Winning Ways to Sell Your Seminars Online and Off

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7     

There are so many ways for speakers to market their seminars today. In fact, there has never been a better time to be a speaker. There are strategies that can be employed both online and off. Some of the most successful speakers recommend using a combination of the best in online and off line marketing. Here are some basics to keep in mind for both.

The many technological advances available today make it easier than ever to connect with a global audience. The centerpiece of your online efforts must be your website. This is the first place potential clients will go to learn more about you. Don't make the mistake of having an amateurish looking website. It would be a good investment in yourself and your career to get help with the creation of your website. Your site should be slick, professional and easy to navigate. It is your calling card and your portfolio. On it you should include your background, endorsements and most importantly a video sample of your work. Select a short video clip that shows you at your most dynamic and entertaining. Your website will also be the place that customers can purchase your DVD's, audio, books and ebooks. If you haven't started creating products like these, what are you waiting for? Products will play a huge part in your income as a speaker.

The additional products you create can serve two functions. Of course they provide great income, but they can also help you market yourself as a speaker by helping you build a reputation as a subject matter expert. As I said, you can sell your products on your website, but you should also have products available at all of your live events. Your audience will have found you so captivating during your talk that they will want more of you. They will be far more likely to purchase your books, DVD's and CD's following a great live event than at any other time. It is acceptable to promote your products during your talk, but you must be careful not to let it come across as a sales pitch. Casually mention them once or twice. This is a time for the soft sell. A lengthy sales pitch will only be a turn off to your audience. Do let your audience know that there is more information to be gained in your products. They won't buy a rehash of the same information, but are very likely to buy if they know there is more you haven't yet revealed.

Some speakers are more successful at selling themselves and their products than others, but it is a skill you can learn. There is much more to selling yourself and your products, so learn all you can about both online and off line marketing strategies.

Speaking on Cruise Ships for a Free World Tour

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7    

Would you like to be treated like a celebrity? There can only be one answer, and that is YES! Who does not want to be treated like someone important? Aside from dreaming and fantasizing about it, few people actually put in the effort to attain celebrity status. If you are truly committed to transforming your celebrity dream into a reality, here is one way to do it--consider speaking on cruise ships.

Speaking on cruise ships is not only a very promising career option, but can also turn out to be highly lucrative. In addition to the monetary compensation, speaking on cruise ships can bring in a lots of perks such as free travel, stay and food on the cruise, free ports of entry, free crew services, free recreational facilities, Crew luggage tags, special boarding privileges and other special privileges.

If you enjoy being approached by the cruise passengers and seeing your photos and videos splashed all over the cruise TV, then speaking on cruise ships is something that you should consider. After people have heard your speech, they will recognize you and may come up to get an autograph or take pictures with you. Does that sound enticing?

Remember that you will not be treated as a celebrity, simply because you speak on a cruise ship. You need to market yourself as the complete celebrity package. You have to think, talk, interact and behave like a celebrity to be considered one. So, the first step in doing this is to hone your skills. Become an expert in your field, and be confident when taking questions from the audience. Being capable of speaking on cruise ships and commanding respect and admiration from your audience requires that you become an SME, which is an acronym for subject matter expert. Your audience has no time to waste, so you have to ensure that your speech is of excellent quality.

The usual time slot allotted is between 40-60 minutes. This is more than adequate to connect with your audience. Remember that people who are on a cruise are on vacation and they want to be entertained. Take the advantage of PowerPoint slides, visuals, presentations etc. to enhance your speech. If you bore your audience you will not be invited back.

Once you finish your speech, you can ask the audience to evaluate the presentation. This is very important because a lot of positive reviews will help you build a great reputation. The cruise ship company will want to engage your services again and again, if you prove your worth to them. And the best way to do this is by gaining excellent audience feedback.

Once you have proven yourself to the cruise liner, then you can look forward to more invitations to join the enrichment programs that most cruise liners have. This could translate in to long-term assignments and even a permanent position as a crew member for the lucky and eligible few.

Inspirational Speakers Play a Key Role in Boosting Morale

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7   

Have you ever thought about inspirational speakers and the significant role they play? Businesses often hire inspirational speakers to give presentations to their employees. These speakers can have a huge impact on these individuals. If you have ever heard an inspirational speaker before, you understand what I am talking about.

Let's start by looking at role of an employee in a company. It is not always easy to work for another person. If you have ever worked for someone else you can easily appreciate this fact. An employee has to meet the expectations of his or her employer every day.

These expectations can at times be very demanding or even unrealistic. It can be even more difficult if the person is working at the management level. It is almost like being sandwiched between 2 different sets of expectations. They are under pressure to cater to the expectations of their superiors, while having to deal with the issues of their subordinates.

An average day for any manager is made up of multiple sessions of employee counseling, displaying self-confidence in any situation, enforcing the different policies of the company and inspiring others to be successful in what they do. Doing the work that is expected of them, while inspiring other employees to achieve the goals set forth by the company, is not an easy job at all.

Many managers are not good inspirational speakers. Most are not equipped to handle this much multitasking and invariably end up with a largely unmotivated staff and their own feelings of frustration. It is common knowledge that an unmotivated staff is like a bomb waiting to explode. Not only does it destroy the output of the work force, but also prevents any further growth.

Inspirational speakers can be a great help in such a setting, and can help increase the general productivity of the company. Inspirational speakers are not only gifted speakers, but they know what effective management techniques will lift the morale of the work force.

A lot of businesses are employing inspirational speakers as a strategy to educate the staff about correct management techniques in constructive and enriching ways. Inspirational speakers can have a great impact on group managers. They can give them confidence and motivation to do high-quality work for the corporation and with the employees they are in charge of.

Inspiring speakers draw on stories of victory and triumph to inspire managers to have more trust in their own capabilities. Inspirational speakers can help managers see which strategies are not effective. For example, a speaker may teach them that treating employees with respect is a far more effective strategy than shouting at or demeaning them.

This is why for businesses it pays to hire inspirational speakers to boost the morale of employees.

Do You Know How to Sell Your Products As A Professional Speaker?

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7  

There are many products available in the field of public speaking. Some of them are exemplary and some of them are not. Some of it catches on and impresses even the most critical consumer. What makes the difference? What makes people choose one product over another even if they are of equal quality? Speakers, there are ways to create products that will outsell your competition.

The Internet has created an environment that provides many opportunities to sell the products you have created to accompany, and expand on, your speaking services. Here are some things you must keep in mind if you want to be successful in your sales endeavors.

Create a killer description of your product.

You know that words are at the core of this business. They are also the foundation of your product, and if you master the art of selecting the right words then you stand a good chance of selling your products. In order to sell your products you must present them in the most appealing way possible. You should highlight their qualities, benefits and possibilities. Show the prospective customer how this product can solve a problem and change their life for the better. Show them that the product is one of a kind and will ease their pain like no other. Your product has to fill a need that others cannot, and if you aren't convincing in this then you can forget about selling them. This is the foundation of your marketing strategy.

Use all available resources.

To be a success in this business you have to stay on top of the latest trends and methods for selling your products. Don't make the mistake of putting a sales plan in place and then neglect to make adjustments as the sales environment changes. You must also know how people will find you and your products. As you know, the Internet is the primary method used today to find information and products. You have to learn how to use the Internet to your advantage. There are many ways you can use the Internet to sell your products. Some of them include article marketing, social media networks, video sites such as YouTube and the many online shopping platforms. All of this is out there waiting to be accessed and leveraged to your advantage. Take the time to learn all you can about Internet marketing for your products; it is the best investment in time you will ever make.

3 Keys to a Successful Speaking Career

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7 

If you are going to be successful as a professional speaker there are three things that you must do. Being a successful speaker means selling your name along with your products and services. Take a look at 3 of the most important strategies for doing just that.

Key 1: Focus on Building a Reputation

As a consumer you know that before you purchase a product you take a look at which company has the reputation for being the best in that field. You may check with your friends and family to find out which product they selected and why. Before you make a purchase you make sure that the company you are dealing with has a solid reputation and track record. The field of professional speaking is no different. Before an individual or organization hires a speaker for their event they check around to find out who is most knowledgeable and most engaging. It is critical that you create a name for yourself in the industry. One of the best ways to do this is to become an expert in your niche. You should also work on your presentation skills to ensure that you provide the most polished and dynamic presentation possible. Don't be afraid to get out there and sell yourself as the best.

Key 2: Know Your Competition

Knowing who you are up against is crucial to your success. There is not a military strategist or sports coach out there who does not know who they are about to take on. Take a page from their book, and learn all you can about who the top speakers are in your niche. This can help you in many ways. First, it will give you an idea of what is working. Examine their methods, tools and presentations. I am not suggesting that you steal from your competitors, but you can certainly learn from their success. Looking at the leaders is a great place to begin. Any information that you glean from your research should be molded to fit your style. Be creative and unique. Looking at your competitors can also show you where the holes in the market are. Look at what is missing, and how you can provide it.

Key 3: Take Advantage of Current Technology

Don't get stuck in old school ways of doing business. Fully embrace the Internet and the many ways it can ignite your business. Learn to make the most of your website, blog and social media. It does require some effort if you are going to maximize its potential, but it is well worth it. There is nothing like the Internet for connecting with others, marketing your products and building a rock solid reputation. The value of using the Internet as a primary strategy in your plan for success cannot be stressed too much. You can use to Internet to literally build a worldwide reputation.

Be a Successful Public Speaker for Life!

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7 

Public speaking is an art and there is no other profession quite like it. Some think that it is a talent a person is born with. While it may be true that some people have more natural ability as a speaker, public speaking is still a skill that can be learned and mastered. All it takes is practice, discipline and determination. You would be surprised to know how many gifted speakers started out extremely shy and some even struggled with speech problems. What made it possible for them to overcome these problems is that they used their difficulties as motivation to become a successful public speaker.

There are some strategies that you can use to become successful in your professional speaking career. In fact, you could go on to serve as an example and an inspiration to others. Here are 3 tips that will help you become a success.

Tip #1 Know Your Topic

First of all, you must have a complete understanding of your topic. This is a requirement that can't be overlooked. There is no shortcut to becoming an expert in your field. It will take time and lots of research. Find out all you can about what is up and coming and the very latest information on your topic. Use your expertise to provide information that no one else has. Once you know your topic inside and out, spend time in preparation for your talk. There is no substitute for being well prepared. Don't forget to have a clear-cut understanding of the purpose of your talk. Is it to inform, persuade or educate? Being able to identify the purpose of your talk along with thorough preparation will go a long way to ensuring your success.

Tip # 2 Be Passionate About What You Do

If you aren't passionate about your topic, if you aren't passionate about being a speaker, then your talk is going to fall flat and so will your career. When you love what you do and you are enthusiastic about the topic it is contagious, and will be communicated to your audience. Your talks will naturally flow more smoothly than if you are going through the motions on a topic that you don't care about.

Tip #3 The Audience Is Key to Your Success

The audience is the single most important determining factor in your success or failure as a speaker. You must tailor your talk to the audience before you. One size does not fit all. Know who your audience is, and find ways to appeal to their particular interests and needs. Nothing is more important than how well you are able to inform, inspire and empower your audience. What they gain from your talk is what moves your career forward, and helps you get more speaking engagements. Always ask for feedback from your audience, and use the information you get to make adjustments where necessary.

Three Ways to Make the Internet Work for Your Professional Speaking Career

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7

There is a vast super highway that connects the entire world, allowing its travelers to move at lightning speed. It is of course the Internet. As the Internet has grown it has changed the way we do business in the world. It has also brought everyone and every place much closer. The Internet has changed the way businesses market themselves and their products or services. This is true for professional speakers as well. The Internet should be the primary marketing tool for speakers.

The field of professional speaking is expanding, and the competition can be intense. But don't let that deter you. There are ways to distinguish yourself as a speaker, and the Internet can be you greatest ally in your efforts to stand out from the rest of the pack. Being a great speaker is only half of the equation. You must also have lots of Internet marketing savvy. Here are some strategies you can use to make the Internet work for you in your marketing efforts.

Article Marketing

Writing articles and submitting them to article directories is an outstanding way to use the Internet as one of your marketing strategies. Write high quality, original articles, and include a link to your website and blog in your author resource box at the end of the article. This can significantly increase your traffic. Other bonuses of article marketing are that it increases your presence on the web, and can help you establish your reputation as an expert in your niche.

Create an Online Portfolio

Creating an online portfolio is another way to make the Internet work for you. Your website can become a dynamic business card. Create a section on your site that pertains specifically to your successes as a speaker. Gather your very best samples of your talks and post them there. Don't forget to include the glowing comments and feedback you have gotten from you satisfied customers. Always, always, always get feedback after every talk. And make sure you make adjustments as needed based on that feedback. Don't be shy about showing the world what a great speaker you are. When you create this section for your website be sure that the links to these pages are clearly evident on your home page. Take your time and make this page the absolute best it can be.

Provide Free Samples of Your Work

Giving a bit of your work away is a wonderful way to build your reputation and your client base. The Internet is the perfect vehicle for this strategy. It is easy to post samples on your site and on video sites such as YouTube. YouTube is a site that has grown dramatically in recent years. More people are now watching videos on YouTube than are watching TV. A compelling video that shows what you have to offer can work wonders for you as a speaker. If they like what they see they will want more.

Quick Tips on Selling Your Services as a Professional Speaker

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7

The first thing you need to know about the field of professional speaking is that it is expanding. It is a field that many have chosen. To be a success you have to be a top quality speaker. Nothing will help you succeed more than that. Do whatever it takes to be the absolute best you can be. Follow the tips outlined here to help you sell the first class presentations, services and products you have created.

#1 Make connections.
One of the key factors in the field of professional speaking is human relationships. That is really what it is all about. The connections you make with your audience are important, but you may not realize the importance of your connections with other speakers. Seeing other speakers as a threat and being unwilling to form relationships with them is very shortsighted. Don't underestimate the value of good relationships with other speakers particularly with those who are more experienced than you are. Joining speaker's organizations is a great way to meet and network with other speakers. Be on the lookout for someone who may be willing to take you under their wing, so to speak, and show you the secrets to their success. A good mentor will share how to improve as a speaker, and how to market your services.

#2 Make a name for yourself.
In order to get anywhere in this business you have to build a solid reputation. The only way to do that is to get out there and deliver as many talks as possible. Even if you have to offer your services at no cost or low-cost in the beginning. This is a case of spending money now in order to make money later. The more talks you give the more you can build your reputation, promote your products and generate a buzz. Once you are known, people will trust you and recognize your expertise in your chosen niche. You should also find ways to set yourself apart from the crowd. How can you be unique in your field?

#3 Take advantage of the Internet.
The development of the Internet has made it possible for people from all around the world to connect. This is done largely through social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. There are outstanding avenues for selling yourself, your services and your products. For every connection you make on a social network site you are expanding your reach exponentially. When you make one connection you are in effect connecting with all of that person's connections. On and on the web grows.

Should Speakers Compete or Collaborate?

Dr. Gary Arnold's Book
How the Top 1% of Speakers and Coaches Do Internet Marketing
Paperback: ISBN:978-1-57867-041-3; eBook: ISBN:978-1-57867-043-7

Have you been approached by someone you viewed as a competitor, and asked to collaborate on a project, and chose not to? Do you feel guilty about hoping others will fail so you have a better chance at success? Have others collaborated and you opted not to join them? If you answered yes to any of these questions you are in the majority. Let me offer this perspective, as a professional speaker, on collaboration.

There are many professional speaking opportunities out there that you may not take advantage of.

In addition, some of the professional speaking events that you could take are not that great. I have found, through my own experience that a speaker is successful because of the skills they develop, and not because of the speaking opportunities that are out there. With that mindset your success does not depend on the failure of someone else. In fact, when you help another speaker to achieve a successful speaking career you can feel your own status raise. In a sense, we as speakers are all in this together. It is a bit like the proverbial barrel of apples; one truly can spoil the lot. When professional speakers are substandard, all professional speakers suffer the consequences. This is because it creates a perception that more caution should be used when deciding on whether or not to use a professional speaker.

Competing by the omission of helping another can be more damaging to your own career than overt competition. It has been shown that a great deal of the help a speaker gets is created by the allegiances they formed when they helped another. Even a resourceful individual who can do many things on their own, can attribute their success in part to networking and collaboration.

Another form of collaboration is affiliate marketing. You can increase your income and the income of your affiliate best when you are seen as a subject matter expert promoting your affiliate's product. Pick your affiliates carefully because your reputation is at stake. Remember that collaboration is not one-sided and the affiliate must deliver their part. If they don't, find another. Additionally, if you offer a free article or ebook, to let others know about your expertise associated with the affiliate product, you will help sell your affiliate's product and set yourself apart from others.

Setting yourself apart from others through collaboration will help you become a successful professional speaker.