6/20/2025
Editors: Rebecca Morgan & Ken Braly
See “About SpeakerNet News” at the end for information on how to submit tips and use this newsletter. Remember, your “dues” for this free ezine are submitting two tips a quarter. Send your best tips to editor@SpeakerNetNews.com.
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From the Editors
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We’re looking for a few people to help source and craft relevant tips. Or add your own tips. Is that you? It would likely take less than an hour every week or two, and you could gather useful info from sources you’re probably already consuming. Plus, what a cool thing to add to your resume that you’re an official part of a nearly 30-year-old industry publication!
If interested, please email us ASAP and we’ll set up a time to go into detail. editor@SpeakerNetNews.com
SNN Webcast Info
Feedback on the SNN webcast, “Become a Teleprompter Pro: Do’s and Don’ts for Successfully Using Teleprompters for In-Person and Video Presentations” with Pete Weissman
- “Peter Weissman is a superb communicator who arms you with practical, actionable ideas to help you ‘raise your game’ in a wide range of speaking contexts! His webinar was packed with useful advice!” —Kevin Quinley
Miscellaneous Tips
Meeting trends survey worth reading — Bob Wendover
The results from the recent PCMA survey on meeting trends is worth reading. It discusses how some conferences are being canceled because of the uncertainty of the US’s travel policies.
Two Mistakes That Hurt Lead Generation from Speaking Opportunities — Vickie Sullivan
Lead generation is a top priority for those who want to grow their business beyond referrals. For many professional services professionals, giving presentations seems like a no-brainer at first. However, after years of hitting the speaking circuit without much business to show for it, we start to question the practice.
Before deleting your PowerPoint files, consider a larger question: Are you effectively using speaking opportunities? While many deliver excellent presentations, that alone isn’t sufficient for lead generation.
If you aren’t getting leads from your speaking gigs, you may be making one of these easily overlooked mistakes.
- You’re speaking to the wrong audience. On paper, your audience looks perfect. Attendees have prestigious job titles and work at big companies with ample budgets. And even better, they are interested in your expertise. What’s missing: Too many of them can’t or won’t pay you. They either are not ready to buy, or they are influencers who will pass along your information and then drop out of the process.
- You don’t do enough hustle beforehand. Many speakers depend on fate to fill their sessions, which is a bad bet. Instead, pack the place by inviting potential sponsors and advocates. Involve key players in customizing your content. Tell their stories along with yours.
In the good old days, all you had to do was give a great speech, and the leads would flood in. Not anymore. In a world filled with talking heads, your presentation alone is not enough. Use your appearance as a hub for other marketing activities.
Travel Tips
Travel planning made easier — Rebecca Morgan
Have you ever wanted to compare the quickest, easiest and/or cheapest way to get from one place to another? I just learned about Rome2Rio.com. Put in your starting and ending points, and date, and it will give you air, train, bus and even boat options, including prices and departure & arrival times. It shows how many stops, if any, where to change, trains, buses, or planes, how long at each stop, etc. Wow!
About SpeakerNet News and the Editors/Publishers
- Publishers — Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, CMC, CVP, VMP, and Ken Braly
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