By Kent Cummins, CMCE How can you help prospective clients get the money to pay your full fee? For more than 60 years, I have been using a technique which I call, “The Self-Eating Watermelon!” The concept was developed by myself and a few friends while I was an undergraduate at Louisiana State University (1961-1965), … Read more
By Trevor Perry The first debate about presentation material is whether or not to use slide decks. The second debate is then a question of which tool to use. The answer to the first is…it’s your choice. A slide deck has many advantages, the main benefit being that it is a cheat sheet for yourself. … Read more
By Linda Swindling, CSP, CPAE Speakers often want to know what items are negotiable and how much to charge. Not asking for what is available can be a rational concern. That said, there are lists of concessions and items to request. However, many speakers ignore the wants, needs and even fears of the busy professionals … Read more
By Thom Singer, CSP | The pandemic hit my speaking career hard. Speaking mostly to midsize associations, the abrupt halt of live events meant my clients didn’t hold in-person meetings. They no longer had the same budget for paid speakers, and my income plummeted by three-quarters over two years. Emerging from the pandemic felt like … Read more
By Frank Kitchen, CSP | Many think you must have a killer Speaker’s Reel. Others will tell you to hire a Virtual Assistant. Another group will tell you it’s about creating a social media presence. You’ll hear constant comments about building a funnel. Everyone has advice. Let me be honest with you…there are numerous ways … Read more
By Scott Carley – The Change Energizer | For whatever reason, my whole life has been one of intimidation. Maybe it was because my brother was eight years my senior, always a step ahead and setting the bar high. Or maybe it was because I’ve always wanted more for myself and my career, which put … Read more
By Terry Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE, Cavett Award Recipient | You’ve heard the buzz about AI and how it’s changing our world, potentially replacing a boatload of jobs. But hold your horses! As with so much technology I’ve seen through the years, some of this is flat-out malarkey (a technical term, mind you) and yet … Read more
By Maura Nevel Thomas, MBA, CSP | Not having enough time is not the challenge we think it is. While our goals and ambitions may be big, we do have the time we need to be successful. In an era dominated by digital distractions, the traditional go-to concept of “time management” is losing its relevance. … Read more
By Brittany Hodak | For years, people told me, “You’ve got to write a book to help your speaking career,” or “I loved you on stage, but you need to write a book!” I knew I should write a book, but I was unsure how to go about the process. I didn’t want a book; … Read more
By Shanita Baraka Akintonde, MBA, M.Ed, DTM | Growing up as a little Black girl on the vibrant south side of Chicago, I never imagined that my voice would one day carry across continents, resonating with audiences around the world. But from those humble beginnings emerged a dream – a dream to become a speaker, … Read more
