Speaking of Speakers…
I recently was asked to address a National Speakers Association audience in Atlanta on the subject of how planners select and hire speakers. The audience ranged in tenure from seasoned keynoters to workshop presenters to those just getting into the biz. In that line of work, marketing your services (or expertise) is critical to success. I’ve known great speakers over the years who’s career floundered because no one knew who they were.
During Q & A the question was asked, “How do you select a speaker?” It is price, content, value…? I told the story of when I had hired Bill Clinton a few years back when he was RED HOT. The client company was a group of corporate real estate executives and the venue was Chicago. 3000 ppl. The conference needed an attendance boost and the need to get a WOW was timely. Past speakers had been well received, but not “Water cooler” types. Even though the former Pres was costly, the break even point (based on speaker budget) was attainable and after that point, we were in the black in a big way. Well, Clinton cancelled three weeks prior, we replaced him with Al Gore AND Bob Dole and the Clinton marketing factor still played to the situation.
All this having been said, I ask this question,
“What drives the decision to hire a keynote speaker, and what works and what doesn’t?”
Blog on!
KJ