Key Takeaways:
– Speaking opportunities
– Getting started as a speaker
– Compensation for speaking
– Free Speaker One Sheet Template!
You may think in the aftermath of a world that endured shutdowns and quarantines it’s impossible to get started with professional speaking.
But that’s not true.
In fact, it might be easier to get started as a new speaker in this post-pandemic life.
In the days of old, getting booked to speak could mean having to eat some costs on travel or expenses while you make a name for yourself.
But now, with so much of what we do online, it’s easier than ever to offer your expertise as you’re building your speaking resume. Another benefit? Today, location has never been less of a factor.
Opportunities for building your speaking and media portfolio include:
- Podcast Interviews
- Live Events
- Conferences
- Trade Association Meetings
- Corporate Trainings and Workshops
- Networking Groups
- College Classes
- Your YouTube Channel
The power of the press has long been known. Being featured or quoted as an expert in your field can make you stand out above the rest. And while speaking can seem intimidating, it’s really not.
When you are an expert in your field, you like sharing your knowledge, and as a result, speaking becomes an enjoyable – and valuable – way for you to garner extra clicks, views, and sales.
And don’t forget to explore speaking opportunities at local events or special interest groups, like Chamber gatherings and networking events. This oftentimes leads to additional speaking engagements and interview opportunities.
So, how do you get started as a speaker?
Ready, Set, Pitch
Just following a few basic steps can help you fast-track your speaking resume:
Step 1: Research
Discovery is always at the beginning of a new process, and this is no different.
Start by researching what opportunities exist in your niche. Are there trade associations, annual events or conferences, networking groups, or popular podcasts?
Make a list that includes their website and any contact info you can find for submissions. When you’re ready you’ll come back to this and send out your media kit.
Step 2: Planning
The next step is to list goals for your speaking career.
Take a look at your current target market, your goals, and your sales pipeline. How does speaking fit into your existing business plan structure and framework?
In some cases, a speaking engagement will equate to a page view on your website. But if you gain access to the list of attendees, a speaking engagement could actually act as an additional lead magnet.
The goals that you set for your speaking will help drive your content and your approach to opportunities in the future.
Step 3: Media Ready
Once you have your market in mind and your goals aligned, it’s time to create your marketing materials.
Serious speakers have a media kit with speaker reels, a one-sheet, presentation briefs, and all of their contract templates ready for use at the click of a button. Get started with yours using our Free Speaker One Sheet Template.
Step 4: Pitch
Go back to step one, review your list, and compare it to your goals and media collateral. Make any adjustments needed to remove opportunities that may not align with your brand and add any new opportunities.
Now you’re ready to start pitching – which is just another way to say offer yourself as an expert. This is a sales letter of sorts; however, if you don’t have a portfolio yet, you’re likely offering to grace them with your presence for free because their potential reach is far more valuable to you at this point than compensation.
Should You Charge for Your Speaking Engagement?
This depends on the opportunity or venue:
If it’s a private meeting, then the value is on their end, and you could ask for some form of compensation.
If it’s a national conference, then the value is largely for you, and you will likely offer to keep speaking for no direct return.
Just remember, compensation can take many forms. Consider the following options as alternatives to monetary compensation:
- Reviews or testimonials
- A discount or comp to an event or service
- A copy of the attendee list (with emails)
- The ability to sell something at the end of your presentation
- Email and/or social media mentions with links to your website
- Cross promotion for your next launch
Think about it this way:
If an event host can offer you 10,000 website views, that could result in way more sales than a $1,000 speaking fee.
Becoming a Speaker Can Transform Your Career
Done right, speaking can launch or expand your career. It can increase your presence as a coach or consultant…or establish you as a thought leader in your field.
And remember, the sole focus of your speech shouldn’t be a sales pitch. Think of your job from the standpoint of informing and educating your audience.
A speech is your time to shine, showcase your expertise and enlighten your audience with your knowledge, in your own style and passion for your work.
In speaking:
“Communication: 20% what you know, 80% how you feel about what you know.” -Jim Rohn
Not only your expertise, but your enthusiasm and confidence in your subject, comes alive when giving a speech.
And that value is limitless.
Here at Marketecs, we strive for excellence in every interaction with our clients. We‘re here to assist you in your field of expertise – let us take the “tech” out of it so you can focus on what you do best. Schedule a call at: https://www.marketecs.com/schedule/
