As the owner of speaker bureau I am often approached by people who aspire to be a professional speaker for advice.

So You Want to be A Professional Speaker?

So what does make a good professional speaker?

I receive a lot of enquiries from 'would be' professional speakers asking me to add them to my books.

It is important to understand that just because you have the confidence to get up in front of hundreds of people and state your opinion or talk about your expertise, does not qualify you automatically for the world of professional speakers.

At this agency, I am very selective who I represent. We focus on good content rich 'edu-trainers' i.e. someone that can deliver a keynote with audience interaction, fun but most importantly take home value.

I don't even consider looking at the speaker unless they have a great speakers kit i.e. promotional material including video, list of products, a great website and fee schedule. There also needs to be a proven record or successful keynotes delivered and great testimonials from the speaker's clients.

Sometimes someone exceptional will come along who does not have the above but has an amazing story to be told.

A professional speaker will also know that income can be generated by having great product to sell. With the internet there are many ways to generate income, and all speakers should be aware of how this can boost their own.

Here is my advice on how to become a professional speaker.

Have a great website and promotional materialLearn to leverage off the site by creating promotional materials
Start off doing free keynotes at clubs like SWAP and Rotary
My pet hate - never ever talk about yourself non-stop. It's not about YOU it's about how you help others.
Write articles and get them published
Do not plagiarize in any form
Network properly. Networking is not about shoving your business card into the hand of everyone you meet and diving straight into what you do.
Build relationships over time, give lots of free advice
Try and get your articles printed in the media
If you are a professional speaker then you are an expert - make sure you are
Don't give false evidence - get the facts right, do your research
Learn all you can about running a small business
Learn about branding and marketing
Learn how to sell
Your goal is to get people referring you - be the best you can
Don't expect bureaus to consider you until you have done all the above

Please contact me for a copy of my free e-book The ABC of Working with a Professional Speaker. One and one consultations are available please contact debbie@coyote.com.au to discuss how I can help groom you into the professional speaking business.