PART IV of Tom Antion's Top Ten Ways to Earn Big Bucks Speaking

If you're impatient, or if you miss any part of the email course
simply visit
http://www.Public-speaking.org/toptenwaystomakemoney.htm where
you can download the entire course as a convenient adobe pdf
file.

SPEAKERS BUREAUS

A speakers bureau is a for profit organization that locates speakers for paying clients. A speakers bureau normally takes a percentage of your gross fee. The percentage is usually in the 15 to 30 percent range with the average fee being 25 percent.

It is very difficult to start with speakers bureaus unless you are a "Bonafide" celebrity and your fees are substantial. 

You must remember they get paid on straight commission, so the higher your fee, the more money they make.

Unless you have a proven track record, a speakers bureau will be afraid to put you in front of any of their clients. If you bomb, the bureau's reputation may weaken, and they could lose many more bookings from that client. You must also supply the bureau with
promotional materials that are free of your contact information, so the bureau will be contacted directly and not you.

If you're a new speaker and you don't have the high fee and established track record mentioned above, being picked up by a speakers bureau may be impossible.

Another question I get from new speakers is: "How do I get an agent?"

Getting an agent is even harder than being picked up by a bureau. Agents work solely for commission. They usually don't have the backing of a large company to cover their expenses while they are attempting to get speaking engagements for you.

Again, without a track record no one will want to waste their time on you unless you're a "bonafide" celebrity, who they know will immediately start making them money.

Many times people confuse "agents" with "marketing" people. A marketing person is attainable by a new speaker. You simply offer them a commission and pay them a salary for their work so they can survive and pay bills until the commissions start kicking in.

What should new speakers do?

So if you're new, I recommend you ignore bureaus, and don't waste time looking for agents. Successfully market yourself at the beginning of your career; then hire a marketing person to keep your business moving while you're out speaking.

The old saying is, "A speakers bureau will come looking for you when you don't need them anymore." 

I.E. Get a good speaking business going using other methods and then you can decide if you want to do your own marketing or have a speaker's bureau do it for you. 

To learn how to be a professional speaker visit:
http://www.AmazingPublicSpeaking.com

To check out Tom's exclusive mentor program visit:
http://www.GreatInternetMarketingTraining.com

Tom Antion
Office: 757-431-1366
Mobile: 301-346-7403