Chris Coltran | Keynote Speaker | Trainer | Coach | Entrepreneur | LMS

        How to find a Keynote Speaker and avoid speaker bureau fees   One of the biggest challenges when it comes to finding a keynote speaker for your next event is getting a speaker that everyone can agree on and one that fits your needs and your budget. Do you go with someone with experience in your industry or someone from outside who can bring a new perspective? Do you go with the tried and true speaker from a speaker bureau or an agency that will cost you an arm and a leg, or do you go online, research and hire on your own?     Both of these methods work, but I think you will find you get what you pay for... or do you? Have you ever asked the waiter at a restaurant, "what's good today?" only to hear him proceed to tell you everything on the menu. It's not often they will honestly tell you if a meal isn't really very good. The same is true when you get a speaker through a speaker bureau or agency. They aren't going to tell you that one of their speakers i

                               How much should I pay for a Keynote Speaker? The amount that speakers charge for their keynote speaking is completely up to the individual person. Most will try to get as much as they can, and some will set their fee schedule so they can keep their calendar full and working. Here is a guide to help you determine how much you should pay for a speaker for your next event.   FREE The only keynote speaker you are going to get for free is one with little or no experience, or if they are going to be making back of the room sales. Back of the  room sales are when a presenter sells books, tapes, or  other consulting packages following their presentation to the audience. This type of presentation is typically geared towards their products, and it will tend to feel like a sales pitch and not an actual keynote. Another reason a speaker might work for free is if it is for a non-profit organization or if they have a particular connection the audience and want to donat

  The "R" in the Grandmother Philosophy stands for "Remember to treat every customer like you would your own grandmother." This final step encapsulates the core principle of providing exceptional care, attentiveness, and respect to each customer. It serves as a reminder to go the extra mile, anticipate needs, and create a personalized experience that goes beyond expectations.   Treating every customer like you would your own grandmother means showing genuine care and empathy in every interaction. It involves putting yourself in the customer's shoes, understanding their perspective, and tailoring your approach to meet their unique needs. This step emphasizes the importance of treating each customer as an individual, with the same level of care and attention you would give to a loved one.   When businesses treat every customer like their own grandmother, it creates an atmosphere of warmth, kindness, and respect. Customers feel valued, appreciated, and understood.

  The "E" in the Grandmother Philosophy stands for "Everyone is a potential customer." This step recognizes that every person you know may at some point be in the market for your product or service. It emphasizes the importance of treating everyone as a potential customer and nurturing relationships with a broad network of individuals.   The concept of everyone as a potential customer highlights the power of word-of-mouth marketing and the potential reach that can come from personal connections. Each person you interact with, whether it's a friend, family member, colleague, or acquaintance, has the potential to become a customer or refer others to your business.   By treating everyone as a potential customer, you approach interactions with genuine care, respect, and attentiveness. This mindset fosters strong relationships and builds trust, even if the immediate benefit may not be a direct sale. People appreciate feeling valued and respected, and these positive

  The "H" in the Grandmother Philosophy stands for "Honesty." This step emphasizes the importance of being truthful and transparent in all interactions with customers. Honesty builds trust, credibility, and fosters long-lasting relationships with customers.   Being honest means providing accurate information to customers, even if it means acknowledging limitations or potential drawbacks of a product or service. It involves setting realistic expectations and avoiding exaggerated claims or misleading statements. By being honest, businesses demonstrate integrity and respect for their customers.   When interacting with customers, honesty should be at the forefront. This includes providing clear and truthful answers to their questions, addressing their concerns directly, and admitting when you don't have an immediate solution. Customers appreciate honest communication, even if the answer may not be what they were hoping for. It shows that you value their trust and

  The "T" in the Grandmother Philosophy stands for "Think like a salesperson." This step recognizes the value of sales skills beyond traditional sales roles and emphasizes the importance of adopting a sales mindset in various professions. Thinking like a salesperson involves understanding the principles of effective communication, relationship-building, and persuasive techniques that can benefit professionals in diverse industries.   Sales skills are relevant in nearly every profession. Whether you are a healthcare provider, a teacher, an entrepreneur, or a customer service representative, the ability to effectively communicate and influence others is essential. Thinking like a salesperson enables professionals to understand the needs and motivations of their audience and tailor their approach accordingly.   One key aspect of thinking like a salesperson is effective communication. Sales professionals excel in active listening, asking insightful questions, and using

  The "O" in the Grandmother Philosophy stands for "Own your products." This step highlights the importance of having comprehensive knowledge about the products or services being offered. By taking ownership of your products, you can confidently communicate their features, benefits, and value to customers, leading to more effective sales and exceptional customer experiences.   Owning your products begins with a deep understanding of what you are offering. This includes knowing the key features, specifications, and unique selling points of your products or services. By familiarizing yourself with the details, you can present them accurately and confidently to customers, addressing any questions or concerns that may arise.   Having in-depth knowledge about your products or services allows you to articulate their value proposition to customers. By understanding how your offerings can meet customers' needs or solve their problems, you can effectively communicate th