FAQs

Got a question? Chances are, someone else has been curious about the same thing. Check out this list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. Should you have a niche topic? Niche market?
A. Be known for something, not everything. People want answers to their problems. They don't care who you are; they only care what they can get from you. That's business! Have very a specific solution(s) to what someone or some organization needs. Be ready to resolve their challenge or problem. Visit Dean Jackson's web site: stopyourdivorce.com. Simple, clean, direct, specific.
 

Q. What makes you a value in comparison to your competitors?
A. After delivering a speech or a break out, can you provide ongoing support to the attendees through coaching, teleclasses, consulting, quarterly reviews, booklets, monthly audio tapes? Plant the seeds with the economic buyer even before you deliver your program. To create a web page for viewing that looks like this one, click here.
 

Q. Is your media kit a tool to help the meeting planner or economic buyer remember you?
A. Your basic media kit must include your one page and your video demo. Your page needs to include your photo, your bio, topics you speak on (include benefits), partial client list and testimonials. Keep your video demo to 15 minutes or less. Ten minutes is about average today. I have worked with some people whose video demo sells them quickly! Try for a two camera shoot. Need help with this? Buy my audio tape program, How to Succeed in the Speaking Business or download the streaming audio from my web site.
 

Q. Do you have a professional phone message?
A. Even if you work from a home office, sound professional in your voice mail message. You don't often get a second chance to make a first impression. State your name, what you do and reference your web site. . . and keep the message short. And then return your phone calls promptly. It could be your next booking!
 

Q. How important is an "800" number for your marketing success?
A. Very important. The cost of doing business with an "800" number today is practically zero. Be sure to get one and include it on your one page. Leave your "800" number for people you want to return your calls, and do not know you. Your return rate will be much better than when you leave your regular phone number.
 

Q. Do I need a photo on my business card?
A. Photos on business cards are a more personal way to do business and help people remember you. Most of us delineate our thoughts visually. Be sure you have a colored photo and place the photo on the left side of your card . We view/read from left to right.
 

Q. How important is it to have a web site for marketing and promotion?
A. Very important! It is no longer the economic buyer asking, "Do you have a web site?" Instead, he/she will ask, "What is your web site?" Review many web sites to get ideas. Get some ideas by reviewing all the pages on my web site. You can place your one page on your web site for the economic buyer who wants to review your material quickly. Eventually, you will provide your video clip on your site. Speed is the name of the game today. Email me for some top web sites to visit. sandra@schrift.com
 
 

Q. Do you have an e-mail signature?
A. Create or spiff up your email signature and include a FREE offer in it. Have several signatures to send to different people/groups. Is every email you send working to bring you business? It can be, if your email signature is a clever one. Why not add your photo, a logo, contact information and a tag line, special offer or link to something that will cause the reader to click on the link. Hey, you will start creating new products and services just to add variety to your email signature (really!).
 

Q. Do I need to do "nurture marketing" to get the business?
A. Recall all the times you were "nurtured." How did that feel? People want to be remembered and made to feel special. So send clients (and prospects) special photos, articles that would be useful for their business, remember their personal events (birthdays, graduations, birth of children or grand children) Respond with an email note, cards and even gifts. This nurturing is key to getting and keeping clients. Just be aware and present for them. A nice way to stay in touch with past clients.
 

Q. Should I provide an evaluation form at my freebie speeches?
A. Yes. When you provide an evaluation at "freebies" include you photo, your bio, and information on your programs. Include your contact information also. The bottom half of the page should be a "tear off" that asks the attendee for feedback on your program. A good time to ask for referrals also.
 

Q. How do you pre-sell products to clients?
A. If you have published a book a manual, a CD or a set of tapes that supports your program and would enhance the learning and retention for attendees, be sure to pre-sell your product at the time you are booked for your speech/program. Most organizations have to budget. One is for the speaker fee and the other is for educational materials.
 

Q. When and how can I begin to work with speaker bureaus?
A. Speaker bureaus are in business to make money. . .so are you! When your speaking/training fee is at $3,000 (or higher) per engagement, then you are ready to contact a number of bureaus. Use email or the phone to see if they are interested in working with you before you send out your media kit. Bureaus are made up of people like you and me. Be sure to create a solid relationship with them that brings you business. To find out more from my 60 minute audio tape, How to Get Speaker Bureaus to Call You!, click here