Experts gets more clients! You can use public speaking to increase your visibility. You may also have the opportunity to generate leads or sell products.
Public speaking is a great way to find clients. When you stand at the front of the room, people will perceive you as an expert.
So, where can you go to speak?
Here are 5 tips to get more speaking engagements:
1. Service organizations
Call your local Kiwanis or Rotary club. They are always looking for speakers. Also, check out Meetup groups including Successful Thinkers.
2. Professional associations
There are many great professional associations for specific industries or careers. Make a list of associations and ask for referrals. Check out their local website and look for the Program Director. Network with other professional speakers. I attend the Sacramento Speakers Network. Look for a group in your local area or start your own Meetup group. After you deliver a speech, refer other speakers to them.
3. Companies
Do you have a topic that would interest sales professionals? Call the sales manager or owner of a small to medium size business to book a free local talk. Offer to speak for 30 to 45 minutes at their weekly meeting.Make the talk motivational, as well as providing ideas they can implement.
4. Conferences and Events
There are a lot of events that feature speakers. Many conference organizers hire professional speakers so they know they are getting a good speaker. There are also a lot of smaller events that feature unpaid speakers. Keep an eye out for local events. Connect with your local chamber of commerce and look for flyers for upcoming events.
5. Host your own event
This one is the most challenging to pull off. You need to book a venue or find a place to host the event free. You need to market and promote the event. You need to make confirmation calls. And you need to arrive before and stay after the event. There are also decisions about whether you will serve food, allow time for networking, and how to handle registration. Other than that, it's a great strategy.
Public speaking is one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. You will literally have people beating down your door wanting to talk with you because you have the answers.
Make sure you take the time to develop your speaking content. Write a script, memorize it and practice. Practice, practice, practice. Get clear about your goals for the speech.
One word of caution, be sure to get approval in advance before you attempt to generate leads or sell products during a speech. Many associations have strict rules against selling. Learn what you can in advance about their rules. Then, make a specific request. If they say yes, then you're good to go.
You are an expert! Now, get out there and speak!
Rick CooperMarketing Coach
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