"Any fact that needs to be disclosed should be put out now or as quickly as possible, because otherwise the bleeding will not end. " - Henry A. Kissinger
It has taken BP a month to realize there is a problem. How long will it be before you stop the bleeding?
Most professional speakers are small business owners who wear many hats. You are in charge of your marketing, sales, social media maintenance, BOR, product creation, accounting, scheduling, transportation, reservations and oh yes.....actually speaking.
It is easy to get lost or bogged down in the details. The best way to prevent that is to have a plan and stick to it. It sounds simple but I know it isn't. (I had to be reminded that I need to post a blog entry.) The primary function of your plan should be to make you money. Every action you take should generate income, collect income or lay the groundwork to make more income. Again, this sounds simple but it is easy to forget.
Most professional speakers have a Facebook page. Most professional speakers don't make any money with it. It has to be profitable if it is going to take your time. Facebook is great if you generate additional connections, create leads, promote your next program. Anything that establishes expertise or positive exposure is a sound time investment. Even personal (don't go nuts) details can be beneficial if they show your personality and create a bond with your connections. I might reach out to you if I know you're a Beatles fan or you love dogs.
I say that to say this....if it doesn't make you money.....think twice before you do it. Stop the bleeding. If you know you have a stack of cards from your last presentation you need to follow up with, then do it. You won't book any speaking engagements if you don't follow up with the leads you have. Stay on plan and focus on the process. If you continue to grow your list and follow up, the booking engagements will come....and last time I checked.....those generate income.
