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Speaking of Success. . .
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Mary G. Mora, founder of MGM Speakers Bureau, has been a NASE member since 2011. Her company is a talent agency that provides speakers for a wide range of engagements – they include inspirational and motivational speakers, keynoters, entertainers, masters of ceremonies, athletes, international authors, training consultants, life/business coaches, and more. MGM Speakers Bureau is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
What inspired you to enter the field you are in?
I attended a variety of events/conferences where no new information was being shared, and others where it seemed that the presenters were only interested in selling their products. I wanted to participate in events where the person had a passion for what they shared, and audiences were left with content that they could use afterwards.
When and why did you start your business?
In January 2009 I filed my sole-preneurship. Having my own business
was number one on my bucket list.
How do you market your business?
I market my business mainly through social media, word of mouth, and remaining in contact with business connections and building relationships with them. We are based in North Carolina and available worldwide,
it’s fun to connect with professionals all over the world.
Your title is “Abundant Talent Connector.” Tell us about that.
The title “Owner” did not do it for me. I have been blessed with the talent that we represent. We have inspirational, keynote, motivational speakers, as well as athletes, entertainers, life coaches, training consultants, and more. So connecting our talented individuals with meeting planners, associations, and organizations that need customized programs is what gave me the idea for my title Abundant Talent Connector.
You also have a radio show called “Abundant Business Knowledge.” How does that tie in to your business and how does it help you market your company?
Providing free information that others can use gives us the opportunity to spotlight our guests and gives them the opportunity to share their knowledge and products to our listening audience. The majority of our radio show guests are members of MGM, but we’ve also had guests that do not belong to MGM. This is another way that helps with Word of Mouth Advertisement to market our Talent Agency.
There are number of highly successful speakers bureaus across the nation. What makes yours special and unique?
Being persistent, having high ethics and values, and listening to the needs of others works for MGM. We are also members of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) and as members we abide by a Code of Ethics. Staying positive and Thinking Big! also helps.
You are a founding member of the Women Speakers Association. Tell us about that organization and your role in it.
“Women Speakers Association (WSA) is the go-to place for innovative leaders, change-agents and women with a message to connect, collaborate and grow their visibility worldwide in order to fulfill their mission.” As a WSA founding Premier member, my role is to support the organization’s vision and participate in the activities that it offers.
What challenges have you faced in your business? How have you overcome them?
Having your own business definitely brings trials and tribulations. There are both time and financial challenges. I learned that I cannot do everything by myself, and there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Also if you can build a relationship with a competitor you may be able to share things that have been done and worked that you have not tried, and become a sounding board for each other.
What’s the best thing about being self-employed?
Although sometimes it may be a 24/7 day, you are able to set your own hours most of the time. Having the satisfaction of an accomplishment is worth it!
Where do most of your business leads come from and how do you get them?
Staying in touch with your connections, being a good listener and showing them that you do care, and asking them how you can help them. People will remember you! Asking for referrals and following up with them is another good way for receiving leads.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a client?
One client said, “Thank you for helping to make our conference a success. The speaker you were able to send was an inspiring speaker. We need more speakers like him to come talk to our organization.”
Which NASE member benefit is most important to you?
There are two benefits that are the most important for me: Advocacy information and the Expert Advice.