Profitable Positioning for Professional Speakers
If speaking is your calling, let’s take it to the next level!
For many, speaking isn’t a business. It’s a calling — a way to share what you’ve learned on your journey to success. If you have a message burning inside of you, let’s make this profitable.
Bottom line: getting a healthy speaking fee is easier said than done. The market is flooded with low-cost experts and folks who give deep discounts. So buyers will only pay for the speakers they really want. (And get the rest of the agenda filled with freebies.) The speaking business has grown up. Be branded strategically, or go for free.
If you are ready to play in the big-leagues of the volatile but lucrative speaking circuit, you need to stand out among many compelling — and prominent — people.
Since 1987, Vickie has helped launch thousands of thought leaders into the speaking market. As a former agent for professional speakers, Vickie has dealt with buyers ranging from Fortune 50 to small churches. She knows how buyers think, what they respond to, and how to position your brilliance in hyper-competitive markets.
Her work has generated millions of dollars in speaking fees, big book advances, and ancillary income for professional speakers. Her strategies are FIELD TESTED, as clients report their implementation curves are cut by up to 400% (but don’t take our word for it; check out rave-reviews and see for yourself.
Because Vickie’s work is so customized, it’s hard to choose which option is best. Here are the common scenarios speakers contact us about and the solutions we suggest:
Are you contemplating a speaking business and want to avoid the costly mistakes of a start up?
Have you ever heard a speaker and thought to yourself “Hey, I can do that”? A lot of talented folks have the same idea. So before you spend a lot of time and money on the speaking business, ask yourself some tough questions. Do you know the highest speaking fee your market will bear? How will your buyers compare your message to others? When can you expect to generate revenue from speaking? Let’s make sure your plans align with the market before you spend a lot of money getting those talks. Vickie’s Market Assessments will give you an advanced heads-up so you don’t have to find out the hard way.
Are you ready to get prominent, high-fee speaking engagements?
Yes, you’ve done great things. You have a wonderful story and you’re serious about sharing what you know. The problem: everyone in the high-fee speaking market has a prominent background with a great message. In this crowded market, strategy is everything. If you need a platform and a game plan that will help your speaking stand out to high-fee buyers, you might be a candidate for Turbo Charge Me Now. And if you want Vickie to help you implement that plan, then check out Make Me A Star.
Yes, books can get you more speaking engagements — especially those free invites for “exposure.” Unfortunately, many authors don’t break out of the “free expert” category. If you want to leverage your book into a full calendar of paid engagements, then check out Strategic Sounding Boards to brainstorm brand strategy ideas and next steps. If you need to rebrand your marketing efforts, check out Turbo Charge Me Now.
Are your sales efforts not meeting expectations?
Are you implementing your speaking plan and something isn’t working? For example, do your sales conversations get initial interest but don’t make the final cut? Do you get more inquiries about free “opportunities” than paid speaking? Might be time to step back and regroup. If you need help with specific sales conversations, Vickie can diagnose the problem and get you back on track with Strategic Sounding Boards. If you need an market strategy overhaul, then Turbo Charge Me Now is your best choice.
Do you want to DYI your speaking effort?
Some folks are great at sales marketing. They just need to know how the speaking industry works and the right system to follow. If that’s you, check out the online store and pick your adventure. Vickie has processes, checklists, and the insider’s information you need to launch or expand your speaking business.
If you are ready to ramp up your speaking calendar, reach out to Vickie at VSullivan@vickiesullivan.com to explore how she can help.
