More and more small businesses and local groups are looking for ways to motivate their employees and members.  But most assume they need a big budget to hire a motivational speaker.  That's not true at all.

Chances are, there is at least one motivational speaker living in or near your city who would be happy to work with a small business or local group – especially since it means they don't have to travel a great distance.

How do you find a local motivational speaker?

Your chamber of commerce or business networking group is a good place to start.  You can also contact the local chapter of the National Speakers Association in your area.  Once you have a list of two or three, contact each of them to ask about availability and fees.

Money-Saving Tip: Have a limited budget?  Team up with other local businesses or groups, share the cost and sponsor a special "Success Day" all your employees or members can attend.

Bottomline, finding a local motivational speaker to work with your small business or local group is easier than you think.

When most people think about hiring a motivational speaker, the first thing that comes to mind is planning a meeting, booking a hotel, etc.  But you don't have to spend thousands of dollars or take days off from work to train and motivate your staff.

Here are three "unconventional" ways a motivational speaker can help you and your team achieve your goals while saving you a lot of time and money.

1. Hire a motivational speaker to conduct a series of seminars by telephone.

Recently a company hired me to develop and deliver a series training and coaching conference calls delivered over a period of 90 days.  Participants received a focusing questionnaire to help them prepare, an implementation guide for each call and an accountability process to make the training stick.  It was a big success and saved the company thousands of dollars.

2. Hire a motivational speaker to create an online video training for your team.

New video technology makes it possible to deliver all kinds of live and pre-recorded training and coaching using the Internet.  But you must make sure you're working with a motivational speaker who understands how to design and deliver this kind of "virtual" motivation.

3. Hire a motivational speaker to provide monthly or weekly content for your newsletter or staff meeting.

There are many ways to structure this.  One example is having the motivational speaker create a series of special written or "multimedia" articles on a specific topic.  Another is having the motivational speaker deliver a 15-minute coaching implementation session during your team conference call.

If you want to explore ideas with a motivational speaker experienced in leveraging new technology to design and deliver powerful motivation, training and coaching, email your request to ann.covey [at] gmail.com.

Want to become a motivational speaker?

Here's an article to help you get started: Become a Motivational Speaker

Here are three questions to ask when considering a motivational speaker:

Question #1: What are some of the key themes and ideas you will share with our audience?

This is important.  You want to make sure that the motivational speaker has a message that compliments your culture and supports your goals.

Question #2: Do you have any experience speaking to groups like ours?

Experience in your industry is not an absolute must, but it can give the motivational speaker more credibility with your audience and increase the value and application of the material.

Question #3: Do you offer any kind of follow-up or resources to reinforce your message and motivate action?

This is key if you want the message to stick.  At the very least, the motivational speaker should have books and educational courses available for your audience.

Hiring a motivational speaker to speak at your next meeting or event is a significant investment.

You could easily spend thousands of dollars in fees, airfare and other meeting expenses.

How can you maximize the long-term impact and value of your investment in a motivational speaker?

Here are five ideas to help:

1. Prepare.

Does the motivational speaker provide a Pre-Event Questionnaire for you to complete so they understand the unique needs of your organization and custom tailor their presentation?

Taking the time to get to know your group, industry and goals gives the motivational speaker credibility with your audience and increases the value and benefit of the presentation.

Bottom line, if you're audience doesn't feel like the motivational speaker knows and understands them, the message will not be heard.

2. Record the Presentation.

Ask for permission to record the motivational speaker's presentation.  Then, add the video to your HR or training web site so others in your organization can watch it.

3. Ask the motivational speaker to stay for lunch or dinner.

If you book a motivational speaker just before a meal time, ask them to stay for a special managers lunch or Q&A session with your top performers.

4. Pre-order Educational Resources for Your Audience

Does the motivational speaker have a book?  Consider pre-ordering a copy for each audience member and allowing time at the end of their presentation for autographs.

5. Follow-Up

Does the motivational speaker offer any kind of follow-up to reinforce key ideas for action?  A short conference call or two after your event will help your audience focus and take more action.

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Bonus Tip: Arrange to have the motivational speaker record three to five short videos covering key topics from their presentation while they're in town.  There may be an extra fee for this, but having a series of short videos to reinforce the presentation and inspire action is priceless.
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Looking for a motivational speaker who understands how to help you get the most from your investment, fill out the easy form below to receive a prompt reply:

If you're looking for a motivational speaker for your next sales, team or incentive meeting, you've come to the right place.

This website will contain helpful tips and recommendations to help you pick the best motivational speaker for your organization or group.