Four Tips for Getting Speaking Events
You’ve often heard me talk about how speaking events are some of the best ways to meet potential clients.
Yet many of my clients struggle with getting and doing speaking events. And sometimes it can be hard to determine how to make these events work for you.
If you are feeling that way – you aren’t alone. The truth is that you can’t just “get” and “give” a speaking event. You have to learn how to monetize it and make it work for you. This week, we’ll be focusing on the “getting” part. In future articles, we’ll focus more on how to monetize speaking at the events themselves.
Here are four tips to make it easier all around:
- Make sure you start searching for speaking events early. If you live in a city like New York, San Francisco or Boston – chances are that there are a lot people who are requesting speaking spots from the same organizations. Often organizations will fill with speakers 12-18 months ahead of time. So start now to plan out the next year.However, never fear if you are looking for speaking events now – you can always travel to less busy areas. And there’s always a chance of getting booked for events at the last minute – so don’t be afraid to try.
- It’s easier to get booked for a speaking event if the organizer knows you in some way. That’s why one speaking event will lead to many more. Once someone has seen you speak, they are excited to see you speak again. So don’t be afraid to speak in front of any and all groups – even smaller ones. These will help you to build your reputation.Also, start to connect with other speakers who have spoken for that group in the past. See if they would be willing to put in a good word for you.
- Be sure to help the organization that you are speaking for with the marketing process. Help them to write the e-mails, craft the fliers and the signs. You know how to express what you do best. Don’t expect the organizations to be able to understand how to write about you.Also, be sure to remind them to send the emails, put out the fliers and get the signs up. Remember your speaking event may not be a priority for that organization. So when you remind them to do the marketing for you – you’ll likely have a much better turnout.
- Don’t be afraid to join a group or go to their meetings to get to know people in the organization. That can be the best way to build trust and gain the respect of the leaders of the group – therefore getting on their list of speakers for the year.
As you can see, getting speaking events can take some time and planning. So don’t be discouraged. Start building relationships and planning now. It will fill your next 6-9 months with so many new clients.
Leave me a comment below and let me know your favorite way to get speaking events. I’d love to hear from you.
