A common question I hear from people is, "how do I book speaking events?" First, let me say moderating, emceeing, and hosting have allowed me to meet some of the most brilliant people, network, travel, raise millions of dollars for nonprofits and gain additional income. (Not a bad day at the office if you ask me...)
Emcee of 86 Cancer Event where we raised more than $50,000 for cancer research.
So, bravo to those of you asking the question. Now... I'll quit waiting your time and share my answers.
Put it out there. No one knows you can moderate, speak on subjects, emcee, or host, unless you let them know. You should consistently do the following things to get the word out.
- Have "speaker" or "host" listed on your LinkedIn, Instagram, and any other Social Media Outlet
- Do it for FREE... as you're building your credibility, and resume, offer your services for free to get in front of people and get practice. To this day I still do some charity events for free, and I never leave an event without at least three additional inquiries or connections from people in the crowd.
- Email/Call your connections: Let friends, colleagues, and local non-profits know you're in this space. Send an email listing your skills and subjects you can speak on.
Find your lane: If you want to be a speaker, be clear about the subject and the value it brings. I speak on effective communication, the state of media, entrepreneurship, and self-improvement. This allows me to choose conferences and events with attendees who are interested in these areas. Maybe your lane is "food," or "fitness," or "motherhood," whatever it is, be clear.
Offer something extra: Event coordinators are your clients and you want to wow them. Can you create a social media video to help sell tickets? Can you offer to do recorded interviews at the event with key players? All of this adds extra value and sets you apart.
Make a "Wish List," Write down a list of events, companies, organizations, and networks where you'd love to share your message. Then set aside a few hours to find contact information for these places. Once a week, move through your list and reach out.
There you have it, that's the recipe that has worked for me. I hope it works for you as well! Now go out there and use your voice to share the message that you feel the world can benefit from and empower organizations to make our world a better place.
Comments