We receive calls from many speakers who are looking to move up to the 
  next level with their profession.  We believe this information will be helpful for
  them.

  Q ‹ I have written a book(s), how do I go about getting on the speaker 
  circuit? 

  A ‹ Writing a book and speaking require two entirely different skills. It is 
  important that you first polish your platform skills prior to contacting a 
  speaker's bureau. Bureaus want to be assured that any speakers they 
  recommend to a meeting planner will present an outstanding program.

  Q ‹ What materials do I need for a speakers bureau to sell my program(s) to 
  meeting planners? 

  A ‹ In most cases speakers bureaus require "bureau friendly" speaker 
  materials. This includes a professionally prepared color flyer, one sheet or 
  brochure, and a video tape. Speaker material that is "bureau friendly" does 
  not include any of the speaker's contact information and allows space for the
  bureau to add their contact information. 

  Q ‹ What is the commission rate that speaker's bureaus charge a speaker 
  when the speaker is booked through a bureau? 

  A ‹ Speakers bureaus are independent businesses that are able to set their 
  fees as they see fit. Percentages are negotiated as part of the bureau/ 
  speaker agreement. It is important to understand your agreement with the 
  bureau before you sign the contract. 

  Q ‹ If I am being booked through a speakers bureau(s), can I also book 
  directly with meeting planners without paying a commission to a bureau? 

  A ‹ It depends. If a speaker has an "exclusive contract" with a bureau, all 
  booking requests must go through the bureau that holds the contract. The 
  other consideration is whether or not the booking comes as a result of "spin 
  off" business and how that is addressed in your contract with the bureau. 

  Q ‹ Why would a speaker want to work through a speaker’s bureau rather 
  than booking all speeches directly with meeting planners? 

  A ‹ A bureau is another part of the speaker's distribution chain enabling 
  him/her to gain greater visibility in the meetings industry. Working through 
  speaker’s bureaus is like having a straight commission sales staff. Bureaus 
  allow you to leverage your ability to book more business and the only time 
  you pay them is when they actually book an engagement for you. 

  Q ‹ What is the difference between a speakers bureau and an agency? 

  A ‹ A speakers bureau books speakers that are available to work with any 
  bureau. Bureaus also co-broker speakers that have an exclusive contract 
  with another bureau or agency. An agency, in most cases, only books those
  speakers that are exclusively contracted with the agency. 

  Q ‹ What does it mean to have an exclusive contract with a speakers 
  agency or bureau? 
  A ‹ When a speaker has an exclusive contract with a given bureau or 
  agency, all bookings must go through the bureau or agency holding the 
  contract. It is a common practice in the industry for bureaus to co-broker 
  speakers with the bureau or agency holding the contract. When this occurs 
  the two bureaus split the commission. 

  Q ‹ How much should a speaker charge for doing speeches? 

  A ‹ Many times it is difficult for a speaker to determine the appropriate fee 
  when they are beginning to speak professionally. There is a fine line between
  a low fee and fee that implies value. Many times it is helpful to observe other
  speakers when they are making presentations and compare yourself to them
  in regard to your ability, content, and fee. 

  Q ‹ As a speaker may I work with more than one speakers bureau?

  A ‹ As long as you do not have an exclusive contract with an agency or 
  bureau, you are free to do business with anyone you wish. 

  Q ‹ When does a speakers bureau usually show interest in working with a 
  speaker? 

  A ‹ Getting the attention of a speakers bureau is a lot like going to the bank 
  for a loan. If you really don't need the money the bank is happy to loan it to 
  you. The same thing is true with a speakers bureau. If you really don't need 
  a bureau to get you opportunities to speak, that is when they are most 
  interested in working with you. Speakers Bureaus want to work with those 
  speakers that are in high demand and have proven their ability to do an 
  outstanding job. Another possibility is when a bureau receives a call 
  requesting the speaker by name. An exception to this rule is when someone
  is regarded as a celebrity because of who they are and what they have done
  . For example, if you are a General and have just won a war you can get 
  speaking opportunities very quickly and at a substantial fee. 

  Q ‹ What does it mean to have a "bureau friendly" website, videotape, and 
  promotional materials? 

  A ‹ A "bureau friendly" website, videotape and other promotional
  materials do not have any contact information for the speaker. Speakers 
  bureaus use these materials with their clients so the client will come back to
  the bureau and not contact the speaker directly. 

  Q ‹ Where can I find additional information on how to position myself to work
  with speakers bureaus? 

  A ‹ There are several books available for purchase that can give you 
  guidance. Several of these books will give you the insight for preparing 
  yourself to work with bureaus.

  Q ‹ Do speakers bureaus specialize in certain types of speakers? 

  A ‹ Some bureaus do have marketing niches, but not all. As an example, 
  several of the IASB bureaus specialize in sports celebrities. One member 
  bureau only books aviation speakers and another books ex-convicts. Most 
  bureaus may have a specialty, but work with all types of speakers.

  Q ‹ If my program is geared toward a specific audience, how do I identify the 
  bureaus I should contact? 

  A ‹ The best approach you can take is to contact several bureaus and ask. If
  what you do is not a good fit then they may be able to refer you to a bureau 
  that might work with the clients that would have an interest in your topic(s). 
  Speakers bureaus know each other pretty well and know the type of clients 
  with which they do business. 

  Q ‹ How should I go about contacting speakers bureaus? 

  A ‹ It is best to call them and request permission to send them your 
  information. They will let you know whether or not they wish to receive your 
  materials. If they say yes, it is suggested you put on the outside of the 
  envelope, "Requested Materials Enclosed," to remind them that they asked 
  you to send the materials to them. 

  Q ‹ Typically, when is a speaker ready to work with a speakers bureau? 

  A ‹ A speaker usually is ready to work with a speakers bureau when he/she 
  is well paid (the amount varies with bureaus), in high demand, and has a 
  reputation of doing an outstanding job for his/her clients.