Yes, You Can! – Everything You Need to Know to Thrive in Today’s Speaking Industry

November Chapter Event Recap

A Unique Start:

As a new NSA Chapter member, I was pleasantly surprised that the Chapter meeting started off in song! Jennifer Lier, 25-year veteran in the entertainment world, serenaded us with her powerful and delightful voice.

Warm Up:

  • Guy Burns, our Chapter President opened and did the Spirit of Cavett about how being each other’s helper is better than being competitors. Rewards are in the service to each other.  
  • Dr. Jeffrey Magee, CSP, took the opening act microphone and shared his secret sauce for speaker sales success. Jeffrey gave us several formulas from his ‘Coach in a Box – Success vs Suck’ Program, including the four types of buyers and their key needs to close the sale.  Plus, he gave us the Action Steps to focus our messaging and increase visibility for sales success. Brilliant!  Thanks Jeffrey!     

 The Main Event:

  • Jennifer Lier, Speaker Agent with the elite team of Executive Speakers Bureau, educated and entertained us the remainder of our time together. With her incredibly engaging presence, Jennifer gave us the low down on what her hiring clients need and what the Bureau wants from Speakers so everyone can be successfully matched for win-win results.  
  • Jennifer gave us what felt like one-on-one coaching with specific examples and numerous recommendations to help us pivot and differentiate ourselves, to be relevant in today’s new virtual world. 
  • She showed us the numbers and trends on who is hiring speakers, what they are hiring for NOW and how to get their attention. The speaking business is kicking back into gear! Jennifer told us what the Bureau is doing and how they are thriving for their speakers and business clients. She shared what she is hearing from clients, pricing scales, and technology & video expectations. 
  • Differentiating ourselves for this new virtual world is critical, yet easy, with her inside tips and website best practices.  Now we have the names of a dozen speakers out there who are killing it even during COVID – excellent samples we can study.    
  • In three hours, Jennifer gave us a full day event that proves thriving even during COVID is possible! 

Announcements:

  • New Board Member: Let’s congratulate and thank Doug Wood for taking on the Chapter Vice President role this year. This gives the Chapter a three-year succession plan – Guy Burns – President, Jim Root – President-Elect, Doug Wood – V.P.   Thank you all for your time and service to the NSA Las Vegas Chapter and community.
  • Sad yet exciting news: John Polish, Former NSA LV Chapter President and supporter is leaving us for new opportunities in Nashville, TN. We will miss you John! Thank you for all your passion and service over the years. Best Wishes on your new adventures.

After the meeting I chatted with several attendees whose key takeaways included the insider tips on virtual presentations, what to charge, contract considerations, and how to get relevant. The list of takeaways attendees rattled off is too long for this article. Let’s just say everyone got new and valuable tips only a Speaker Bureau would be in the know of.

This was my second NSA LV Chapter meeting and I appreciate your inclusiveness, so I am jumping in with two feet and look forward to meeting and working with more of you over the next few months.  

Be Gutsy,
Chrystina Katz,
The Gutsy Pivoter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *