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.