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Five Star Speakers and Trainers asked:

Seven Tips For Selecting Speakers in Troubled Economic Times

By Lori Turec, SVP Business Development & Event Management FIVE STAR Speakers & Trainers (http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/)

With all the details that go into planning and executing a professional event, booking keynote and break-out speakers can seem like just another headache … plus with budgets tighter than ever before, is the motivational speaker (http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/international-speakers-trainers-bureau/national-speakers-bureau-glossary/motivational-speaker-defined.htm) worth the investment?

In the spirit of full disclosure, let me say that I work for a speakers bureau so I am not an unbiased party. However, the reason I came to work at a bureau was because I’ve been to so many events in my career where the keynote speaker (http://www.fivestarspeakers.com/international-speakers-trainers-bureau/national-speakers-bureau-glossary/keynote-defined.htm) really helped make the entire event a much more memorable and valuable experience. So, if you find the right person for your group the return on the investment can be measurable.

Here’s 7 tips for how to get the most out of your keynote speaker selection:

1. Listen to Your Audience BUT really HEAR them …

2. Trust Your Gut

3. Video Is Only Part of the Process

4. Have an Open Mind

5. Verify, Verify, Verify

6. Get More Value for Your Money

7. Reduce Risk

1. Listen to your audience, but really hear them. If you ask your internal or external client what he/she is looking for, they may answer in the moment. “We need a sports star … we want someone funny … we need to make people accountable … we need to reward our best performers and have fun”. Problem is that this is not enough information. You need to know more to make sure the match is right. Ask the why questions. Ask how the speaker’s words will make a difference to the bottom line … ask the age-old consultant question – what will success look like for you a month after the event? You will be shocked at how few people will have thought about this expectation even though it is mission critical to long-term results.

2. Trust Your Gut. If you think you’ve found a good speaker but something seems little off, listen to that inner voice. Too many leadership speakers say yes when they should say no. It is not that they are liars, they are very eager to please and get the job. They really think that they can do it, but depending on the request and the motivational speaker current workload and skill set they may be biting off more than they can chew. Your audience may not even realize that there was a disconnect but you will know. Trust your gut if you feel that you are not getting exactly what you were promised.

3. Video is great. But it is not everything. I’ve heard of professional speakers being de-selected because the message was too consumer based simply because the video was to a consumer sales organization. I’ve seen great speakers not selected because of poor quality video. The truth is that video is a tool. But just as you don’t build a house using only a hammer, don’t select a speaker based only on the video. Ask for references, talk to people who have worked with the speaker before – a bureau is helpful in this way because references are always going to be skewed positive but someone who is neutral may have different experiences to share.

4. Have an Open Mind. Just as you should Trust Your Gut, it is also important to have an open mind. I often include a “wild card” selection on the web proposals that I prepare because even though people tell me that they only want X, invariably they decide they really love Y. By keeping an open mind, you may learn about more great options that will be a better fit. If not for this event, then for another event.

5. Verify, Verify, Verify! What that means is be sure to think about everything that you want at your event and verify that the keynote speaker is willing and able to provide that service. For example – when you book an athlete, don’t assume that you can ask for autographs. Don’t assume that they speaker can stay for a meet and greet, don’t assume they will get there hours before they speak or that you can video tape that speaker without permission. There are several standard things to consider and some special requests. Get what you need documented in the Agreement so there are no surprises later. Also, don’t forget to make sure the speaker signs the Agreement! You’d be surprised how often this detail is missed.

6. Get More Value for Your Money – Yes, in troubled economic times you may be able to get a speaker to negotiate fee. BUT sometimes that leaves you with a speaker who is not eager or motivated to do his or her best work. Most speakers know that an organization is not likely to re-book the same person 5 to 10 times in a year. However, a bureau does have that leverage with speakers and can use it on your behalf — at no extra cost to you. Also, work with your bureau partner to get more for the money – ask for free or reduced prices on books, ask to only see speakers who are in the same city as your venue to save on Travel and Expenses, ask for a half-day and get consulting or a VIP meet and greet … whatever makes sense. Some speakers simply will not negotiate on fees. They take one best offer and either say yes or no. They don’t play a game. BUT they will add value and that is a win/win.

7. Reduce Risk – OK, this one is a shameless plug, but given the state of the airline industry today it is getting to be a bigger and bigger issue. In the event that something happens and your motivational speaker cannot get to your event … if you book direct what are your options? You probably already have paid a deposit to your keynote speaker, which will take time to get back and more importantly what are you going to do with that big 90 minute gap in the agenda? Reduce your risk by working with a trusted partner who has access to thousands of options and can help fill that slot with an approved speaker with very little notice – sometimes less than 24 hours. You take out many types of insurance to make sure you are covered for your event emergencies. Consider this partner as a free insurance against the loss of a speaker!

Overall, we still like meeting together. It is a human element. We are energized by each other’s ideas and by the fresh perspective we gain away from the daily routine. That’s a good thing for all of us. Technology is growing and will continue to change and enhance how we do business but hearing from those who can motivate, inspire and teach us … reminds us all why we got into this business in the first place.

Craig Elliott asked:




Apart from being considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand also has the distinction of being one of the youngest. It was the last major land mass to be discovered by Europeans, and today, this fascinating and unspoiled country offers many reminders of its Maori and Colonial history.

The earliest known settlers in the two islands were the seafaring Maori, who arrived sometime between 1000 and 1300 AD, although some evidence suggests they were there earlier. The Maoris named the new land Aotearoa, meaning “Land of the Long White Cloud”, a name that still seems appropriate today.

The Maoris survived by hunting and farming and later by trading with the European settlers. Today, New Zealand boasts several places where you can still experience several fascinating glimpses into the Maori’s way of life and Maori culture is still an important part of what has become an increasingly multicultural society.

The Maoris were skilled fishermen, as well as expert sailors. One of their traditions was to throw back the first fish caught as a way of thanking the sea god for the catch – a tradition that continues today. They were also adept at hunting the world’s largest bird, the Moa, and harvesting and eating vegetables and potatoes.

One of the best places to gain an insight into their culture is the restored Maori village at Tamaki, which offers the chance to watch traditional singing, dancing and to purchase hand made crafts. The highlight of your visit may be the opportunity to sample a typical Maori meal, prepared the same way as it has been for centuries – cooked for several hours on hot stones buried under the ground.

The Dutch were the first Europeans to discover the two islands, naming them Nieuw Zeeland, after the Dutch province of the same name. The explorer Abel Tasman first sighted the land in 1642 – although the first visit was not a success as there was fighting between the Maoris and the Dutch. Tasman later named the bay where he had anchored “Murderer’s bay”.

The Maoris were left in peace for the next hundred years until the British explorer Captain James Cook arrived in the 18th century. Cook’s group had their misfortunes too – Maori warriors killed and ate nine members of the ship’s crew. New Zealand could just as easily have become a French colony – by coincidence, a French ship was exploring the area at the same time although neither ship sighted the other.

From the late 1790s onwards, the north coast of the North Island became a busy place, as traders, whaling ships and missionaries established settlements there. The settlers traded weapons with the Maoris – often trading muskets for fruit or pigs. This led to the tribes fighting among themselves – a bloody period in New Zealand’s history that has become known as the “Musket Wars”.

The British signed a treaty to colonize the islands in February, 1840 – the Treaty of Waitangi. While most Maoris were agreeable to this, not every tribe was amenable and this led to more fighting – a period known as the New Zealand Wars. One skirmish was triggered off by the Maoris repeatedly cutting down the ceremonial British flagpole in the settlement at Kororareka.

The following year New Zealand officially became a British colony and the New Zealand Constitution Act was established in 1852. The islands saw a further increase in immigrants, not only from the UK, but from other parts of Europe and the US as well. And the late 19th century also saw the beginning of immigration from China, with men arriving to work in the gold mines.

During the 1890s, New Zealand’s economy, which had previously relied mainly on trading and wool, was boosted by the increased export of frozen meat to Britain. The invention of refrigeration suddenly made it possible to keep meat cold for the duration of the long sea crossing – New Zealand would remain a key player in the refrigerated meat business until the 1970s.

New Zealand declared independence from the UK in 1907, although the country remained a part of the British Empire and New Zealanders fought alongside the British in both world wars. A period of cooperation with the United States led to the signing of the ANZUS treaty in 1951, guaranteeing that New Zealand, Australia and America would assist each other if any of the countries were to be invaded.

Today, New Zealand is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth and still retains strong bonds with Britain. The British Union Jack appears on the country’s flag and an image of the Queen can still be seen on some banknotes. People from all over the world visit this remote nation to experience its history and a taste of its unique culture.

Derek Smiley asked:




All a mortgage really is is like a specialized kind of loan that gets issued to individuals that qualify to purchase themselves a home. There are so many different mortgages available for one to choose from at the moment, that is has become very important that you check and compare mortgages before you just choose one.

There might be other ways in which you can borrow money for the finances of purchasing a house but a mortgage is definitely the easiest and most efficient way to finance a new home. You should have a look at a few different mortgages before making a final decision.

When you are looking at purchasing a house, you will have to look at different mortgages and compare the different deals. It can also be rather confusing when you have to determine all the diverse kinds of mortgages and then decide which is best for you; because of this it is important that you compare them carefully. It is not impossible to obtain a 100% mortgage, this means that you will get the loan for which you applied the full amount of and you will not have to give a deposit for it.

This may seem fine at first, but you might be charged for the service by the lender. This amount is not always a very small one either. So in the end, it may not be as good as it seems and this is where you determine what will be best for you.

Sometimes you can even get your mortgage loan at 120% or even higher, this gives you the chance to use money for addition things once you have purchased the house. Like for example if you want to put money away for future references, you may do so. But remember that your houses value will in fact not be as much as the value of your mortgage will. This is not always much of a solid basis when it comes to borrowing because the only thing you have to fall back on is your home and if something goes wrong, where is that additional 20% going to come from?

Just a few of the different mortgage comparisons types that can be considered are self certification, discount, fixed rate, first time buyer, buy to let, capped and there are many more. Most of these are rather easy to understand, but some might be very confusing to some people, especially if they are not very familiar with mortgages and their specifications.

If you are purchasing a home for the first time, you would go for the first time buyer’s mortgage. This is an easy mortgage and that’s why it is directed at first time buyers as it caters for problems that first time buyers might be faced with. For example, these people are most likely young; therefore they might not have a major history of work behind their names.

They also may not have a lot of money saved; this is why the first time buyer’s mortgage is great, as it caters for people that aren’t really sure of what must be done. To compare mortgages is a must, do not just take what appears to be the cheapest up front. In the long term it could cost you much more.

When you decide to compare a mortgage get your financial advisor or broker to take you through the real cost of it. it could save you quite a bit of money in the long term.