11/21/2025
Editors: Rebecca Morgan & Ken Braly
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SNN Webcast Info
Thursday, December 11
How Authors & Speakers Can Leverage
Their Audiobooks for Greater Impact (webcast)
with Mary Catherine Jones
Have you ecer listened to an audiobook? If you have, you know why audiobooks are a popular way for people to absorb the content of a book.
If you have a book, or are thinking of having a book, you can have greater impact and earn greater profits by also creating an audio version of your book.
And since you’re a speaker, it makes good business sense for you to narrate the book yourself.
What do you need to know to creating a first-class audiobook product? Come to our next program and find out.
Read more about this session at the bottom of this newsletter, then register for the live program or pre-order the recording.
Note: Everyone who registers for the live webcast session or orders the recording will get a link to the recorded video of the online webcast, as well as the audio MP3 for convenient re-listening.
Review of SNN webcasts:
- "SpeakerNet News webinars are an hour well-spent with experts that help you shape your speaking career in ways you may not have expected." —Anita Pereda
Miscellaneous Tips
Two simple fixes to improve your B2B email marketing campaigns — Vickie Sullivan
In the age of social media and influencer-driven campaigns, it’s tempting to assume that B2B email marketing has lost its edge. But new research shows the opposite. A recent study by Prospect Wallet reveals this channel is not only thriving — it’s projected to generate nearly $18 billion in revenue by 2027. Even more impressive, it outperforms other marketing strategies by 40% in customer conversion rates.
With that kind of return on investment (ROI), it’s no surprise that marketers are doubling down on B2B email marketing. (Still not convinced? Just check your inbox.) So, what separates the best email campaigns from the rest? According to the study, two small changes can make a big impact.
Not all email campaigns are created equal. These two small adjustments can significantly improve engagement and drive better results.
- Automation. Automated emails generate 320% more revenue than one-off messages. Why? Because repetition builds recognition — and results. One-time sends often get lost in the shuffle, while automated sequences stay top of mind.
- Subject lines matter. A striking 69% of recipients decide whether an email is spam based on the subject line alone. Adding something as simple as an emoji can boost click-through rates by 28%.
Email marketing is here to stay. Seventy-seven percent of B2B buyers prefer it as their primary communication method. In fact, B2B emails have a 23% higher click-to-open rate than their B2C counterparts. But popularity alone doesn’t guarantee performance. In B2B email marketing, success lies in the small details, such as automation and subject lines, that drive real results.
Create a QR code — Susan Friedmann
If you want to create a QR code to embed an email address and message, this application is free and easy to use.
Master class in great speech making — Randy Gage
Most of us can list that elements that make a great keynote speech: customize, tell stories, make the stories about the audience, etc. But if you ever need a Master Class, watch this acceptance speech by Tom Cruise.
Self-care tips for speakers — Carolyn Finch
- Self-kindness comes to speakers when they reserve time for themselves so there is no notable burnout, like putting on the oxygen mask in the plane to help yourself before you help others. Write in your weekly calendar two self-kindness activities a day.
- Thump your chest bone when things get hairy and not going your way. This stimulates the thymus gland underneath your chest bone and sends instant energy to your entire body. Celine Dion did this with her fingertips and then knuckles to give her energy to “go on” while she was singing.
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Virtual presentation opportunities are expanding. Do yours stand out from the 99% mediocre ones? Take the virtual master presenter self-assessment to see if you could become even better. If so, get notified of the next Virtual Master Presenter Course led by Rebecca Morgan, CSP, CMC, CVP, VMP. Details. |
Travel Tips
How to manage flight cancellations during shutdown — Mitch Krayton
Prior to the Flight
- Arrive earlier than usual, as TSA wait times are increasing at many airports.
- Download the MyTSA app for real time updates.
- Book nonstop or early-morning flights, which are less likely to face cascading delays.
- Buy flexible or refundable fares in case of cancellations or airspace adjustments.
- Use airline apps for alerts. Confirm your contact details (phone and email) for updates.
- Verify flight status before leaving home or your hotel.
- Carry all necessary identification, travel documents and any required visas, especially if government services are affected or delayed.
- Pack essentials in your carry-on luggage, such as medications, chargers, important documents and snacks, in case they face unexpected delays.
- Be flexible with your plans — before you go research alternative routes, dates or nearby airports to reduce stress and find workable solutions if disruptions occur.
- Day of travel guidance: Use airport lounges and your premium credit card benefits to make delays more comfortable; check local airport social media feeds for latest info.
What to Watch For
- Smaller and regional airports may face greater disruptions due to limited staffing.
- Travel insurance may not automatically cover shutdown-related delays. Make sure to review terms carefully.
- Use airline apps, flight trackers, and text/email alerts to stay informed in real time.
- Monitor FAA and TSA advisories for evolving guidance during the shutdown.
Refund Reminders
- If a flight is canceled or significantly delayed, travelers are entitled to a refund if they choose not to travel. Rebooking fees should be waived.
- Airlines aren’t required to cover hotels or meals for weather-related issues, but many will for controllable delays (crew or maintenance).
Resource: Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard
Requests for Info / Advice
Looking for Teams virtual producer — Tim Wackel
I’m looking for a MS Teams “guru” (producer) to help run a 1/2-day (3-1/2 or 4 hours max) virtual workshop in mid-January (date TBD). Must be fluent in running breakout rooms, monitoring chat, and assisting in all things technical as we set up and deliver client engagement.
SpeakerNet News Webcast Info
Thursday, December 11
How Authors & Speakers Can Leverage
Their Audiobooks for Greater Impact (webcast)
with Mary Catherine Jones
Would you like to make more money from your book? Audiobooks are an easy product extension that will reach people who wouldn’t read your book. You are used to communicating verbally, so it’s natural for you to narrate your audiobook.
As a professional speaker or author-expert, your voice already is your brand. An audiobook that carries your authority, warmth, and message directly to listeners’ ears is your logical next step.
But how do you create an outstanding audiobook? What should you avoid? What are tips that will help it sell well?
Mary Catherine will walk you through the audiobook production process — from planning and preparation to recording, post-production, and distribution. You’ll learn why you should narrate your own audiobooks: to boost visibility, convert fans into clients, and keep the sales conversation going long after the final chapter.
Whether you’re a bestselling speaker-author or planning your first book, you’ll learn how to approach audiobook production as both a creative process and a business strategy. You’ll leave with a roadmap to turn your book into an asset that works for you 24/7 — one that listeners don’t just hear, but trust.
You will learn:
- Why speakers have a unique advantage as audiobook narrators — and how to use that to strengthen your personal brand
- How to prepare your book and voice for a professional-sounding recording session
- The production workflow: what to expect, typical timelines, and where to get expert support
- How to choose the right distribution path (Audible, Author’s Republic, or direct-sales models)
- Creative ways to use your audiobook to attract clients, book more speaking engagements, and build long-term authority
- Common pitfalls to avoid when producing your own audiobook
Note: Everyone who registers for the live webcast session or orders the recording will get a link to the recorded video of the online webcast, as well as the audio MP3 for convenient re-listening.
Date: Thursday, December 11
Time: 7:00 pm Eastern, 6 pm Central, 5 pm Mountain, 4 pm Pacific
(Enter your location here to get your local time)
Length: 60 minutes
Cost: $49 (webcast)
Special Limited-Time Offer:
If you would like more income from your book, we’re suggesting the recordings of several earlier programs to complement this program:
- “Accelerate Your Amazon Book Sales, Before, During, and After Your Book Is Done” with Paulette Ensign
- “Crafting and Marketing Your Published Book” with Robin Speculand
With your order of this live or recorded session, at checkout you will be offered these recordings.
About SpeakerNet News and the Editors/Publishers
- Publishers — Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, CMC, CVP, VMP, and Ken Braly
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