If you want to be a successful professional public speaker, you
must accomplish two things: (1) learn the skills to become
dynamic on stage, and (2) turn your expertise into topics that
get bookings. It's that simple ... and it's that complicated.
Even if you become a great public speaker, however, it isn't
enough. Your speech topic must offer something of real value to
your listeners, and it needs to be something that people will
pay to hear and learn.
If you want to make money as a public speaker, the first thing
you need to do is make a list of what you know. What knowledge
and skills have you developed over the years that could be of
help to a significant number of people? What do you know that
others need to know?
Give Your Audience a Benefit
Your topic must have a very specific benefit for your audience,
and your title must make that benefit clear. Catchy is
important, but don't lose the benefit. "The Power of Positive
Thinking" may not be the world's most clever title, but the
audience knows exactly what they're going to get. Never
sacrifice clarity for cleverness.
You also need to be very clear and specific about your target
market. Make a list of organizations or businesses that could
most use your expertise. Make sure you're offering them
something they need. If you aren't sure how valuable your
expertise might be, do your homework. Read pertinent articles,
and research the topics of other speakers.
Create a Press Kit
In order to make money as a professional speaker, you must be
willing to either hire a public relations representative or
become your own best advocate. This involves marketing. Your
calling card will be your "press kit," which should include a
professional photograph of yourself, information about your
topics, your bio, testimonials or letters of recommendation,
reprints of articles you've written, a video of a speaking
engagement, and any media clippings and press releases.
Of course, if you're just starting out, you may have to make a
"dummy" video. You needn't present an entire speech in the
video, but make sure it looks professional. And always send a
personalized cover letter with your press kit!
Besides your physical press kit, you will need a website to
serve as your "online press kit." Add streaming video to your
site, and create a business card with your website address.
The Power of Networking
Networking is vitally important. Give out your business card,
and direct people to your website. Tell everyone you meet that
you're a speaker, and get them excited about your topics. Ask
them if they know anyone who would be interested. Give them 2 or
3 of your business cards, and ask them to pass them along. If
you can refer someone to each person's business, take an extra
business card of theirs as well. Of course, follow up and
actually do as you promise, staying in touch with the people you
meet.
In the beginning, you will no doubt have to get most of your
bookings yourself. Speaker's bureaus and agents usually work
only with speakers who have a long track record. Make contacts
whenever possible, and send your press kit to your prospects.
Create something free that your new prospects can order from
your website, or enclose a postpaid return postcard with your
press kit. You can offer a small booklet with information
relevant to your topic or a CD containing a short Powerpoint
presentation. The people who ask for your free gift will become
your top prospects. Follow up with them to get bookings.
If you offer something valuable to your listeners and make
yourself known by your target market, it's only a matter of time
before you will be a sought-after public speaker.
About the author:
Matt Bacak became "#1 Best Selling Author" in just a few short
hours. Recent Entrepreneur Magazine's e-Biz radio show host is
turning Authors, Speakers, and Experts into Overnight Success
Stories. Discover The Secrets To Unleash The Powerful Promoter
In You! Sign up for Matt Bacak's Promoting Tips Ezine ($100
value) just visit his website at
http://www.powerfulpromoter.com
or http://promotingtips.com
