Most every company these days is in the business of giving advice. But here’s a surprising tip for companies that give advice for a living: you need someone outside your company leading the charge.
At first, this bit of business consulting advice does not make sense. If you work for a law firm, don’t you want your attorneys spreading your message? If you’re part of a CPA group, shouldn’t your own accountants and bookkeepers be out in the market talking about you?
Of course, you do want your own staff to networking and your business development team out drumming up leads. But one of the best ways to promote your business is to hire a speaker that has nothing to do with what you sell.

© Flickr user MilitaryHealth
Why would you want to bring in a presenter that talks about something other than your business? Several reasons:
Attract a new audience. Instead of yet another presentation from the VP of Sales to your customers (or to your own employees), an outside expert in a completely different field can get different people to the room. Furthermore, it may inspire new conversations on new topics.
Show diversity. Your organization does have a primary focus. But if you hire a speaker, you’ll demonstrate that you’re open to new ideas. This is essential when speaking to potential clients or current team members, because they need to know you are ready to face whatever unknown might come next.
Reduce liability. Someone who comes to hear a speaker may take action based on their advice. And if your own employee is giving the speech, it’s more likely that you may take the blame if the audience member suffers any negative effect. However, if the speaker you hired is talking on a different topic, it’s clear that their advice is their own. Plus, good speakers carry appropriate insurance that provides you with indemnity.

© Flickr user Cydcor
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and hire a speaker today!