bureaus that understand my group’s
specific needs are a huge asset.
What do you look for on a
speaker’s Web site?
I look for unedited video examples
of live interactions with an audience.
I like to see how the audience reacts
to the speaker’s delivery.
What aspects of a
Web site turn you off?
Lack of videos, examples and no
clear, definitive subject matter.
do you look at speakers’ blogs?
No, because I am not a “blogger”
by day.
What is the most important
qualifying factor in hiring a speaker?
Word of mouth is huge. A refer-
ral from someone I respect is better
than any press release or unknown
testimonial.
Should new speakers contact you?
No, I get more than enough emails
and phone calls from speakers.
What do professional speakers do
that drives you crazy?
They don’t take the time to learn
about the meetings and conferences
I plan.
What do professional speakers do
that make you want to rehire them?
They take the time to meet and
understand the audience’s needs.
What are your thoughts about adding
a celebrity name to a program?
The “celebrity name” doesn’t work
in this economy. Spending $40,000
on a retired athlete doesn’t impact
the education of the attendees.
is it appropriate for speakers
to charge different fees based
on the type of client groups?
If the message is the same, the fee should be
the same.
What’s the value in hiring a
professional speaker?
The value is in proven experience on the
topic and a successful outcome. Individuals
who speak from personal experience are
more valuable than people who speak about
everything.
Larissa J. Schultz, CMP, is a meeting
management expert and founder of
LJS Meeting Strategies, LLC. For
more information, contact her at
larissa@ljsmeetingstrategies.com.
Ed Rigsbee, CSP, is an internation-
ally recognized expert and author
on strategic alliance development
and implementation. He also
is the founder and executive
he Cigar PEG, a 501 (c)( 3) non-
profit public charity. For more information,
visit www.rigsbee.com or www.CigarPEG.com.
director of t
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