Amy Gray, Founder, New Leaf and husband, Alf Wilson

Many people ask: “What the heck is a private speaker’s agent?”

I invented this title because I didn’t know what to call what I’ve always done for my clients.  I don’t work for a speaker bureau or agency. I am a freelance, niche specialist for highly visible VIP’s who love independence and non-exclusivity– but don’t love hiring, management, overhead, or being covertly taken advantage of.  For 24 years, I’ve been immersed in this work for folks like Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, TED All-Star Aimee Mullins, bestselling author Martha Beck, TOMS Founder Blake Mycoskie, and more…..  They went ‘indie’ around their speaking before it was a thing.

Together, we preserved the perks they LOVED– while eliminating the things they DIDN’T LOVE.  That mash-up is my Category of One.

Most speakers WANT to:

1. work with all the bureaus and agencies, non-exclusively, so they can consider offers from any source vs. a single entity

2. handle their own in-bound (organic) speaking inquiries to reduce or eliminate commission (typically 20-30% when working exclusively through a single bureau or agency)

3. earn premium fees for their speaking

Most speakers are unaware that they also NEED:

1. a proven strategy for attracting offers from reputable speaker bureaus and agencies

2. efficient processes, templates, negotiation skills, tactful communication style, attention to detail, and deep paid speaking industry expertise

3. specialized approaches for handling organic/direct booking inquiries vs. those from bureaus/agencies (a one-size-fits-all approach is a disaster)

4. direct knowledge of what event hosts look for from speakers at the $15k-$25k-$50k-$100k+ fee levels – how they find those speakers and what attracts/repels their offers

5. protection from “bad actor” booking intermediaries who siphon excessive commissions, do a ‘bait and switch,’ and/or damage speaker reputation with hosts – using covert methods undetectable to an industry outsider

6. proven ways to cultivate more direct invitations for speaking

7. lots of available time to nurture relationships with prospective hosts and bureau partners- beyond a quick email reply with pricing and availability

My clients have what they want AND what they need. 

I’m their wealth builder, truth teller, protector, and personal speaking agent all wrapped up in one freelance hire. They own their business. I create and run it for them. And it is so much fun.  Because I’m commission-based, vs. hourly, salary, or retainer-based – I must work with clients who have attained some crucial milestones or possess a ‘speed pass.’  Time is precious. I focus on clients with the highest chance for mutual happiness and financial success.  If you are curious to know what those milestones/speed pass items are – please click this bold text: Optimized Self-Representation & Non-Exclusivity