Posts Tagged ‘trends’
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
Interesting look at consumer behavior from JWT Intelligence, a marketing communications company. Two things caught my eye:
- The legions of out-of-work Millenials. No, they are not staying on the couch with the video games. Many of them will start their own businesses. Why do we care? Two reasons: first, we need to adjust our approach to the small business market for buyers much younger than us (well, younger than me anyway). And, second…these could be our energetic, tech savvy competitors.
- Corporate America’s new “shared value” concept that blends the hard head of business with the soft heart of non-profits. This will be a GREAT opportunity for all kinds of experts, including marketing, social media and value chain folks.
Those are my favorites Click here and choose your own.
Tags: 2012, strategy, trends, Vickie Sullivan
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Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
Whew! The holidays were a blast and it’s time to get back to work. Predictions for this year are still coming in fast and furious. Here are a few of mine:
- The new “A” list speakers: traditional “I’ve been on the circuit for years” speakers are in for a wake-up call. Speakers with less experience are getting the big fees. Who are they? CEOs of cool companies. Public speaking is now the favorite way to get your ideas out there. As more CEOs write books, speaking is sure to follow. Their experience changing the world trumps delivery style. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride for many speakers.
- Those with the most followers win: want to be famous? Start on social media and rack up those followers. It used to popular authors who got the attention. Look for popular bloggers with big followings to be courted by publishers and media. And, yes, they’ll get on the speaking circuit, too.
- Meetings are not going away. Some say that virtual communities will replace conventions and conferences. Not so fast. As long as business is being conducted face-to-face, meetings are here for a while. My prediction: the movers and shakers will show up. The less interested or low-price folks will stay in the bleachers. Remember, meetings are not just about the information. Folks go to meet people.
That’s what I see out there. What are your predictions?
Tags: 2012, experts, speakers, Speaking, strategy, trends, Vickie Sullivan
Posted in Speaking, strategy | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011
Why are there so many leadership experts? Because leadership development is one of the biggest areas of growth in the corporate sector. Two reasons why: one, talent management has been tied to execution and is now seen as a strategic advantage; and, two, development is taking the place of raises and bonuses. (Thank you choppy recovery.) Next question: what do these buyers want?
Role playing is in and avatars are gaining fast, according to this recent study on leadership development trends by Chief Learning Officer magazine. Other findings we care about:
- The hemorrhaging has stopped. Only 11% of those surveyed say they will decrease spending in leadership development. Almost half (45%) will stay the course and a little less (44%) are increasing investments here.
- Trend that is gaining momentum fast: action learning. Solving real problems at work is the most popular delivery method, with 70% of respondents saying trainees use current challenges to learn leadership skills. The interesting news for us: this learning is facilitated not by experts (like us) but by certified learning facilitators. What would you like to bet that these folks work for at least half of our rates?
- Simulations are still a mixed bag, running 50/50 for and against. It is poised to grow, especially games and computer-based simulations. Translation: develop this option now but don’t put all your eggs in this online basket.
The bottom line: every silver lining has a dark cloud we need to deal with. Low-cost alternatives can be a real threat even when spending increases. Brand yourselves accordingly…
Tags: economy, education, experts, Marketing, positioning, strategy, technology, trends, Vickie Sullivan
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011
A lot of folks are talking about Gen Y in the workforce. One of my favorite people — T. Scott Gross — drills down on these kids as customers and how their expectations are changing what we sell and how we serve.
The biggest distinction: what was value add before is an expectation now. My favorite findings (and color commentary):
- Thanks to technology, price comparison has gotten to a whole new level. And don’t think that will slow down when they get older. Prediction: watch for your price and proposals to be passed around like popcorn at a movie. Transparency anyone? And it won’t matter how different the projects are. Sigh…
- Hustling is back. Gone are the days that you get tipped even when you ignored the table. These folks expect you to “work it”. They are clear on how they make money (and are clear on how you do, too). Prediction: mess up and get ready to eat your fee. You can tell a story, but be prepared to comp. Free stuff for mistakes is the new normal.
Lots of other goodies in here. Scott is graciously giving his report here.
Tags: branding, consultants, conversations, experts, trends, Vickie Sullivan
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Thursday, August 18th, 2011
Do you think virtual attendees — those who attend conferences from the comfort of their cubicle — multi-task more than the audience you speak to right in front of you? Nope — everyone (over 80%) is checking their email during your presentation, according to this fascinating study about meeting attendees both virtually and face-to-face.
Conducted in May by PCMA (Professional Conference Management Association), so this data is pretty fresh. Most interesting finding: the different motivations between virtual and physical attendees. The former signs on for the value of the content (97%) and ease of use (90%). The latter gets on a plane to meet with the speakers and colleagues (68%) and to meet more customers and prospects (56%). And everyone (over 80%) seems very comfortable networking with strangers both online and off. (Thank you, social media!)
Pay attention to this finding: content marketing and distribution needs are not being met. Distribution on all devices — yes, that means smart phones — is now expected. Getting information before, during, and after the event is important to both types of attendees. Content is still king; the demands for searchability and availability are a given. And we’re not just talking white papers either. Videos and other interactive formats make a difference.
As experts who speak, we always want to know more about our audiences. This report is a treasure trove of cool information. Click here to get the report (sign in is required).
Tags: events, experts, Marketing, meetings, positioning, seminars, social media, speakers, Speaking, strategy, technology, trends, Vickie Sullivan
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Tuesday, August 9th, 2011
Last week I reported on meeting spend trends from a recent study by The Aberdeen Group. Here’s another finding we need to pay attention to: the direct link between business events and organizational success is clearly established. Corporate America believes that meetings help them retain customers, promote their brand, and market their organization. C-suite execs understand the strategic use of meetings; and because the bar is raised, so has the risk in selecting speakers.
The takeaway here is two-fold:
- The decision-making process has changed. The gatekeepers vet the short list and the execs make the final cut.
- It’s not about who has the best story, the best speaking skills, or who is the most authentic. The business case is king here. Buyers compare your message to the outcomes they want. If your message helps get them there, great — you’re on the fast track. If not…you don’t get past the gatekeepers.
This trend isn’t going away anytime soon. Select your topics, your content, and your positioning accordingly.
Tags: experts, positioning, speakers, Speaking, strategy, trends, Vickie Sullivan
Posted in Marketing, Speaking, strategy | 1 Comment »
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
For those of us who speak, are you getting a lot of last-minute calls? The average booking window is now a short 36 days according to a recent study by hospitality start up Zentila. Here’s another shocker: a “short-term” meeting is now just 13 days from inquiry to hotel contract.
What does that mean for us? Most buyers won’t look at speakers until the hotel is booked, so fasten your seatbelt for a volatile, last-minute calendar. Bottom line: this is the new normal for now. And yes, these folks still want you to customize your content. Sigh…
Tags: experts, meetings, speakers, Speaking, strategy, trends, Vickie Sullivan
Posted in Speaking, strategy | 1 Comment »
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
First we had classroom-type training. Then Corporate America latched on to online training. Then they blended the two. What’s next? Tools that make trainers out of everyone.
Yes, technology is involved. According to this Fast Company article, cloud-based MindFlash has lowered the cost and raised the easy factor. Their goal: have a new user sign up, configure a course, and invite students in 15 minutes or less.
Where will this go? Too soon to tell. My prediction: Gen Y’s will jump on this quickly as they already have basic-multi-media skills. Unfortunately, many of them don’t have the expertise (or the war stories) of the Boomers. This will be a great bridge-builder between the generations. And Corporate America will make training everyone’s responsibility.
I wouldn’t fight this trend. Instead, let’s play the game. One way we can participate: experts like us can help make the training consistent. The last thing companies can tolerate is contradictory ways to do the same thing. And experts on curriculum development will see some great opportunities ahead.
Tags: experts, positioning, strategy, training, trends, Vickie Sullivan
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
It’s common knowledge by now: public speaking promotes your book, your brand and your business. As a result, the market is flooded with folks wanting to speak. Their key challenge is getting the invite. To fill that market need, there are a lot of folks on the scene offering to help.
Be very cautious: many of these newcomers don’t know what they are doing. They focus on activity and tout “personal contacts” but don’t have the track record. A lot are taking money for more effort than results.
Your antidote: ask specific questions about the vendor’s track record. Question what kind of speakers (famous vs. unknown), what kind of engagements were booked (keynotes or concurrent), and, of course, average fee or number of speeches per client. Make sure these folks have worked with speakers similar to you.
Tags: speakers, Speaking, strategy, trends, Vickie Sullivan
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Tuesday, March 8th, 2011
Well, it had to happen sometime. Speaker RFPs (request for programs) for last Spring’s NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference were posted online for all members to admire (and comment on). You better believe those comments made a difference on who got invited to speak.
Why would an association do this? To build attendance and online engagement. By deciding what topics — and speakers — would be included, the community would own the agenda. And if the members chose the topics, how can they gripe about the program lacking relevance?
Moral of the story: attendees are now seen as assets and will contribute to the meeting in a variety of ways. (Another example: flash mobs as entertainment. Yes, it happened last year at several big conferences.) Don’t be surprised if more associations try this method. Keep this in mind when you write your proposals.
Tags: associations, meetings, Speaking, trends, Vickie Sullivan
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