If you watch the news and listen to the right (wrong) people, you’ll be led to believe that you need to hide your money under the mattress and turn and run from your speaking business as fast as you can — because “things are bad!!”
Business has been challenging over the last few years — there’s no denying that — but there are tremendous opportunities now and into the future for speakers (and authors/thought leaders/gurus) who build their businesses strategically.
Watch the video above and get some GOOD NEWS, like the fact:
- You’re operating in an $11 billion — and growing — market
- There were 1.8 million meetings in 2009 (a bad year) and multiple sources say things are looking up
- There is a “changing of the guard” in the speaking industry (meaning new opportunities for you)
- New technologies mean new opportunities to reach people and share your message
- The top 10 buyers (categories) in the meetings industry
- How much money meeting planners are spending on speakers
- Which topics are in highest demand
In the midst of all this good news, though, there is one word of caution — at about the 20-minute mark.
If you like this video, sign up below to receive future installments in the series, and please help us spread the encouragement by tweeting, linking, facebooking or emailing this video to other speakers and aspiring speakers who have a positive message to share and need to be reminded that NOW is the perfect time to do it.
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Quick note: the audio level drops around the 6-minute mark… not sure why, but just turn your speakers up louder when it happens.
Thanks so much Shawn for giving such encouraging information regarding thought leadership and self-improvement trends in the meeting industry. You have given me great hope and promise for a fabulous 2012! I will forward to all my speaker colleagues and clients. Thanks again!
Hi Diane! Glad to help. Thanks for your comment – and thanks for sharing. Here’s to a great 2012!
Great video Shawn, I appreciate the thought you put into it. I hope we continue to build momentum in the industry this year.
Thanks, Chip. I appreciate you watching and commenting. I’m with you — here’s to a positive 2012!
Great information Shawn! Many “Aha” moments for me! Keep it coming my man and “thank you” for putting this together!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Sincerely,
Aaron Davis
Thanks, Aaron! Glad to help, and Merry Christmas to you, too!
Excellent video. Very informative providing lots of useful information. I appreciate the research detailing the major players booking speakers, how much meeting planners are spending and the topics being booked.
Thanks, Stephania! Glad you found it to be valuable. I hope it inspires you to reach for new heights in 2012!
Brilliant synopsis, my friend.
Took me this long to get to listening as I’ve been busy (including working for YOU!) but…
Thanks for all the time, effort and dedication.
I run into a LOT of motivational speakers as I travel the circuit… but you are the only (AND the best) motivational speaker’s bureau!
Onward!!! Jeff
Thanks, Jeff – I appreciate you watching, and I appreciate your comments. TSG: the “motivational speakers bureau” – I like it! Motivational speakers need to be motivated, too!
Hey Shawn,
I found this video helpful because it offered a good combination of research and practicality.
-I’m targeting the youth market. Would you have any different advice for someone in my market?
Thanks, James
James – Thanks for your feedback. I’m not a specialist in the youth market, but I do know there are great opportunities there, too. If you haven’t already signed up for video #2 (above), I encourage you to do that — the “5 Game-Changing Mindsets” I share in that video definitely apply to the youth market… the audience is different, but the principles to establish yourself as an expert/authority and attract business remain the same. Hope that helps. Thanks again!