918.346.8506
Program and Hiring Frequently Asked Questions
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1.What size of a group do you work with?
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2.What level of people do you work with?
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3.How long is your “typical” program?
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4.Are you more of a “special event” speaker? Or do you offer ongoing, long-term training as well?
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5.How do I find out if you address a particular topic?
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6.What are the pros and cons of having you speak to our organization more than once?
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7.Will you customize your program for our organization?
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8.What if we don’t like your program titles?
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9.How would you characterize your “style” of speaking?
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10.What else do we get--in addition to your program?
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11.How do we make sure your program works?
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12.What if we need more help and training than you can personally provide?
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13.How much do you charge?
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14.What if we can’t afford your fees?
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15.What else could we do to lower the cost?
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16.Where do we go from here?
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17.Didn't find your question?
What size of a group do you work with?
Any size. There really isn’t a “normal” group size for Sharí. Please let us know the expected size of your group. This will help Sharí customize a program that fits the group size.
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What level of people do you work with?
All. Sharí’s audiences and clientele range from CEO’s to groups of entry-level employees--and everyone in between. Sometimes the same group will have a mix of people from several levels.
That’s not a problem. All programs are designed with your exact audience in mind. When Sharí talks to you, a part of the discussion will be focused on the kinds of people that will be in the audience. She makes sure she meets their particular needs.
How long is your typical program?
There isn’t a “typical” length. However, most presentations fall into one of four categories: keynote addresses, half-day seminars, full-day workshops, and multi-day retreats.
A keynote may be anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes in length. A half-day program would last up to 3 ½ hours, a full-day program would be up to 7 hours of contact time, and a multi-day retreat is anywhere from 2-4 full-days.
Some clients ask for Sharí to do more than one presentation on the same day. That’s fine. For example, you might like Sharí to give a keynote address and then offer one or more breakout sessions. Or maybe you’d like her to address several groups throughout the day. That’s fine. You’re the customer, and we’ll find a way to make it work for you.
Take a look at Sharí’s most requested programs. Please keep in mind that any of them can be offered in keynote, half, and full-day formats.
Of course, shorter programs do not cover all the material listed in the outlines. Sharí will work with you to identify a few key points to be covered thoroughly in a shorter program.
Are you more of a “special event” speaker? Or do you offer ongoing, long-term training as well?
Both. Organizations will bring in Sharí to deliver a program for a select group of people. Or an association hires her to speak at a meeting they’re having.
Sharí also gets hired to conduct a much longer series of programs. One organization may want her to deliver the same program to many different groups throughout the company. That’s smart. The more people that get the message, the more results you’ll see.
Another organization may want her to work with same group, on several subjects, over a longer period of time. That’s also smart. That allows us to put some extra depth and mastery into the overall training program.
Programs may be used as a stand-alone, special kind of event. Programs may be used to supplement the internal training your company already offers. Either way, you’ll be thrilled with the response from the audience and the results of the program!
How do I find out if you address a particular topic?
Ask. You may have a special need or a special problem you want resolved. You may not be sure if I’m the right person to address that situation. All you have to do is call and ask.
Sharí will give you an honest answer. Besides, if Sharí is not the right speaker, she will help you find the right person! Sharí knows many speakers and consultants that cover a wide range of topics. She will forward you on to some great speakers that she knows and trusts.
What are the pros and cons of having you speak to our organization more than once?
There really aren’t any disadvantages to having me speak more than once in your organization. In fact, much of Sharí’s business comes from repeat, satisfied customers.
Sharí speaks on many topics and has hours and hours of material she draws from. Plus, she keeps complete records and outlines of every presentation, so you know she won’t repeat any information from past programs she has delivered to your group.
On occasion, past clients will ask Sharí to repeat certain stories or re-engage people in certain activities. This is never a problem. Sharí will build the presentations on your input.
Will you customize your program for our organization?
Of course. Sharí regularly customizes her programs based on the needs and wants of the clients.
Many clients will read through the outlines of the different programs, and request portions from several programs. This is never a problem.
You have some specific objectives you want to accomplish, you may want her to incorporate your theme, vision, or values. Sharí will discuss such things with you and make sure that happens.
What if we don’t like your program titles?
Then we’ll change them. Let us know and we can create a title that makes sense for you, your organization, and/or your event.
How would you characterize your “style” of speaking?
Fun, High Content, Professional
Fun. Every presentation is filled with energy and enthusiasm. Sharí’s fun personality and sense humor makes the energy in the room contagious. Everyone learns some wonderful information and skills, and they have a great time doing it.
Content. Sharí’s programs are high in content. Professional and personal development are the goals to every presentation, and Sharí delivers. Sharí’s focus is to always bring the right content to the right audience. If you want a results-driven presentation, then Sharí is your choice.
Professional. Before, during, and after the event, we work hard to make any event with Sharí run as smoothly and as easily as possible.
Before the presentation we work closely with you to make sure the program meets your objectives. Also, we pride ourselves on meeting all necessary deadlines for your event. All program materials, contracts, travel itinerary, and any other necessary documents will be submitted on time.
During the presentation, Sharí delivers a top-notch program that meets the highest of standards. After the presentation, we will send you any needed follow-up or supplemental materials.
What else do we get--in addition to your program?
Three valuable goodies—all at no charge.
First, Sharí will visit with you before the program and she’ll talk to whomever you suggest. Sharí is available for phone calls, conference calls, emails, and video conferencing. She will use the information from the discussions to make sure the program is what you need and want.
Second, Sharí will give you a free set of handouts that you can reproduce for your participants—which will save you a lot of money. Many speakers charge $15 to $50 per person if they provide the handouts. Sharí will give you the master. Participants are thrilled to have a copy of all the topics covered in the presentation.
Third, Sharí will visit with you after the program. Just give us a call if you want to “de-brief.” Often times Sharí hears things from the participants or learns things about your organization that you should know. And she’ll recommend some steps you can take to make sure the program sticks and your objectives are achieved.
How do we reinforce your information?
We will help you reinforce it. Like you, Sharí wants to make sure your people keep on using the information they learned at the program, long after it’s over.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case with all too many speakers, trainers, and consultants. When they finish their programs, they basically say “Good bye” and wish you “Good luck.” That’s a shame.
In reality, the real work is just starting. The program has to be reinforced in some way if you want the skills and concepts to stick. So we will do a few things to reinforce what Sharí teaches your people.
First, Sharí will give every one of your people a free subscription to her monthly newsletter. Every article is fresh, content-rich, and supports your participants professional as well as personal development. The information she gives, and the strategies she outlines, are very practical and very powerful.
Second, Sharí will give your people 60 days of free consulting. Every page of Sharí’s handouts includes her telephone number and email address. Sharí will tell the attendees at the program that they are welcome to contact Sharí with any questions they might have on the material she presented. She will respond to their questions in a prompt and thorough fashion.
Third, Sharí can set up a post-program tele-conference with your participants. This is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce the content from the program. Plus, Sharí can’t help herself from adding a few extra snippets of information during the phone call. Everyone will get the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any challenges they ran into after the program. Sharí will give helpful advice that everyone can benefit from. After the conference call, Sharí will email an MP3 audio file of the entire conversation so that your participants can listen to it over and over again. Talk about reinforcement!
Contact us and ask about these and other options to reinforce Sharí’s program at your organization.
What if we need more help and training than you can personally provide?
Sharí is connected to some great resources. Sharí has a team of affiliates and partners that can help you with your requirements. If you need multiple training, on multiple topics, in multiple locations, not to worry. Sharí can make it happen with her strong and resourceful team.
How much do you charge?
That’s easy to answer because Sharí is very consistent.
You can rest assured that Sharí doesn’t play games with her fees. Too many speakers who charge different clients…different fees… for the same service. Their fee is based on how much the client can afford. We believe that’s unethical.
Due to the tough economic times, Sharí has temporarily suspended her fee increase. We want to make it easier for you to hire Sharí.
Just call 918.346.8506 and talk to us about your date and program needs. We will let you know her availability and your investment. Travel expenses for all programs are billed to the penny, including non-refundable coach airfare.
Also, if you need an all-inclusive fee, we can give you that. And if you want to book several programs, I can give you a more favorable rate. Just ask.
What if we can’t afford your fees?
There are at least three things we can do about that. One of them may work for you.
You may want to share the event with another part of your organization. The various groups may choose to meet together, or they may want Sharí to speak to each group at a different time on the same day. They share the cost in any way that makes sense to them.
You may want to share the cost with another organization in your community. On several occasions, Sharí has spoken to one group in the morning and another group in the afternoon, and they split the cost.
You may want to use more of Sharí’s time, instead of hiring several speakers. Quite often Sharí will give a keynote address to the entire group and then do one or more breakout sessions. The audience loves it when she addresses more than one topic or develop the theme in more detail. And if we schedule the sessions in the same half or full-day time frame, we won’t charge you for the extra program, and you won’t have to hire an additional speaker.
What else could we do to lower the cost?
A lot. One of these options almost always works for our clients.
First, you could find a sponsor. Many companies love to sponsor Sharí’s programs and give them as a “gift” to their customers. In return, they get their name all over the handouts and materials, and they form a stronger relationship with your organization. If you’d like to pursue this option, just contact us. We’ll send you all the information you need to find a sponsor.
Second, you could make a contribution. Each year all the proceeds from six of Sharí’s programs are donated to two charities. The client simply sends a check of 75% of her normal fee to one of the charities. Outside of her travel expenses, she doesn’t get a dime. If you’re interested in this option, give us a call. We’ll tell you if there are any more “contribution” spots still available.
Third, publicity. The more publicity Sharí receives from the event the more we can lower the fee. Publicity can include, but certainly doesn’t have to be limited to: an article in your internal and/or external publication, radio and/or television interview with Sharí, a feature announcement in the local newspaper, SEO publicity with links to the Presenting Matters Web site, social media announcements, and much more. If you are not sure about what publicity options work for you and your event, contact us. Sharí is known for being very creative with publicity.
Where do we go from here?
We make a decision. Do we all think this would be a good fit? Does my experience and expertise fit with your needs and your audience?
If it seems to make sense, we should talk. So give us a call (918.346.8506), and we’ll figure out the next step. Thank you for your interest in Sharí Alexander’s work. If you would like to look at my Program Agreement, click here.
Didn’t find your question here?
Learn how we can help you by contacting us today at (918)346-8506 or info@presentingmatters.com.
© 2008-2009 Presenting Matters, LLC
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