Public speaking can often feel like a one-woman show that’s hard to keep consistent. In order to grow your impact and income as a paid public speaker, nailing down a networking strategy is key. Does networking feel like a nightmare for you? Does your inbox stay empty after sending out cold emails? It’s time to rethink your networking ways. We’ve got you covered with 4 event-industry networking tips to take your speaking business to the next level. 📈
1. Ask for Testimonials
When it comes to growing any business, it’s no secret that word of mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing. Although you’re not selling a product or service as a public speaker, you can still use word of mouth to grow your speaking career through testimonials. Event organizers and meeting planners will trust the word of others in their field when booking their next speaker. So, make sure you ask for testimonials from every event you speak at – paid or unpaid. Share your testimonials on your website, social media, or even in your email signature. Spread the good word about your power as a speaker!
2. Use Social Media to your Advantage
Did you know that one of the best free networking resources is right in the palm of your hand? Yep, we’re talking about social media. Create a new social media account or tweak your existing accounts to showcase yourself as a professional speaker. Add “speaker” to your Instagram bio and LinkedIn headline. Before a speaking gig, post on social media that you’re excited to speak there. Tag the organization and use their event hashtags. After a speaking gig, post photos and videos of yourself onstage. The more you share your speaking on social media, the better. You’ll build a network of people interested in your message and booking you for future speaking engagements.
3. Get Creative with Pitching
Finding new speaking engagements and getting booked takes time, effort, and an effective outreach strategy. In reality, your personal network only goes so far. You’ll need to send out email pitches to event organizers you have no prior connection to. Your emails should catch the eye of recipients and show them who you are and how you can help them. If you’re sending out cold emails with no personal flair, ask yourself, “would I reply to this?”. Include a personalized video in your email pitches to stand out from the crowd. Introduce yourself to the organizer by name, and talk about why you’d make a great speaker for their audience. Challenge yourself to send out 20 pitches via email this week and see what happens!
4. Reach Out to Similar Organizations
When researching potential speaking gigs, look for brands or companies that have multiple chapters, divisions, or sub-groups. Sororities, associations, churches, universities with branch campuses, or large corporations are all great examples of this. Once you’ve spoken at one, pitch yourself to the others or ask for an introduction. Voila, you can turn one paid gig into multiple gigs. This networking strategy is a powerful way to grow your speaking career (as well as your bank account). Check out this post from our fearless founder, Jess Ekstrom, for exactly how to execute this networking strategy.
Don’t underestimate the power of networking to grow your public speaking career. From testimonials to social media to inter-connected groups, all of these small steps can make a big impact. For more public speaking career tips and tricks, have you considered enrolling in Mic Drop Workshop? Not only will you learn the art of networking, but you’ll get everything you need to build a speaking business.
Plus, you’ll get access to a community of 1,400+ women sharing their tips and triumphs while supporting each other along the way. What are you waiting for?
