Monetize Your Message: HOW to profit WILDLY in the new world of Speaking - Part THREE

Re-Writing the Future of Your Platform      

 The best way to predict the future is to create it.

• Alan Kay

 This is a quote that is never more appropriate than RIGHT NOW.. at THIS MOMENT in our country's transition to the emerging new economy. And it is never more appropriate for this moment in the transformation of the speaking industry. 

There is simply no way for me to personally work with EVERY speaker who is committed to becoming a solution, reinventing themselves, and positioning themselves profitably .  So, I am committed to providing you with not just the WHAT, or the WHY, but the how. 

 At this point, you have asked what your market is "hungry for".  You have discovered the solutions you already bring to the table.  And you have created a new possible menu of services. 

 So, what now?  Now, it is time for ACTION..It is time to give this "new world speaking" some legs.  Where do you start?  Well, the first step is to determine TO start.  Determine that you are not just going to read this report and be "entertained" by it.  Determine that you won't be "behind the curve" and watch OTHER speakers beat you to the punch.  Determine to be at the TOP of this emerging "solutions needed" trend.  Then, figure out how you want to progress. 

• Do you want to go Slow or Fast?  Are you bold enough to undergo a Total REINVENTION or would you prefer a slow EVOLUTION?  

Next, you will have to create a plan for "rolling out" your SOLUTIONS MENU.  Please realize that the OLD world of speaking required that you "put information out" and then "wait and hope".  This is an entirely UNprofitable strategy, so the ACTION items below might be new to you.  The good news is that they are SIMPLE... and keep you in profit-seeking ACTION. 

• First, we need a market. Now that we know what problems you solve, we need to find people who have those problems.  Start with low hanging fruit:  These are people whom you have worked with in the past.  Or people whom you have spoken with in the past and they haven't hired you for one reason or another.   Make a list of your "low-hanging fruit". 
• Use your writing skills to create a "white paper" or special report about ONE specific problem you solve.   Make it between 6 -8 pages and give them solutions.  You should be able to do this in ONE day.  Make sure the report includes language of other companies you have helped with this problem and also details what is likely to happen if the problem is not fixed.
• Next, shoot out a professional - looking report to each of your contacts (identified above) and promise to follow up with them to see how else you can serve them in this area. 
• Follow up with a phone call, or email.  What did they think?  Offer an afternoon of complimentary consulting for being a past client of yours.  The most profitable thing a speaker can do is stay in conversation, conversation, conversation.
• Next, pick an industry you have served (or would like to serve) well.   NOW, tailor that same report to speak to that ONE industry and  use it to get speaking gigs through regional associations. 
• Do the same for EACH of the problems you identified in the first part of this report.  NOW you have touched your clients with valuable gifts... solutions-based reports that they can consistently refer to and utilize.  NOW, you have an arsenal of material for your friends / clients / contacts to pass on to their network.  NOW you have people coming to YOU... as a solution - not a speaker / trainer. 

I first met Michelle in June of 2008 when I was fortunate enough to hear her speak at a local conference.  Her message was informative and entertaining and her energy was refreshing.  I knew immediately that I would have to work with her and Michelle began to provide me with invaluable coaching from the first moment we spoke on the phone.  Her approach has consistently been to challenge me, help me learn and understand myself, and to provide very non- status quo solutions to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities.   Michelle does a remarkable job of keeping me on the leading edge...  We are currently working together in an incredibly exciting and ongoing project and having her as one of my closest strategic partners is one of the better business decisions I have made.  I am simply grateful for Michelle's coaching and guidance.   - Winston Bersch, Your Golden Hour

Miscellaneous Note:

• Don't fall into the "Speaking for Potential" trap!  We are all familiar with it.  It begins with a conversation about "the opportunity to get in front of your ideal market."  Of course, in exchange for this "potential", they don't want to pay us to speak.  It usually ends with MORE offers to speak for potential.  If you are a professional speaker, speak for PROFIT... not POTENTIAL.   

With that said, I recognize that many speakers reading this report may have already committed to one - if not many - of these "pro bono" speaking opportunities and we must make the most of these.  Actually, I speak for free one out of every 10 gigs I get.  So I get 9 paid gigs and "gift" a gig to a group of my choosing.  I do this very profitably.  Here's how:

When you speak without getting paid up front ... the BEST way to monetize that time is to USE STORIES...  Tell them how you have helped companies or individuals in very specific challenges.  Elaborate on the challenge... the pain of the challenge- and how you were able to bring them through it.... Again, give real-world solutions - things that they can implement right away.  Give VALUE.  Sprinkle stories of how you have served other companies through out your presentation.. Of course, keep it relevant and beneficial to them.   The goal is to get them to come to YOU asking, "Can you do THAT for me?"

 Right now, our market is changing and the potential to profit wildly is huge.  So, start today.  YOU may just be the solution your clients are out searching for. Don't disappoint them!  To YOUR wild success!!!