Business speaker services are broad and varied. Whether you are looking for a corporate motivational speaker for a keynote presentation, need to hire a presenter on marketing or training, or need to contract for business speakers or an advertising seminar, there's a speaker for every need and event imaginable.

Business speaker listings can give you an idea of the many speaker services that are available. But first you need a clear understanding of the purpose of your speech, and the receptivity of your audience, before you decide upon a speaker.

To ensure you find the best speaker for your particular need, take these steps:

1. Define the parameters for business speaker services to include: budget, type of speaker, time, and audience.
2. Research the various business speaker services available to narrow your choices.
3. Interview and select a business speaker suited to your unique needs and parameters.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

For best business event management, search for speakers' bureaus based on the purpose of the event

Determine whether your event is a training session, a marketing seminar, a motivational speech, or a breakout session for a larger event. Think about the mood you want to set with the presentation. What do you hope the audience will leave with -- motivation or inspiration? Changed behaviors through training? A new awareness of marketing? Identifying your vision for the presentation will help you focus your search for business speaker services. Use the identified purpose of your presentation to narrow your search for a speaker.

I recommend: Check out the International Association of Speakers Bureaus speaker locator -- it will help you narrow your search for a speaker using speaker categories or geographical preferences. Walters International Speakers Bureau allows you to search a database of 30,000 speakers and speaker services based on topic, location, or fee parameters.

Look for professional business speaker credentials to inform your best choice for a business speaker

If you're looking for a corporate motivational speaker for a keynote, you want to make sure your business speaker can deliver. Like many professions, business speakers may earn a certification designated by the letters CSP (Certified Speaking Professional). The certification denotes three years membership in a qualified professional organization, and a rigorous study and certification process. Need to ensure that your chosen speaker is qualified to give an outstanding Internet marketing seminar? Use the CSP designation as one more parameter to focus your search for a speaker.

I recommend: Use the National Speakers Association search function to search for speakers with the Certified Speaker Professional (CSP) credentials. The National Speakers Association search function also narrows speakers within the CSP designation that have won additional recognition -- the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame award. This is awarded across several peer professional organizations relating to business speakers and business speaker services.

Choose the business speaker that meets the goals of the presentation and the needs of the audience

Business speakers will come with a unique package of strengths and characteristics. Their presentation will be shaped by their niche (marketing, motivational, etc.), their knowledge of their niche area, and their style of presentation. With thought given to these aspects up front, you wil be better prepared to choose the business speaker best suited to your needs and the needs of your audience.

I recommend: Keynote Resource offers a searchable database of speakers by topic, fee, location, and other parameters. Brooks International lists speakers by specialty.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Nail down the date of the event as soon as possible. This will give you a better chance of booking the speaker who best meets the needs of your presentation and your audience.
• •  Consider your budget parameters when choosing speaker services. Where does the speaker live and what will it cost to get them to your location? Can you find what you need within your budget?
• •  Time of day matters. An early morning business motivational speaker can be chosen for their energetic style. After dinner presentations work well with humor woven into the delivery.
• •  If possible, interview the speaker ahead of time to get a sense of their style and delivery. View video footage of the speaker in action.