Choosing Outside Speakers
Planning on doing an event? Thinking of considering using outside speakers? BE CAREFUL!
It could be the best or the worst decision you could ever make. I’ve been doing workshops for many years and I’ve had some DISASTERS in this area.
Here are few things you must do if you are going to use OUTSIDE speakers:
- See them speak. I don’t care how good they look on paper, make sure you see them SPEAK. Preferably live. They can always make themselves look good on paper.
- Ask for references. Sounds obvious, but very few people do it. DO IT.
- Give them the rules of the game for you/your event and make them SIGN a written agreement. I had a guy promote a competing piece of software at MY event. I almost pulled him off stage.
- Review what they will pitch and what the price points are. Make sure they are in line with what you or the other speakers will be promoting/selling.
- Go with your gut. If they don’t feel like the right match, don’t use them.
Do these 5 things and you’re on the right track.
