EE002: Interview with Wealthy Speaker author Jane Atkinson

Jane Atkinson’s book The Wealthy Speaker 2.0 is considered by many (me included) to be a ‘bible’ for upcoming and savvy speakers.

Jane has earned her stripes in the industry as a bureau VP and engine behind some pretty successful main stage speakers (Joe Calloway, Vince Posente, Peter Legge, and the like).

In this interview I wanted to know what’s changed that we need to know about in the world of event planners, bureaus, and marketing for speakers. Here are just some of the take-a-ways waiting for you.

Booking times have shrunk. Forget about eight months to plan, bureaus and event planners are calling just weeks before events.
The good news is the market is recovering and there is lots of work for speakers, both nationally and internationally.
The market has gotten educated and are looking for more proof of ROI. You have to prove yourself – in advance.
Big mistake speakers make is they try to do too much and fail to build market trust. You can’t be an expert in customer service, sales, leadership, and food safety!
Listen for Jane’s “umbrella model” – v. cool for organizing your speaking products to make event planners happy.
How to get “hot” so that bureaus want you and what to not do with your pricing. Learn about minimum fees, videos, marketing, and building your platform.
And lots more (you will be taking notes!)