am very selective who I represent. We focus on good content rich 'edu-trainers' i.e. someone that can deliver a keynote with audience interaction, fun but most importantly take home value.

I don't even consider looking at the speaker unless they have a great speakers kit i.e. promotional material including video, list of products, a great website and fee schedule. There also needs to be a proven record or successful keynotes delivered and great testimonials from the speaker's clients.

Sometimes someone exceptional will come along who does not have the above but has an amazing story to be told.

A professional speaker knows that income can be generated by having great product to sell. With the internet there are many ways to generate income, and all speakers should be aware of how this can boost their own.

Here is my advice on how to become a professional speaker.

1. Have a great website and promotional material

2. Learn to leverage off the site by creating promotional materials

3. Start off doing free keynotes at clubs like SWAP and Rotary

4. My pet hate - never ever talk about yourself non-stop. It's not about YOU it's about how you help others.

5. Write articles and get them published

6. Do not plagiarize in any form

7. Network properly. Networking is not about shoving your business card into the hand of everyone you meet and diving straight into what you do.

8. Build relationships over time, give lots of free advice, be a giver not a taker

9. Try and get your articles printed in the media

10. If you are a professional speaker then you are an expert - make sure you are

11. Don't give false evidence - get the facts right, do your research

12. Learn all you can about running a small business

13. Learn about branding and marketing

14. Learn how to sell

15. Your goal is to get people referring you - be the best you can

16. Ensure your personal grooming is exceptional

17. Don't expect bureaus to consider you until you have done all the above

Copyright: Debbie Carr 2006

Please contact me for a copy of my free e-book "The ABC of Working with a Professional Speaker".