I participate in #speakchat on twitter hosted by the multi-capable and multi-talented Michele Price (@prosperitygal). It is held on Monday evenings at 8 PM CST. Last chat we were discussing contracts/agreements, cancellation clauses, and other business materials. It reminded me of a speaker client I worked with several years ago.
Prior to working with a client who does one of my consulting programs I ask that they send me everything they currently use to market themselves. If they have written a book, I even read it before we meet. I believe in doing my homework before sitting down with a client.
This particular client sent everything including her agreement. It was awful! It had the longest cancellation clause I had ever seen. Not only did it lay out what would happen if the client canceled on her, it included a clause indicating what would happen “if I cancel on you!” I couldn’t believe she would even raise the specter of canceling on the client. Aarghh! (Of course, I later found out this clause was written by a lawyer. No surprise to me. Don’t be hater lawyers .. nothing personal!)
She agreed to change her cancellation clause to one similar to mine. My clause and entire agreement is one of the simplest out there. My cancellation clause reads “In the event, it is necessary to reschedule our work all of your deposit (which is an industry standard 50%) will be applied towards a new, mutually agreed upon date to take place within one year of the date of the agreement. All fees will be “fee in effect” at the time of rescheduling.” In both my consulting and speaking I say that I will be “the easiest speaker/consultant you have ever worked with!” Even my agreement reflects my brand!
Everything associated with your business including your agreements should reflect your brand in some way. This particular client was a very successful humorist. I said, “There is nothing funny about your agreement!” She agreed with my assessment and changed things. It now contains some humor as well as a less punitive cancellation clause!
Everything you do in the market is a reflection of your brand. Your agreements, your bios, your preprogram questionnaires .. everything! This also means as your brand may change and evolve, so should your materials.
Do your materials reflect your brand? Maybe it’s time to review things!
Lois Creamer works with professional speakers who want to book more business, make more money and avoid costly mistakes! She can be reached in the following ways:
Lois@BookMoreBusiness.com
Twitter: @loiscreamer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/loiscreamer
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/loiscreamer
For more information on Lois’ business check out http://www.bookmorebusiness.com as well as http://www.bookmorebusiness.tv!
