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12 Gifts of Christmas for a Thriving Speaking Business

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Speaking Business

As we wrap up another year, I thought I'd share something special with you – my take on the 12 Days of Christmas, but with a twist. Instead of partridges and pear trees, I'm giving you 12 practical gifts to help you close this year strongly and kick-start 2025 with momentum. Think of it as my holiday gift to you (and yes, it's better than a Christmas jumper).

 

  1. The Gift of Reflection

Before diving into next year's goals, take stock. Review your numbers (you know I'm obsessed with these). What was your average fee? How many repeat clients did you secure? Which topics resonated most? Understanding these helps shape your 2025 strategy.

 

  1. The Gift of Pipeline Planning

December isn't just for mince pies. It's perfect for reaching out to contacts who might be planning their 2025 events. While everyone else is winding down, you can be laying groundwork for Q1 bookings.

 

  1. The Gift of Content Review

Look through your most successful presentations from 2024. What stories got the best reactions? Which slides need refreshing? Update your material now, so you're ready to hit the ground running in January.

 

  1. The Gift of Fee Strategy

Be brave – review your fee structure. If you've been consistently booking, it might be time for an increase. Your value grows with your experience. Don't enter 2025 undercharging for 2024 expertise.

 

  1. The Gift of Gratitude

Take time to thank your clients, bureaus, and connectors. A personalised note (yes, actual handwritten ones) can go a long way. Share specific memories or impacts from your work together.

 

  1. The Gift of Digital Clean-up

Update your website, LinkedIn profile, and speaker materials. Fresh year, fresh look. Ensure your message aligns with where you want to be, not where you've been.

 

  1. The Gift of Strategic Positioning

Choose your focus areas for 2025. What problems will your clients face? Position yourself as the solution provider before they even know they need you.

 

  1. The Gift of Systems Check

Review your CRM, accounting software, and follow-up processes. Are they serving you well? Now's the time to fix what's not working.

 

  1. The Gift of Learning

Identify one skill you'll develop in 2025. Perhaps it's storytelling, virtual presentation skills, or proposal writing. Plan how you'll improve it.

 

  1. The Gift of Connection

Schedule catch-up calls with your top clients for January. Not sales calls – relationship calls. Show them you're thinking of them beyond the booking.

 

  1. The Gift of Content Planning

Map out your thought leadership content for Q1. Newsletters, LinkedIn posts, articles – having a plan means you won't scramble for content in January.

 

  1. The Gift of Rest

Yes, you read that right. Take proper time off. The speaking business can be all-consuming, but fresh ideas come from rested minds. The industry will still be there in January.

 

Success in speaking isn't just about what happens on stage – it's about the business foundation you build off it. These 12 gifts are your toolkit for a stronger 2025.

 

Here's to closing 2024 with purpose and stepping into 2025 with clarity and momentum.

 

P.S. If you want to make yourself a bit more Bookable in 2025 join me and Mary Tillson at 3pm GMT on Friday 24th January for 90 minutes packed with practical action https://www.mariafranzoni.me/make-it-easy

 

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