$25- 92 pages Order now

Market Yourself as a Speaker Resource and Study Guide is a rich source of practical hands-on information for speakers, authors, entrepreneurs, business professionals, experts and coaches who are interested in growing their business and income through speaking.

Written and compiled by Susan Levin, Speaker Marketing Strategist and owner and founder of Speaker Services   since 1992.  Speaker Services is a Full-Service Coaching, Marketing & Training Company.  Susan has assisted thousands of professionals to catapult their businesses to six and seven figure incomes.

Susan believes that Speaking is a Business and like any business it needs to be nourished and marketed.

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Through Susan’s marketing guidance I learned new tools that can translate into immediate dollars. 

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Overview of the 92 page Resource and Study Guide:

- Position, Present and Package your Message
- Prospect, Market and Land Speaking Gigs
- Profit from your Expertise – Create Multiple Streams of income
- Craft a Presentation Package that Attracts Meeting Planners
- Gain New Clients with the Power of  Social Media

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Partial List of the Content:

Why Will You Speak?,  Speak Right from the Heart, Managing Your Speaker Business, Top Mistakes Speaker Make, Presentation Worksheet, Success Secrets of the Motivational Superstars, Items for Your Presentation Kit, Speaker Buttons for your Website & Content, Negotiating Fees, Fee Schedule, Presentation Agreement & Invoice, Pre-program Questionnaires, Creating & Marketing Speaker Products, Turn your Keynote into a Book, Media Speak & Tips, 30 Brilliant Social Media Marketing, Finding Speaking Opportunities

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$25  Order now

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Susan provides a toolbox of services and experts for the business person or author who wants to develop a revenue stream from speaking engagements. I used both her training and directory and more than doubled my speaking revenue in less than 90 days.

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Visit Speaker Services online store for other books, CD’s & MP3′s online store 

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Learn more about our Professional Promotional Materials http://bit.ly/zGDFm7

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Web Directory: Speaker Services:
http://speakerservices.com
We bring speakers/authors together with audiences

Get Listed in the Directory:
http://speakerservices.com/adv_pkt.html

Speaker Marketing Consultations
http://www.speakerservices.com/marketing.html

Speakers’ Community –a membership club
http://www.speakerscommunity.com
60 days complimentary

Workshops/Teleclasses
http://www.speakerservices.com/services/la.html

Susan Levin, publisher/owner
Los Angeles, CA

susan@speakerservices.com
310-822-4922 PST

Marketing & Training Services since’92

http://www.speakerservices.com

Speaker Services E-Zine 1/4/12

CONTENT:

-  Note and Update from Susan Levin

- One Sheets Made Easy, Special Offer for 2012

- New Speakers & Authors

- Tips & Advice

- 10 Questions to Book More Business

- Workshops and Teleclasses

Greetings,

Happy 2012. It was a beautiful warm (85 degrees) day in Los Angeles on the first day of 2012. The sun was setting in Santa Monica as a group of us celebrated the new year together.

Do you know that Speaker Services is a  Full-Service Coaching, Marketing & Training Company for Speakers, Authors, Experts, Entrepreneurs & Business Professionals? Over the past twenty years we have coached and nurtured many of our clients to create six and seven figure incomes.

As a speaker marketing coach and owner of the online directory Speaker Services I am always keen on seeing how I can improve and assist my clients to grow their business and income through speaking. There are several ways we can work with you.  One on one marketing consultations customized to your needs, get listed in the directory and connect with audiences who want to hear your message, workshops, teleclasses, video workshops and more.

Speaking is a business and we want you to be successful. E-mail me if you would like to set an appointment to discuss your needs  susan@speakerservices.com

Last week I opened my e mail to a delightful and surprise message from MJ. All I can say is, I did not pay him to write the following message and he is right on! Here is what he wrote.  Yes, I knew I needed a One Sheet. So, I looked at a few dozen of One Sheets  then modeled mine after the one I like the most. No luck.

Your post on LinkedIn suggests to us that we email you for samples of your work. I am interested, many of us should be. New speakers may not be thinking of our one sheet as being very important but it seems that it is an intricate but overlooked part of our ‘first impression.

There is no better time than now for many of us (newbies) to invest in a professional to develop our one sheets. I believe the real selling benefit is that our tiny investment could pay for itself in just one event.

What MJ is referring to is the offer for One Sheets Made Easy.  If you missed it here it is.

Event producers are more likely to hire you if you have a double-sided, 4-color one sheet which tells them in a nutshell what you speak about, and then some.

We know that it is sometimes tricky to write your own copy, so we have developed a coaching package called One Sheets Made Easy.

Jean-Noel Bassior, our team member, is a journalist who specializes in speaker, author and celebrity interviews, and she will focus, coach and guide you by phone as you fill out a template that gives event planners a colorful snapshot of what you have to offer their audience. When you send the completed template back to Jean-Noel, she will turn it into the copy for your one sheet.

Our 2012 one sheet special is $400 (2 payments may be arranged). This includes the focusing session, rewrite of your copy. and blocking it into sections for the graphic artists.

Thinking about getting listed with our directory? See what our speakers are saying. http://www.speakerservices.com/adv_pkt.htm

To your speaking and marketing success.

Susan Levin
Speaker Services, susan@speakerservices.com

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New Speakers and Authors:

See all featured speakers:

- Meet Jacqueline Robertson. Successful author and entrepreneur known as “The Dream Sister” shows how using only 20% of your effort can bring you 80% or more of what you want when you work with proven universal laws.  http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/66

- Meet speaker & authors of Nude: Unveiling Your Inner Beauty & Sensuality Kym Jackson &Theresa Roemer. Two fun-loving girlfriends offer life-changing advice to help women look, feel and be the best they can be. http://t.co/G1AFoRlh

Meet speaker author & actor Stephen Tako.  Actor and motivational speaker shows how to find the courage, drive and enthusiasm to act on your passion and dreams at any age.    http://t.co/FGcdX2Vv

See all speakers and authors

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A Gift for YOU

I am re gifting a fantastic resource to you from my colleague Donna Gunter.  She shared, If you have not made any resolutions for improving your marketing efforts this year, promise that you will steal at least one tip from this free PDF ebook, The Best of Get More Clients Online Business Automation Tool of the Week of 2011 and do it.

This is offered to you as a New Year’s gift–along with my enthusiastic recommendation to re gift it to your friends and clients.

Feel free to re gift this to your friends.  No opt in required!  Just send them to this page http://www.getmoreclientsonline.com/best-of-2011/, for their own copy!

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10 Questions to Book More Business by Lois Creamer

1. Does your company used paid, professional speakers? I say paid because many use speakers, not all pay.

2. How is the decision made regarding speakers? I am asking the person I am speaking to confirm he/she is the sole decision maker.

3. Who have you used in the past? This may give you an idea of what topics they have historically used and how much they have paid for this information.

4. Do you have a specific meeting date set? Pretty obvious what we want here.

5. When do you begin to plan your meeting? Great to know when the meeting is, but important to know when plans are made so we can make sure we are talking to them at the optimum time for getting the booking.

6. Where will the meeting be held? Here I am looking to see if I may create some kind of competitive advantage for myself. For example, I live in St. Louis. If the meeting is going to be in Chicago my expenses would be very reasonable. If they are deciding between me and a speaker in LA, I may get the job based on travel.

7. Is there as theme or focus to this meeting? Again, pretty obvious.

8. Is there a budget I should be aware of? Here is the money question! We need to bring up fee! Remember to talk about your fee as if it were a commodity. See previous post on fees.

9. What type of meeting is this? Is it quarterly, annual, semi ­annual? We want to find out how many opportunities a year this prospect may have to hire us.

10. Is there anything that I have not asked you that you would like me to know about your meeting? This is really a closure question. They will bring up any other questions they may have.

If you have the answer to these questions you should be able to quantify how likely it is that you two will be working together or not.

That is it! 10 little questions that will move you from prospect to client! Now go do some prospecting!

Copyright 2011, Lois Creamer. Lois Creamer works with professional speakers who want to book more business, make more money and avoid costly mistakes! 

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Vickie Sullivan shares: Predictions for this year are still coming in fast and furious. 

The new A list speakers:  traditional  I have  been on the circuit for years speakers are in for a wake up call.  Speakers with less experience are getting the big fees.  Who are they?  CEOs of cool companies.  Public speaking is now the favorite way to get your ideas out there.  As more CEOs write books, speaking is sure to follow.  Their experience changing the world trumps delivery style.  It is gonna be a bumpy ride for many speakers.

Those with the most followers win:  want to be famous?  Start on social media and rack up those followers.  It used to be popular authors got the attention.  Look for popular bloggers with big followings to be courted by publishers and media.  And, yes, they will get on the speaking circuit, too.

Meetings are not going away.  Some say that virtual companies will replace conventions and conferences.   Not so fast.  As long as business is being conducted face-to-face, meetings are here for a while.

My prediction:  the movers and shakers will show up.  The less interested or low price folks will stay in the bleachers.  Remember, meetings are not just about the information.  Folks go to meet people.

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WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles

What’s the fastest way to get booked as a speaker? If you’re an author, coach, entrepreneur, CEO or expert at what you do, and you want to speak about your area of expertise, there’s a lot you can do on your own to get gigs. You or your Virtual, Personal or Admin Assistant can learn to successfully contact meeting planners!

Teleclass series- Jan 16, 23, 30 & Feb 6, 2012  Find and Land Speaking Opportunities four part teleclass series  register 

or January 21, Find and Land Speaking Opportunities Workshop in Los Angeles, Susan Levin & Jean-Noel Bassior learn more

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Saturday, February 4,  Market Yourself as a Speaker, Susan Levin

Are you a seasoned expert with years of advice and experience to pass along? Whether you are an executive, educator or salesperson you could be missing out on an important source of your income: THE SPEAKING CIRCUIT.

The information, techniques and tools that you’ll receive from attending Market Yourself as a Speaker are essential to building your speaking business.

Read more/register

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Sunday, February 5, Video Works:  Everybody Needs Video Workshop, Jack Barnard

This 7-hour workshop will bring you totally up-to-speed regarding video and the best uses for you.

 Here’s what will be covered:

- Content: So many possibilities, what are the most important aspects for you to cover?

- The Art of Small Talk: Your audiences are already sound-bit, delivering your material in 30-90 seconds in a succinct, interesting, authentic manner is essential.

- Presence: Information is important, but all the magic happens in the present moment. How do you do that looking straight into a camera?

- Marketing: Susan Levin will enlighten the class on all the ways that short professional videos can utilized.

- Practice video shoot: At the last part of the day, participants will be videotaped by a professional videographer and then critiqued trying out one of their favorite themes. This is for practice & reflection. Participants will be given a copy of the recording to study at home.
Learn more

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UPCOMING TELELCLASSES

SPEAKERS COMMUNITY

See what the Speakers Community Membership club has in store for 2012.

Join for 60 days for free & access past mp3′s http://t.co/Q9rpTiAS

1/12, Build Your Speaking Empire with Info Products, Toni V. Martin, learn more/register

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1/26, Happiness Is An Inside Job, Lisa Cypers Kamen. Flourishing Outside of the Box. How to Create Opportunities to Share What You Know & Love With Others, learn more/register

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2/15, Get Paid for Every Speaking Event You Do, Shannon Cherry, Whether you get paid to speak or not, you could make more money for every presentation and not with back of room sales but with sponsorships. learn more/register

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TWEETS & POSTS

- Read the No-Harm Marketing Manifesto and pass it along: http://yudkin.com/noharm.htm

- Implement the business of speaking Workshop 2/4 in LA or one-on-one w Susan Levin Speaker Services owner http://t.co/q29BKy4H

- Thanks Susan Levin for an awesome interview yesterday on Marketing Matters. Discover the essentials of becoming a great speaker, marketing tips and how to generate leads from your audience. Catch the replay at http://t.co/PTcN8jeU

- SpeedConsulting: fun meeting format for member-based orgs to spur member-to-member learning, friendship & collaboration http://bit.ly/aTeYbB

- Marketing Concept: 14 Questions for Completing and Remembering 2011 http://www.doitmarketing.com/blog/bid/79873/Marketing-Concept-14-Questions-for-Completing-and-Remembering-2011 via @dnewman

- How Timeline Radically Changes Your Facebook Marketing Strategy http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/30305/How-Timeline-Radically-Changes-Your-Facebook-Marketing-Strategy.aspx via @HubSpot

- Create a Custom Welcome Tab for Your Facebook Fan Page http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/2011/03/create-a-custom-welcome-tab-for-your-facebook-fan-page/ via @chilihead

- Top 10 Facebook Apps for Fan Engagement and Building Community  Social Media Examiner http://t.co/sjNdBdzE  via @smexaminer

- Video Works: Everybody Needs Video Workshop in Los Angeles http://bit.ly/u27N1a

- Speakers Your Marketing Plan video tips http://t.co/xiRHGJIO   Ask me about our one sheet 2012 special susan@speakerservices.com #speaking

- Post How can I get a bureau 2 book me? I would like 2 hire someone 2 get me bookings & give them a percentage.. Is this a good plan? http://t.co/1BaA4roe

- How Sponsors Define Value  Market Yourself as a Speaker: http://bit.ly/s0XbnE

1. Does your company used paid, professional speakers? I say paid because many use speakers, not all pay.

2. How is the decision made regarding speakers? I’m asking the person I’m speaking to to confirm he/she is the sole decision maker.

3. Who have you used in the past? This may give you an idea of what topics they have historically used and how much they have paid for this information.

4. Do you have a specific meeting date set? Pretty obvious what we want here.

5. When do you begin to plan your meeting? Great to know when the meeting is, but important to know when plans are made so we can make sure we are talking to them at the optimum time for getting the booking.

6. Where will the meeting be held? Here I’m looking to see if I may create some kind of competitive advantage for myself. For example, I live in St. Louis. If the meeting is going to be in Chicago my expenses would be very reasonable. If they are deciding between me and a speaker in LA, I may get the job based on travel.

7. Is there as theme or focus to this meeting? Again, pretty obvious.

8. Is there a budget I should be aware of? Here is the money question! We need to bring up fee! Remember to talk about your fee as if it were a commodity. See previous post on fees.

9. What type of meeting is this? Is it quarterly, annual, semi­annual? We want to find out how many opportunities a year this prospect may have to hire us.

10. Is there anything that I haven’t asked you that you would like me to know about your meeting? This is really a closure question. They will bring up any other questions they may have.

If you have the answer to these questions you should be able to quantify how likely it is that you two will be working together or not.

That’s it! 10 little questions that will move you from prospect to client! Now go do some prospecting!

Copyright 2011, Lois Creamer. Lois Creamer works with professional speakers who want to book more business, make more money and avoid costly mistakes! She can be reached in the following ways:

Lois@BookMoreBusiness.com

Post by Steve Markman

Marketing mix: Your marketing and PR efforts should be in the forefront of your organization, given today’s competitive climate and the uncertain economy. Standing out from the crowd, regardless of your organization’s industry, is a huge challenge. How can you meet this challenge?

Many organizations have recognized the value of holding seminars at which their executives make presentations. The problem with these seminars is that, more often than not, the attendees are existing customers, clients or individuals who are already familiar with the firm.

Companies need to expose their expertise to prospective customers and clients. What is a proven method of accomplishing this objective? By speaking at public forums – at conferences, seminars and forums held by independent event organizations, associations, professional and industry trade groups, and academic institutions and think tanks – enormous exposure is created.

There is much evidence in the field of professional services marketing that speaking in public forums often results in new business, by providing increased awareness of your company in general and specific subject areas in particular, to an audience of your potential customers or clients. Presentations about industry trends or “how-to” talks can make a large impact on your audience.

Speaking opportunities for consulting firm principals, corporate executives and entrepreneurs represent a strong marketing, public relations, and business development tool for the following reasons:

    1.    Attendees get to learn about your firm’s expertise firsthand and can interact directly with your speaker immediately before or after the presentation. An attendee asking for a business card can be the first step to obtaining a new client. The press in attendance also present opportunities for added exposure.

    2.    Gaining increased visibility in vertical/industry sectors or broad-based areas that your firm has determined is in need of greater exposure. This can be an established line of business where your firm speaks from a position of strength and is known as a “go-to” firm for a particular area. Conversely, presentations can cover an area that is just getting off the ground or at an early stage in its development and needs some fast exposure to let your potential customers know about your newly offered products or services.

    3.    Your company gains “advertising” by having its name and your executive speaker’s name published in the agenda of thousands of brochures and promotional announcements mailed or e-mailed by event organizers.

What should your professional services firm be doing to get your executives and managers out on the speaking circuit? Take the following eight steps:

    1.    Decide which product or service area(s) your firm should be targeting for increased visibility. Make sure that you have executives in those areas committed to the idea of making public presentations. Some will resist the idea of taking time away from other business activities so make sure that you have their full support.

    2.    Get the right speaker on board. Proposed speakers should be experienced executives and, preferably, experienced speakers. Small-to medium-sized organizations should nominate their CEO or other senior executive. Large organizations can also nominate staff at the director or manager level, depending on the criteria of the speaking opportunity.

    3.    Speak to the right audience. Thoroughly research the events for which representatives of your firm can be proposed as speakers, as solo presenters or as panelists. There are so many events taking place on so many topics, frequently simultaneously, that you’ll need to choose diligently in order to maximize the time and expense associated with speaking. Identify speaking engagements whose audience represents the customers and industries your organization wants to reach.

    4.    Develop a proactive speaker placement program. It’s fine to evaluate unsolicited speaking opportunities. However, having someone dedicated to the task who will aggressively identify opportunities, develop relationships with event organizers and write and submit speaker proposals, should lead to an increase in the frequency of speaking engagements and thus increased visibility for the executives participating and the firm as a whole.

    5.    Decide on the geographic area to target for speaking engagements – locally, regionally, nationally or even internationally. There are thousands of speaking opportunities held worldwide every year.

    6.    Create high-impact presentations. Audiences want to get actionable information they can take back to their organizations. They don’t want to hear that your firm is the leading firm in this or that subject area. A solid, informative presentation that covers applications or technologies and is not product or company specific will create instant credibility and obviate the need for a “sales pitch.” A presentation that turns out to be a sales pitch will ensure low evaluations by the audience and a one-way ticket home from the conference organizer. The speaker who gives a sales pitch is duly noted and rarely invited back, oftentimes tainting the entire company in the eyes of the event organizer.

    7.    Learn the process for submitting a speaker proposal to the event organizer – follow the format established by the organizer for writing a presentation abstract, submitting bios and speaker expertise, previous speaking experience information, and, of course, meeting the proposal deadline date. Make sure you tailor the abstract and the bio to each speaking opportunity so that they fit the objectives of the audience.

    8.    Follow up continuously and persistently with the event organizer to help your company stay above the noise, since you will often be competing with several other companies for the same speaking slot.

By developing an effective speaker placement program for your organization, you will have taken a big step in meeting your marketing, PR, and business development objectives.

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Steve Markman is President of Markman Speaker Management (MSM) a Needham, Mass.- based speaker placement and conference development firm established in 1994.

This post is from Daphne Bousquet

http://eventstrategysolutions.com/tag/daphne-bousquet

In the previous post, we talked about what you need in order to be ready for a 6-figure seminar.  But what if you are not there yet?  What if you have no list or a just a small list?  Much of your seminar marketing depends not only on the list you have, but also on the responsiveness of that list.

So you can see that building your community of subscribers and filling your funnel is essential not only to your workshops and seminars, but also to your business in general.

If you have no list at all, the first thing you do is to set up your website so that you can start building one.  You can do this with a few simple tweaks to your existing site. My free eBook, “How To Turn Your Website Into A Lead Generating Machine” goes in further detail on how to do that. Once you have that set up, it is time for you to start building.

Here are the 3 top strategies to build your community with people that are eager to learn from you.

Strategy #1 – Host teleseminars
 The easiest way to start teaching your expertise and getting people interested in your topic in your community is to start teaching teleseminars.  All you need is an opt-in page and a phone.  Many of the bridgelines are free to use and will let you record your teleseminar at no cost as well.

Teleseminars are also a great way to test your topic.  When you have a large number of people sign up for your call, you know you have a good topic that people are interested in.  If you have no response, you may have to reposition your topic, get a better headline or more benefit oriented sales copy.

Strategy #2 – Start Speaking 
The second way to build your list is to get in front of audiences, even if they are not your own.  There are lots of groups that need speakers, so contact local networking groups, associations and other groups that share your ideal audience.  Leverage your relationships with other experts that do have their own events, and get on their stages.

Your audience will now have experienced you and have a pretty good idea of your topic, teaching style and how good your event would be. It is a great opportunity to build a responsive list, or even to fill your own seminar by selling your event from the platform.

Strategy #3 – Attend Events 
 People who go to events are more likely to attend your seminar.  So attend seminars, make connections and build relationships.  You will not only find a good pool of potential attendees, but also potential partners that can promote your (tele) seminar, through affiliate or joint venture relationships.
Some of those people present speaking opportunities that you wouldn’t have had otherwise.  You can also introduce some of your new contacts to your own audience and build a list through interviewing other experts.

Bonus Strategy – Create Online Video
Online video is the wave of the future, if not the “Now” wave.  It is rapidly increasing in popularity with consumers and online marketers.  The reason it is so popular is because the technology is getting more and more accessible and easier to use.  YouTube is the largest search engine behind Google and has a huge amount of viewers every day.

Video is also a great way to establish a personal connection with people when they see you and hear your voice, without actually having to be in front of people.  Your audience can get a sense of your teaching style and they can imagine what a seminar with you would be like.

Although there are many more ways of building your list, these are my favorites because of their effectiveness and potential to create a powerful connection with your audience.  They are also some of the quickest ways to build your list.
So start building your community.  They need you and your message.  Get it out there, so you can help more people and make a big impact with your own workshop or seminar.  Read more

VIDEO ZINGERS

A co- production of Speaker Services with team member Jack Barnard

Fact Sheet

All programs are customized & offered one-on-one or in workshop format

Definition: One-camera presentation video, 30 seconds to 90 seconds in length, the purpose of which is to demonstrate the uniqueness, the agenda, the personality and the presence of the client — the video subject.

Video Video Video:

These days, everybody is aware of the power of video. If you’re connected to the internet (and do you know someone other than your great grandmother who isn’t connected to the internet?), chances are a) you receive half a dozen cyber-invitations a day to look at someone’s video product, b) you surf YouYube or one of its clones, c) you’re seeing more and more videos showing up on your favorite social-networking sites.

Format possibilities:

1) INTERVIEW: (As if) Answering questions during an interview

2) INTIMATE: Personable, straight ahead, into the camera, one-on-one, as if talking directly to the viewer

Some content possibilities:

1) Problem & Solution

2) Welcome to Website home page

3) Tip(s)

4) Secret (super-tip)

5) What you do

6) Website speaker page intro and orientation

7) Back story: why you’re so qualified, why you do what you do, how you got into it

Pertinent/Selling story

9) Current Insight

10) Ask the Expert

11) Show/Demonstrate/Sell Product

12) Explain System

13) Answer Frequently Asked Questions

14) Online Marketing Secret

15) Explain Seminar/Workshop/Webinar, etc.

16) Demonstrate Brand

17) Call to Action

Uses:

1) YouTube — Justin Bieber isn’t the only budding star discovered on YouTube…it happens everyday. Bottom line: we’re watching.

2) Social Media —  Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter…the more we see you, in all your glory, the greater the connection

3) Website — these zingers can be sprinkled all over your website

4) Marketing — for example: mp4s, as part of your delivery package

5) Blogs — spice them up, stand out

PLAN OF ACTION

Preparation Materials…One-day Workshop…Teleclass…Video Shoot

• Preparation Materials

Before participants gather for the workshop, they will receive a Pointers & Due Diligence packet from coach Jack so that when the group meets for the workshop, they will be already in motion.

• One-day 7-hour Workshop, January 28, 2012, led by Jack Barnard…focusing on:

1) Content: With this program, you can create 5 Video Zingers…what will you cover?

2) Small Talk: your audiences are already sound-bit, delivering your material in 30-90 seconds in a succinct, interesting, authentic manner is essential.

3) Presence: information is important, all the magic happens in the present moment. How do you do that looking straight into a camera?

4) Marketing: Susan Levin will enlighten the class on all the ways that these Video Zingers can utilized.

5) Practice video shoot: At the last part of the day, participants will be videotaped  — and then critiqued — trying out one of their Zingers. This is for practice & reflection only.

• Teleclass

90-minute follow-up to workshop — with Jack  — in the following week.

• Video Shoot…within 10 days of the workshop…staggered schedule…3 clients/day

1) One-on-One, with camera-person and coach Jack Barnard

2) 2 different backgrounds, change of clothes, change of venue (Interview format vs. Intimate format) so that it won’t feel like the videos were all done at the same time — or in the same way.

3) Shooting time: 2 hours. Each participant should be able to pull off 4-5 different Video Zingers in that time

4) Post-production is minimal and included in the VZ package.

5) Clients will receive finished/edited Video Zingers in a format of their choice

• Extra

1) As part of the VZ package, each client will be able to have succinct captions for 2 of their videos. If more than this is desired, there will be an extra post-production cost.

COST

$890 total…payments can be requested, if necessary

Contact:  susan@speakerservices.com, 310-822-4922 PT or jackp.barnard@verizon.net, 310-993-8762 to enroll.

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Samples of one camera videos we have produced

Lisa Cypers Kamen
http://youtu.be/CLK53rgwxsA

Susan Levin
http://youtu.be/U-vwIsXLSgo

Libby Higgins
http://youtu.be/ydtJWg42d2k

Guru Tej
http://youtu.be/aFi4WVwvgEw

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Coach/Video Director: The Video Zinger coach is Jack Barnard, a forty-year veteran of the media world. Jack is a former radio host, president of a six-station radio chain, concert producer, theatrical production company owner, master presentation coach, media trainer and writer. In this latest 15-year chapter, Jack works with speakers, authors and entrepreneurs, both one-on-one and in groups.

Marketing & Training Services since’92

http://www.speakerservices.com

November 3, 2011

CONTENT:

- Update from Susan Levin

- Tips and Advice from experts

- Teleclasses for November

- Tweets & Blog Posts

I have been busy working with clients on speaker marketing and coaching folks on how to Position, Prospect & Land Gigs Now in collaboration with our team member Jean-Noel Bassior. This four step process seems to have hit a nerve as it is a huge issue for folks. We are sharing the strategies for you or your staff to help identify target markets and decision makers. The end result is that you learn how to leave voice message and or e mails that get call-backs. Not only that you get to practice as I prepare leads for you in your target audience.  Want some of that?

I am heading down to Orange County to teach Speak Your Way to More Clients on Monday, 11/7 for the third time with Ursula Mentjes. Carleen Paul, Skills for Success Reading Center shared.  Speak Your Way to More Clients was packed with tricks of the speaking trade!  Following the examples provided during the workshop will be vital to making my next speaking engagement a great success!  There is still time to register

On Wednesday, November 9 in Los Angeles I am speaking with Linda Hollander the Wealthy Bag Lady at Fill Your Purse Event: Get All the Clients and Sponsors You Want join us http://t.co/ah4kHHQj

I just got off the phone with one of my clients who spoke at a Womens Conference recently and received great reviews and several requests to speak at different chapters around the country.  She was thrilled with the invites and even though there was no pay she decided to go.  Unfortunately she had not taken my class Market Yourself as a Speaker and ran into several dicey situations on her travels.  Had she consulted with me she would have had a link on her website for meeting planners for her AV requirements so that the producer of the event would have all of her needs met before she arrived.

She also had booked another gig and it got cancelled which she did not find out until she arrived at her destination.  I said,  No contract agreement with a cancellation clause and a deposit a head of time to hold the date.  Big lessons learned and money spent that did not need to be spent.  She will be at my next workshop in Los Angeles on December 3, Market Yourself as a Speaker. Speaking is a business. You need to be armed with all the collateral find out more.  Not in Los Angeles?  No worries customized telephone coaching is available.

Greg Montana warmed my heart as he shared his accomplishments with me.  Because of www.speakerservices.com and your coaching I’ve shared the stage with Richard Branson, The Dalai Lama, Mark Victor Hansen, Harv Eker and have had some amazing partnerships. Thanks for the boost! Glad to see you are still incubating us speakers!  Congrats Greg.

To your speaking and marketing success,

Susan Levin

Speaker Services, susan@speakerservices.com

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TIPS and ADVICE



DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THIS IS TRUE?  Daphne Bousquet, CMP” daphne@eventsandprofits.com



One of my favorite things to do is busts myths.  And there are a few when it comes to workshops and seminars.  Often times, these myths can stop you in your tracks and prevent you from achieving your potential. Here is one that I hear all the time and perhaps you may even think it is true.

Ready? 

 You need a big event in order to make a lot of money.  
Nothing is farther from the truth. 

While large events have more potential for making more money, that does not mean that small events can not be very lucrative.

Sometimes smaller events do even better. 

When you have a smaller event, chances are you have a highly targeted audience.  Your ideal audience, if you will.
 The people that are at your event are there for a specific reason: to learn from you. Since the event is smaller, you have fewer demands on your time.  

That gives you more opportunities to really connect with your audience.  You can answer more questions and establish genuine relationships with people who will gladly sign up for your high end offer. (You do make an offer, right?)

After all, they know, like and trust you and the value you can bring to them and their businesses.
 
Now that you know you do not need hundreds of people (or even a hundred) in your event room to make a difference and a profit, does that take some of the pressure off?

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7 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR MARKETING IN 60 SECONDS OF LESS by Sarah Goliger @hubspot.com

We all know it is not always easy being an inbound marketer especially a good inbound marketer. The things we do to optimize our landing pages, create killer content, keep track of all our analytics they take time! Therefore, to be both a successful inbound marketer, we must be able to use our time efficiently http://www.hubspot.com/social-media-monitoring-in-10-minutes-ebook  to drive the best results in the fastest way possible.

The good news is, even when you do not have a lot of time on your hands, there are lots of little things you can do to dramatically improve your marketing . Here are 7 things you can do in 60 seconds or less to drive more traffic to your site, convert visitors into leads at a higher rate, and increase your ROI.

Tip 1. Respond to a comment, post, or tweet.  A big part of inbound marketing is engaging with your fans, followers, and customers, especially through social media. Take a minute to reply to a tweet or a post on your Facebook page, even if just to say, Thanks for the feedback! or Glad you liked our ebook! Following up with your fans  will show them that you value their comments and will help keep them engaged with your business, making them more likely to convert into leads.

Read more
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Top four book promotion activities you can engage in to sell more books in today’s world 
 @John Kremer


, www.bookmarket.com

1. Speak. Speaking builds a word-of-mouth army better than anything else. Speak locally – at garden clubs, libraries, bookstores, Rotary clubs, JCs, poetry nights, story swaps, book club meetings, etc. Then expand out to a wider area, to nearby cities, to nearby states. Eventually, expand out to an even wider audience.

When someone hears you speak, they become a bigger fan than if they had just read your book. If they like you when they hear you speak, they will tell ten times more people than by just reading your book.

2. Book yourself on national TV. TV is still the largest mass market media. It still reaches more people than any other media – and with more impact. It is worth spending the time contacting the ten or twenty news and talk shows that reach your audience. For most national TV shows, you can get the contact information in one of two ways: 1. from their websites, and 2. via your network of friends and fellow authors.

Your appearance on one major TV show will not only expose you to millions of viewers, but it also opens the door to dozens and sometimes hundreds of other media: newspapers, magazines, radio, more TV shows, etc.

3. Create relationships with high-traffic websites. How many major high-traffic websites that attract your target reader have you created relationships with? Are these real relationships where you contribute content to them on a regular basis?  In today’s world, Internet relationships are the key to marketing success.

Uncover five to ten top websites that already reach the audience you want to reach. Look over their sites until you find a way to contact someone behind the site – a webmaster, an editor, the founder. Then email them with an offer of free content for their readers: an interview with you, a review copy of your book, a free article (that is really good), some tips for their readers, a Q&A column on your specialty, etc. Their obligation, in return, is to link to your website or sales page.

4. Do a Superstar Blog Tour. Or a Mega Blog Tour. Or a Blogpalooza. I’m not talking about the old-style humdrum virtual book tour of 15 or 20 blogs. I’m talking about an event blog tour that creates Internet buzz on a major scale. Event blog tours can build brands, create incredible website traffic, and sell tons of books.

The neat thing is that effective event blog tours take less time to carry out than the traditional Amazon Bestseller Campaign – and are almost always more effective in selling books, building a brand, and driving traffic.

If you want to know more about event blog tours, check out this recording of me speaking about the value and method of carrying out an effective impact blog tour: http://www.bookmarket.com/blog-tour-palooza.htm.

These four book marketing techniques work for almost any kind of book: fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, children’s books, how-to, spiritual, business, even cookbooks. You don’t have to do all four. Start with one and work it hard – you’ll get better results than doing Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, EzineArticles, or other Internet marketing flavors of the week.

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Everyone is always looking for the best deal.  Do I have one for you.

Do you know Speakers Community Membership Club ? Over 100 mp3s 60 days free JOIN NOW http://bit.ly/rUSbGI

UPCOMING TELECLASSES

11/16 -  Organize & Optimize Your Social Media Efforts interview with Kim Beasley
- Have you ever felt overwhelmed while trying to figure out how to use social media to get your message out?

- Do you feel stuck in a rut when it comes to connecting with your target customers on social media?

- Are you trying to figure out how to use Google + to develop your business brand and your personal
identity?
Read/register

11/30/11 -  Amazon Bestsellers with Denise Cassino

Discover an affordable way to launch your e-book to #1 Bestseller on Amazon!

All programs apply to both print books and ebooks!

- The steps and strategies of a bestseller campaign?

- How to reach a large targeted audience without the expense of advertising.

- Why it is a win-win situation for the author, the partners and the book buyer.
- The value of joint ventures

 Read/register

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Tweets and blog posts you might be interested in

:

- Top searches on my blog how to market yourself speakers,  speakers schedule of fees, membership site,  making money as a speaker I can help

- Blog Post 10 Social Media Tips for Professional Speakers.  Use Each Form Of Social Media To Strengthen the Others.  http://bit.ly/sK5HeJ

- 


Professional Marketing Materials see list of services http://t.co/5PkGA894 new coaching program Position, Prospect, Land Gigs. Can we help you?

- 

2011 and 2012 Marketing Trends – Be On The Cutting-Edge, Not The Bleeding-Edge! http://steveslightbulbmoments.com/?p=521  via @StevesMoments

- 

Mary Cimiluca I am so proud of you landing several fantastic and high paying speaking engagements. Happy to have you in my corner and that you followed my advise to ask for more and they said YES!

- Grab Your Audiences Attention Right off the Bat http://t.co/fXCnPrBs The opening statement is important do not blow it.

- 

Prospecting: It is All in the Process @wendyweiss The Queen of Cold Calling™ Tips to ensure maximum results http://bit.ly/tejApu

Everyone knows that times have changed. This includes prospecting. They used to say, “It’s a numbers game.” Not any more…

Prospecting: It’s All in the Process…
By Wendy Weiss, The Queen of Cold Calling™

Most companies have processes in place for everything… except for prospecting. Managers tell representatives to “go make calls.” And if the representatives are not getting results, well then, make more calls.

Unfortunately in 2011 going into 2012 sheer volume of calls alone is simply not enough to successfully build a sales pipeline. In 2011 going into 2012 it’s imperative to have a process in place to develop and then manage the pipeline.

Here are the elements to have in place to ensure maximum results:

Definitions and parameters of what makes a qualified prospect. Too many representatives waste too much time calling inappropriate prospects.

How many times will a representative reach out to any individual prospect? Most representatives decide after the fact whether or not they’ll call any particular prospect again. They look at the lead and the history and decide, “I’ve called this one enough.” Deciding after the fact makes it impossible to have a good prospecting strategy.

Voice mail. Are representatives leaving messages? If so, how many and what is the frequency? What are they saying? Too many representatives make these decisions on the fly and so if they do leave messages, the messages are not powerful enough to entice the prospect to return a call.

Email. Is the representative going to approach the prospect via email? If so, how many emails will that representative send and what is the frequency? What do the emails say? Too many representatives make these decisions on the fly and so do not send powerful prospecting emails. Prospects then don’t respond, or if they do it’s a negative response.

Complete scripting for introductions, voice mail messages and templates for all emails. This is too important to leave to chance.

Metrics. Most companies measure revenue but not the activity that leads to revenue. For any prospecting campaign measurements must include, Dials, Conversations and Appointments (or Dials, Conversations and New Opportunities.) Software is the only way to track this. If you don’t have metrics you don’t actually know what works. If you’re a manager, you also don’t know what your team is doing.

In order to succeed in 2011 going into 2012… it’s all about the process.

Note: Prospect & Land Gigs Now  taught by Susan Levin & Jean-Noel Bassior (one-on-one or group sessions)

Success strategies for you and your staff. Identify target markets and decision makers. Learn how to leave voice messages that get call-backs.

Speaker Services- October 17,  2011 Update

Marketing & Training Services since 1992

Speaker Services http://www.speakerservices.com

In this issue
- Note from Susan Levin
- Tips and Advice
- Teleclasses & Workshops
- Tweets & Blog Posts of interest

Hello,

I spent the last two days shopping for a car with my friend and it was exhausting.  We finally made the deal and as you can see I am pretty darn happy and relieved. He got a Scion XD.

Does this sound familiar to you? My assistant or I have been making calls attempting to get speaking engagements and am not getting any call backs? You know you are an expert at what you offer and yet you are seeing changes in your business, bookings, prospects and your bank account. Could it be that you have been speaking for years and never had to treat your speaking practice as a business?  It might be a time for a tune up.

Are you investing in your continuing education and or updating your marketing materials? If you can relate to what I am sharing with you perhaps you would like some solutions.  Send me an e-mail susan@speakerservices.com for a complimentary session on the phone and lets see if we can customize a dynamite package for you based on your budget.

My colleague Dr. Letitia Wright, D.C. shared the following in a message to her LinkedIn contacts.  The Gurus Are Back. Have you noticed more emails from the “Gurus” lately? You know, the people who used to have these huge meetings with anywhere from 250 -1,000 people? They would tell you how to have the good life (whatever you consider the good life to be) and then charge you money to help you do it? They sell information packages with strategies that no longer work or ones they have never actually used to make their success.

Many of the Gurus filed bankruptcy (just like regular people) and disappeared for a while. Now they are back selling something slightly different. Some are in jail or on trial for murder, fraud and a lot of other things. A few have committed suicide over the last few years. Yes the economy hit them hard too because they depend on the rest of us to give them money. When we did not have it, they did not either.  I will add that it makes me furious as they ruin the trust level of our potential clients who have every right to be mistrustful.

I always share with my potential clients that it is a good idea to work with a heart-based business and not run after the shiny objects that offer flamboyant promises.

Susan Levin

Speaker Services

____________

Complimentary teleclass 10/26

Marketing & Promo Materials that Get you Booked

Susan Levin and Jean-Noel Bassior register http://www.speakerservices.com/teleclasses/detail/238

________________

Meet Susan Levin, owner and founder of Speaker Services at the following events in Los Angeles or Orange County.

10-21-23   Maurice DiMinos, Presentations that Sell Bootcamp I will have a vendor table so make sure to say hello if you are there.

10/29  Market Yourself as a Speaker, Susan Levin learn more

11/7  Speak Your Way to More Clients, Ursula Mentjes & Susan Levin, Capistrano Beach learn more

11/9   Wealthy Bag Lady, Fill Your Purse Event, Get All the Clients & Sponsors You Want, Linda Hollander & Susan Levin, $35,  learn more

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TIPS & RESOURCES

Discussion in a LinkedIn group re getting booked in colleges or high schools

Nicole B. Simpson CFP

You can take an independent alternative by contacting each college individually. Find out who is on the planning board or planning committee and submit your information there. They make the executive financial decisions.

High School

You must first review what the states core curriculum requirements are and see where your program best fits. Once you have determined that, you can do one of two things-you can approach each high school or you can go straight to the Board of Education. I have found the individual high schools work best. If you can get one school to walk to you to the board (who will ultimately have to pay), then you can go to the other schools in that district having already been approved by the board.

They both take a lot of time to do so be prepared to invest the time. Most people give up because the results are sooooo slow but once you are in, you are good, unless you blow it.

LOL-I recently did the legwork for myself. Realistically, it took me about 1 hour to accumulate an average of 6-7 real contact people. However, once it is done, you have the list. I went from state to state and my goal was ten schools in each of the states. I made it my business. Now I have a list to tackle. My topic was time sensitive (9/11) and they generally do not operate as soon as they get back to school but I already confirmed myself as a keynote for Rutgers for 2012 so it made it totally worthwhile. The schools have the budget to pay so it is truly worth it in the end. Another route you can take is to find out what schools have presenter conferences.

___________

New Sponsorship Opportunities

Vickie Sullivan vickiesullivan.com

In this jumpstart to next years elections, we hear a lot of bad stuff about ObamaCare.  Here is a silver lining: drug store chains are getting into the health insurance business.

That is right,  Walgreens plans to sell health insurance products later this year. Why do we care?  Because they are using sponsorship deals to promote their health and wellness positioning.

This industry leader is looking for both local and national opportunities, as new deals range from national sports teams to community events.  Idea:  any expert in this area with strong ties to their community (or a broad-based national brand) has a shot getting their speaking fee paid to those public health events.

Moral of the case study:  organizations use sponsorships to introduce new products to their customers.  Help them and you can get your share of the ever-growing sponsorship pie

________

Sharings from our Speakers

Nan Vaughn wrote: Good news I got a free gig from SS for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and after the presentation last week in Palm Springs, they contracted me to do four 50 min. telecoaching sessions as a follow up.  I did not have to submit a proposal or even negotiate and I am getting $2500! Also, they are interested in me for several other training/facilitating opportunities woohoo!

Speaker and Author Carrie Flintom shared

- Partial list of speaking gigs

- Simi Valley Hospital foundation

- WOW – Wonderful Online Women organization

- Womens Wellness Weekend

- University of Dominguez Hills

- Orange County Association of Educational  Office Professionals

- California State Employees Association Womens Committee Conference

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Tweets of Interest

- Check this video out — Your Marketing Plan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP58srL4bm4&feature=share via @you tube

- Jane Honeck Author & Speaker Has a double sided 1 sheet on her speaker listing. Thanks to our team for putting it together see http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/379

- Happiness is not what makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us happy. David Steindl-Rast, A Listening Heart

- Download @HubSpot‘s free eBook: 99 Tools to Help You Generate Leads with Social Media

-Google+ Launches Real-Time Search and Hashtag Support http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/27206/Google-Launches-Real-Time-Search-and-Hashtag-Support.aspx via @HubSpot

- How Sponsors Define Value http://bit.ly/nmWQMZ In LA Speaking & Sponsorship Fill Your Purse event $35

- 60 Ways Personalization is Changing Marketing http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/13829/60-Ways-Personalization-is-Changing-Marketing.aspx

Update 9/28/11

Hello,

I was going to save the following information to share with you at the beginning of the month. However, it was so right on that I just could not wait to share it with you.  You see I posted the following two items around on social media and received many comments and I felt this might be of great interest to you now.  Business is changing rapidly and we need to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry.  The is a compelling post Your Conference Audience Is Dead Velvet Chainsaw | Midcourse Corrections, jhurt@velvetchainsaw.com

It used to be that face to face presentations were one of the most important places people would go to get new, cutting-edge, critical information.

They would pay a conference registration fee, airfare, lodging and expenses to attend a conference just to get that new information.

But that has changed with the click of the mouse.

Information Is Ubiquitous

People no longer need to go to presentations to get information. They can Google it.  Or Bing it.

They can get it from blogs, enewsletters, ezines, Facebook, LinkedIn, online reports, Scribd, Slideshare, Twitter or other websites. The thought that your organization has exclusive content that can not be found elsewhere online is absurd and in denial.

Content is now dispersed across multiple platforms and our engagement with it is more fleeting. Our personal habits now control our flow of information. Our willingness to commit to 60- to 90-minute presentation to get a piece of critical information has decreased.

With the proliferation of information everywhere, audiences look for other things to do at your conference. They look for opportunities to become participants, to collaborate, to network and to share.

Read the rest and the bottom line.

My colleague speaker and marketing consultant Lois Creamer, Book More Business wrote the following How to be a Multi-thousandaire Like Me! I can not stand some of the promotions we see promising Make a Million doing this, that or whatever.  In fact, usually I do not even believe the person promoting the event has ever seen a million, forget making a million.

As for me, I am a multi-thousandaire and happy. Do not get me wrong, I would not mind becoming a millionaire. I am just a realist. Truth is, most speakers and consultants I know are more like me in the money department. That said, I love to hang around with people who are much smarter, richer and funner than me. Funner? Is that even a word? It should be if it is not.  Read the rest of the blog post.

I would like to hear your thoughts on the above.

Very powerful information here.  It is as if they put words in my mouth.  I read this information with great interest as this is exactly the way I have been running my business since 1992.

We market and train experts who want to grow their business and income through speaking.  We never promise that they will get 99 clients in 99 days or make a 7 figure income right off the bat. We start at the very beginning if need be and teach our business folks how to put together a compelling talk that can create lead generation.  When ready we can market them to organizations, companies and associations who want them to speak to their audiences.  We accomplish this through a listing in Speaker Services directory.  Our team can write marketing materials, train your VA’s or assistants how to prospect for gigs for you as well as how to leave a voice message that gets you a call back.

Did you know that we offer a complimentary session on speaker marketing? I will give you content and answer your question and make recommendations as to how we can assist you further.  If you are interested e-mail me susan@speakerservices.com and I will schedule an appointment for you.

Make sure to visit our website http://www.speakerservices.com .

If you are in S. California and you are ready to learn how to master your message and market your message and prospect for speaking engagements then sign up right now for the following $99 event.

See program and registration at: http://www.speakerservices.com/talkupyourbizla

Gain Credibility, Boost Your Visibility And

Get More Clients By Talking Up Your Business

These days, if you are a would-be speaker, a business hotshot, an entrepreneur or a network marketer; if you have a product, service or about-to-be-realized dream; you absolutely need to be speaking about it, do seminars & workshops about… you need a kick-butt website, you need to blog about, to social network about, to get great publicity about and you definitely need to know all the up-to-the-minute marketing tricks!

In short: to truly make a lasting impact, you need to be a media maven: a compelling presenter…a website wizard…a publicity hound…a master marketer.

- FIND the niche that suits your passion and skills and what is uniquely marketable about your mission

- PRODUCE presentations that captivate and attract attention…motivate action and get results

- LEARN marketing secrets and strategies to show you how to attract and reach your ideal clients

- IMPLEMENT the latest technologies: social media, blogging, mobile marketing, video, YouTube to boost your visibility

- MASTER the art of speaking and selling with intention

Talk Up Your Business brings together four state of the art experts in their respective fields:

Susan Levin, Jack Barnard, Ursula Mentjes, Jean-Noel Bassior

Date:  Monday, October 17, 9am-5:30pm, Venice, CA
Investment $99, Seating Limited

See program and registration at:

http://www.speakerservices.com/talkupyourbizla

A Speaker Services Production

See you at Talk Up Your Business LA

Susan Levin
Speaker Services
susan@speakerservices.com

September 21,  2011 Update

Marketing & Training Services since 1992

Speaker Services http://www.speakerservices.com

In this issue
- Note from Susan Levin
- Tweets & Blog Posts of interest

Greetings,

I want to personally invite all of our Los Angeles business folks, speakers, authors, coaches and entrepreneurs to join us on Monday October 17 for a one day event Talk Up Your Business, Master the Message, Master the Marketing .  Only attend though if you are interested to Gain Credibility, Boost Your Visibility and Get More Clients By Talking Up Your Business.

Here are a few of the items that Susan Levin, Jack Barnard, Jean-Noel Bassior and Ursula Mentjes will be sharing with you.

- LEARN marketing secrets and strategies to show you how to attract and reach your ideal clients

- DESIGN an effective website that helps your clients hire you on the spot for their event

-  IMPLEMENT the latest technologies: social media, blogging, mobile marketing, video, YouTube to boost your visibility

-  COMMUNICATE your key message to the news media and learn how to get publicity that increases your credibility and lead generation

-  EXPAND your short talk into any length presentation, for any audience, for any purpose

My promise to you is – tons of content, interaction and no hard sell.  Your investment is only $99 with a money back guarantee

Jump right onto the website now and  read the program and sigh up at the incredible reasonable investment of $99.

Our team has been training Virtual Assistants for speakers and authors this past month. The question that we always get asked is, “How do I prospect for speaking gigs and then how do I get past the gatekeeper to the decision maker and what kind of message can I leave to get a call back?” My answer is,  :It all has to do with your website and your marketing materials. No one can book you if we do not have a clear idea of the problem you solve for your target industry.”  Do you need help?

Say you have landed a speaking gig.  Do you know how to ask the event coordinator the proper questions to customize for their audience?  Do you have a  pre program questionnaire? Hint it resides under the link For Meeting Planners. Joyce Newman shares in a blog post, It is always amazing when speakers do not ask the meeting organizer questions about the audience in advance of writing their presentations. Lets start with the most obvious one: – Who are they and how were they selected to be participants? – How many are attending?   Read the rest of the post.

Need help? Since 1992 Speaker Services has been supporting professional folks in growing their business and income through speaking.  Speaking is a business.

Speaker Services team can support you in several ways.

Meet Speaker Services team

- Join the Speakers’ Community Membership Club, Audio/MP3 library of experts. 60 days complimentary.

- Workshops: Los Angeles & Orange County

- Get a speaker listing in our paid listing service since 1992.  We bring speakers and experts together with audiences. Read more

-  We can write your promotional materials which include: a speaker listing, call for proposals, speaker/author one-sheets, media profile, your bio and introduction with team members. See list and descriptions

-  Branding, Presentation, Media Training with team members.

- Private One on One Marketing Consultations with Susan Levin.

For a complimentary 20 minute conversation & or review e mail Susan Levin at susan@speakerservices.com  for an appointment.  Allow me to put together a customized program just for you.

TWEETS & BLOG POSTS OF INTEREST

- Amazon Continues to Disintermediate Publishers – BusinessWeek http://buswk.co/o5uRd0 via @BW

- Join us for Websites that Sell 4 Experts, Authors, Speakers teleclass interview w Kriste Rimmele 9/26, http://t.co/olPwK2b2

- Google+ Now Available to Everyone, Adds Search Functionality more via @HubSpot

- @donnagunter Article Marketing: 7 Steps to a Great Author Resource Box That Drives Targeted Tra.. t.co/T1QghDxe always great info

- “Everything in your life is there as a vehicle ⁰for your transformation. Use it!” – Ram Dass

- Blog post: The Point of Humor http://bit.ly/plvEMX Humor relaxes the audience, breaks the tension& creates an opening.

Susan Levin, Speaker Services, 310-822-4922

Speakers, Authors, Consultants, Coaches,
Experts, Entrepreneurs, CEO’s

Gain Credibility, Boost Your Visibility And
Get More Clients By Talking Up Your Business

These days, if you’re a would-be speaker, a business hotshot, an entrepreneur or a network marketer; if you have a product, service or about-to-be-realized dream; you absolutely need to be speaking about it, do seminars & workshops about… you need a kick-butt website, you need to blog about, to social network about, to get great publicity about — and you definitely need to know all the up-to-the-minute marketing tricks!

In short: to truly make a lasting impact, you need to be a media maven: a compelling presenter…a website wizard…a publicity hound…a master marketer.

• FIND the niche that suits your passion and skills — and what’s uniquely marketable about your mission
• PRODUCE presentations that captivate and attract attention…motivate action and get results
• LEARN marketing secrets and strategies to show you how to attract and reach your ideal clients
• IMPLEMENT the latest technologies: social media, blogging, mobile marketing, video, YouTube to boost your visibility
• MASTER the art of speaking and selling with intention

Talk Up Your Business brings together four state of the art experts in their respective fields:

Susan Levin, Jack Barnard, Ursula Mentjes, Jean-Noel Bassior

Date:  Monday, October 17, 9am-6pm, Venice, CA
Investment $99, Seating Limited

See program and registration at
http://www.speakerservices.com/talkupyourbizla

A Speaker Services Production

September 2011 E-Zine

Marketing & Training Services since 1992

Speaker Services http://www.speakerservices.com

In this issue
- Note from Susan Levin
- Meet our featured speakers & authors
- Tips and Advice
- Teleclasses & Workshops
- Tweets & Blog Posts of interest

Today I am sharing with you new reports about the meeting attendees that several of my colleagues posted in their blog or e-zine.  Also be sure to read tweets and blogs of interest as there are many interesting items ie: 17 Things Marketers Should Delete From Their Facebook Strategy NOW.

I am wondering Are you talking up your business?   Speaking is the fastest path to more clients, more credibility and more business.  As an author, consultant, coach, service professional or entrepreneur, speaking establishes your expertise, while marketing you at the same time.

But how do you get those speaking gigs? What do you need to have in place to get meeting planners to book you? How do you create a compelling message that you can adapt to any audience, lengthen or shorten at will and create a huge impact? How do you create massive visibility from your speaking gigs and leverage this publicity into more leads and more clients?

Whether you are new to speaking or are an expert with multiple speaking engagements under your belt, there are ways to profit from speaking that you probably have not even considered.

There are so many moving parts and angles that you have to master.

You can find the answers at the Los Angeles Talk Up Your Business, Master the Message, Master the Marketing on Monday, October 17

See the website and the program and sign up now as the seating is limited and it is only $99. http://www.speakerservices.com/talkupyourbizla

The Improv group led by jack Barnard finished their class with a performance.  Friends and family members had a great time.  In this photo is Ryan Jackson, Norah Edelstein and Raj Sharma doing a scene.

Enjoy the holiday weekend.  I hope you have some fun activities planned.

Speak your Way to More Business.

Susan Levin
Speaker Services
susan@speakerservices.com
310-822-4922 PT

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FEATURED SPEAKERS & AUTHORS FOR SEPTEMBER 2011

Click on name for full description and contact information.

	Michael Hingson — San Francisco, Nationwide, International Blind sales executive and Guide-dog user who survived 9-11 reflects on trust, teamwork, ethics, diversity, animal-human bonds, and human values. Topics: 9-11, Diversity, Motivational, Team Building
	Devin C. Hughes — San Diego, CA Coach, trainer and former athlete shows how to conquer the sense of alienation called “The Isolation Syndrome” and get your life back. Topics: Bullying, Cultural Diversity, Learning Disorders, Motivational, Parenting and Children
	Brenda Lane-Oliver — Maryland, Nationwide Performance coach/author reveals how to bring out the best in teams, managers and employees and shows women how to move up the career ladder with passion, dignity and determination. Topics: Leadership, Marketing, Success, Women’s Issues
	Susan Levin — Los Angeles Susan Levin specializes in helping business people attract a steady stream of ideal clients by marketing their business and income through speaking. Topics: Business Building, Business Opportunities, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Speaker Marketing
	Ursula Mentjes — Anaheim, S. CA Certified NLP Coach, author and sales expert Ursula Mentjes offers mindset shifts and strategies to make selling easy and significantly increase sales. Topics: Business Building, Entrepreneurship, Goal Setting, Sales
	Lawrence Polsky — New Jersey, Nationwide Executive coach reveals practical ways to energize you and your team as you face new challenges filled with conflict and change. Topics: Change, Conflict Resolution, Leadership, Team Building
	Jothy Rosenberg — New England, Nationwide Author, extreme athlete, entrepreneur and two-time cancer survivor empowers others to say “I CAN” in the face of major challenges. Topics: Disabilities, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Inspirational, Motivational, Success
	Kathryn Tull, MFT — Los Angeles Relationship specialist, therapist and trainer offers powerful techniques that help you feel heard and appreciated as you boost self-worth, honor your past, and reclaim your power in the present. Topics: Abuse, Family, Motivational, Personal Development, Relationships
	Christy Waters, RN, BSN, MA, CLNC — Los Angeles Registered Nurse and Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC) with pharmaceutical background shows legal professionals how to review medical data so you can decide if a case is worth your time and effort. Topics: Health Care Business, Legal, Medical & Nursing Malpractice

SEE ALL SPEAKERS

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TIPS AND ADVICE

- New Report About Meeting Attendees

Vickie Sullivan  www.sullivanspeaker.com

Do you think virtual attendees  those who attend conferences from the comfort of their cubicle multi-task more than the audience you speak to right in front of you? Nope everyone (over 80%) is checking their email during your presentation, according to this fascinating study about meeting attendees both virtually and face-to-face.

Conducted in May by PCMA (Professional Conference Management Association), so this data is pretty fresh.  Most interesting finding:  the different motivations between virtual and physical attendees.  The former signs on for the value of the content (97%) and ease of use (90%).  The latter gets on a plane to meet with the speakers and colleagues (68%) and to meet more customers and prospects (56%).  And everyone (over 80%) seems very comfortable networking with strangers both online and off.  (Thank you, social media!)

Pay attention to this finding content marketing and distribution needs are not being met.  Distribution on all devices yes, that means smart phones is now expected. Getting information before, during, and after the event is important to both types of attendees.  Content is still king; the demands for searchability and availability are a given.  And we are not just talking white papers either.  Videos and other interactive formats make a difference.

As experts who speak, we always want to know more about our audiences.  This report is a treasure trove of cool information.  Click here to get the report (sign in is required).

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Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy Convention Industry Council

- Mary McKay, turnkeyspeaker.com

You will be interested to know that the Economic Significance of Meetings to the U.S. Economy Convention Industry Council 2011 just reported last week that 205 million people attend 1.8 million meetings a year in the U.S.  And as Meetings & Conventions reported last year, planners say that motivational messages are among the most appropriate keynote categories: of the 116 meeting planners who responded, 69 % say that an uplifting speech is highly appropriate followed by the second highest category, industry related topics at 62%.  They also reported that while 15% of respondents do not pay their keynote speakers, 28% budget less than $5,000 and at the high end of the spectrum, 3% can pay more than $50,000 for a top name.

They also reported that word of mouth if the prevailing method of finding speakers.  There is only one way that you can become word of mouth.  And that is if someone hears you and recommends you.  So those free gigs you are doing right now can make a big difference.

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- Approaching prospects — Ron Katz

I have been doing a consulting gig on the other side of the desk for the past couple of months and amazed at how many bad pitches I have received from speakers, trainers, and other assorted presenters. Most of the worst ones are all about the wonderful things the presenter can do with little or no effort made to find out what the organization I am working with needs. In other words, it is all about them. Remember to do your homework, find out what your target might need, and then sell them on the benefit of hiring you. No one is going to hire you because it is good for you. One person actually had the nerve to tell me he had  work for less than his usual fee because he really needs the work right now. You will only get the work if the target organization can see how it will benefit them

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- Authors Who Visit Book Clubs

Bill Harrison  Reporter Connection  http://www.reporterconnection.com

GalleyCat has created a new way to connect book clubs with authors who want to visit them in-person, by phone or via Skype video. It’s called, quite simply, “Authors Who Visit Book Clubs.” The directory already has more than 300 authors and can be found here. Want to add your name? Go to GalleyCat’s Facebook page to sign up for free.

You’ll probably find the real payoff from such appearances won’t be in the number of books you sell, but rather the chance to connect with your fans and get valuable feedback. For instance, Jim Collins decided to write Good to Great, a business bestseller which has sold over 4 million copies, after dinner with a reader of his previous bestseller Built to Last.
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-  7 Things Marketers Should Delete From Their Facebook Strategy NOW from HubSpot Blog

What to Axe From Your Facebook Marketing Strategy

1. A Business “Profile,” Not a Page: First things first. Before you even think about anything else, know this: businesses have Pages, people have Profiles. If you haven’t already, create a Facebook Page for your business immediately. If you’ve already set up a Profile, Facebook enables you to convert it into a Page. Pages are specifically built for companies, brands, and organizations, and they provide all the right functionality (e.g. generating fans) for your business’ Facebook presence.

2. A Lengthy Page URL: So now you have a Page. What comes with it is this really long, unidentifiable, impossible-to-remember URL. Make it easy to communicate your Facebook presence to others by creating a vanity URL and username that’s easy to remember and share. For example, HubSpot’s Facebook Page URL is http://www.facebook.com/hubspot. (Note: Once your vanity URL is set, Facebook doesn’t let you change it, so make it count!) Read more

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- The Ultimate Google+ Cheat Sheet
hubspot.com

Google+ is growing like crazy. In fact, it is the fastest growing social network ever. Just as with any other social network, marketers have a lot to learn and do. So we thought we would invest some time into making your life easier. In this post, we’ve compiled the best content about Google+ from all across the web. Use it to learn how to leverage Google+ for both business and personal uses.

Google+ Vocabulary: Quick Reference Glossary

Stream:  the list of messages that is displayed on the Google+ home screen and for each Circle of contacts

Hangout:  a platform for group video chatting and collaboration that is used by Google+ members

Circle:  the method of organizing connections into groups for more targeted sharing and better privacy

Google Profile:  your personal home on Google+, which allows you to share interesting, work experiences, personal information, and much more

Sparks:  the magazine of Google+, which bring together information on a topic for easy viewing. Enter a keyword, and see public Google+ posts on that topic.
Read more:

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SEPTEMBER  TELELCLASSES
SPEAKERS COMMUNITY

Teleclasses FREE for Speakers Community Members. Join now and get  2 months complimentary
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September 15,  3 Steps to Success: Niche Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Speaking Business Profitably, Susan Friedman, CSP

In this dynamic and high-content session, you will learn a unique 3-Step Riches in Niches Success Formula to build your speaking business faster and with less frustration. This practical framework of powerful, proven, and simple-to-use success strategies, makes it easier for you to find and cash in the right niche market for your business.

Join Susan Friedmann, The NichePreneur Coach, to discover simple steps to success to grow your speaking business profitably.  Read more/register

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September 26, Websites that Sell for Experts, Authors, Speakers, Kriste Rimmele

Learn proven strategies to help you effortlessly attract customers, get more leads, and command higher fees.

Discover:

-  5 tips to help you skyrocket the profits on your website

-   How to build an effective speaker website that gets you booked

-   How to build a personal brand that makes you unforgettable.

Kristie Rimmele knows first-hand how to build massive publicity and sales online.  She is the found of Webmomz.com, a community for work at home moms, president of Branding on the Net, and author of several books including I Love My Life: A Moms Guide to Working from Home. Read more/register

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WORKSHOPS IN LA & ORANGE COUNTY

Monday, October 17, Talk Up Your Business, Master the Message, Master the Marketing Workshop, Los Angeles

Jack Barnard, Susan Levin, Ursula Mentjes, Jean-Noel Bassior

SPEAKERS, AUTHORS, EXPERTS, COACHES, CONSULTANTS

Gain Credibility, Boost Your Visibility & Get More Clients by Talking Up Your Business

If you are a would-be speaker, a business hotshot, an entrepreneur or a network marketer; if you have a product, service or about-to-be-realized dream; you absolutely need to be speaking about it, do seminars & workshops about  you need a kick-butt website, you need to blog about, to social network about, to get great publicity about — and you definitely need to know all the up-to-the-minute marketing tricks!

In short: to truly make a lasting impact, you need to be a media maven: a compelling presenter…a website wizard…a publicity hound…a master marketer.

GREAT, practical advice and training, energizing and inspirational presenters from whom I learned a great deal.  Strategies I know I’ll use over and over.  Thanks to Susan and Jack for a weekend that left me confident and prepared!
- Melinda Bates, Author, Clintonista, A White House Memoir

See the program and register

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Saturday, October 29,  Market Yourself as a Speaker, Susan Levin

Are you a seasoned expert with years of advice and experience to pass along? Whether you are an executive, educator or salesperson you could be missing out on an important source of your income: THE SPEAKING CIRCUIT.

The information, techniques and tools that you’ll receive from attending Market Yourself as a Speaker are essential to building your speaking business.

Market Yourself as a Speaker workshop is the dash track to making the changes necessary to reach your target market.
- Suzanne Takowsky, Beverly Hills Times Magazine

Learn more and register

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Monday, November 7,  Speak Your Way to More Clients, Capistrano Beach, Ursula Mentjes and Susan Levin

Speak Your Way to More Clients was packed with tricks of the speaking trade.  Following the examples provided during the workshop will be vital to making my next speaking engagement a great success!,  Carleen Paul, Skills for Success Reading Center

Establish yourself as an Expert through speaking  a powerful marketing tool that lifts your business or service to the next level. Begin now to build a profitable speaking business that gets your message out to the world!

- The Tools to Establish Yourself as the Expert in your Industry
- Generate List Building Systems to stay in front of your Prospects and Clients
- Proven Strategies to Land more Speaking Engagements
- Discover the Problem that you Solve for your Clients and the best way to Communicate it to the Decision Maker
- Create your Top 25 Target Client List and more
Read more/register

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Tweets of interest

- 10 Reasons Why an Online Speaker Kit Gets Meeting Planners to Book You! http://bit.ly/r5AU40 so what do you speak about?

- I luv my AudioAcrobat http://bit.ly/pDSQ6J do you use it? If not check it out. My favorite resource.

- Resources 4 speakers, experts & authors Blog: hundreds of posts http://speakerscommunity.com/blog & videos Utube Channel http://tinyurl.com/2e3dzjm Rock on!

- Get Booked on Radio Talk Shows http://bit.ly/p0oRIv Alex Carroll shows you how to Get Rich & Become Famous Being A Guest on Big Radio Shows

- Do you have an mp3 library? Favorite resource for speakers/authors. Hundreds of interviews, 60 days free. Join now http://www.speakerscommunity.com

- 17 Things Marketers Should Delete From Their Facebook Strategy NOW http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/23603/17-Things-Marketers-Should-Delete-From-Their-Facebook-Strategy-NOW.aspx via @HubSpot

-ASU LEARNING: University bringing more speakers to campus and community http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2011/aug/29/asu-bringing-more-speakers-to-campus-and/

-The Ultimate Google+ Cheat Sheet http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/23765/The-Ultimate-Google-Cheat-Sheet.aspx via @HubSpot

- Interesting article about Groupon http://www.smallbusinessnewz.com/topnews/2011/08/29/daily-deals-groupon-down-livingsocial-up-facebook-out

By Kristie Rimmele of Branding on the Net

1. Meeting planners want to hire a speaker that makes them look good – an online media kit gives them everything thing need to know to decide now if you are the right speaker.
2. It allows meeting planners to see first hand what programs you offer and the specific takeaways that audience members will receive.
3. It helps meeting planners to check out your credentials so they are sure they are hiring someone with a high level of expertise and experience.
4. It provides meeting planners with a way to instantly see a video of you doing your best stuff.
5. Meeting planners get to read praise from others who hired you and be assured that you are a real pro who delivers.
6. It shows meeting planners the caliber of other clients who have hired you to present.
7. It gives meeting planners all the promotional materials they need to make their event a real success.
8. It tells meeting planners exactly what to do to book you now.
9. When the meeting planner DOES contact you – they are a hot lead – ready to book – you just close the deal.
10. Your competitor has one – if you don’t have one then guess who gets the job?
    Bottom line – if you want to book more speeches and fill your speaking calendar, you need an online speaker kit!

Article by Kristie Rimmele – Dubbed as the “Marketing Maven & Brander Extraordinaire” Kristie Rimmele turns entrepreneurs into the lavishly paid in-demand experts in their field. Learn how branding helps you to attract customers, build income, & gain visibility while successfully promoting your business online with our FREE report “Web Branding Secrets” by visiting www.brandingonthenet.com .

* Speaker Services offers professional writing for your presentation packets and consulting. Do You Have Professional Marketing Materials?  See http://bit.ly/olWlcb

Marketing & Training Services since 1992

Speaker Services: http://www.speakerservices.com

In this issue:

- A note from Susan Levin

- Tips and Advice

- Teleclasses & Workshops

- 5 Tips to Avoid Losing Your Shirt with Your Seminar

- How Sponsors Define Value

- How to Ensure a Powerful Introduction Before You Speak

- Tweets & Blog Post of Interest

Greetings,

Did you have a good holiday weekend?  My gang of friends met at Ellen Reid’s place to celebrate the holiday weekend.  She is my friend the Book Shepherd.   The photo is of me and Kiki Ellen’s dog.

Weekend before last Jean-Noel Bassior our editor for the past 25 years and I were vendors at the ICF LA’s Coaches Expo in Culver City.  I met many wanna be coaches and certified coaches that were very interested to know more about how Speaker Services could help them grow their various expertise. It was not a huge event but the quality of the people who stopped were extraordinary and the conversations were helpful and fruitful.

The Inspired Improv 5 week workshop in August filled up very quickly.  Jack Barnard is teaching it and the people who signed up are in for a treat. I will be there too as it is so much fun.  Do you speak gibberish?

At the end of July Ursula Mentjes and I are offering Speak Your way to More Clients Workshop for the second time in Capistrano Beach, CA.  Last time we sold out.  

We’ll be sharing how to discover the problem that you solve for your clients and the best ways to communicate it to the decision maker and how to create your “Top 25 Target Client List”and more.

“Susan and Ursula delivered awesome value!  The content was complete, thorough and fun.  They are both committed to providing the missing links for the clients they serve. I feel totally prepared to begin the new branch of my work—creating clients through speaking!” -Dorbe Holden, Transformational Coach

Check it out and register: http://tinyurl.com/3h2el9f

Not in LA?  No worries here are some options for you:

- Speaker Marketing Works Virtual Mastermind/Study Group now forming http://bit.ly/jXEUmT

- Budget Minded and enjoy listening to mp3’s?  Join the Speakers Community Membership Club. 60 days complimentary and a mere $19.95 a month plus 4 years of past interviews in the library ready for you to download.  I always say where can you learn from the experts for $10 an hour. I am looking forward to interviewing Dr. Stpehen Jones about the Fear of Speaking- Get Over it! Does the thought of speaking in front of a group evoke fear, make you sweat, start your heart pounding? It’s likely you have glossophobia – the fear of public speaking.

At the end of the month it is my honor to interview my long time speaker, author client Michael Hingson. Michael is the author of Thunder Dog: A Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero. God does not present insurmountable problems. Instead he gives us challenges, waits for us to overcome them, & then he rejoices . Join now.

- Workshops in LA, Orange County and Atlanta.  See all workshops

- One-on-One consulting on Speaker Marketing and or Presentation Branding Skills and Book Mentoring on the phone or in person in Los Angeles.  This month we are hosting a client from Colorado for a private three day training.  How can we assist you?  We customize for your needs and concerns.

Speak Your Way to More Business

Susan Levin, Speaker Services, susan@speakerservices.com

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TIPS & ADVICE

LinkedIn Group

Professional Keynote Speakers – by Jorge Olson

Discussion: How do you become a public speaker?

- Lenny Laskowski, http://www.LJLSeminars.com

Many people who start out in the speaking business need to remember that it “IS” a business and you need to learn and understand how the speaking business works. Like most business it does change and you need to find what works for you in terms of growing your business. For every business who swears by using “cold calls” as an approach you will find other’s who NEVER use cold calls.

Find yourself a mentor who is doing what you want to do and in the industry you want to work in and learn from them. Take marketing courses and seminars. Attend workshop and seminars on the speaking business and learn from others. At the same time, you need to find what works for you and what style of marketing works for your personal style.

Also, do not remember to keep good records and who you speak to and interface with so you can follow up.

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5 Tips to Avoid Losing Your Shirt with Your Seminar

Daphne Bousquet,  http://eventstrategysolutions.com

It happens to too many people. Grand plans, big vision. You plan, you project, you try to manifest and then you find yourself in a huge hole that you spend the rest of the year trying to get out of.

Yes, I am talking about events. Has it ever happened to you? You poured your heart and soul into planning a seminar and all you ended up with was an empty wallet and crushed dreams? And you wonder what happened?

You see other coaches and expert put on huge seminars and they are making a fortune. What could you have done differently? What do they know that you don’t?

It breaks my heart, because workshops and seminars are powerful tools that transform people’s lives, both attendees and seminar leaders. When done right, they are extremely lucrative and I am not exaggerating when I tell you that you can make more money in a single weekend than most people make in an entire year.

Our coaches tell us to think bigger, they show us what is possible. However, many times what works for them, may not work for you. So you dive into planning the workshops and seminars thinking big, all the while you are missing some critical steps that make the difference between success and utter disappointment.

What can you do to avoid that? Here are 5 tips to avoid losing your shirt and make your next seminar truly one that is transformational for you.

Start small

You may want a seminar for 100 people, but if this is your first one, start small. Keep it intimate and exclusive. It will give you a chance to test the waters, your marketing and your conversion rates. It also keeps your costs down, which is important for obvious reasons.

Focus on your ideal attendee

Who is he/she? Talk to that person and that person alone in your marketing. If your seminar tries to be too many things to too many people, it will not be anything to anybody. Your marketing becomes too broad and ambiguous and no one responds to vague and generic. Be precise. What benefits does your seminar offer and who is it perfect for?

Book your venue as late as possible

I know I am going to get in trouble with my former colleagues in the hospitality industry, but the fact is this. Most seminar leaders who have lost money on their event ended up paying thousands of dollars to hotels for rooms and services they never used. Start marketing and selling tickets before you sign your contract. Once you sign it, you are committed, whether people show or not.

Allow plenty of time for marketing

Start promoting now. Yes now. The more time you have to market your seminar the better. Most seminar leaders fail because they didn’t allow themselves enough time for their marketing campaign. For a multi day event, you will need 6 months. Minimum. Preferably 8 months. That gives you time to add value, build your list, line up promotional partners and create a campaign that gets the butts in the seats.

Have a back end plan

Your seminar should not just depend on tickets sales. You should have a comprehensive plan for generating revenue with your seminar. That means multiple streams of seminar income. Know what you are offering and when. Don’t rely on only 1 or 2 ways to make money from your seminar. There are at least 10, so use them to your advantage.

Daphne will be a featured speaker at Talk Up Your Business, Master the Message, Master the Marketing, Atlanta Sept 30 & Oct 1.  See http://t.co/cu0bNfE

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How Sponsors Define Value

- Vickie Sullivan, http://www.sullivanspeaker.com

Many experts who speak are looking for sponsors to pay their hefty speaking fee.  And sponsors are still doing that buy asking host organizations “how can you provide more value?” first.  Here are a couple of ideas inspired by veteran sports professionals in their sponsorship deals:

Community outreach.  Every sponsor wants more exposure than the event.  How about finding out who their target market is and participating in that?  For example, if your banking sponsor wants to reach out to business owners, why can’t you do an extra session for that audience?

Product placement.  TV shows and movies have taken this to a whole new level with more subtle references.  Can speakers do the same with examples and stories that feature the sponsor?  Let’s go one step further:  in the name of interactive learning, is there any way to demonstrate the sponsor’s product or service?  Use them as a case study perhaps?

Business-building opportunities.  These sponsors are partnering to expand their reach.  Does your community have value to them too?  How could you facilitate introductions between the sponsors and your business contacts?  A reception maybe?

Suggestions that go above and beyond might be refused by the host organization but your offer will not be forgotten.  Great way to position yourself as a partner rather than just a speaker for the convention.

Vickie Sullivan is recognized as the top market strategist for experts who want strong brands with high-fee buyers. She speaks and consults internationally about selection trends in high-fee markets and strategies that position experts for those venues. Vickie’s articles have been published in national publications ranging from USA Today Magazine to Handbook of Business Strategy. This update is sent to thousands of experts throughout the U.S. and 17 other countries.

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How to Ensure a Powerful Introduction Before You Speak

Post by Lisa Sasevich, www.theinvisibleclose.com

There are two types of introductions—the one where you introduce yourself toward the beginning of your talk and the one that your host reads to introduce you to the audience before you get up on stage. Now, that second introduction may seem like a minor concern, but it’s not; it plays a huge role in establishing your credibility.

Building credibility—the impression that you are an expert with proven results who can be trusted to deliver—is the vital first goal of your presentation. If you want your audience to listen to you and eventually buy from you, they have to see you as credible.

So here is my secret formula and two important tips for creating a powerful introduction for your host. An introduction that sets you up to gain credibility and helps people feel open to you and quickly start to build the trust that is needed to invest with you.

Proven Formula for Getting a Powerful Intro Before You Speak When you’re writing your host’s introduction, keep it short: only 30 seconds to one minute long. Hit the high points and include these elements:

A. Have the host tell the audience why they invited you. For example, your introduction might begin: “We know that you or people you know have been affected by the drastic changes in the housing market. We invited our next speaker here today because her program has been proven to work during challenging times.” This is also where they would include any personal testimonial they have to add if they, in fact, have worked with you.  read on http://bit.ly/kjonkI

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WORKSHOPS IN LA, ORANGE COUNTY, SAN DIEGO & ATLANTA

See all workshops

July 29, Speak Your Way to More Clients, Ursula Mentjes & Susan Levin, Capistrano Beach

“Are you tired of figuring out where to find new clients? It’s time for them to find you!”

Ursula Mentjes (Sales Expert) and Susan Levin (Industry Expert) have teamed up to teach you how to grow your business through speaking!

“Speak Your Way to More Clients was packed with “tricks of the speaking trade”!  Following the examples provided during the workshop will be vital to making my next speaking engagement a great success!”, Carleen Paul, Skills for Success Reading Center

“This is the perfect blueprint for pursuing a successful speaking career!  Getting the actual “HOW” was absolutely priceless!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!” – Janise Graham, Janise Graham Insurance and Financial Services

Learn more

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August, 13 – Market Yourself as a Speaker led by Susan Levin, Marina del Rey

Nuts and bolts of lecture circuit.

Are you a seasoned expert with years of advice and experience to pass along? Whether you are an executive, educator or salesperson you could be missing out on an important source of your income: THE SPEAKING CIRCUIT.  Learn more/register

“Susan has given me a great deal of personal advice which has helped me go forward in my career as a speaker and consultent. I am honored to know Susan and to have the opportunity to work with her.” - Michael Hingson, Speaker & Author

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Tweets & Blog Posts of interest:

- Speakers, Authors, Experts R yr marketing materials professional? R u getting noticed? No? Might be the writing! http://bit.ly/pUNiLa

- Social Media Use Nearly Doubles as Audiences Grow Older : MarketingProfs Article http://t.co/pihtYzt via @marketingprofs

- Seven Ways to Name the Decision Makers http://t.co/Lfrj3Kb via @wendyweiss

- 7 Steps to Increase Facebook Fans http://t.co/E3BoCJY via @pc4media

- If God Is Your Co-Pilot, Switch Seats http://huff.to/mrhQPD via @huffingtonpost by BJ Gallagher

- Excellent post How to Create a Value Proposition Positioning Statement with Your Value Proposition – RAIN Group http://t.co/FqhutRB

- 10 Easy Ways To Prepare A Powerful Introduction http://t.co/XXrVEZJ

Do You Have Professional Marketing Materials?

Not getting the media attention you deserve?

Not attracting new clients?

Not getting speaking gigs?

Speaker Services Team Can help

Services Include:

√  Speaker Listing for the web, social media, calls for proposals and in Speaker Services Online Directory. http://www.speakerservices.com/adv_pkt.html

√  One-sheets Made Easy
A one-sheet combines text with colorful photos and graphics to spotlight who you are and what you do. It can be one- or two-sided. Many speakers use one side to promote their speaking and the other to feature a book or product. Great for event planners and talk-show producers because they can quickly “get” what you’ll offer their audiences.

√ Bios and profiles: short, medium, long
Bios in three formats: short, medium and long, so you’ll always have what the media outlet needs.  Also write-ups and listings for corporate publications and professional directories.

√ Interview questions
Talk show hosts and producers love guests who send questions in advance ─ it cuts down their prep time and results in a better interview. We know how to create interview questions that allow you to hit the high points and tell the story you want to tell.

√ Introductions
Show up at your next speaking engagement armed with an intro you actually like!  We can provide short intros for TV, radio, and teleclass appearances; medium-length for speaking engagements.

√  Testimonials
We  can edit testimonials for maximum impact.

√  Pitch letters to editors, reporters, producers
You don’t have to wait for your next event to attract media interest. A strong pitch letter sent to reporters, editors and talk show producers can suggest story angles that generate interest in you, your work, or your product.

√ Press releases
Professionally done to announce an event or the release of a book, film or product; can also be used to link what you do to a local or national news story so the media will call on you as an expert.

√ Videos and Media Coaching
We can provide short, affordable video clips of clients talking about what they do. Great for  websites, blogs and YouTube, and better quality than most Web cams.

√ Website review + write, edit, or rewrite
Make your website copy short, compelling and user-friendly.  We’ll review your site, suggest ways to make it better, and write, re-write or edit the copy.

√ Book Mentor coaching to complete and publish your book
Need help writing or publishing your book? Should you query a literary agent and go mainstream, or is self-publishing best for you? If you opt for mainstream, we can show you how to write a powerful query letter and book proposal and how to play the publishing game like a pro. If you decide to self-publish, we can guide you through the process so you’ll get a great-looking book for the best possible price per copy.

√ Copy for book cover, front and back
Book covers sell books. We can write or re-write your front and back cover copy to make it irresistible.

√  POSITION, PROSPECT AND LAND GIGS NOW taught by Susan Levin & Jean-Noel Bassior (one-on-one or group sessions)

Success strategies for you and your staff. Identify target markets and decision makers. Learn how to leave voice messages that get call-backs.

Session 1
We coach the VA so she/he can market your client as a speaker in a more effective way. We’ll do four sessions. In the first, we’ll show how to make cold calls and get to the right person. We’ll also show how to follow up the first call with a proposal for meeting planners that clearly shows why they should book your client. We’ll coach the VA on how to write the proposal in a way that tailors it to each group’s needs. The VA will send us a draft of the proposal so we can make sure she’s on the right track.

Session 2
We go over the draft of the follow-up proposal with the VA and offer editing suggestions to make it as strong as possible. We make sure she understands how to write a powerful proposal that shows why the group or organization should book your client as a speaker.

Session 3
We show the VA how to prospect for gigs and research target audiences for both speaking and PR. A special report with the information covered will be provided at the end of the call. We will give a homework assignment to choose two or three organizations or companies to call. The VA will make the calls and report back to us in the next session.

Session 4
In the fourth session, we listen to the VA’s experience in contacting meeting planners and sending out proposals. We answer her questions and offer feedback to make sure she understands everything we have covered as she moves forward.

Call for a complimentary session today!

Speaker Services, Susan Levin: 310-822-4922 PT

You do know Speaking is a business and you know you need to know the nuts and bolts of marketing yourself as a speaker?

Here’s an opportunity for you to get the marketing blueprint and the overview of the industry in a step by step process over a six month period in a virtual group setting that will catapult your speaker marketing business at a most affordable investment and keep you accountable.

I find that many folks sorta know what they need to do but sorta don’t get around to implementing.  This group is designed for just for that.

Perhaps you have some of the marketing materials but not all or you need a make-over or a review or you are simply starting from the beginning.  That’s fine.

What you do know I hope is that you are an expert in your field and you have tons of content to share however you don’t have a marketing plan in place to monetize your business.

Okay here is the information for the group which is forming right now.

Marketing Works Mastermind/Study Virtual Group – Level 1
facilitated by Susan Levin

Begins August 4, 2011, noon to 1:30pm PT or 3pm-4:30 ET

6 month program includes:

Mastermind/Study Group

6 – 90 minute sessions once a month with Susan Levin

Meets first Thursday of the month beginning on July 7 2011 on the telephone at noon PT – 3pm ET

- 6 Months in the SPEAKERS’ COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP CLUB audio/mp3 library- 2 expert interviews a month plus 4 years of mp3’s in the audio/mp3 library

Bonuses:
5 mp3′s and 4 PDF’s

- MP3-The Business of Speaking, Susan Levin
- PDF

- The Business of Speaking 16 page Special Report

- MP3- Connect, Get Hired by Meeting Planners, Kare Anderson

- MP3  Creating One-Sheets, Karen Saunders

- PDF  All About One Sheets – 24 page report

- PDF  Powerful Verbs That Add Persuasion to Your Writing

- MP3  Online Video Marketing Strategies,  Susan Levin and Reno Lovison

- PDF  Social Media Marketing Report

– 33 page report
- MP3 Self Publish or Main Stream Publish?  Jean-Noel Bassior

and more

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Mastermind/Study Group Sessions:

1  What will you speak about-what are you passionate about, what’s your niche, lead generation
2  What planners look for – various elements for your web or blog sites
3  One Sheets gathering all the materials
4   Your introduction
5   About Social Media & Speaking
6   Info Products

Total Value of this six month program is $2,000

Your investment $697

Pay in full
____   1 payment $697
____   3 monthly recurring payments $234
____   6  monthly recurring payments of $116

To register for a workshop or for more information: http://bit.ly/jXEUmT

_________

View a few videos with Susan speaking about Speaker Marketing

_________

Susan Levin is a great mentor with great experience to share and a great heart to match!
- Melissa Evans, Speaker/Author
______

Susan is the reason that I have a career! I have been honored to mentor with her through Speaker Services. She has provided me with the best training anyone could get. I value her friendship and expertise.
- January Jones, Speaker/Author

Got questions?  Call me 310-822-4922 PT

My colleague David Newman at www.doitmarketing.com shares this exceptional list of  ideas with you.

As John Jantsch likes to say, “social media is a tactic, not a religion” and I have to agree. Here are 10 social media tips for professional speakers that will help you balance your mix…

1.    Youtube One Of Your Speeches – The best form of advertisement when it comes to professional speaking is showing your abilities online. When people have seen your electrifying speeches, they will be more likely to want to book you. Adding in a small link to your site during your Youtube video also will bring traffic to your website. Adding your Youtube video to your website will also get buyers more confident in your skills. After all, with many decision-makers and meeting planners, even the most eloquent writing will mean nothing to them if they cannot watch you in action. Try and get video in front of a high-octane audience. The more excited the audience is, the more dynamic your video will be.

2.    Post Blogs On Related Subjects – If you are a professional speaker who makes a living from leadership speeches, having a blog that offers daily leadership tips will get more targeted leads to your site. Moreover, having extremely good leadership information and articles will also get people spreading the word about your site. There are plenty of authors out there who were able to sell books through their blogs; why should you be any different? As a general rule of thumb, the more content that you generate, the better your marketing results will be.

3.    Podcasts Are Your Best Friend – Audio recordings of some of your shorter speeches or “snippets” are a great way to advertise your expertise. Including these in a feed will keep fans and customers updated on your latest work, and also will help spread the word about your speaking abilities. Even better, selling audio programs on your site might just make you a little money. Remember to add a little audio blurb in each audio program telling your audience how to book you for their next event!

4.    Link It All Together – On each of your social media profiles, add your website link, your blog link, and upload some videos, photos, and audio recordings if possible. Making yourself as accessible as possible will let people know that you are serious and open for new business. People also will enjoy the convenience of having everything linked together in an easy-to-access way no matter where they may land in your web empire.

5.    Get As Much Social Bookmarking As Possible – Got videos online? Get them ‘liked’ on Facebook. Encourage your audience to Tweet links to your website, blog, or show pages. Whenever possible, install as many social bookmarking tools as possible, and try to use all of them (Digg, Delicious, StumbleUpon). The more that you can get people to share with ease, the more your expertise will spread.

6.    Twitter Is Great – Tweeting your updates is an easy way to keep people informed about your latest thoughts, insights, and audiences. However, the best way that you can use Twitter is to engage your fans and prospective clients. Being able to chat with you via Twitter will show people that you are still a real person, and that your fans/followers matter to you!

7.    LinkedIn Is Best For Corporate Speakers – LinkedIn has long been known to attract professionals in just about every field. For business speakers, it’s a smart move to put your biggest social media efforts into LinkedIn. Then take those relationships offline – perhaps even networking with local managers in your area to get you some steady gigs as their favorite professional speaker.

8.    Keep It All Short N’ Sweet N’ To The Point – No matter what social media tool you are using, make sure to be direct and impactful in your communications. No one is going to read a page and a half of advertising. No one is going to show up at one of your events if you forget to give the date and time. Expect people to have short attention spans.

9.    Use Each Form Of Social Media To Strengthen the Others – For instance, using Twitter to get more Facebook likes will give your Facebook advertising more power. People who have friends on Facebook will see your ad, and then ‘like’ it themselves. Getting people to post your YouTube videos on their walls will make your YouTube marketing efforts more successful.

10.    Search Engine Optimize Your Blog – If your blog gets picked up by search engines like Google, using your social media tools to market yourself will be easier. The best part of using SEO to increase your hits is that you can often do it yourself combining titles, tags, and key words into some simple strategies to greatly improve your organic web traffic.

STEP 1: Stop Interrupting People!
Nobody likes being interrupted. That includes your customers, leads, prospects, neighbors, children, etc. We used to tolerate intrusive advertising. These days, we don’t have to.

Which is probably why 91% of people have unsubscribed to an email they previously opted-in to, and why 86% of people skip TV ads, and at least 44% of direct mail goes straight into the recycling bin.

Instead of interrupting the things in which people are interested, awesome marketers work on becoming the things in which people are interested.

STEP 2. Be Where Your Audience Is.
Once upon a time, your audience could easily be found listening to the radio, watching TV, searching for your business in the yellow pages, attending a trade show, or sifting thoughtfully through a small stack of mail.

NO LONGER.

Today’s reality is both more fascinating and more challenging for many marketers, and it is this: your audience is online.

• 78% of people use search engines to conduct product research.
• 57% of US Adult Internet users conducted a search today.
• 93% of US Adult Internet users are on Facebook.
• One out of every eight minutes online is spent on Facebook.

Get the idea?

Put another way, Google is your new business card, and Facebook is your new referral engine. If you are not AWESOME at using search engines and social networks to market your company/product/service, you are most definitely missing the proverbial boat.

STEP 3. Go inbound!
It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and outbound marketers are wearing steak-flavored underpants.

Outbound marketing—or the practice of paying for “impressions”—might appear to be the easiest, fastest way to reach your audience, but what happens when you stop paying?

Nothing, that’s what.

Because outbound marketing does not create any reusable assets. It’s the single-serving, disposal snack-pack of marketing.

Inbound marketing, by contrast, requires much less cash (if any) upfront, but more effort and time. Your results may not be instant, but they’ll be lasting.

Example:
In 2007, HubSpot had 10 beta customers, 5 employees, and generated roughly 60-90 leads per month. Today, we have 4,500 customers, 200 employees, and generate 40,000 leads per month. Much of that growth (and a large portion of those 40,000 leads) was produced by inbound marketing assets (like blog posts, ebooks, videos, presentations, podcasts, etc.) that were created four years ago by those first five employees.

Collectively, HubSpot’s library of inbound marketing assets have amassed over 7,000,000 views. Our monthly web traffic is more than double that of better-known, more established companies that are many times our size. Between blog subscribers, email lists, and social media fans/followers, our reach is more like that of a media company than a marketing software company.

All of this is true because we eat our own dogfood, and that awesome food happens to be called Inbound Marketing.

STEP 4. Build an awesome marketing team!
Awesome marketers build awesome marketing teams. They recognize that in today’s rapidly changing world, marketing experience matters less than digital chops, an analytical mindset, existing “reach,” and the ability to create remarkable content. At HubSpot, we refer to this short list of attributes as “DARC” (Digital, Analytical, Reach, Content), and we actively recruit, hire, and develop awesome marketers that possess these very qualities.

Read more about building an awesome marketing team here.

STEP 5: Simplify!
Remember the good old “K.I.S.S.” acronym? That’s right—”Keep It Simple, Silly.” The Awesomest Marketer Ever seeks to streamline and simplify her marketing tools and processes. Instead of using one product for analytics, another for social media, a third for SEO, a fourth for her website, a fifth for email, and three or four others for sales and CRM functions, she’s smart enough to seek out the ONE that pulls them all together.

Come to think of it, it’s quite likely that the Awesomest Marketer Ever is a HubSpot customer… or at the very least, is considering becoming one soon .

Speaker Services is coming to Atlanta,

September 30 and October 1, 2011

Calling all Speakers, Authors, Consultants, Coaches, Experts, Entrepreneurs, CEO’s

See a short video that  panelist Keith Ivey prepared and why he thinks you just might want to be at this event. http://youtu.be/8mrewimiuvk

If you’re a would-be speaker, a business hotshot, an entrepreneur or a network marketer; if you have a product, service or about-to-be-realized dream; you absolutely need to be speaking about it, do seminars & workshops about… you need a kick-butt website, you need to blog about, to social network about, to get great publicity about — and you definitely need to know all the up-to-the-minute marketing tricks!

In short: to truly make a lasting impact, you need to be a media maven: a compelling presenter…a website wizard…a publicity hound…a master marketer.

Speakers: Rick Frishman, Jack Barnard, Susan Levin, Daphne Bousquet and guest panelists.

DISCOVER the niche that suits your passion and skills — and what’s uniquely marketable about your mission

• PRODUCE presentations that captivate and attract attention…motivate Action and get Results

• LEVERAGE the profitable difference between branding and Command-Branding

• EXPLORE the top ways to make money by speaking

• LEARN marketing secrets and strategies that attract your ideal clients

• DISCOVER how to put butts in seats

Take advantage of the early bird rate. $147 after 8/30 $197

Check out vendor and sponsorship possibilites

Susan Levin and Jack Barnard are the Holy Grail for speakers, whether they are just beginning or already making good money. Great training in everything you need to know: putting your presentation together, writing a book, getting speaking leads and especially how to market yourself in the most current ways, including video and social media.
- Barbara Niven, Actress, Media Coach, Speaker
______

The Summit brought together all the resources that a speaker needs to represent themselves and their products. The value was truly in the speakers and the quality of their information.
- Betty LaMarr, Executive Coach, Nadisa Associates

Go to the website:

http://www.speakerservices.com/talkupyourbiz

Now that everyone who owns a business seems to be building Facebook Pages (also known as Fan Pages, Like Pages, and Business Pages), the next inevitable dilemma that we face is what to do with those pages once they’re  created and how to drive traffic there.  I’ve seen companies popping up all over with offers of “1000 new Facebook Fans for $xx.”  I’m not sure that type of strategy is reliable or even works.

What I’ve often seen business owners do, and what they’re encouraged to do, are three things:  1.  Ask questions to promote discussion; 2.  Hold contests; and 3.  Offer regular discounts or coupons.  None of those gets my attention as someone who is a “fan” of many Facebook pages, although sometimes I do check out the discounts or coupons.

However, recently I’ve been paying attention to what attracts me to fan pages.  I am juggling many balls during the day, so any strategy to which I pay attention has to have a very high WIIFM (What’s In It For Me) factor to lure me away from the million other things I have to do.

Here are 5 unique ways I’ve seen others use to drive traffic to their Facebook pages:

1.  Promotion Day:  Consultant Biana Babinsky runs a monthly promotion day where she invites her list and followers to post info about their business and their Facebook page on her business page’s wall.  It’s a great strategy — business owners love the opportunity to talk about themselves, and they get a little free promotion in the process.

2. Brag About Your Blog. Blogging expert Denise Wakeman invites her followers to brag about their blogs once a month on her business page. She is getting amazing results with this strategy, recently reporting over 300 shares when she wrote a follow up post about this strategy.  She encourages business owners to come up with a clever hook that is all about them.

3.  Speed Coaching.  Internet marketing expert Ryan Lee recently let his followers know that he was on a plane to an event and would do speed coaching for them from his Facebook page. A number of people (me included) took him up on his offer, and we got our questions answered while he enjoyed his flight.

4.  Virtual event checkins:  I was on a teleclass recently with Online Business Coach George Kao, and he encouraged us to introduce ourselves and our businesses and interact with each other on his host’s (James Roche) Facebook page.  It was a pretty cool experience, as I connected with some new folks and, in one case, with a current newsletter subscriber.

5.  Host a Q&A day: I’ve watched Social Media Examiner do this every Friday, when they invite an expert on social marketing to be their guest and answer fan questions on their Facebook page.

Take Action Strategy

Don’t take the usual, boring route to engage your Facebook page fans.  Take some time to think about what would really engage them, and implement that on a regular basis. Watch your fanbase grow, as well as your expertise and credibility.

Introvert Marketing Coach Donna Gunter helps professional service businesses stop the client chase and create online businesses that drive clients to them. Want to learn specific Internet marketing strategies that get results for introverts? Discover how to increase your online visibility in this free ecourse, Introvert Marketing Toolkit: 9 Strategies to Make a BOLD Impression Online, at ==> http://www.IntrovertMarketingToolkit.com

bog@hubspot.com

It is clear that social media is increasingly becoming an important part of the marketing mix. Today, Social Media Examiner has released its 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, an annual report surveying marketers about the role and application of social media in marketing.

This year’s report surveyed more than 3,300 marketers. While I encourage you to read the entire report, below you can find an overview of the key findings and data points.

10 Key Social Media Marketing Stats

1. 90% of Marketers indicated that social media is important for their business.

2. Only one-third of social media marketers want to know how to monitor and measure the return of investment of social media.

3. 58% of marketers use social media for 6 hours or more each week.

4. 77% of marketers plan on increasing their use of YouTube and video marketing in 2011.

5. 70% of marketers want to learn more about Facebook.

6. 69% of marketers want to learn more about blogging.

7. The number-one advantage of social media marketing is generating more business exposure, as indicated by 88% of marketers.

8. Only 28% of businesses are outsourcing some portion of their social media marketing.

9. 32% of the surveyed marketers said they have less than one year of experience with social media.

10. B2C companies were more likely (50%) than B2B (42%) to increase their use of online ads.

Marketing Takeaway

While individually all of this data is interesting and important to marketers, it is vital to look at it holistically to identify major changes in the marketing industry. When looking at this data in its entirety, we see the maturation process of a still young marketing transformation.

The rise of online video in marketing can be attributed to marketers who already have experience with creating text-based online content and are now ready to tackle producing and distributing video content which has a more challenging set of content creation hurdles. Additionally, video content creation has been made easier with smart phones and compact video cameras that are now capable of capturing high-quality video at tradeshows and other offline events.

Another sign of maturation of the social media marketing industry is the reported amount of time marketers spend on social media marketing efforts. It important to note that not only is the majority of marketers now spending more than 6 hours a week on social media, but that time investment seems to underline that marketers are starting to understand the time and commitment needed to be successful with social media marketing.

The low percentage of companies outsourcing social media exposes two issues: social media may be better suited for internal marketers and many marketing agencies are struggling with integrating social media marketing into their existing service offerings.

What did you think of this data?

Read more:

Are you one of the people who use the word “Google” as a verb? If so, you surely realize the critical importance the search engine plays in the evolving business environment. But have you considered Google’s power apart from its function as a search engine?

Google has many assets that businesses can overlook or forget about. But as a marketer, you cannot afford to make this mistake. That is why we created a comprehensive list of Google’s properties that could be used for marketing:

1. Google Places/Google Maps

If you haven’t done this yet, you need to create your Google Places listing as soon as possible. It is a free way for you to get listed on the first page of Google and level the playing field. When creating the listing, optimize for the right keywords and feature images and videos relevant to your business. Check out HubSpot’s Google Places page, for instance, and the way we have highlighted some details, photos and specific links.

2. Google Tags

If you have already created your Google Places listing, consider experimenting with Google’s new ad platform, Google Tags. Tags are symbols that will appear next to your listing and thus allow you to stand out from other businesses showing up in Google Places. Check out this quick video for a simple explanation of Google Tags.

3. Google AdWords

The chances are you have probably already tried out Google AdWords. If you haven’t yet, here is how it works: you create ads that target specific keywords related to your business. Then, your ads appear on Google when people search for these keywords. This could become a pretty expensive marketing channel, but if used smartly, you can boost your organic search traffic. For instance, you can identify good keyword combinations to create content around.

4. Google’s Search-based Keyword Tool

Google’s search-based keyword tool provides keyword suggestions based on actual Google search queries. Just submit your site and the tool will list phrases extracted from your web pages. You will be able to see how these keywords perform in terms of monthly searches, competition and price for suggested bids.

5. Google Gadgets

Depending on what your business offers, you might be able to take advantage of Google’s quirky gadgets. The list is long, but you will recognize a few useful and fun applications. For instance, you can add a countdown gadget to an upcoming event you are hosting. Or you could feature a calendar. Maybe your target audience is international and a Google Translate box would help them understand your resources.

6. Google Docs

Google Docs offers a terrific opportunity for collaborative projects. A Gmail account would give you access to this tool, which makes the process of sharing work-in-progress even easier. Consider using Google Docs (documents, spreadsheets, images, presentations) for updating your team on marketing offers, keeping a list of blog post ideas or for any other type of collaborative projects.

7. Google Alerts

Google Alerts allows you to monitor specific keywords on the Web and receive messages when these phrases are being used. Sign up to receive emails when someone mentions your company’s name or your competition. This is a great way to keep up with latest news and respond to questions in a timely manner.

8. Google News

One of the keys to successful PR is to leverage the buzz around hot news. Use Google News to search for news relevant to your industry and write content based on these newsworthy stories. In this way, you will take advantage of high demand queries.

9. Google Reader

There is a direct correlation between reading and coming up with fresh content ideas. The takeaway: read a lot. Google Reader gives you a way to filter through a lot of important information quickly. Subscribe to your favorite websites and the blogs of industry thought leaders. This is a great way to stay up to date on controversies and news stories in your field.

10. Google Trends

Want to develop a smart keyword optimization strategy? Then, check out Google Trends. It enables you to evaluate the popularity of certain terms and see how their demand varies overtime as well as in other countries and languages.

11. Google Voice

In an era when people use their phones to surf the Web, it is only natural to start using the Web to browse through the contents of our phones. As your time spent working online increases, you should consider using the Web to communicate via the phone. Google Voice allows you to do exactly that by listening to your voicemail online and sending transcribed messages to your inbox.

12. Google Calendar

Getting organized is the key to being productive. Are you still using post-its to remember meetings? Or sending emails as invitations? It’s high time you changed these time-consuming habits. Use Google Calendar to invite people to meetings, book rooms, receive reminder emails and plan effectively. Here is a short video going over how you can set it up.

13. Google Groups

Google Groups provides you with an opportunity to find industry insights and build relationships with web-savvy customers. For instance, there are about 5929 groups in the Recreation category in the U.S. If you are a local spa, for instance, you could search for Recreation groups nearby and apply for membership.

14. Google Checkout

Are you an eCommerce with a small budget? Google Checkout provides you with a cost-effective way to ensure a secure checkout for your customers. The benefits of Google Checkout include using a single login and providing an excellent payment guarantee on orders.

15. Google Analytics

Google Analytics gives companies insights into their website traffic and provides them with overall analytics intelligence. For instance, it shows you how people find your site, navigate through it and become customers. In this way, Google Analytics enables you to identify powerful marketing opportunities and “strengthen your marketing initiatives.”

16. Google FeedBurner

Want to grow your reach? Then, you need to be using feeds. Google FeedBurner will allow your website visitors to subscribe to your content and receive regular updates. For instance, this is how you would subscribe to blogs, podcasts and news channels.

Are we missing anything from this list? Add it by
Read more: http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/11249/16-Google-Tools-to-Improve-Marketing-Effectiveness.aspx#ixzz1I0144b8Y

Sat, April 9

Market Your Business with Social Networking Workshop, Susan Levin, $99

Interactive hands on workshop designed for busy, smart people who feel they “should” be active in the social media marketing revolution, but they also feel like they’ve missed the boat.

Well, it’s not too late, you can catch up. Learn the basics you need in just a few short hours.

Don’t get left behind.

LEARN MORE: http://t.co/b4WMNt2
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Sat, April 16

Prospecting, Marketing & Landing Speaking Engagements, Susan Levin also offered as a 4 part Teleclass/Webinar series 4/14-5/5. $197
Getting speaking gigs can be a mysterious and frustrating process, particularly if you don’t have much experience.

Decision-makers today are busier than ever and difficult to find. Gatekeepers screen calls, spam filters trap emails and voice mail blocks access.

LEARN MORE: http://t.co/e2Zjti6

Sat, April 30

Market Yourself as a Speaker, Susan Levin, $125

Are you a seasoned expert with years of advice and experience to pass along? Whether you are an executive, educator or salesperson you could be missing out on an important source of your income: THE SPEAKING CIRCUIT.

The information, techniques and tools that you’ll receive from attending Market Yourself as a Speaker are essential to building your speaking business.

LEARN MORE: http://t.co/bj7FMCb
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Sat, May 7

Low Cost Ways to Convert Your Expertise into Creative, Easily Implemented Information Products & Services Workshop, Susan Levin & Guests  $125

Got content?  Want to earn more from your expertise?  You will walk out of the workshop with a product in place and ideas on how to create at least 20 more products from just one product.

LEARN MORE: http://t.co/2s0gGyv
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Upcoming Save the Dates:

May 20

Speak your Way to More Clients, Susan Levin & Ursula Mentjes

Capistrano Beach, CA

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June 11

Speakers Summit in Atlanta

SPEAKER SERVICES
Susan Levin, 310-822-4922, susan@speakerservices.com

Post by Jon Miller via  Marketo

Online video is exploding.  Any B2B marketer concerned with marketing ROI and sales enablement needs to know how and when to use it.

Take YouTube, for example. Second only to Google, YouTube has rapidly emerged as an easy-to-use and reliable search tool; it overtook Yahoo as the second largest search engine in 2008 and is now the fastest-growing media platform in history.  In fact, this month the Volkswagon Darth Vader ad attracted 20% of the record-breaking viewership for the entire SuperBowl XLV in just 36 hours.

Remember how much of a game-changer television ads were to print and radio? Just imagine what happens when online video does the same thing to internet advertising.

The appeal of the play button

Visual learners comprise 65% of the public, and auditory learners make up another 30%, so it’s no wonder video is the way people learn best.  Conveniently for us B2B marketers, video also conveys more information per minute than any other media platform.

According to a Universal McCann study cited by Brightcove, people find product information and research most compelling when delivered in video format.  MarketingSherpa claims that online video is a close second to word-of-mouth communication when it comes to influencing key decisions.  No other media channel communicates a deeper, richer message or leaves a more lasting impression than video.

The world, at your ‘tech and call’

I believe we are on the cusp of yet another revolution in online video.  In recent history, watching online video meant sitting at our desks in a “lean forward” mode.

But today, there is a proliferation of technology that pushes videos to internet-enabled TV’s and a mushrooming market of mobile devices.  Online video is now available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Now, we can watch video in line at Starbucks, or surf through videos while leaning back on our couches at home.

Plus, this technology allows users to create their own highly personalized mix of channels – which brings online even more into our lives.  For example, I’m a huge fan of the Flipboard app on the iPad, which converts RSS feeds and Twitter lists into a highly customized and personalized online magazine. Now, when I’m in “relaxation” mode, I find that I am as likely to read my “B2B Marketing” magazine on the Flipboard as I am to read the Economist or my latest book on the Kindle. Imagine what will happen when we have the same ability to create a highly customized and curated channel of online video that we can watch on the go or on our couch? Interested in demand generation best practices and Napa Valley wineries?  No problem.  One mouse click creates a channel for you – and you may find yourself watching it instead of the latest episode of House.

Such personalization and accessibility are especially important to B2B marketers who know that buyers are extremely adept at filtering out unwanted marketing messages.  A marketer may not be able to reach a prospect through e-mail or phone, but once a video gets into a customized feed that reflects the prospect’s exact personal interests, the video will stimulate action.

How video engages prospects throughout the buying cycle

Video has become a demand generation strategy your business cannot afford to ignore, and effective B2B marketers match video content to reflect the interest levels of their audience.  Here are my recommendations:

Early Stage: Generate high interest by sharing viral videos.  Repurpose webinars and establish thought leadership.  Position yourself as the go-to source for stimulating research, insight and interpretation of the latest news and trends.

Mid Stage: Begin to concentrate more exclusively on your brand, and evangelize your value propositions with basic company introductions, product demo overviews and short customer testimonials.  Convert casual interest into product curiosity to narrow your funnel and qualify your leads.

Late Stage: Once you’ve built trust, offer detailed case studies and longer videos,  begin to capture vital customer information.

Top 10 online video promotion strategies

Here are my top 10 recommendations to promote your online videos.

Search optimize your video with text summary. Today, your SEO strategy for YouTube is as important as your Google strategy.  Create a text summary, and use compelling copy and keywords to summarize your subject matter and main points, and include your URL.  Not only have you created a cheat sheet for those unable to watch the clip; you’ve enabled search engines to better locate and categorize your videos.

Replace static ads with viral pay-per-click (PPC) displays. There was never a happier marriage in outbound marketing than that between online advertising and rich media.  Whereas traditional online advertising conveys a one-dimensional brand message, video-based advertising captivates viewers by fusing entertainment with information about your business.  Embed video “teasers” into banner ads across the Web to redirect engaged prospects to your homepage and correlating case studies, customer testimonials, brand overviews, etc.

Capture sales leads with longer form video. Someone who is willing to watch a 10-minute product demo is more likely to provide his contact information.  Place landing pages before offering your in-depth videos.  You may also take things to the next level with emerging interactive video technologies such as VeepleTV.

Bolster conversion with YouTube promotion and Call-To-Action overlays. YouTube promoted videos let you expand your marketing funnel with a simple video upload and specification of preferred keywords, and Call-To-Action overlays (semi-transparent ads that pop up during your video) route potential qualified leads back to your site.  Either way, you’ll improve your marketing ROI because you pay only when people click your video, not when they see your promotion.

Integrate video into your email marketing. Effective lead nurturing is all about keeping prospective buyers emotionally loyal to you.  To develop rapport with your sales leads, use online video to deliver information directly to their inboxes that is relevant to who they are and where they are in the buying process.  Some statistics show email conversion rates increase up to 300% when video is included.

Increase downloads of marketing collateral with a video-enabled landing page. Landing pages include speaker photos and a topic summary, so why not employ a high-quality video instead, as we did to promote our webinar: The Secret Sauce To Sales And Marketing Alignment. Often, you can increase your call-to-action response by as much as 46%.

Leverage social media. Promote your online videos across all marketing channels – on social media sites, your blog, as well as personal and corporate profiles.  To grow your online community, you need to market your videos as aggressively as any other new content.

Feature videos on your website. Salesforce.com does a great job of creating its own video network, but why not take it even further and organize your site into subject-specific channels?  Also, consider how to promote videos throughout the site and on the home page.

It’s all about control… and a consistent brand. Remember that your videos represent the heart and soul of your company.  Anyone can embed your clips anywhere on the web, so cover your bases with short intros and outros on either end of your segments. This way, your videos will enhance your brand and link to your site no matter where they appear.

Create sales videos to engage and qualify buyers. The use of video should not be limited to marketers.  For example, IBM sales managers send out a short personalized video introduction a few days before they meet a prospect for the first time.  This enhances the quality of the relationship prior to the visit and personalizes the buying experience.  After the call, the sales manager sends a brief video that thanks the prospect for his time and provides a summary of action steps.

Conclusion

Throughout your online video outreach, don’t forget prospects are listening even if you don’t have their contact information.  This is the nature of seed nurturing.  If done poorly, you’ll squander potential profits and line the pockets of your more attentive competitors.  Or, you’ll create a continuous stream of highly qualified leads.

Here is the final fact: Salesforce’s YouTube videos churn out as many leads per day as 46 hyper efficient sales reps.  What’s not to like about that?

The following post is from my colleague Lisa Sassevich

I have the privilege of speaking at a lot of live events, and it always distresses me how often I see the host stepping over thousands of dollars because they haven’t built in really simple ways to monetize those events. And let’s face it, the host making money means participants are investing. And when participants invest in themselves, they are standing up and saying, “I’m ready to take my game to the next level!” And that’s what I live to see!

I’m not happy unless you’re making your contribution in the world AND being paid well for it.

So to help you strategize and enjoy a rich return on your investment, even if it’s your very first event, here are five of my favorite ways to monetize your events, big or small.

5 Ways to Increase Profits at Your Events

1. Make money on the front-end by charging for your event tickets rather than giving them away for free.

You may have heard that promoters are having a hard time getting people to come to events, but if you make the value of your event clear and promote it well to targeted lists, attendees will make the investment. The #1 reason you see people struggling to fill their rooms and eventually giving seats away free is because, somehow, the outcome or transformation that will happen for the participant as a result of attending that event is not crystal clear. So make sure that the event’s title says it all, such as…

Event Profit Secrets
How to create your own content-rich, highly profitable events and secure your ideal
clients and your income for the whole year in one weekend!

2. Sell your products in the back of the room at special rates with free shipping.

Who doesn’t love a bargain? We already know that people who attend your event are interested in learning what you have to teach. So give them an incentive to invest in your products while they are on-site with “Event Specials.” Be sure to highlight products, programs and services that are beyond the scope of what you are teaching at the event or that solve a next-level problem they may encounter. It truly is a service to do this.

3. Invite other speakers to contribute to the content of your event.

The standard split of those arrangements is 50% of the speaker’s sales going to you, so you definitely want someone who knows how to give amazing, relevant content, make an offer without being salesy and convert sales.

The most important thing is to make sure that any speaker you invite adds value to what you’re teaching. For instance, at my events, Michele DeKinder-Smith has presented her fascinating research about the five categories of female entrepreneurs — her five “Janes.” Let me tell you, my attendees were on the edge of their seats as they learned how that research could help their business, and many were thrilled when she offered them the chance to work with her more directly in the future.

4. Sell sponsorships so that people who want access to your audience can get exposure.

My events are full of surprises, some of which come from my wonderful sponsors. Not only do the sponsors get exposure and I receive revenue, but my audience gets valuable freebies, goodie bags and extra special surprises at events. Sponsors have given beautiful journals, useful product samples and helped fund the amazing Networking Galas that people talk about for months!

5. Offer a high-end mastermind, mentorship or coaching program.

You may already know that at my last live event, I sold out my mentorship program to the tune of 100 people! When those future Sassy Mastermind members first arrived, few of them had any idea they’d plop down tens of thousands of dollars to join a mentorship program.

But they saw me walk my talk for days, networked with the other mastermind members who are having breakthrough results and got in touch with that part of themselves that is ready for something much bigger. And nothing beats a live event for getting a real taste of what it would be like to be deeply supported over time in a coaching or mentorship program.

So, as you can see, your leaving money on the table at your live events directly equates to your leaving opportunities for transformation on the table. By including these ideas the outcome is you win, your speakers win, your sponsors win and most importantly, your clients win. Isn’t that why you’re doing all this in the first place

Heralded as “The Queen of Sales Conversion,” Lisa Sasevich has x-ray vision for seeing sales conversion opportunities and the creativity to convert them into gold! Lisa delivers high-impact, low-cost, customized sales-closing strategies for turbo-charging entrepreneurs and small business owners to great profits.

After 25 years of winning Top Sales Awards at Fortune 500 companies like Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and training top executives at companies like Hewlett Packard, she left corporate America and put her skills to the test as an entrepreneur.

In just 3 short years, Lisa created a multi-million dollar home-based business with two toddlers in tow and her husband in medical school. She is the undisputed expert on how to make BIG money doing what you love!

Lisa is the author of The Invisible Close, teaching experts who are making a difference how to get their message out and enjoy massive results, without being “salesy.”

To receive monthly Sales Nuggets and Lisa’s FREE 6-part series, ”Simple, Quick and Easy Ways to Boost Sales Without Spending a Dime,” subscribe today at www.lisasasevich.com

By Mike Sachoff staff writer for SmallBusinessNewz

I want you all to know that I am adding many new event planners to our database. In addition to approx 5,000 meeting planners who are on our database at the moment I have identified about 800 more associations, companies and organizations, schools etc. who hire speakers.  I am researching them and contacting them as well to let them know about our speakers and authors plus our services.  I will be able to give you qualified leads in your target market if you are willing to go the extra mile to make contacts (especially if you are listed with Speaker Services.)  A speaker listing is helpful to promote yourself and it is a very good idea to have a one sheet overview and a video demo for you to get hired.  Not sure about the one-sheet?  We can help you out.

If you are in Los Angeles and have not taken the class Market Yourself as a Speaker I encourage you to attend on Saturday, 1/15 or 3/19, 10am-2pm.

This is about the business of speaking and essential to your success in securing gigs. . See what I cover in the workshop http://www.speakerservices.com/services/marketyourself.html .

With a lot of coaxing from my clients I am going to teach a workshop on Saturday,  February 12, Market Your Business with Social Networking Workshop, 11am-4pm, $99  there are several openings at the moment.

This interactive hands on workshop is designed for busy, smart people who feel they “should” be active in the social media marketing revolution, but they also feel like they’ve missed the boat.

Well, it’s not too late, you can catch up… Learn the basics you need in just a few short hours.

Marketing is being completely transformed. The days of traditional advertising are numbered. Social media has profoundly altered the way we market and communicate.  Don’t get left behind.

I will show you step by step how I get 75% of my business via social networking. read more

Saturday, January 22, noon to 6pm, $99
Web Video & Marketing Workshop, You on Camera, Barbara Niven & Susan Levin
Psst this may be the last time we teach this class and there are 5 spaces open at this moment

In this interactive workshop we will show you how to create and market dynamic videos for your website, social media, video tips, video blogs, You Tube, info products, video email and more. Learn more/register  http://t.co/qltHtIH

NEW
March 5, 10am-5pm, $125

Low Cost Ways to Convert Your Expertise into Multiple Streams of Income, Susan Levin & guests

Got content?  Want to earn more from your expertise?  You will walk out of the workshop with a product in place and ideas on how to create at least 20 more products from just one product.

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one   – Mark Twain
Read more: http://t.co/2s0gGyv

One-on-one consultations http://t.co/adHPp5y

Susan Levin, publisher/owner
Los Angeles, CA
310-822-4922 PST
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Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/speakerservices
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susan.levin
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/susanlevin
SpeakerServices Utube Channel http://tinyurl.com/2e3dzjm
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Web Directory: Speaker Services:
http://speakerservices.com
We bring speakers/authors together with audiences

Get Listed in the Directory:
http://speakerservices.com/adv_pkt.html

Speaker Marketing Consultations
http://www.speakerservices.com/marketing.html

Speakers’ Community –a membership club
http://www.speakerscommunity.com
60 days complimentary

Workshops/Teleclasses
http://www.speakerservices.com/services/la.html

5 Ways to Use LinkedIn Groups to Build Influential Connections

By Stephanie Sammons via Social Media Examiner

If you want to build truly influential relationships online, you have to find places where you can consistently add value, spend quality time and have engaging conversations with members of your target demographic.

LinkedIn Groups offers one of the best ways to make the most of your social media engagement time, but you must adopt the right strategy to be successful. This article will show you how.

LinkedIn allows you to join up to 50 groups, but you can’t possibly be effective and spend enough time to make a difference in 50 groups.

What works best is to focus your time and effort on a deep and narrow approach in order to build influence within LinkedIn Groups, enhance your credibility and generate new connections.

Read more