Should You Allow Clients to Record Your Presentation?

by Lois Creamer |
Grow Your Speaking Business: Sales and Marketing | Lois Creamer's Blog | Successful Speakers Sell Products | The Business of Speaking: Get Paid to Speak

Have you noticed that many times when you go to give a presentation or consult the client wants to film it? It’s happening more and more. What to do?

You are in an intellectual property business, and you must do whatever you have to do to protect your ownership of your own property. Therefore, I suggest that you always be prepared for this and not be surprised. How to do it?

Carry a taping agreement with you at all times. Put down a few restrictions on your letterhead and have it in your client file when you travel. Now, I’m not an attorney, but here is what I suggest you may want to include on a simple, non-lawyer-type agreement.

  1. Client to provide you with a master copy of the video within seven days.
  2. Video may not be sold in any manner or for any reason. (If anyone is going to sell the presentation it’s going to be YOU!)
  3. Video may be viewed by employees of the group that hired you only. No one else.
  4. Video may be used in-house for a period of a year (or whatever).
  5. Video may be used by you as a marketing piece, product, to advertise, or in any way you wish to use it.

Simple? Yes! I want it to be simple and not seem too off-putting to your client.

When you have your copy of the film review it. Ask yourself:

  • Would it make a good video product?
  • Would it make a good audio or MP3 product?
  • Could you pull out clips that could be used to promote yourself on your website or on YouTube?

I think having product is a terrific thing! Nothing like turning your computer on in the morning and find that people have ordered products on your website! Love it!

So, be prepared! If you are, you will protect your rights and you may even make extra profit by having an agreement. At the very least, you will be positioning yourself as a professional!

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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
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