How to Get the PAID Gig at the Library

In my last blog, we talked about some general rules about speaking at your local library. In this blog, I will share a possible outline for an email and some specific questions you can ask to clarify the librarian’s needs. If you know exactly what they need, you are more likely to able to provide it.

Recently, I received an inquiry from a local library. The librarian inquired if we had speakers who were professional organizers, which was a topic that her patrons were asking for. The following was email I sent her:

Dear_____________,

Yes, we do! Thank you for reaching out to Engaging Speakers. I have a few questions that I’d like to ask you to find the best person to recommend:

Do you have a specific date in mind, or would this to be a series of presentations?

Were you looking specifically for home organizing or office/ business organizing? (clarification on what topic she was looking for)

What is the length of time available to present?

Is there an honorarium available for the presentation/ presentations?

Would the speaker be allowed to share their marketing materials or give an offer to the attendees for a complimentary phone consultation?

Whatever your answers are, we will do our best to find a speaker to fit your needs. We look forward to serving you.

My best,
Gail

************************************

Here was her response:
Good morning Gail,
Here are the answers to your questions:
1) Do you have a specific date or would this to be a series of presentations?
Summer 2019 – June, July, or August, in the evening or on a Saturday or Sunday
2) Were you looking specifically for home organizing or office/ business organizing?
Home organization
3) What is the length of time available to present?
1 hour to 1.5 hours
4) Is there an honorarium available for the presentation/ presentations?
Yes, up to $250
5) Would the speaker be allowed to share their marketing materials or give an offer to the attendees for a complimentary phone consultation?
Yes, the speaker can bring pamphlets and leave them out, and can hand out their business card. The speaker may not use the presentation to pitch their services, however, or solicit in any other way.
Thank you,

My response:

Hi _______________,

Thank you so much for getting back to me and answering my questions. Based on your answers, I have a couple of speakers, who are professional organizers in mind. I will reach out to them and see who is available.

Thank you again for looking to Engaging Speakers for your speaker needs. We look forward to serving you and the Lake Forest Library.

My best,
Gail
Next, I contacted the organizer that was the best fit and offered her the opportunity.
This email thread is an example of how to handle an inquiry with a library. My hope is that you put together an introductory email to send to your local library, if that is a good market for you. Make a call to identify who specifically hires the speakers, the correct spelling of their name, their title, their email and their phone number. Attach your One-Sheet and be sure to follow up in a few days by phone to find out if the librarian received it and if they had any questions. Remember, it is all about serving them and their patrons.
If you would like to share your message at a local library, but you’re still not quite sure how to get started, join us at Engaging Speakers and get the support you seek. https://engagingspeakers.com/
Gail Brown, Founder of Engaging Speakers, gail@engagingspeakers.com