In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni pull back the curtain on the world of top speaker bureaus — how they work, what they look for in speakers, and how to build mutually beneficial relationships that generate bookings.

Maria draws on decades of experience running one of Europe's most respected bureaus to explain how agents think, what differentiates a bookable speaker, and the dos and don'ts that every professional should know. James adds his perspective as a speaker represented by leading bureaus around the world, revealing how he collaborates with agents, builds trust, and stays top-of-mind.

Whether you're just starting out or already on the international circuit, this episode will help you understand the economics, etiquette, and psychology of working successfully with speaker bureaus.

• Bureaus are partners, not promoters – Their job is to serve their clients, not to manage your calendar.
  
  

• Be easy to sell – Have clear positioning, strong video, up-to-date assets, and a defined fee range.
  
  

• Stay top of mind – Regular updates, newsletters, and personal touches help agents remember you.
  
  

• Trust takes time – A bureau relationship is earned through reliability and professionalism.
  
  

• Never bypass a bureau client – Always respect existing relationships and contracts.
  
  

• Understand their economics – Bureaus work on commission; help them justify recommending you.
  
  

• Differentiate your topic – Relevance, clarity, and credibility make you stand out in their database.
  
  

• Be bureau-ready – Fast response times, accurate details, and flexibility build confidence.
  
  

• Support their success – Make them look good in front of their clients, and they'll champion you again.
  
  

• "A bureau's client is the end client — not you. Understand that, and you'll have better relationships." – Maria Franzoni
  
  

• "Don't expect bureaus to build your business; help them sell you by giving them reasons to." – James Taylor
  
  

• "The easiest speakers to book are the ones who make agents look brilliant." – Maria Franzoni
  
  

• "Relevance and reliability will get you booked again and again." – James Taylor
  
  

• "Treat bureaus as partners — not miracles." – Maria Franzoni
  
  

• 00:00 – Welcome and catching up on travel and client projects
  
  

• 01:52 – What exactly is a speaker bureau?
  
  

• 03:28 – How bureaus differ from speaker agents or managers
  
  

• 05:16 – What bureaus really look for when recommending a speaker
  
  

• 07:32 – The economics of bureau commissions and client service
  
  

• 09:18 – How to make yourself "easy to sell"
  
  

• 11:40 – The power of positioning and clarity in your topic
  
  

• 13:05 – Dos and don'ts when approaching a new bureau
  
  

• 15:33 – Why trust is the currency of the bureau–speaker relationship
  
  

• 17:26 – Handling multiple bureaus without conflict
  
  

• 19:47 – Updating bureaus and keeping them engaged
  
  

• 22:09 – Common mistakes speakers make when working with bureaus
  
  

• 24:34 – Case studies: speakers who get rebooked again and again
  
  

• 26:42 – How to support your bureau before, during, and after events
  
  

• 29:15 – Tech & tools of the week for bureau collaboration
  
  

• 31:20 – Final thoughts and listener questions
  
  

👉 Have a question or suggestion for James and Maria?
Email hello@speakersu.com

In this episode of the SpeakersU Podcast, James Taylor and Maria Franzoni dive into one of the biggest decisions every professional speaker faces — whether or not to write a book. With reading habits changing and attention spans shrinking, is publishing still worth it?

Maria shares what she learned from writing The Bookability Formula, including how a book clarifies your thinking, protects your IP, and raises your authority. James discusses his upcoming SuperCreativity book, why he waited five years before writing it, and how books can elevate your speaking brand. Together they explore the pros and cons of traditional vs. self-publishing, how to use your book as a marketing tool, and creative ways to launch and promote it.

Whether you're a new or established speaker, you'll discover why books still matter — and how to make yours work for your business, your brand, and your audience.

• Books clarify thinking – Writing forces structure and helps you refine your core message.
  
  

• Authority comes from authorship – The word "authority" literally begins with "author."
  
  

• Timing matters – Don't write too early; live your content first.
  
  

• Books as business cards – A book opens doors and elevates positioning, even if it doesn't make big money.
  
  

• Hybrid publishing is a smart middle path – Keeps quality control without losing autonomy.
  
  

• Tie your launch to an event – Use an existing audience for maximum visibility.
  
  

• Give books freely – Strategic giveaways amplify goodwill and social proof.
  
  

• You must market it – Promotion, interviews, and podcasts are on you, not your publisher.
  
  

• AI audiobooks are here – Tools like Eleven Labs can narrate your book in multiple languages.
  
  

• "Writing a book unravels your thinking — it turns spaghetti into structure." – Maria Franzoni
  
  

• "A book is the summation of years of ideas, handed to you for £20. That's incredible value." – James Taylor
  
  

• "Authority comes from author. A book changes how clients perceive you." – Maria Franzoni
  
  

• "You don't need a book to be a successful speaker — but it can unlock a higher level of opportunity." – James Taylor
  
  

• "Attach your book launch to an event that already has your perfect audience." – Chris Gardner (via Maria Franzoni)
  
  

• 00:00 – Welcome & why reading is declining
  
  

• 01:16 – Why Maria wrote The Bookability Formula
  
  

• 02:15 – Books as clarity tools and IP protection
  
  

• 04:01 – James on the value of books for idea transfer and legacy
  
  

• 05:47 – Speaking first, writing later – when to start your book
  
  

• 07:09 – Avoid writing too early; live your material first
  
  

• 08:23 – How writing affects your speaking income short-term
  
  

• 09:38 – Books as brochures and positioning tools
  
  

• 10:59 – How bureaus view speakers with books
  
  

• 13:44 – Branding your book and keynote under one concept
  
  

• 15:01 – Why bureaus love books but don't profit from them
  
  

• 16:54 – Micro-books and multi-series publishing
  
  

• 17:46 – Traditional vs hybrid vs self-publishing
  
  

• 18:12 – Finding a publisher who respects your voice
  
  

• 19:36 – Owning foreign rights and global expansion
  
  

• 21:27 – The marketing reality: sales depend on you
  
  

• 22:08 – David Allen's 25-year book promotion discipline
  
  

• 23:08 – Maria's tip: attach your book launch to an event
  
  

• 25:02 – Free books as social-media gold
  
  

• 25:50 – James' tool: Eleven Labs for AI audiobooks and voiceovers
  
  

• 26:58 – Closing thoughts and listener questions
  
  

👉 Have a question or topic suggestion for James and Maria?
Email hello@speakersu.com