Frequently Asked Questions
Do your associates customize presentations?ABSOLUTELY! We understand that pre-event research takes time, but by thoroughly reviewing the organization's goals, culture, competition, audience background, education and event goals, our speakers will confidently and competently deliver an informative presentation, uniquely tailored to your needs.
How long are your presentations? Our business training can be split into a half or full day. Keynotes are generally 30-60 minutes and break-out sessions are 60-90 minutes.
Can we receive extra value by hiring your Speakers? Yes, indeed! Book an MVP keynote speaker and this speaker will provide a FREE 60 minute break-out session before or after their keynote. This second presentation will eliminate additional travel expenses and offer excellent value at impressive savings for your group. Also, every MVP presentation includes our six-month, follow-up monitoring program at no additional cost to you. This follow-up includes ALL presentation attendees.
Does MVP Seminars guarantee their members' presentations? YES! If you provide our speaker with a group that is sober, awake and somewhat happy to be in the audience, you will receive a top-notch, stimulating presentation, or you will receive a COMPLETE refund, NO QUESTIONS ASKED!
How do you handle travel expenses? Our speakers are located all throughout the United States. They fly coach, not first-class and receipts are submitted in a timely manner. While we do request a 25% deposit in advance, after booking our speakers you will NEVER have to deal with surprise expenses!
How do we get started? As soon as you have selected a topic and speaker, you can call us directly at 510-558-3495 or simply fill out our brief questionaire and we will contact you within 24 hours.
Are Trainers Expensive? No! Considering that we place no limit on the number of attendees, save your employees valuable travel time, and provide extensive hand-out material. In addition we will also provide complimentary follow-up advice and consulting for six months after your workshop. Our full day training fees range between $2500-$4500 depending on the topic and trainer. Example: 40 attendees for a customized workshop on leadership. 40 % $3500 fee = $87.50 per attendee.
Can your corporate trainers develop more than one topic per session? YES! Our trainers have the ability to develop combination topics for both full & half-day seminars at no additional charge. For Example:, our web developer Darren Odden might deliver a half-day seminar presentation on "Developing & Enhancing Your Computer Skills" & "Developing Your Corporate Website & Internet Services". Conversly Dr. Marquardt might be asked to tailor his full day workshop around, "Team Building", "Customer Service" and "Stress Management".
Do you use scripted seminar content? ABSOLUTELY NOT! We use extensive customer questionaires & assessment tools designed specifically to help our staff create a program that will totally personalize the needs & profits of your organization.
Are travel expenses included in your fees?
This varies, most of the time they are included, however the location can increase the fee. Be sure to ask our office manager for details.
How much money can I make?
According to the National Speakers Assoc., nearly four, in ten members have annual incomes topping $140,000, with 20% in excess $250,000. This takes time, dedication , excellent marketing, but is achievable.
The Grass is not Always Greener. . . .Our MVP staff encourages new speakers/trainers to keep their day jobs, develop & improve their new craft & secondary careers very slowly. This is not a get rich quick business !!! After 3-4 years the results are very encouraging.
How many times a month can I get booked?
Very logical question. A) It depends on your topic areas & their popularity. Your topics need to be sellable within the corporate venue. B) Topic specific education C) Experience D) Name recognition
How do I develop my own material?
Very simple. . . . .once you select your topics, we will direct you to a plethora of information to help you mold & create your own training material.
Who pays for my travel expenses ?
The booking client. Everything related to travel, i.e. airfare, tips, hotel, meals, etc. are paid for.
Should I buy pre-scripted seminar or keynote material ?
In our opinion. . . . NO ! ! Many of our competitors sell pre-scripted seminar courses, i.e. stress -management, customer service, leadership & many other general courses. The course material is generally outdated, lacks your personal charm, experiences, & education. Why would you go to college & then pay someone else $2,000 - $4,000 for one of these dry courses?? Makes no sense. Plus, you are the reason the paying client will invite you back for repeat business, not because of a purchased turn-key seminar course.
Is it possible to market myself as a speaker/trainer ?
Yes ! Of Course ! Very time consuming & expensive, but certainly possible .This option basically requires two full time careers: A) speaking/training & B) marketing & promoting your career, which is not inexpensive.
What characteristics does MVP look for in evaluating new
speaker/trainers?
Specific topics, geographical location, education, background & basic desire.
How long does it take to get my speaking/training career in full swing?
Generally 3 years. It took Zig Ziglar & Brian Tracy over 5 years to become full time keynote speakers. Business Training is easier & faster, but still takes time. It seems new speaker/trainers are generally in a great hurry. This business requires patience.
What role does my location play in marketing my services?
It is important. Certain areas are simply more populated & busier than others. As a national company, we are always searching to fill in geographical gaps for specific topics. Conversely, there is plenty of business for everyone, it just makes it more difficult during tough economic times to book certain speakers.
If I join MVP Seminars, do I have a direct role in marketing my topics? Also, am I allowed to contact the client directly after my presentation?
We research & market well over 250 "key-word" phrases on Goggle "pay per click" & all the major organic search engines. MVP does create a shared client relationship with our speakers & booking agents .This is predicated on the basic "Honor System" & for the most part works very well.
If I join MVP, can I still market myself & not pay a commission?
Yes, We encourage you to blog, join other groups, & market yourself. Only the work directly resulting from an MVP contact requires a commission.
What is your position on back of the room sales done very
professionally?
Highly recommended !! Needs to be done thoughtfully & tactfully. It is basically giving customers what they want. . . . . You !! Once again, the MVP honor system applies. Our speaker's simply keep track of material sold, & write us a commission check.
I noticed you specialize in one day seminars. . . Can I create a two or three day class?
Yes !! We are currently adding a few 2-3 day courses in our Public Seminar Section to become more competitive in the executive management arena.
Does your staff help arrange travel bookings?
No. . . .The speaker is sent a 25% non-refundable deposit, which more than covers travel expenses. The day of training/speaking you will be paid in full. The following week you send MVP our commission check & expense travel form , we sign off, send to booking client & they send you a check for expenses.
How does MVP compare with traditional Seminar companies & Speakers Bureaus?
In some ways there are similarities, but there are also many differences: A few differences are:
A) We do not require a video, unless keynote fees are over $ 6,000 .
B) "Honor System" with shared client contact & billing .
C) Our MVP staff is always available to tinker & update your marketing material. These are not minimum wage employees telling you what you want to hear, but experienced professionals, who understand the business & marketing your services.
D) We do not charge yearly or monthly fees. There is a simple one time new member marketing fee only.
E) We give many new less experienced speakers/trainers a chance. This is not done in bureaus, which are driven by high commissioned speakers, & the profits they generate.
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