FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: How do I join Speakers Platform?

Answer: Please go to our "how to join" section for membership procedures.

Question: Does Speakers Platform send speaker videos and speaker materials to clients or does the speaker?

Answer: Most of the time we will send your kit/video to clients. Occasionally, we will have a speaker send their kits/video directly to prequalified clients that request it. We are aware that it is an expense and some effort for a speaker to send a full kit and video. We promise only to request additional information be sent to a client if there is a very good chance the speaker will be booked.

Question: What commission percentage do you secure for booking a speaker?

Answer: We secure a standard industry commission of 25% at the time of booking.

Question: When does a speaker get paid for their presentation?

Answer: Speakers are paid within two weeks after the presentation date. We cut checks on the 1st and 15th of each month so a check will be mailed within this time frame. In a handful of cases, especially with government organizations, payment might take a little longer due to the client's purchase order process or the client's requirement that the balance be paid following the presentation. In any case, we always secure a deposit two weeks before the presentation date. We have never had a case where a speaker was not paid for their presentation.

Question: I have been contacted by a client directly. What do I do?

Answer: We view relations with our speakers as close partnerships. To that end, we feel that sharing our client information with you can help close the booking process. Unlike some organizations, we are not secretive about our clients or their contact information because we trust the speakers we work with.

Specifically, we expect a speaker to:

1) Notify us immediately when they have contact with a client and supply specific details (preferably by email) about what was discussed.
2) Refer the client back to their agent at Speakers Platform for any fee questions - never discuss fees directly with a client.
3) Refer the client back to their agent at Speakers Platform for contracting and booking questions.
4) Never suggest alternate speakers to the client. If you feel you would not be the right person for the presentation, then let us know if you would like to recommend a colleague and we will pass the information along to the client.

In essence, we expect our speakers to respect our relationship with the client. Direct discussions with a client should usually only focus on program details, additional background information on the speaker and any specific event needs of the client and/or speaker.

All the speakers we work with are ethical and helpful. We thank you for building good business relations that translate into increased bookings, smooth planning, exciting events and happy clients.

Question: What services does Speakers Platform provide during the booking process?

Answer: After we have spent the time and money marketing and following up with leads, scheduling and providing sales services, we reach the point of a secured booking, congratulations! During the booking process, we will:

1) Generate contracting for the speaker (including any stipulations / special arrangements and specific details).
2) Generate contracting for the client (including any stipulations / special arrangements and specific details).
3) Collect deposit and final balance from client.
4) Generate payment to speaker for event within two weeks after presentation.
5) Set-up phone conferences and/or interviews.
6) Follow-up with the client and assess satisfaction, answer any post presentation questions.
7) Follow-up with the speaker and assess performance, answer any post presentation questions.

Keep in mind that for every solid request that you will receive from us, we will have submitted your name and handled inquiries from (on average) five to ten other leads. As we all know, meeting planners have many options and often another speaker will be chosen, the meeting planner's budget will be cut or end up cancelling a meeting altogether.

Our agents at Speakers Platform spend a lot of time working with clients who do not book a speaker for one reason or another. This is time we save our speakers. We will only present prequalified, solid leads for your consideration. And, we will keep you informed throughout the process.

Question: What is expected of a speaker during the presentation? What if a client cancels or does not pay?

Answer: Expectations and specifics are included in a two page addendum in our speaker contract.

Question: What are the expectations following the event? Spin off policies?

Answer: If someone has seen you at a Speakers Platform booked event and is interested in booking you, we request that you refer that person back to us. If a booking results from a Speakers Platform booked event that is more indirect and is booked with the speaker directly, then we request the speaker to honor a 20% commission to be sent to Speakers Platform from the speakers following the presentation.

If a speaker has done an excellent job, we would expect there to be some spin off business. We especially like working with and promoting speakers who send us spin off business because it means they are doing an excellent job and the client is happy.

Some of our clients are interested in training and consulting services provided by the speaker. Speakers Platform does put together training presentations for our clients also. These would be treated the same as a speaking engagement. We would do contracting and collect payment.

Training would be defined as a predefined presentation and/or hands-on on site presentation. It could last just a half day or could be ongoing for months. We do not get involved in consulting contracts, but do request a 5% commission of the first years gross receipts of a consulting contract if it results from a speaking engagement.

Additional Information

For more information on our bureau, please see the following Web address: http://www.speaking.com/aboutsp.html

If you are interested in joining our referral program, please see:
http://www.speaking.com/partner/partnerletter.html

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to working with you soon!