As a professional speaker, are you looking to increase your bookings in 2025? With the beginning of a New Year, it’s time to review the top 10 factors that meeting planners are telling us they will be looking for when booking a speaker in the coming year!
I teamed up with Kelly Bjorseth, President of Upside Speakers, https://upsidespeakers.com/, and though a lot of these are not new ideas, it’s key to make sure you are keeping current so that you stand out and get the bookings you need and want!
- Keynote Content: It should be designed to create a unique experience for the audience, which includes engagement, involvement, humor, and actionable takeaways.
- Offer Content for Workshops: Many clients are looking not only for a Keynote but also for deep dive workshops to compliment the keynote.
Having this available and including it with your proposals makes you stand out as a speaker and will increase your bookings. - Updated Website: Your website is your personal brand. Is your message clear? Are your photos and videos current? Being relevant and current are key to increase bookings. Review your site at least quarterly.
- Videos: There is a strong trend towards meeting planners seeking out short, story-focused videos that explain who you are and what you do! The goal of this video is to create curiosity so the meeting planner will continue exploring more about you and your topics. Also having a separate video that shows how you perform on stage, your delivery, as well as a glimpse into what your content and topics to compliment your short video.
- Virtual is here to stay: Meeting planners are still having virtual events and a speaker needs to be prepared to present virtually as they are in person! The best speakers have created an interactive virtual experience that is visually appealing, and shows they have mastered all the technological breakthrough that are available.
- Updated One-Sheet: Yes, they are still asking for them, and they are a great marketing tool as well. Make sure they have links to all of your latest and greatest content and videos.
- Social Media: A speaker needs to show your presence, especially on LinkedIn. You should be seen as a thought leader for what you speak about. Take advantage of all the new additions LinkedIn offers, make connections, post, publish articles, and comment often.
- Recommendations/Testimonials: These give clients confidence in hiring you but, make sure they are current and list your Top 5 on your website, and invite those to add recommendations to your LinkedIn profile. Make sure you include the name, title, and company with the recommendation as we found Some meeting planners are actually contacting those who recommend you!
- Hi-Def Photos: Make sure your photos on your website and on your social media platforms are current, and you keep them updated. They should be high-resolution and taken by a professional.
- Don’t Be a “Diva” or “Divo”: Clients want to work with speakers that are easy to work with. They have enough on their plates to worry about! You are hired to serve the client and it’s not about “you”. Don’t make crazy demands and be ready to go with the flow, be flexible, and kind.
We know that speakers of today are having to go through more challenges than ever before, at a faster speed and pace, and even though it may take some planning and extra time, reviewing these 10 factors will result in having a Remarkable 2025!
