So,_You_Wanna_Be_a_Speaker.?

Lately I’ve had lots of people asking me how I got started as a speaker, and
how I land my speaking gigs. So today I thought I’d share a few tips with
you on how to do just that.

Because frankly, public speaking is one of the best ways I’ve found to
promote and grow my small business. It’s also a wonderful way to get your
message out to the world and help more people. And, if you do it right, you
can get paid quite well for your time and expertise too.

The thing to remember is that getting your first speaking engagement is
easier than you think. Because there are likely hundreds of organizations in
your area who are always looking for a fresh face and new take on something
helpful to their members, students or clients.

All you have to do is put a few simple marketing pieces together so you look
professional, then find those groups and let them know you’re available.

Here’s how to do just that in 5 easy steps.

Step #1 – Do not plan out your speeches to the Nth degree. Just pick a
couple topics you have expertise in, come up with snappy titles, and write a
short paragraph and a few bullet points describing what listeners will get
out of your talks. This lets you see which topics are of interest before
investing a ton of time. Once you get booked to speak, then put in all the
hours you need to prepare your talk.

Step #2 – Create a one-page speaker’s profile sheet. At a minimum this
should include a sassy bio, a bit about your ideal audience and why they’d
benefit from your wisdom, your contact info, and a short list of topics. As
soon as you can, include a few places you’ve spoken at, and a testimonial or
two.

If you’ve got a Website, create a speaker’s page with the same info. And put
the print version up there as a downloadable PDF.

Step #3 – Get some experience. One of the easiest ways to get your feet wet
speaking is to offer classes through continuing education at your local
community college. Usually all that’s required is for you to submit a topic,
bio and a few details by a certain date. Then voila! You’re a professional
speaker.

Step #4 – Find more gigs. Once you start feeling comfortable, it’s time to
put yourself out there. In the beginning it’s easiest to land free
engagements with organizations like Chambers and Rotaries, and SBA
affiliated events like WNET and SCORE classes. Later try Offices of Economic
Development, colleges and networking organizations too.

Step #5 – Make the most of every opportunity. Have handouts and an
evaluation. Invite people to sign up for your newsletter. And promote your
events on your Website, blog, social networks, and in local event calendars.
Always, always, always ask for letters of reference, testimonials, and
referrals to other organizations who could use your speaking services.

I also recommend recording your talks on a digital recorder so you can keep
improving (I use an Olympus DS2). Then you can turn the best ones into audio
products you can resell or give away.

Before you know it, you’ll have people calling you when they’re looking for
a speaker, and business will be booming!

Do you have more ideas on how to get started as a speaker or where to find
speaking opportunities?

Please share by leaving a comment below.

Get more practical, business building info from Stacy here:

http://www.success-stream.com/