My talks are sponsored by companies who want their name to be known by association with a reputable professional. When I give a talk on nutrition and fitness, my responsibility is to educate and motivate the audience. It’s not necessary for me to keep mentioning my sponsor because the audience will become annoyed, stop listening and I will lose my credibility. I want sponsors to feel they received more than they paid for, so I encourage acknowledgment of the sponsor

· in the meeting notice

· on the program

· on posters

· with product displays

· with brochures or coupons

· on handouts

· sometimes in a small logo on the slides

· with public thanks by the moderator

· with thanks again in an article about the talk in the client’s newsletter, even if I have to write it myself.

In South Africa, Canada, Britain and the United States, companies such as Kellogg’s, Uncle Ben’s Rice, Mead Johnson, Ross Products, McDonald’s and Baxter Healthcare Corporation have sponsored me. The talks may be held at various locations - conference centers, health shows or association meetings. The topic often relates to the sponsor’s products or services, but not always.

My book, Feel Fantastic, published by Macmillan Canada, has made sponsorship easier. One of my colleagues has organized a series of talks in Canada, receiving sponsorship from the teachers, dietetics, nurses and recreational leaders associations and the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Recreation. The package included eight talks, television tapings, moderating a fashion show, and book signings.

If you want your talks to be sponsored, you need to build a good reputation by

· becoming a leader in your field

· making a name for yourself in the media

· becoming known among your colleagues

· volunteering in your professional association

· becoming a media personality

· publishing many articles

· writing a book

Sponsored talks can increase your number of speaking engagements rapidly. Even if you have to approach numerous companies in the beginning, they will use you regularly once they start working with you.