Feb 24, 2023
What Can a Top Speaking Agency Do For a Professional Keynote Speaker
If you’re a professional keynote speaker, you might be wondering, “what can a top speaking agency do for me?” There are many speaking agencies out there, from solo to boutique to large agencies, that have been around for decades. Some of these agencies specialize in certain types of speakers, while others are happy to represent everyone.
Here’s a sense of what you can get with each type of agency.
Solo Agencies
A solo agency is similar to a speaker manager in that one person handles all the administration, sales, and contracts for a keynote speaker. Solo agencies run the gamut in terms of expertise. The best solo agencies are run by agents with decades of experience in the speaking industry and have loads of contacts, while others are run by agents with a few years of experience.
Solo agencies can be beneficial because the agents offer lots of individual attention. The agent handles all aspects, from marketing to sales to contracts. Be aware that, in some cases, the agent may not have the time or experience to cultivate your career. Likewise, if they manage too many speakers, you may not get the attention you need.
Boutique Keynote Speaker Agencies
Boutique agencies are a step up in size from solo agencies. Instead of one person handling your business, the boutique has a small staff specialized in the different aspects of the speaking business: marketing, event coordination, contracts, and sales.
Boutique agencies can vary in size with the number of speakers they represent. You can get personalized attention from them and expertise in the various areas of the speaking business. Boutiques are not for every type of speaker. Often, boutiques specialize in different kinds of speakers, like entrepreneurs, health professionals, athletes, etc.
Top Speaking Agencies
Top speaking agencies are larger and more influential than boutiques. Due to their size and prestige, they can do everything for a keynote speaker: marketing, branding, negotiation, book deals, speaker coaching, making sales/booking, logistics, contracts, and billing.
If you are an exclusive speaker with a top agency, you are their client, and they get you the best terms, fees, and other considerations possible. Top speaking agencies can also help increase your business because they have relationships with event organizers, conferences, and Fortune 1000 companies.
However, a top speaking agency is not a great fit for everyone (including you or the agency)–especially if you’re starting out, have a fee below $10,000, or only speak occasionally. If you’re a professional keynote speaker with over ten paid bookings per year, a very busy executive/founder, a celebrity, or you’re gaining popularity, a top agency may be the way to go.
Agency Fees
In return for their services, agencies will take a commission from your speaking fee when you are booked. This could be a flat fee or a negotiated percentage of your speaking fee. The fee may seem large at first, but typically you are booked more often and for higher fees, so you earn more overall.
Solo agencies may work on a speaker manager model in which they may charge a monthly retainer for administrative work and then a sales commission on event bookings.
Research Speaker Agencies
When looking at different speaker agencies, remember to shop around. They are not all the same. Ask for references. Talk with your fellow speakers before working with a bureau. There are many private speaker forums where they candidly discuss the pros and cons of various bureaus and managers. Finally, be wary of any agency that promises to quickly make you an in-demand speaker. Just like any business, it takes a long time to build your reputation and demand for your speaking.
Finally, remember you don’t need an agency to represent you as a keynote speaker to find speaking work. Many professional speakers are happy to act as their own agents. That being said, a speaker agency, especially a top speaking agency, can do a lot for you if you find the right fit.
For More on Speaking Agencies
What to Expect When Working With a Speakers Bureau
Why Work With a Speakers Bureau?
What Can a Top Speakers Bureau Do For Event Planners and Keynote Speakers?