So, you want more speaking opportunities to promote yourself?
Good for you! Speaking to a group is one of the best ways to strut your stuff. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
I'd like to share with you what I have discovered about how to land speaking gigs.
1. First, decide what types of people you want to speak to. Is it business professionals, business owners, lawyers, parents, teachers, or people trying to lose weight?
2. Then, you need a GREAT presentation. Your presentation must be really interesting and full of useful information for your target audience. Ideally, you also have polished speaking skills - but if you don't have a lot of speaking experience, don't fret! In my opinion, the quality of your content is MUCH more important than your skills in front of an audience. If you are providing great content, people will forgive your less than perfect presentation of it.
3. Find a small group (6-10 people) who fit this audience and do a trial run. These may be friends, friends of friends, people from your church, company or neighborhood. Invite them to hear your presentation and get their feedback. This will improve your presentation and build your confidence. Also, be sure to collect some testimonials.
4. Write a brief description of your presentation and also a brief bio. Put a picture with your bio. Include your contact information. Now you are ready if someone inquires, "What do you speak about?"
5. Now you are ready to get out there! Begin with the first group you speak too and ask for ideas of other places you can speak. Then, begin searching for groups, organizations, and clubs in your area that attract your target audience.
For example, if you want to speak to business owners, seek out local networking groups that have guest speakers. Check your local Chamber of Commerce for group listings, look in the Events section of your local paper, check out local magazines and publications for listings of meetings. Attend Toast Masters. Go on-line and do a search for "networking groups" in your city or county. Talk with friends, family and other professionals and ask them if they know of any groups where you can speak. Everywhere you go, let people know that you speak and are open to speaking opportunities.
Other ideas are local men and women's clubs, moms clubs, special interest groups, businesses, Wellness centers and churches and synagogues.
On more than one occasion, someone has said to me, "I didn't know you were a speaker." So, now I let it be known. Once I even stood up at a conference and announced I would love any opportunities to speak - and someone approached me afterward and invited me to speak at their seminar.
6. When you land your first "gig" - be sure you prepare and practice. Arrive early, thank the person who invited you - and be professional. At the end of your presentation you can always let people know you are available to speak. Again, get testimonials.
7. Continue networking, looking for opportunities to speak and making offers. If you do a good job, people will eventually begin to seek you out. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to land a good speaking engagement.
8. When you write you second presentation, contact the groups you have spoken with before and ask if you can come back with your new presentation. Chances are they will be thrilled to have you back!