Why Hire a CSP?

What is CSP?
The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, established in 1980 by the National Speakers Association (NSA), is the speaking profession’s international measure of professional platform skill. CSP is conferred by the US-based National Speakers Association and by the National Speakers Association of Australia only on those who have earned it by meeting strict criteria. The letters CSP following a speaker’s name indicate a speaking professional with proven experience who understands what is required and knows how to deliver client satisfaction. Why Should You Hire a CSP?
It will make your job easier! The success of your meeting will be judged largely on the caliber, professionalism and appropriateness of the topic and presenter(s) you select. Choosing a CSP maximizes your opportunity of providing a speaker with a message that will focus, elevate and enhance the mission of your meeting and stick firmly in the memories, attitudes and action plans of your attendees.

How Many CSPs Are There?
Less than 10% of the speakers who belong to the International Federation for Professional Speakers hold this professional designation. The membership of the International Federation for Professional Speakers is comprised of professional speaking associations worldwide. CSP is the international standard that these associations agree represent competence in the speaking profession.

What Benefit Does a CSP Bring to Your Meeting?
A CSP brings a proven track record of continuing speaking experience and expertise. CSPs are committed to ongoing education, outstanding service and ethical behavior. CSPs offer wide varieties of approaches, topics and styles. Only you can determine which speaker will best fit your needs. A Certified Speaking Professional provides a solid place with which to begin your search.

What Are the Criteria?
Every CSP must…

  • Maintain membership and subscribe to the Code of Professional Ethics.
  • Serve a minimum of 100 different clients within 5 years.
  • Present a minimum of 250 professional speaking engagements within this same 5-year period.
  • Submit testimonial letters from clients served.
  • Submit professionally prepared promotional materials.
  • Receive excellent ratings from past clients on professional performance evaluations.
  • Continue education in the professional speaking field.

The Association
NSA, a member association of the International Federation for Professional Speakers, is dedicated to advancing the art and value of experts who speak professionally. The International Federation for Professional Speakers provides nearly 5000 members with the resources and education designed to enhance the talent, ethics and business acumen of professional speakers. The CSP Certification is an indication that you are booking a committed professional who has a history of success with many audiences.

Comments from Those Who Hire Speakers

“CSP is an insurance policy toward the meeting planner’s success. The CSP designation is a qualifier in the mind of the astute planner.”
Brad Plumb
North American Speakers Bureau, Inc.

“I am a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional). I believe strongly in designations. It says you are committed to the profession. When I have equal speakers, I will take the CSP first over the non-CSP. Yes, CSP does make a difference in selecting speakers.”
Betty E. Garrett,CMP
Garrett Speakers International

“You know they (CSPs) have achieved a certain discipline that puts them in a category all their own;they have passed the test oflongevity; they have proven themselves. It makes a difference today and will continue to make a difference in the meeting planning industry.”
Marolyn Wright
Program Resources

“When I have a choice of a speaker who is a CSP or not, I will select the speaker who is a CSP.”
Michelle Lemmons
International Speakers Bureau, Inc.

“I always consider the CSP designation the hallmark of professional excellence. The CSPs that we have selected have never disappointed our audiences.”
Barbara S. Sadek
The Society for Human Resources Management

“It’s truly an indication that a speaker has achieved a higher level of professionalism. It’s something we look for first. I reduce my risk by hiring someone with a CSP.”
William Bess
Mfgrs. Representatives of America

Need a Motivational Speaker for an Upcoming Event?

You take a huge risk, putting your reputation on the line, when you are responsible for finding and bringing a quality and proven professional to your audience. Today there are glossy websites that could certainly over exaggerate the qualifications and “expertise” of someone who has barely had the experience to tackle such an important job as impacting your group. So click here to read an article on how to get the most from your speaker investment.

(PS you can certainly trust CSP Sheryl Nicholson and call her at 727 678 6707 with your questions on how she’s been making a difference for meeting planners for over 30 years!)

You could also look at:
Her Prestigious Partial Client List
What Clients Say
Her Biography
A Partial List of Topics
View her products
Get on Her Newswire List
Article Before You Book Any Speaker
Why Hire a CSP?

Want Customize In-House Training Or Personal Coaching?

One day events are great to get out of the office – but they don’t bring strong and long lasting returns, and it separates your team. Instead it’s much better investment to train your entire organization through modulated training that builds over time.

CSP Sheryl Nicholson, has been working like this for over 25+ years. How does it work?

You chose the results you want
Increased Sales
Better Communication
Improved Customer Service
Team Building
Focused Goal Achieving NOT Setting
Getting Better Organized and De-clutter
Empowering in the Midst of Change
Each of the programs can be customized to fit your culture, your need, and your team. If you’re in the state of Florida – these programs can be taught…

1. In “bite size” pieces…once a week or once a month for a specific period of time assignments are given to use the material in “the real world” and report back what works and how to modify the tools for each participant. THIS gets STRONG RESULTS!

For several hospitals, Sheryl created a weekly program that lasted 22 weeks and allowed 4 groups of employees to attend throughout each days’ session. By the end of that day – a level playing field of skills has been given to the entire hospital without any down time in productivity.

2. As a consulting opportunity so that Sheryl comes into your location for 12 months to provide whatever your organizations’ need at the time. Help in hiring, interviewing, personal coaching, sales training, and more. Call us at (727) 678-6707 with questions.

Need Personal One on One Training?

Sheryl has helped professional in all fields in different ways. One client needed coaching for improved presentation skills for an upcoming convention. Another needed to improve their sales numbers for a promotion they had their eye on. Another company called asking for help with a valued employee that consistently communicated poorly with his team.

Call 727 678 6707 for a free consultant to discuss your needs to see if Sheryl is the right fit. As a reputable professional, she also shares her Expert Resources with her coaching clients when their need is not in her expertise field.

If you are interested in personal coaching for yourself – we’ve created an affordable coaching site at http://www.theemplementationcoach.com

Looking for Results-Oriented Products and Resources?

Any investment in training will get better results when you can support your participant with tools to listen to, or watch. Here are just a few of the options available to you:

Books

The Communication Coach II
The Working Woman’s Bill of Rights
(a simple pocket book that empowers women with 10 specific rights)

E Books

52 Ways to Get a Life…Balanced
(52 real life srategies that can be implemented weekly for dramatic results – tips with organizing, assertive communication, goal setting, networking, and more)

The Working Woman’s Bill of Rights
(a simple pocket book that empowers women with 10 specific rights)

Videos and DVD’s

Build Your People Puzzle
(live presentation that sets the foundation on understanding the 4 personality types and why are get along with some and conflict with others)

Now What? Implement!
(live presentation that helps you get focused and take action for better results)

CD’s

Build Your People Puzzle
(a program that explains the strengths and challenges of the four personality types and why some people are easy to get along with and others more difficult)

On the Go (mp3 files for ipods)

Let’s Get Personal
(52 personal one minute motivational messages that can be sent via email or phone to start your week upbeat and focused)

Resources Sheryl uses and recommends

People ask how we stay in contact with our large database. We use icontact and you can check that company out here.

Here are a few of Sheryl’s Experts help advance her business using technology

Dan Stojadinvich (Internet guru who does Bootcamps that Sheryl speaks at and also a membership site to learn how to do online marketing for any business.

Dan Sherman (Affiliate Marketer who does training programs that Sheryl also speaks at who teaches people how to sell other people’s stuff on the Internet with very little technology knowledge .

Bruce Anderson (Internet Guru who does the promotion for your company through the use of incredible articles that get pushed out to search engines)

Chris Krimitsos(Internet Guru who teaches how to promote of your company through the use of videos – He is also founder of the Superb Mastermind Club http://www.wealthbuildingannex.com)