Secrets to Selling Yourself As A Speaker with Brandon Edmonson

Feb 4, 2025

Brandon Edmonson, Sales Director for Premier Speakers Bureau, shares his wealth of knowledge on booking speaking gigs. He emphasizes the need for speed in responding to inquiries to secure opportunities. Brandon talks about asking strategic questions to unlock client needs and expectations. He highlights the importance of building strong relationships with event planners and adding value in interactions. Additionally, he covers the nuances of setting consistent speaker fees and managing travel expenses effectively, all crucial for career growth in public speaking.

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ADVICE

Understanding Event History

Ask event planners who they booked last year to gauge budget and expectations.
Knowing past speakers helps determine your fit and appropriate fee structure.

ADVICE

Speed and First Impressions

Respond quickly to inquiries, demonstrating responsiveness and professionalism.
Send assets promptly to showcase preparedness and streamline the booking process.

ADVICE

Serving and Relationship Building

Add value in every interaction, offering helpful suggestions and resources.
Ask questions to understand event needs and tailor your approach accordingly.

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“Speed in this game is so important. It is typically the first speaker to reach back out…you have a really good chance of winning that business if you are the first.”

Navigating the intricate world of professional speaking requires not just talent but also a keen understanding of the business side of things. In this insightful episode, Grant Baldwin welcomes back his good friend Brandon Edmonson, Sales Director for Premier Speakers Bureau, for his fourth appearance on the podcast. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, Brandon's expertise in the industry offers invaluable tips and strategies that can elevate your speaking career.

Brandon dives deep into the nitty-gritty of booking speaking gigs, sharing why it's critical to ask, "Who did you have last year?" This key question can unlock a wealth of information, from budget constraints to event expectations. Brandon emphasizes the importance of speed in the speaking business, urging speakers to respond quickly to inquiries to set a positive tone for future interactions.

Grant and Brandon also explore the art of balancing sales and relationships. Building rapport with event planners, understanding their needs, and positioning yourself as a solution to their problems are crucial steps in securing bookings. Brandon encourages speakers to add value in every interaction, whether it’s through well-timed follow-ups or personalized video messages.

Additionally, Brandon discusses how consistency in your rates fosters trust with clients, touching on the delicate balance of negotiation.

This episode offers a treasure trove of practical advice, from how to handle incoming leads to navigating the complexities of travel costs and geographical pricing variations. Don't miss out on this episode if you're looking to take your speaking business to the next level. Brandon’s wisdom could be the key to your next big speaking gig!

You’ll learn:

The importance of understanding event history
About the sales process for speakers
The role of speed in booking
Strategies for relationship building & outreach
Balancing sales & serving event planners
Handling inquiries & initial conversations
Key questions for gauging event seriousness
Negotiation tactics
And much, much more!

“Be honest, be genuine, be human in that process. Just how you would want to be.”

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