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Working with Cornerstone Speakers
…What Speakers Need to Know
Cornerstone Speakers represents and manages business speakers. The functions of representing and managing speakers are somewhat similar—even overlapping—and yet, distinctly different.
A speaker wanting to work with Cornerstone will need to understand the differences between being represented and being managed. Knowing these differences will enable a speaker to make an informed decision about their relationship with Cornerstone Speakers, as well as ensure that their expectations mesh with Cornerstone's deliverables.
Representation by Cornerstone Speakers
A speaker represented by Cornerstone can expect the following basic, straightforward services:
- a customized one-sheet
- a speaker page on Cornerstone's web site, including a bio, program information, picture, and audio and/or video streaming
- inclusion in Cornerstone Speaker directories or rosters of speakers
- inclusion, with a group of other speakers, in periodic marketing campaigns to targeted audiences
When a contract is entered into for a speaker's services, Cornerstone provides additional assistance related to negotiation, contract execution, and event logistics—such as travel and billing.
Management by Cornerstone Speakers
All services, outlined above, offered to represented speakers are also provided to those we manage. In addition, being managed means you have a business manager, backed by a team of professionals providing supplemental career assistance based on individual needs. Most often this comes in the form of extra, personalized marketing efforts and business management assistance. Other services, however, are available to managed speakers, such as:
- Coaching to improve stage presence and presentation skills
- Creation of special promotional materials and media kits
- Development of targeted marketing strategies and customized career plan
- Help determining and implementing business tactics:
- Speaker blogs and publications
- Program/product development
- Needs assessments and client surveys
- Creation of program aids
Cornerstone's principals personally provide many of these services, although there is a team of professionals that we rely on for help when necessary, such as a graphic artist, professional writer, marketing consultant, and several speech coaches.
Who Do We Manage and Represent
Unlike many typical "speakers bureaus" that represent professional speakers, Cornerstone Speakers has identified a niche—a specific niche that the principals of Cornerstone know well and understand fully. We only work with business speakers. Our speakers are business experts who address issues of concern to those who create companies, grow businesses, sell products, provide services, and manage people. Most of our speakers are accomplished executives with proven track records, in the field or in the boardroom. Many of our speakers are authors of business books that will enlighten, educate, inspire and motivate. Cornerstone Speakers does not represent or manage celebrities or sports figures. Our speakers aren't historians or political pundits, nor do they focus on education, crime or personal topics like marriage or recovery issues, child development, spiritual matters or hobbies.
What is the Timeline for Generating Bookings?
Since Cornerstone focuses on business speakers, our customer base is largely comprised of corporate meeting planners, sales and marketing directors, and association executives. There are huge numbers of business and industry meetings held across this country and around the world every year. While there are exceptions to the rules, most of these meetings are planned 6-12 months in advance. Speakers need to understand that while Cornerstone will develop one-sheets and include new names to our website as quickly as possible, there is an introductory period and marketing curve. Getting established, making a name, and gaining referrals are what it is all about—and that takes a little time. Also, if a speaker does not have a quality speaker demo, Cornerstone will be limited in its ability to generate bookings since most customers need and expect to review a speaker "in action" before engaging them.
If you have additional questions about how Cornerstone Speakers partners with professional business speakers, please do not hesitate to contact us.