Speaking is one of the most effective ways to gain visibility and credibility, yet it often seems impossible to get a gig. Here’s the thing- everybody knows somebody who needs a speaker. If speaking is a strategy you’re just starting to employ, then seek out every opportunity.

The range of speaking opportunities is wide- from your plumber’s local Lion’s Club meeting to a keynote speech in front of an audience of ideal clients. If you know anyone who belongs to an organization, find out if they have speakers. Research meeting calendars or newsletters online; you can often find out who to contact to propose a speech. 

Meeting planners are frequently grateful to have a new resource. Booking a full season of meetings can be difficult and tedious. Offer to be available on short notice if they have a cancellation. Your perspective should be about delivering as much value as possible to the audience- while making it as easy as possible for the host. As you develop more relationships and more visibility- your options will get better. When you’re working with associations or meeting planners, don’t hesitate to ask if they are aware of other organizations who might be interested in speakers.

Start where you are- don’t wait until you have the perfect speaker’s one sheet or a fully developed presentation.  Find out what the group might be interested in, create a great title and a short paragraph describing a presentation you can give. Practice makes perfect, so be open to doing presentations for no reason other than practice when you’re starting out.

Preparing & giving valuable presentations is another topic- goes along with that whole “rather die than speak in public” conversation. The point here is to jump in, expect success, accept rejection, try again- and start leveraging this powerful marketing strategy to improve your skills and build your network!