NSA Northwest 3^rd Annual Meeting Planner and Speaker Collaboration – January 7, 2011 at the Columbia Tower Club

After introducing our meeting planners, we went around the circle to learn about our attendees.  We had CSP’s (Certified Speaking Professionals), NSA Board Members, Affiliates and guests. As we introduced ourselves, the planners commented on what they remember and who said it. They keyed into strange, out of the ordinary items like an animal dentist and reference to cockatoos and rattles or something.

STAND OUT PERSONALITY

Personally, in the past I received heaps of advice to conform to the square box by well-intentioned peers. Of course, I’ve received oodles of accolades for paving my own path, etc, but the negative voices always sound like the loudest roars.  For a long time, I resisted and stayed committed to my Fun Specialist Brand (13 years). As the economy tanked, I changed to the Meeting Maximizer, with the help of our smart and creative NSA Northwest peers. However, with this title, there is no expectation for me to be fun. My core is fun and there is no stifling it, but it may not always be on a bright marquee flashing in Vegas lights. Throughout this meeting, the planners hammered in they are looking for personality. If we counted how many times they said it, it would be in the 20s-30s. This idea, which usually is an obvious one, shouts out at me to share my true colors – let them shine, don’t tone them down to match everyone else.

Why are reality shows still popular? We get to see the raw differences of the personalities – that’s interesting.

Don’ts

• Do not call a planner. It’s all about the referrals. Get in front of them by knowing their circle of influence.
• Check the company ethics before you give a pricey gift
• No form letters or form emails

Do’s

• Must have online videos, good quality, keep it 3-5 minutes – resource Total Effects Video
• Videos – mic the audience
• Put your NSA credentials and other associations on your materials
• Send handwritten notes
• Gifts for independent planners is great
• On marketing materials the “you and I” ratio should be weighed heavy with “you” benefits
• At the end of your speech invite people to follow you on your social media
• Ask for a testimonial for the planner after one week after the event
• Get testimonials from others on site using your camera. The personalcameracrew.com is a perfect way to capture these.

Do you use bureaus?

• These 3 planners don’t use bureaus. They prefer to work directly with the speaker.

Do you prefer a flat fee for travel or to get receipts for reimbursement?

• Prefer receipts, not a flat fee for travel. The client may have discounts with the vendors.

How do we get testimonials?

• Must use evaluations to get information, then summarize these and give them to the planner and then request testimonial.

Jolene Jang, The Meeting Maximizer

President, NSA Northwest, National Speakers Association