Are you interested in getting your first paid speaking gig? If so, you're in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss 9 ways that you can increase your chances of landing a paid speaking gig. Many people are hesitant to start charging for their speeches, but there is no need to be. When done correctly, speaking can be a very lucrative endeavor. So, let's get started!
RESEARCH
The first step is to research the going rate for speakers in your area. This will give you a good starting point when it comes to negotiating your fee. You can use websites like speakerrate.com to get an idea of what other speakers are charging.
NETWORKING
Once you have an idea of what you should be charging, it's time to start reaching out to potential clients. The best way to do this is by networking with people who are in charge of events or who work with organizations that book speakers. Attend industry events, trade shows, and conventions related to your topic so that you can meet potential clients face-to-face.
CLEAN UP YOUR WEBSITE AND MEDIA KIT
When you're ready to start marketing yourself as a speaker, make sure that your website and media kit are up-to-date and professional. Your website should include a bio, photos, testimonials, a list of past speaking engagements, and information about your keynote topics. Your media kit should be sent to potential clients upon request.
SEND A PRESS RELEASE
If you've been involved in any notable speaking engagements or if you have an upcoming event that you're particularly excited about, send out a press release! This is a great way to get the word out about your business and increase your visibility as a speaker.
PITCH YOURSELF TO EVENT ORGANIZERS
Once you have all of your materials in order, it's time to start pitching yourself to event organizers. Start by reaching out to your network of contacts and see if they know of any upcoming events that you might be a good fit for. Visit your local Convention and Visitors Bureau to discover events coming to your area. You can also search for events on websites like Eventbrite or Meetup.
SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO ASSOCIATIONS, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND CORPORATIONS
Another great way to find speaking opportunities is by submitting proposals to organizations that hold events. Many times, these organizations are looking for new and exciting speakers to add to their lineup. So, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and submit a proposal!
FOLLOW UP AFTER EACH EVENT
Be sure to follow up with each event organizer after your speaking engagement. Thank them for the opportunity and inquire about future opportunities. This will help you stay top-of-mind when they are planning their next event.
HOST EVENTS
You can also create your own speaking opportunities by hosting your own events. This is a great way to get started if you're having trouble finding other speaking gigs. And, it's a great way to build your reputation as a speaker.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Keep track of all of your speaking engagements, both paid and unpaid. This will give you a good idea of your progress and will help you see how far you've come. It's also a great way to track your expenses so that you can deduct them on your taxes.
Now that you know how to get started, it's time to put these tips into action and start landing some paid speaking gigs! Just remember to be professional, stay organized, and follow up with potential clients. If all of this sounds like a lot of work, that's because it is.
If you follow these tips, you should be well on your way to landing your first paid speaking gig! Just remember to be patient and keep at it. The more you network and the more proposals you submit, the greater your chances of success will be.
Do you have any tips for getting paid speaking gigs? Share them in the comments below! And if you found this blog post helpful, please share it with your friends! Happy speaking!
