Being Sought After: The Path to Success

To become a sought-after speaker, you must first establish your presence and reputation in the field. Here's how:

Promote Your Own Events

Hosting virtual events, live seminars, and workshops is a surefire way to get noticed. Utilize platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram (TikTok, Pinterest) to target your audience. Don't hesitate to reach out directly to potential attendees.

Tip: Start with a small audience of 5 to 10 people and gather feedback. Ask attendees for recommendations on other groups or companies where you could speak. Over time, this strategy will build your reputation.

Consistent Blogging or Podcasting and Group Sharing

Regularly publish informative blog posts (or podcasts) and share them in relevant Facebook and LinkedIn groups. Ensure you adhere to group rules. This practice not only establishes your credibility but can lead to paid speaking opportunities.

Tip: Blogging and vlogging (via platforms like YouTube or Facebook Live) showcase your authority and expertise, adding to your credibility.

Leverage Your Email List

Be sure to remember your email list. Share tips and insights within your area of expertise. This will help maintain your credibility and visibility, potentially attracting paid speaking engagements.

Seize Every Speaking Opportunity

Accept speaking invitations whenever possible, even for free locally or further afield if you're willing to cover travel expenses. Make sure to collect feedback and recommendations for future speaking engagements. And announce to your list and on social media when and where you are speaking. This further establishes you as an expert and authority.

Targeted Approaches Yield Results

When seeking speaking engagements, it's crucial to have a clear and specific goal in mind. For instance, do you aspire to give a TED talk or address healthcare professionals?

"Clarity is the precursor to action." - Get Clear on Your Audience

Define your audience precisely. Saying you want to speak at colleges is vague, but specifying institutions like Berkeley, Harvard, or the University of Houston provides clarity.

Research and Networking

Once you're clear on your target, research potential opportunities:

1. Explore online sources such as Google, Twitter, Facebook, and ChatGPT. Look for groups and organizations that involve your target market.
2. Visit hotels and see what events are there and connect with the people at the event’s registration desk. Alternatively, you may be able to get this info online. 
3. Subscribe to meeting planner magazines and email lists for valuable leads, such as Meeting Planners International (MPI), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Destination Management Association (ADMEI), Convention Bureaus, International Association of Exhibition & Events (IAEE), Association & Society Speakers Community (ASSC), and more. 

Building Your List

From your research, compile a list of names of people to contact to learn more about speaking opportunities. Dedicate focused research time for this, and always keep an eye out for new opportunities to expand your list.

Taking Action

Now that you have your list, take action:

1. Contact the identified people or events to understand their speaker selection process.
2. Follow their guidelines meticulously.
3. Maintain consistent follow-up.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to securing more speaking engagements.