How to: Find Speaking Opportunities

Speaking at events and conferences is a fantastic way to raise your profile. This is way presenting and speaking are frequently used strategies that people use to boost their visibility.

If you are using the visibility planner you should have already identified who you want to speak to (your clients and potential clients) and the events that your clients and potential client attend. This might include conferences, industry or trade exhibitions or shows, seminars and talks, training events and general networking events. These can make a great starting point for finding speaking opportunities.

However there may ways that you can find speaking opportunities.

Target your ideal Industry or Trade Exhibitions and Shows and Conferences

Seek out industry and trade shows and exhibitions and conferences that your clients are attending. Have a wishlist of events that you would like to speak at.

Attend yourself so that you get a feel and understanding of the event and find out more about it and how you might be able to get involved in the future.

Check out the current line up of speakers and have a think about what you could bring to the table. How can you posistion yourself as an expert. These type of events often have a variety of speaking opportunities including regular presentations/keynotes, panel talks, workshops and networking.

If you are confident enough to get stuck straight in without attending the event first (or maybe you have been attending for years but never taken the leap to get a speaking opportunity) you should start by checking out the website.

Getting involved as a speaker might be as easy as applying on their website.

Alternatively, a speaking slot might be included in a sponsorship opportunity.

If it is not clear, just drop the organiser an email – they might be looking for a potential speaker or if it is invitation only and they are fully booked, you might get put on a maybe list for next time.

Look for advertised Speaking Opportunities and apply for them.

Do you research.

Similar to the above – start by looking for industry-related events that might benefit from your expertise and then visit their website for their contact details and just ask!

Some events will put a “call out” for potential speakers – so if you are interested in particular industry events – make sure you are on their mailing list and following them on social media to find out about these opportunities when they become available. Keeping up with blogs and social media accounts in your field generally will also help you stay informed about upcoming events where you might want to speak.

Finally, if there is a speaker database for your industry or there are professional membership organisations that help event organisers organise and arrange events it is worth signing up /expressing an interest so that you are on their radar.

Speak at Schools and Universities

Depending on your goals and your desired audience you might also want to consider speaking engagements at schools and universities. This can help build brand awareness while helping you to establish yourself as a thought leader. It can also have added benefits if you are looking to recruit appretices and graduates for your own business/company.

Do it yourself: Record and Share Your Own Videos

If you are just starting out and want to get into the habit of speaking on a regular basis and boost your profile (or even if you are a regular speaker) you can also start by creating and sharing videos of yourself speaking on a variety of subjects that you’re interested in or your area of expertise.

As well as having recordings that you can share and send to your clients and (potential) customers, you may also get asked to speak as a result of your videos demonstrating your ability and expertise.

Join Local and National Associations and Organisations

General business associations and organisations (and professional membership organisations) can be a great way to raise awareness of your business and your own personal brand. Getting to know your local community can be a great way to increase your visibility and can help you position yourself as an expert in your field/industry.

As well as putting you in contact with potential referrers and contacts and helping you network with decision makers and event organisers. Joining these groups can also lead you to other networking groups and local organisations looking for experts to advise their attendees.

Even if you are not a member, these small groups and local organisations are often looking for speakers on a wider range of topics so including small groups and organisations in your research can also help you find out about opportunities.

Ask Your Network

Your network and your mentors can be a great resource. They can help you find speaking opportunities or access their wider network. They can also put your name forward for opportunities or make an introduction – an excellent way to get your foot in the door particularly when you are just starting out.

Where do you mainly find your speaking opportunities? Share in the comments.