Normally when a non-fiction author commits to going on a bookselling
tour they seek out venues like bookstores, associations and other
targeted organizations where they can do talks and book signings.
Radio and television interviews are usually on the roster as well.
Major metropolitan cities are the most frequently sought targets,
because that's where the biggest audiences gather.
Smart move indeed!
But now you can do something even wiser. There's a very easy way
to multiply your profits on a book tour. I'm talking revenue
of $200-$10,000 a night. (The more books and information products
you have to sell, the higher your profits.)
I've dubbed this methodology the Quickie Seminar Tactic. It basically
works like this:
- You create a 3-hour seminar on a topic based around your book.
- Pitch your talk to seminar companies around the US that are always
looking for new experts. These companies provide the room, the
audience, and they will actively promote your seminar. Plus you'll
get paid for giving your seminar.
- Present the seminar and sell your books to the audience. If you
have other information products like audio tapes, manuals, and video
products, you may sell those too.
- Happily take your profits and move on to the next city.
Quickie seminars integrate well with a book tour. You simply do
your usual bookstore signings and radio interviews. And at each of
these events you promote your quickie seminar.
What 'Not' to Do at a Quickie Seminar
As easy as all of this sounds, there are some major snafus that unseasoned
quickie seminar initiates commit.
Some authors do a hard sell. They talk about their book during the
entire seminar, constantly referencing pages, and telling the audience,
"Well I won't talk about that right now... but it is in my book."
This makes audience members feel like they MUST buy your book.
That's no good!
Audience members come for helpful, solid information. Give them
what they cam for, and they'll bless you with sales. No hard sell
is required.
Other authors don't accept credit cards. Big mistake. One thing
you'll quickly discover is that most people want to pay by credit
card. This is especially true if you're selling more than one item.
And still others situate their sales table on a less frequently
traveled path.
Place your books on a table within the path of the bathroom,
water cooler, or the exit. The more people are required to pass
your stuff, the more likely they are to stop, look and buy.
Where to Pitch Your Quickie Seminar Idea
There are 15 major seminar centers around the US (mainly based
on the east and west coast).
But the most popular center is The Learning Annex.
The Learning Annex is one of the largest producers of seminars,
lectures, classes and workshops throughout the United States. They
have centers in San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego,
Chicago, New Jersey, New York, and Minneapolis. They produce more
than 8,000 events a year.
They feature seminars on the following topics:
- Be Your Own Boss
- Business/Careers
- Computers
- Creativity/Fun
- Dance/Movement
- Finance & Investing
- Health & Healing
- Internet/New Media
- Intuitive/Psychic
- Languages
- Meeting People/Intimacy
- Personal Improvement
- Real Estate
- Showbiz/Media
- Showbiz/Writing
- Spirituality
- Sports/Outdoors
- Writing/Publishing
If you'd like to suggest a seminar to The Learning Annex, e-mail
(Newcourse@LearningAnnex.com)
a course description (no more than 1 page) outlining the topic you would
like to teach, the title of the class, and the city you would like to teach
in. Include a current resume or background information illustrating your
qualifications.
You will be contacted within 4-6 weeks if they're interested.
Okay you've received the official 411 on quickie seminars. Now get out there
and start selling some books!
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Alexis Dawes is the author of Speaking For Profit: How to Profitably
Use the Platform to Make $200-$10,000 a Night Giving 3-Hour Seminars.
This 115+ page e-book gives detailed information on how to fully
use the Quickie Seminar Tactic to boost your profits.
http://www.Speaking-For-Profit.com
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